Top 5 new releases from Watches and Wonders 2023
Fernando AldeaThe LOFT team has carefully selected the top 5 new releases from Watches and Wonders 2023, the most prominent watchmaking event of the year, to present you the most exciting things luxury brands have to offer in the world of watches. Discover these incredible creations that captured our hearts!
Watches and Wonders is one of the most anticipated events of the year for luxury watch lovers. This annual watch fair, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 27th to April 2nd, brought together the world's leading watch brands to showcase their latest creations. This 2023 edition saw numerous exciting new releases, generating a stir in the industry. Here are the top 5 new additions from the event, according to the LOFT team:
1. Tudor Black Bay 54
https://youtu.be/5Qkuq1dMmkoTudor has officially unveiled the Black Bay 54 (ref. 79000N), a 37mm steel version of the popular Black Bay watch that directly references the 1954 7922 model. Offered in a single color variant, this new model features an in-house caliber with no date. With distinctive details such as the absence of intermediate marks on the bezel, a new profile for the bezel’s gripping edge, and a new crown design, the Black Bay 54 is an attractive option for Tudor enthusiasts looking for a smaller, well-equipped dive watch. It is available on a steel bracelet for $3,850 USD or on a rubber strap with adjustable links for $3,625 USD.
This new model also offers 200 meters of water resistance, which is remarkable for a smaller diving watch. Additionally, both the steel bracelet and rubber strap feature Tudor's T-Fit tool-free micro-adjustment system. The Black Bay 54 is 11.24 mm thick with a lug-to-lug distance of 46 mm. This and all new Tudor releases are produced at the brand's new factory in Le Locle.
2. Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition
https://youtu.be/HJ_yPTPDdvEOris has officially launched a new Kermit watch in collaboration with Disney ’s The Muppets. The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 “ Kermit Edition” (ref. 400 7778 7157 07) features a bright green dial and the figure of “Kermit” the Frog in the date window, replacing the number “1” on the first day of each month. Featuring a titanium case and bracelet and its own Calibre 400 movement, the watch has a fun and lighthearted approach, with Oris and The Muppets working together on a song and promotional video starring Kermit. The watch is priced at CHF 4,400 and will be available from April 2023.
The watch measures 39 mm in diameter and features an automatic movement with a five-day power reserve. Kermit’s distinctive green dial has been carefully designed to capture his essence and is highlighted with luminous indices and hands. The watch also features a titanium strap with an Oris-patented folding clasp. While the green color may be eye-catching, the watch’s playful and fun approach makes it a cheerful and unique choice for Muppet lovers and watch aficionados. The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 “Kermit Edition” will be available from April 2023 and is not a limited edition.
3. Chopard Monte Rosa Pink Alpine Eagle XPS
Chopard presents the new Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS (ref. 298623-3001), an elegant update with a touch of salmon pink. This 1980s-inspired sports watch has become one of Chopard's most successful ranges in recent years. With its proprietary Lucent Steel A223 alloy, made from 85% recycled materials, and its distinctive vortex-shaped dial design in an elegant "Monte Rosa" shade of salmon pink, the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS is a formal and chic choice that also offers sporty features.
The watch features a slim case that’s just 8mm thick, a balanced dial design with a seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, and is powered by Chopard’s LUC calibre 96.40-L, a certified chronometer movement with a 65-hour power reserve. Though wider than the original model due to the adjustment of the bezel and case sides to accommodate a larger dial, the new Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS offers a luxurious and attractive option for sports watch lovers with a touch of pink in its design. The Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS is priced at $22,500 USD.
4. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph
https://youtu.be/PK5_FKX0T5EThis Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the new Reverso models introduced at Watches and Wonders 2023. This chronograph is inspired by the "Tribute" models of the 1930s and is available in stainless steel or rose gold. Both versions measure 49.4 mm lug-to-lug, 29.9 mm wide, and 11.14 mm thick, and offer the option of a classic hour and minute dial or a skeletonized dial with a large chronograph seconds hand and a 30-minute retrograde display.
The Reverso Tribute Chronograph features a new movement, the JLC 860, which is manually wound and has a 52-hour power reserve. This movement allows for synchronized time display on both watch dials, which is a nice feature. The Reverso Tribute Chronograph is exciting to see because it combines two different dials on a single watch, a rare find for Reversos. Furthermore, the option of a steel version with blue-gray accents and a matching Fagliano leather strap is particularly appealing. Pricing for the Reverso Tribute Chronograph starts at $21,400 USD for the steel version and $37,400 USD for the rose gold version.
5. Rolex Day-Date "Emoji"
The Rolex Day-Date Emoji is a flamboyant and colorful watch that has generated controversy. Although its legibility and function of telling the time and date are questionable, many see it as a fun and unique piece. Available in three versions: yellow gold (ref. 128238), white gold (ref. 128239), and "Everose" rose gold (ref. 128235), each with a champlevé enamel dial featuring multicolored puzzle pieces symbolizing important life moments, this watch features emojis in place of the date numbers and hopeful words in place of the days. Although it may not be practical, some appreciate its craftsmanship and originality, while others consider it a showcase of the extravagance of the rich and famous.
This innovation in the design of the Rolex Day-Date demonstrates Rolex's willingness to break barriers and explore new possibilities in watchmaking. Although it may seem eccentric, the incorporation of emojis into a luxury watch like the Rolex Day-Date is a clear example that in watchmaking, anything is possible. Rolex remains a leading brand in the industry, remaining true to its reputation for excellence in the quality and precision of its watches, while daring to innovate and surprise with unique designs.
In conclusion, the Watches and Wonders 2023 international trade fair was an exciting event, showcasing a number of exceptional firsts in the watch world. With innovative designs, advanced features, and impeccable build quality, these watches have captured the attention of watch lovers around the world. We're excited about what the future holds for the watch industry and look forward to the exciting new products W&W 2024 will unveil!
