Eagerly anticipated by everyone, the launch of the 11th Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille regatta on April 17th thru the 23rd will signal the start of six captivating days in the Caribbean Sea. With patrons including world freediving champion Arnaud Jerald and the President of the International Maxi Association —IMA— Benoît de Froidmont, the 2022 edition also represents the third stage of the Caribbean Maxi Challenge, a new Caribbean competition open to all Maxis over 60 feet.
From the Editor: Why the new Left-Handed Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126720VTNR Touched my Heart
I don’t talk much about my personal life here on WCL and what makes me tick, no pun intended. However, the reason why I really liked the new Left-Handed Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126720VTNR has to do with why I fell in love with Rolexes in the first place. Let’s go back to Mexico City in the late 1970s when I was not even a tween yet. At that time, a distant cousin of mine who’s nickname was ‘El Chico’ would come for dinner at my parent’s house and he would always be wearing a different Rolex or Tudor watch.
From the Editor: M.A.D.1 RED Edition. Good Luck on the Lottery for the Hottest Watch at the Moment.
After so many inquiries and direct messages via Instagram I felt the need to write an editorial on the new M.A.D.1 RED Edition. First of all, I consider myself very fortunate that after many emails that I sent out to MB&F back when the M.A.D.1 Friends Edition came out last year, I was added to the list of interested people and this gave me access to be one of the first ones to be able to purchase the just released M.A.D.1 RED Edition. I am also very lucky that I was in Geneva for Watches & Wonders 2022 a couple of weeks ago and I was able to collect my piece in person at the M.A.D. Gallery. What an incredible experience to say the least.
From the Editor: The Revamped Rolex Air-King ref. 126900 is a True Winner
When the Rolex Air-King ref. 116900 came out in 2016, it was love at first sight for me and I was one of the first ones to buy one. While I loved the watch back then and even took it with me on a trip through Japan and Hong Kong, I feel there was something missing about this watch that didn’t make me fall in love with it forever. Now that the Air-King has been revamped and the new reference 126900 was presented a week ago at Watches & Wonders 2022, my love for this watch is back.
Introducing: Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ref. 5320G-011
First presented in 2017, the Patek Philippe ref. 5320G was a new perpetual calendar that had been inspired by many predecessor models that attracted global attention in the 1940s and 1950s. For Watches & Wonders 2022, Patek Philippe presents this vintage style Perpetual Calendar reinterpreted in a new 18K white gold version fitted with a gilded opaline rose gold dial —salmon-colored in reality. With the release of this new watch, the cream-colored dial has been discontinued. In with the new, out with the old. Below is the previous iteration of the 5320G.
Introducing: Patek Philippe Chronograph ref. 5172G-010. Stunning is an Understatement.
Along with all the other amazing releases for Watches & Wonders 2022, Patek Philippe brings a salmon dial chronograph like no other. Equipped with a 41 mm 18K white gold case, this new chronograph accentuates the vintage spirit of this model much appreciated by devotees of fine mechanical horology by equipping it with an opaline rose-gilded dial —salmon-colored looking. The legibility of the dial by day or night is ensured by applied Arabic numerals and syringe-type hours/minutes hands made of gold with an anthracite treatment and white luminescent coating, complemented by a small seconds display at 9 o’clock.
Introducing: Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G-001
Following the design of the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Annual Calendar Travel Time ref. 5326G-001, the brand created a time and date watch without any further complications under reference 5226G-001. It features the same case construction with its flanks guilloched with the inimitable hobnail pattern and its dial is framed in the vintage genre inspired by old photo cameras. Powered by the automatic calibre 26-330 S C movement, the new Calatrava reference 5226 is a real stunner.
Introducing: Patek Philippe Calatrava Annual Calendar Travel Time ref. 5326G-001. First Time These Two Complications Come Together.
Two useful complications come together for the first time. Patek Philippe combines two of its outstanding patented complications for the first time in one watch: the Annual Calendar —which requires a manual correction only once a year— and the Travel Time system for the display of a second-time zone. The outcome is a travel watch whose date display is synchronized with the respective local time. It simultaneously adjusts the date when the time zone is corrected.
Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948 Worldtimer Tourbillon
Since the 1930s, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been creating timepieces able to display several time zones simultaneously. From dual-time watches to the Géographique and the remarkable Calibre 948 world timer, Jaeger-LeCoultre La Grande Maison makes time truly universal. For 2022, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a magnificent new artistic interpretation of the Universal Time, the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948 in a limited edition of 20 pieces, embellished with great finesse by the artisans of the Manufacture’s Métiers Rares atelier.
Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar
Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces a perpetual calendar to the Polaris line for the first time, enriching the collection with one of horology’s most complex, useful and prized complications. With a deep gradient-blue lacquer dial amplifying its sporty-elegant style, the Polaris Perpetual Calendar takes its aesthetic cues from the Polaris Mariner Memovox. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar is available in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold with rapid-change interchangeable straps.
Introducing: Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise. Six Ultra Classic New Models.
Each year, the Cartier Privé collection, a celebration of collectors, celebrates the Maison’s iconic models through limited edition numbered watches, rare watches that bridge the gap between Cartier’s watchmaking heritage and today’s aesthetic vision. After the Crash, Tank Cintrée, Tonneau, Tank Asymétrique, and Cloche Cartier watches, the Tank Chinoise watch will mark the sixth chapter of Cartier Privé. Six new watches are being presented under the Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise line.
From the Editor: The Most Epic Watch Unveiling Ever. Breitling Navitimer 70th Anniversary Gets Unveiled Airborne on Swiss Air.
Last week, I was lucky enough to experience the most epic unveiling of a new watch collection by my friends at Breitling. A total of 657 people attended the Breitling Summit in Zürich, Switzerland and I will never forget I was one of them. After flying from Dallas to Zürich and after checking into the beautiful Hyatt Regency Zürich Airport The Circle Hotel, I never imagined what the brand had in store for us.
Introducing: Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT 15th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGC249 and Spring Drive Chronograph GMT SBGC251
The Evolution 9 Collection represents the future of Grand Seiko. Based on the Grand Seiko Style which has inspired each and every creation since 1967, the Evolution 9 Collection takes the legibility and comfort of Grand Seiko to a new level. One of the first Evolution 9 Collection watches was the Hi-Beat 36,000 80 hours which won the Men’s Watch prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
Introducing: Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Blue
Twelve years after its launch in 2010, Laurent Ferrier is maintaining its momentum with an intense blue version of one of its latest emblematic models, the Classic Origin. Equipped with a 40 mm titanium case, this ultra-light watch was initially developed to pay tribute to all the aesthetic codes created by Laurent Ferrier himself in 2010, the Classic Origin has succeeded in becoming an icon of the LF collection. The new Classic Origin Blue not only represents Ferrier’s favorite color but also a must have in any collection.
Introducing: Hermès Arceau Le Temps Voyageur. Two Models and Two Sizes.
The Arceau watch designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978 lends itself to a new expression of style and evokes the spirit of travel according to Hermès. A perfect addition to the Arceau line offering now a world-timer complication. Two models in different metals and different sizes. One is crafted in platinum and titanium with a 41 mm case, and the other in stainless steel with a 38 mm case. The traveling time mechanism in this watch was developed exclusively for Hermès.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222. Like Holding a 222 'Safe Queen' from 1977.
Vacheron Constantin presents a contemporary re-edition of the 37 mm 18K yellow gold 222 "Jumbo”. The 222 was an emblematic sporty-chic model launched in 1977 that marked a turning point in Vacheron Constantin's classic creations and that was designed by Jorg Hysek —not by Gérald Genta as many like to believe. For this reinterpretation, Vacheron Constantin maintained all the original design cues down to the case size but added a new type of clasp —triple-blade rather than double-blade— to the bracelet, as well as a display case back that allows for a full view of the new-generation calibre 2455/2.
From the Editor: Tudor Black Bay Pro. Without a Doubt a Must-Have for Me.
As soon as I received the press release from Tudor and the doors opened at Watches & Wonders 2022, I knew that it was love at first sight when it comes to the new Tudor Black Bay Pro. For more than a decade I have been on the hunt for a vintage Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 Steve McQueen. Well, after perusing this new watch in Geneva, I am happy to say that the wait is over and I rather have this Tudor than a 1655.
Introducing: Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Unique Piece
Up until last week Piaget held the record for the thinnest mechanical watch in the world at 2 mm thick. With the release of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra at 1.8 mm in thickness, the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept has been dethroned from holding the record for the thinnest mechanical watch. Despite that, we still like the AUC better and we think it will always remain as the watch that became the thinnest mechanical watch before any other.
Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 Atomium
Highlighting its expertise in celestial complications, Jaeger-LeCoultre reinterprets its Grande Complication Calibre 945 with two magnificent new interpretations for 2022. The Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 Galaxia in 18K pink gold and the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 Atomium 18K white gold that we have here. Each offered in a limited edition of five pieces and with a 45 mm case, these new works celebrate La Grande Maison’s artistic creativity and mastery of the decorative crafts while reaffirming its technical ingenuity.
Introducing: Patek Philippe ref. 5270P-014 Lacquered Green Dial
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5270 was originally launched at Baselworld 2011 to replace the iconic Patek reference 5970 and for Watches & Wonders 2022, Patek Philippe is presenting a new iteration in platinum —in addition to the Salmon dial and diamond baguette set— sporting a gorgeous green lacquered dial. With a platinum case measuring 41 mm in diameter the new reference ref. 5270P-014 has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
