Five Horological Novelties In Geneva
While the SIHH takes place in the Palexpo halls of Geneva, this is not the only place in the city where you can find the latest and greatest watches. In the downtown area, brands that are not officially part of the SIHH setup shop on boats and in the exclusives hotels near the lake. For them, Baselworld is often the main fair to introduce their new models, but that didn’t stop them to bring a few novelties to Geneva as well!
Bvlgari Octo l’Originale Velocissimo Chronograph
Bvlgari brought some of its Italian style and spirit to Geneva, which also included further expansion of the Octo line. An eye-catches was especially the Octo l’Originale Velocissimo Chronograph, which combines a characteristic titanium case with a chronograph function. The result is a very powerful watch with a technical look. But it is not only its looks that make a convincing case, the movement does so as well, as Bvlgari’s caliber BLV328 Veloccissimo is, in fact, one of the most famous chronograph movements of them all: the Zenith El Primero. This also explains the “Velocissimo” in the name of this Bvlgari, as this means “very fast” in Italian, due to the 5 Hz of the frequency of the chronograph, allowing owners to measure to elapsed time with a precision of 1/10 of a second.
Hublot Techframe Ferrari Tourbillon Chronograph Sapphire White Gold
The Hublot Ferrari Techframe was one of our favorite watches of 2017, and for this year Hublot is expanding the collection with a version in brushed white gold, with light grey details and strap. The difference that this makes is quite stunning, giving the watch a very clean, yet technical look. What remains the same is, fortunately, the movement, with its flying tourbillon and monopusher chronograph. The sapphire inner case allows views from multiple angles into this magnificent movement, like the transparent engine cover on some Ferraris. To stay true to Ferrari’s anniversary for which this watch was created, Hublot will only make 70 of them.
De Bethune DB28 Steel Wheels Skeleton
De Bethune wasn’t doing too well, but fortunately, this beautiful brand was saved by a group of investors. It even welcomed back Pierre Jacques who took the reigns again as CEO. He will have a minority stake in the brand, just as Denis Flageollet, the brand’s watchmaking genius and one of its driving forces. In Geneva, the brand was present with renewed vigor. Among the new introductions was the De Bethune DB28 Steel Wheels Skeleton. While the watch is mechanically similar to that of the regular DB28, the open-worked dial gives it quite a different character, amplifying the technical character of the watch. For its owner, it means even more intricate details to admire, while it at the same time showcases De Bethune’s right for existence: technical excellence combined with futuristic design, which represents a unique proposition in the marketplace.
Jacob & Co Brilliant Flying Tourbillon Green Camouflage
Jacob & Co had a sparkling presence in Geneva, occupying a large space in the Four Seasons in which they showcased a wide array of their jewelry and gem-set watches. Among them, the Brilliant Flying Tourbillon is still an eye-catcher, with its unique case which features a pave-setting of baguette cut colored sapphires. The setting is second to none, as none of the 18K white gold of which the case is made, is visible, which makes this watch so special. And as if that is not enough, the manual wind movement is also fitted with a flying tourbillon, and offers a power reserve of 100 hours. The back equals the beauty of the front, as the main plate of the watch is set with brilliant cut diamonds. The result is a watch that dazzles not only thanks to its gem-stone setting but also shows substance with its refined movement.
Zenith Pilot Chronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback
With its Pilot line has Zenith captured the heart if many watch enthusiasts. It will continue to do so, as they expanded this collection with two new models in Geneva. Available in bronze and aged steel, both Pilot Chronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback’s bring a vintage flair, while inside we find the famed El Primero movement with automatic winding, a 50-hour power reserve and a flyback-function for the Chronograph. To give the watch a distinctly vintage look, Zenith also gave the dial an aged look, and made the strap from oily nubuck, while a lining made of rubber ensures wearing comfort.
