New Releases From the Big Show This Year in Geneva
Rolex’s new floral Datejust 31s
About a month ago, Watches & Wonders opened its doors in Geneva, the hot ‘new’ trade show for the watch industry that saw dozens of new releases from the leading watch brands around the world. We wanted to take a peek at some of our favourite releases from the show and look into its impact this year.
Watches & Wonders boasted 22,000 visitors and a reach of 300 million people online this year. While less than Baselworld’s in-person numbers historically, Watches & Wonders had a huge impact digitally and has definitely filled the space left by Baselworld. With all major brands present, including heavy hitters like Rolex and Patek Philippe, there were a number of interesting new watch models released worth mentioning.
Rolex Releases at Watches & Wonders 2022
New Rolex Air-King ref. 126900
Rolex Air-King ref. 126900
Among Rolex’s many new releases for this year was a new Rolex Air-King ref. 126900, which was pretty significantly redesigned. Major updates to the new Rolex Air-King include the case and crown guards. The case is brand new, giving the Air-King a sportier look with the crown guards. Fitting as it is now part of Rolex’s Professional collection. Another great change to the Rolex Air-King ref. 126900 was a small but important update to the dial: change the “5” to a “05”. Overall, the new Rolex Air-King ref. 126900 is looking good!
New Floral Rolex Datejust 31
Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 278274
Another interesting new release from Rolex at Watches & Wonders was their new Rolex Datejust 31s. These Datejust 31s feature beautiful dials with floral designs in blue, green, and silver. They’re made in white Rolesor (Oystersteel and white gold), 18k yellow gold, and a two-tone model in Everose and Oystersteel. And the dials are adorned with 24 flowers with diamonds set in the middle. Nice additions to Rolex’s women’s watch collection.
Patek Philippe Releases at Watches & Wonders 2022
New Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time ref. 5326G
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time ref. 5326G
Patek Philippe released a very interesting, vintage-styled, Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time ref. 5326G. What stands out about this new Patek is that they combined their annual calendar and their travel time complication for the first time. This necessitated the creation of a new movement, the self-winding Patek Philippe caliber 31-260 PS QA LU FUS 24H – that took 8 new patents! And all of this mechanical goodness is housed inside of a 41 mm white gold case adorned with a ‘Clous de Paris’ guilloché hobnail pattern.
Grand Seiko Releases at Watches & Wonders 2022
New Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive 5 Days Diver's 200m ref. SLGA015
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive 5 Days Diver's 200m ref. SLGA015
Grand Seiko released an awesome new dive watch at Watches & Wonders this year, the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive 5 Days Diver's 200m ref. SLGA015. This is a Spring Drive Grand Seiko diver powered by the Cal. 9RA5 that has an accuracy of +/-10 per month. This diver-certified Grand Seiko is made in titanium, with a black ceramic rotating bezel and a deep black dial. A versatile luxury dive watch worthy of both underwater and desk diving.
New Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon ref. SLGT003
Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon ref. SLGT003
For the first time ever, Grand Seiko has released a complication watch, and it’s no other than a constant-force tourbillon. This is a limited-edition that will be available for purchase in October, and also marks what may be a new era for Grand Seiko; producing complication timepieces. This is actually a pretty significant innovation by Grand Seiko, as the Cal. 9ST1 combines the constant-force and tourbillon mechanism as one mechanism on a single axis, for the first time in horological history. The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon ref. SLGT003 comes in platinum and measures 43.8 mm.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Releases at Watches & Wonders 2022
New Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185
The reverse of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185
This release from Jaeger-LeCoultre continues their legacy of high horology. The new JLC Cal. 185 took 6 years to develop and incorporates a new astronomical indication, with displays for the synodic cycle, the draconic cycle, and the anomalistic cycle. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 features perpetual calendar, date, flying tourbillon, striking time, and minute repeater complications. A true horological marvel, decorated with engraving, micro painting, and guilloché.
By: Andres Ibarguen