By Stella Kirchner
Watches and Wonders 2022 is underway, with new releases from all the major watch brands. The most notable release has been without a doubt the left-handed Rolex GMT-Master II with a green and black bezel. There have been plenty more releases, too. Chrono24 Magazine has all the latest news for you.
Update: March, 31st:
Vacheron Constantin: A Revival of an Icon and a New Overseas
Looking for something retro among all the innovations from Watches & Wonders? Then you’ll want to check out the Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222. Although it looks like it was designed by Gérald Genta, and the original design dates back to the era when Genta was creating other legendary watches, the Les Historiques 222 was created by Jörg Hysek. Less than 1,000 of the original timepieces were ever manufactured, so it was high time for a revival. The new model will be available exclusively in Vacheron Constantin boutiques. Speaking of re-issues of VC’s most famous models, be sure to check out the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton. Fans of the Overseas will know that this line has recently become very popular as a result of high demand and prices for the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Hublot Goes Square and Colorful
Hublot probably makes you think of eye-catching, colorful timepieces. This has been no exception at Watches & Wonders 2022, with the brand surprising the watch world with an array of square models, which might strike some as uncharacteristic for Hublot. The biggest surprise, however, had to be the new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire. While green still seems to be a hot color for Rolex and some independent brands, Hublot turned heads with its new purple hue. Nearly every component of the HUB6035 movement is visible through the watch’s translucent case, and the caliber offers an impressive 72-hour power reserve.
Cartier Releases: Tank and Santos
Why resort to a trendy color for a classic watch icon? Maybe that’s what Cartier was thinking when creating their new Santos and Tank models that are entirely sans green. That doesn’t mean the brand didn’t change up their color schemes, however. The new Tank Louis Cartier models are borderline psychedelic with their black and red dials featuring geometric patterns – in fact, you may need a moment or two to even recognize the model. The new Cartier Santos Dumont models offer a more classic Cartier style with a geometric twist. For those who like their watches a bit plainer, Cartier also has a striking new black version of the Louis Cartier Tank that perfectly suits just about any outfit or look.
Grand Seiko: Spring Drive’s 15th Anniversary and GMTs
Speaking of iconic watches, let’s move on to Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive watches. The brand has marked the 15th anniversary of this famous innovation with their new Evolution 9 collection. But this is way more than just an homage; the brand itself calls their new collection the future of watchmaking. It includes two GMT watches, two GMT chronographs, and one diver. With these new timepieces, Grand Seiko is continuing the technical innovations that they started in 2021 with the first Evolution 9 model that went on to win the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie. They also unveiled new models in the Masterpiece collection.
Original article (March, 30th)
Rolex: GMT-Master II, Air-King, Day-Date
Rolex releases were highly anticipated this year by watch fans. Would there be a new Milgauss, Air-King, or perhaps even a new gold Daytona? The famous watch brand ultimately surprised us with a new left-handed GMT-Master II featuring a green and black bezel (the watch industry, as you may well know, is really into green right now). Also, the Rolex Air-King got the update many watch collectors were looking for.
Tudor: Black Bay Pro and GMT
More GMT releases? Tudor has apparently taken a cue from its sister brand Rolex in terms of watch complications, presenting its new two-tone Black Bay GMT S&G “Root Beer.” More interesting, however, was the release of the new Tudor Black Bay Pro. Needless to say, this is also a GMT watch, and its design was clearly inspired by the Rolex Explorer II. The 39-mm size reflects the success of the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight, however, and makes this watch a great fit for watch lovers with slimmer wrists or for those who simply like their watches a bit smaller than some of the traditional GMTs out there.
Do you want to know why we chose our header photo? Make sure to check our later updates!
