Whitewall is in Geneva this week, sharing the best of Watches and Wonders 2024, spotlighting iconic and wearable works of art unveiled by Piaget, Cartier, Chanel, Patek Philippe, and Chopard.
The Magnificent Eighth Edition of Cartier Privé’s Tortue Watch is Revealed in Geneva
From the opulent Cartier Privé collection comes the Tortue watch, the magnificent eighth edition in a symphony of breathtaking timepieces first developed in 1912. Highlighted as one of Cartier’s most cherished designs, a devoted journey marrying unrivaled technique and lush aesthetics leads to the single-button chronograph and hours/minutes iterations. The signature creation pays distinct homage to the original while newly captivating with nimble lines, delicate curves, a slender profile, and a buoyant weight.
The hours/minutes model of platinum or yellow gold makes way for an inaugural platinum timepiece with brilliant-cut diamond in a special limited edition of 50 numbered pieces. The gold edition shines with a finely grained finish washing across the dial, and a winding crown set dynamically with a sapphire cabochon. A strap of blue alligator leather with an ardillon buckle is both stunning and serene. In addition, the Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph debuts with start, stop, and reset function fused into a single push-button within the crown, while the 4.3 mm movement uplifts the Cartier gem as its thinnest chronograph yet.
Piaget Unveils the Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon on its 150th Anniversary
Piaget’s Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon on its 150th Anniversary; courtesy of Piaget.
On the jubilant occasion of Piaget’s 150th anniversary, the revered maison unveils the much-anticipated Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon, a groundbreaking and visually arresting horological masterpiece. Debuting 67 years after its inaugural ultra-thin calibre, the vibrant 9P, and 6 years after offering the world’s thinnest watch, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept, the house’s latest creation intermeshes sophisticated artistry and rapturous innovation to introduce a lithe 2 mm timepiece enhanced by a flying tourbillon in motion. The watch’s visionary dimensions are the culmination of six years of arduous development—which was notably acknowledged with the distinguished Aiguille d’or at the 2020 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. In a mesmerizing display of color, texture, and depth, celestial blue and gold unite for a singular celebration of the timeless and extraordinary craftsmanship and ingenuity of Piaget.
In continuation of this triumphant year, the maison evolves the 2023 renewal of its legendary High Jewellery Watches signatures. The whimsical Swinging Sautoir necklace (and belts) of 1969, and the pristine Aura watch of 1989, live on with 21st-century artistic and technological prowess. Audacious and precious, three refreshed Swinging Sautoir styles boast a sensual trapeze-shaped case, with lustrous details including malachite and turquoise beads, a diamond-paved and hand-twisted gold chain, and sparks of yellow sapphires. The charming 1969 cuff watch is also revisited, featuring a black opal dial with iridescent green and blue, and a hand-crafted gold chain cuff with organic asymmetry.
Chanel’s COUTURE O’CLOCK Collections Invokes the Atelier of Gabrielle Chanel
Chanel’s Première Ruban Couture Watch of the COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection; courtesy of Chanel.
Chanel invokes the lustrous atelier of Gabrielle Chanel and the divine artistry of her devoted seamstresses for the latest Haute Horlogerie and Horlogerie capsule collections, aptly titled COUTURE O’CLOCK. The fine craftsmanship of watchmaking and jewelry creation are a match made in heaven as the shapes, forms, and textures of sewing needles, scissors, spools of thread, thimbles, and pins are translated into iconic and wearable wonders.
The Première Ruban Couture Watch enthralls with an avant-garde tape measure design that snakes around the wrist in double-wrapped black and gold leather. The chic case of titanium and 18k gold is embellished with a dashing charm of the Mademoiselle showcasing a radiant diamond. A dazzling Mademoiselle Prive Pincushion Ring Couture is offered in a limited edition of only 5 pieces, adorned with a quilted motif dial beneath 18k gold pins culminating in 20 culture pearls, 12 brilliant-cut diamonds, and 14 18k gold miniature pearls. Reminiscent of the endless cosmos, 95 brilliant-cut diamonds encircle the treasure with perpetual euphoria.
The Golden Ellipse by Patek Philippe Debuts a New Take on its Prized Wristwatch
Patek Philippe’s Golden Ellipse collection; courtesy of Patek Philippe.
The Golden Ellipse collection by Patek Philippe reveals a new take on its prized wristwatch with a sumptuous chain-style bracelet design for the ultimate in ease and luxury. A rush of rose gold makes for a refined and versatile case and bracelet, while an ebony-hued sunburst dial with graceful hour markers whisks you through the day with contemporary finesse. Dancing between a circle and rectangle, in a poised shape all its own, the timepiece inspired by the ancient golden section was first brought to fruition in 1968. 15 years in the making, the hand-polished treasure is made up of 363 parts with over 300 manually assembled links, producing a harmonious and classic forever watch.
Eleven crowning achievements are introduced in total, including the inaugural World Time watch, new perspectives on travel, calendar, and sporty timepieces, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Twenty~4 ladies’ collection. First debut as a limited edition piece at the Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition “Watch Art” Tokyo in 2023, World Time patented the first date display synchronized with local time. With glimmering features of white gold in a blue-gra opaline dial, adorned with a “carbon” pattern at its center, it is now an illustrious member of the regular collection.
Chopard’s Latest Imperiale Collection Dazzles in Ethical 18-Carat White or Rose Gold
Chopard’s Imperiale Collection in Ethical 18-Carat White or Rose Gold; courtesy of Chopard.
Chopard sets Watches and Wonders 2024 aglow with the latest Imperiale collection in ethical 18-carat white or rose gold. First introduced in 2010 in Venice, Italy as a magnum opus of historic aesthetic codes and modern technological savoir-fare, two new editions offer effervescent 36 mm cases and ethereal mother-of-pearl and enamel marquetry dials. The ravishing creations developed wholly in-house bring together the rare artistry of multi-generational watchmakers, gemsetters, enamellists, and mother-of-pearl luminaries.
The coveted rose gold model with a bountiful blue mother-of-pearl dial gives way to a sculptural pink gold decorative fillet and signature arabesque pattern—revealing a tranquil floral motif. Alternating padparadscha sapphires and blooming florals with blush-colored mother-of-pearl petals and diamond hearts evolve into a collector’s horological dream.
