Hot drops, from A. Lange & Söhne and Roger Dubuis to IWC and Vacheron Constantin, presented at Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024
The world’s largest watch exposition went on the road to Shanghai in August, sprinkling a bit of horological stardust as it sets up camp in the city’s West Bund Art Center. A scaled down version of the showcase in Geneva, Watches and Wonders Shanghai only exhibited nine brands, compared to 54 in Switzerland. Nonetheless, watch buffs had plenty to be excited about with some eye-catching wrist candy—and here are our favourites.
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Snake
Lunar New Year comes early for Vacheron Constantin. While we are still months away from the Year of the Snake, the watchmaking house saw it opportune to unveil its new Chinese zodiac-themed Métiers d’Art timepieces. The snake, which symbolises wisdom and renewal, is rendered in sculpted pink or white gold, set against a hand-painted grand feu enamel dial with the time and date displayed via four apertures. Limited to 25 pieces each in pink gold and platinum.
Roger Dubuis Orbis In Machina Central Monotourbillon
The tourbillon, known for both its gravity-nullifying properties and theatrical animation, takes to the stage in this Roger Dubuis masterpiece. Positioned centrally, a change from its usual position at 6 o’clock, the complication grabs your attention from the get-go and never quite relinquishes its grip. Framed by a three-dimensional dial of concentric gold rings with baguette-cut diamonds and rubies, this highly technical eight-piece limited edition is a feast for the senses.
IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Chronograph 39
Sleek and relaxed in equal measure, the Portofino Chronograph 39 gets dressed in stainless steel with matching bracelet for the first time. The combination makes so much sense, one wonders why it has taken IWC so long to introduce it. Powered by an in-house movement, the sensibly sized chronograph is a picture of sportive chic with its pristine dial, polished steel case with vintage-inspired pushers, and supple five-link bracelet.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst
A. Lange & Söhne showcases the art of tremblage engraving with the Datograph Handwerkskunst. Commemorating the Datograph’s 25th anniversary, the Datograph Handwerkskunst features a dial that has been painstakingly hand-decorated with dimple-like texture that is characteristic of the tremblage technique. Housed in an 18K gold case, the watch is driven by an equally stunning-looking movement. Here, the in-house hand-wound chronograph calibre, is lavished with decorations such as black polishing on the chronograph levers, and a special filigreed vine pattern in relief on the balance cock. Read more about the watch here.
