Some of the Top 2023 Releases so far…….

This year started off as an exciting one for the Watch Industry with some of the big names making delightful launches. Of course, most of the brands held back on their launches until Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 (W & W 2023) which was a smart move considering that this year’s W & W was open to the general public. In this article, I wanted to highlight some of my favourite launches and also see which one would be worthy to be in the collection.

1) Rolex

It’s been a while since Rolex came out with a number of changes in their line-up and they did that this time by discontinuing some pieces such as the Milgauss (Not happy with this move as this was one of the timepieces that I desired to have in my collection, but will be challenging to find one at a good price now) and updating some pieces such as the Daytona. While many would argue and I do agree with some of them that Rolex was not as innovative, considering that they just tweaked current models (something they have been doing for years). However, the Rolex Celebration and 1908 were unexpected launches, and by doing that, they managed to balance two ends of the barometer – One for fun and the other for serious.

Image Courtesy: Rolex Website (https://www.rolex.com/)

The 39mm Rolex 1908 is elegant and a watch for formal settings but can also be rocked with semi-formals or semi-casuals. The piece comes with a domed-fluted bezel with applied indices on the dial and seconds complication. It comes on an alligator leather strap with a double-folding dual clasp. It houses an in-house calibre 7140 which provides approximately 66 hours power reserve as well as is COSC-rated. On the contrary, the Rolex Celebration is more flexible in terms of dial size with a range from 31mm – 41mm, domed bezel, in-house calibre 3230 (approximately 70 hours power reserve and COSC-rated), oyster steel bracelet and of course, the unique dial pattern which you can depict as bubbles, balloons, balls or whatever your mind sees it as.

2) Cartier

For me, it’s the Santos-Dumont limited edition with that special micro-rotor, feast your eyes on this beauty:

Image Courtesy: Cartier Website (https://www.cartier.com/en-ae) 

 

The timepiece comes with the new 9629 calibre (automatic skeleton) which makes the dial pop out as well as seems that the movement is suspended within the dial case. Obviously, the highlight is the micro-rotor which is a replica of Santos-Dumont’s Demoiselle aircraft (https://smithsonianeducation.org/scitech/impacto/graphic/aviation/alberto.html if you are interested in a history lesson). This creative brilliance comes with interchangeable alligator leather straps and the dial size is 43.5mm which can seem large but wears well on the wrist.

3) Oris

Oris has always been known to come up with some unique concepts or dials as well as vivid use of colours such as the Date Upcycle. This time, Oris created a special day for the first of every month which is called the Kermit Day, check out the picture to understand what I am referring to:

Image Courtesy: Oris Website (https://www.oris.ch/kermit) 

 

Yes, it features the Kermit in the date wheel that appears on the first of every month which signifies the start of the month with a happy face. This titanium piece was developed in collaboration with Disney and the green dial might not be for everyone, but definitely for those who can wear the colour. It’s the perfect size at 39mm and houses the calibre 400 series movement with 5-day power reserve (Wow!!). The opinions on this one is polarized, but I love it – What are your thoughts?

4) IWC

Image Courtesy: IWC Website (https://www.iwc.com/en/watch-collections/ingenieur.html) 

The 40mm Ingenieur was launched as a rendition of the original Gerald Genta Ingenieur SL with a touch of modernity in terms of styling. It’s one for every occasion showcasing elegance and sportiness at the same time. The watch comes with a 32111 calibre movement that provides 120 hours of power reserve and the dial is absolutely beautiful with the grid pattern. It’s available in four colour-ways, however, my pick would be the green dial. What’s yours?

5) Tag Heuer

The new automatic chronograph collection from Tag Heuer stands out for me, especially the 39mm blue-dial which is a reinterpretation of the mythical Heuer Carrera. It comes with the calibre TH20-00 having 80 hours of power reserve. The dial was designed for pure readability with the applied indices and a striking colour palette. The watch comes with a leather strap with folding clasp push-buttons. The collection also comes with variants in terms of dial size (42mm) and other colour-ways. If the chronograph is not for you, then there is the smaller Carrera date version that comes in some out-and-out colours such as pink or green. Alternatively, if you want something more complicated, then there is the Tourbillon version as well.

Image Courtesy: Tag Heuer Website (https://www.tagheuer.com/ae/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-carrera/)

These were just a few of the launches that caught my eye, however, there are others such as the Panerai Radiomir Otto (Check out the article on The Cornea Impression: https://thecorneaimpression.com/new-panerai-radiomir-collection-unveiled-at-watches-and-wonders-2023/), the new Tudor Black Bay series, the Grand Seiko Tentagraph, the Chopard LUC 1860 Salmon Dial, the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6007G, the Zenith Pilot Flyback and of course, the Parmigiani Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante.

Out of all the launches so far, the one that I would like to get is the Oris Pro-pilot X Kermit edition as it spoke to me the most with the titanium casing, green colour and a bit of fun. What is your choice from the list or any other launches which I missed?