Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2023 – Part 2

Day one of Watches & Wonders was immense! I mean, wow. What an entrance. From Rolex to Patek Philippe, U-BOAT to Chopard, the watch event of the year’s opening salvo was did not disappoint.

Fortunately, Watches & Wonders round two didn’t see even a slight reduction in the barrage of exciting new timepieces coming out of Geneva. A plethora of incredible watches were introduced, with some interesting pieces from the likes of Piaget and Angelus, a super-complicated Vacheron Constantin and another rendition of the ever-popular Freak from Ulysse Nardin. We’re also going to revisit Rolex who released a watch that raised as many eyebrows as it did question marks.

Check out more of the best from Watches & Wonders 2023 below:
Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2023 – Part 1
Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2023 – Part 3
Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2023 – Part 4
Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2023 – Part 5

Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin | Image: Piaget

Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

Piaget’s Polo has finally entered the world of practical complications. Introducing the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin, this marks perhaps a new direction for the Polo, a watch that packs some serious punch. What we have within its 8.65mm thick case is a new manufacture perpetual calendar movement that measures a paper-thin 4 mm.

Aside from the overall thinness of the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin, there is plenty else to admire. From the green dial to the cushion-shaped case and the open sapphire caseback, the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin delivers on multiple fronts and heralds in a new era for the maison’s most wearable timepiece.

Brand: Piaget
Model: Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
Reference Number: G0A48005
Diameter: 42mm
Water Resistance: 30m
Calibre: 1255P
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Price: €60,500

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Angelus Chronodate Titanium | Image: Angelus

Angelus Chronodate Titanium

Next up is the Angelus Chronodate Titanium. Boasting a neo-spirit of the quintessential classic chronograph, the Angelus Chronodate Titanium is an enigmatic timepiece that fits the bill of a contemporary chronograph.

Clad in a titanium case construct whose architecture is absolutely phenomenal and features different finishings and levels, the Angelus Chronodate Titanium is a brilliant little bit of kit that is perhaps one of those watches that deserve a second or even third look to fully appreciate.

Brand: Angelus
Model: Chronodate Titanium
Reference Number: 0CDZF.B02A.K009B
Diameter: 42.5mm
Water Resistance: 30m
Calibre: A-500
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Price: CHF22,900

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Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski | Image: Hublot

Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski

Are we seeing the rise of the renaissance Hublot? With the new Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski perhaps so. Encased in titanium and paired with a gloss black dial, the new Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski features Richard Orlinski’s polygonal style throughout the case construct, adding some dramatic effect to an otherwise very restrained affair.

We particularly like the balance of some very “out-there” styling with regards to the case design, where the almost suave look of the gloss back dial pulls the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski back from being overly audacious. It’s an interesting piece that delivers on multiple fronts.

Brand: Hublot
Model: Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski
Reference Number: 549.NI.1270.NI.ORL23
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 50m
Calibre: HUB1153
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Price: AUD$24,400

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Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton | Image: Zenith

Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton

The Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton builds on what is already a super successful collection. Everything IWC Unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2023 been released, the Skyline collection of watches laid the groundwork for this ceramic-encased openworked wonder to come along. And it did not disappoint.

From the openworked dial to the ceramic case and bracelet, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton delivers on all the elements of Zenith that we’ve come to know and love. Modern, clean, detailed and finished well, the Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton is undoubtedly one of Watches & Wonder 2023’s best releases.

Brand: Zenith
Model: DEFY Skyline Skeleton
Reference Number: 49.9300.3620/78.I001
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Calibre: El Primero 3620
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Price: CHF16,900

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Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE | Image: Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE

Ulysse Nardin has unveiled its latest expression of the Freak in the Freak ONE. Combining the original Freak’s iconic aesthetic with contemporary materials, finishings and technologies, the new Freak ONE is a definitive feat of haute horlogerie.

What we have is a DLC-coated titanium and gold crown-less case that surrounds the highly unique and super complicated time display that the Freak has become synonymous with. The Freak ONE is undeniably modern in its execution, however it stays true to its roots and continues to be a marvel of contemporary watchmaking.

Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Model: Freak ONE
Reference Number: 2405-500-2A/3D
Diameter: 44mm
Water Resistance: 30m
Calibre: UN-240
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Price: USD$68,600

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Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication | Image: Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication

Featuring a new manufacture movement with 11 complications and a sum of 774 components, Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication is one of Watches & Wonder 2023’s most complicated timepieces.

This white gold single-piece work of art features a striking double precision moon phase, a perpetual calendar and a minute repeater, complete with an awe-inspiring sky chart and a beautiful, skeletonised tourbillon in the back. Safe to say Vacheron Constantin definitely did not disappoint.

Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication
Calibre: 2755 TMRCCQP
Price: Piece Unique

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Rolex Day-Date Emoji | Image: Rolex

Rolex Day-Date Emoji

Rolex, the maison whose deep history includes creating some of the world’s best tool watches, has stepped into the realm of modernity. Here is perhaps Watches & Wonder’s most surprising watch, the Rolex Day-Date Emoji. Available in three versions, all of which are 36mm, the new Rolex Day-Date Emoji is every bit wacky as you can imagine.

It features a champlevé enamel dial with multi-coloured jigsaw pieces, has ten baguette sapphires for the hour markers, gets rid of the day and date numerals in the apertures and instead replaces them with emojis and words. The end result is something that is ultimately polarising but does march to the beat of a new kind of drum that horology seems to be adapting.

Brand: Rolex
Model: Day-Date Emoji
Reference Number: 128238/128239/128235
Diameter: 36mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Calibre: 3255
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Price: Price on request

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