The pandemic sent a game-changing jolt through various industries and events and Watches & Wonders was no exception. That took the action online and gave way to a thriving partnership with luxury retail hubs MR PORTER and NET-A-PORTER. What began last year (click here for our coverage) continues in full stride, bringing forth no shortage of bustling activity. In celebration of the event, MR PORTER offers enhanced shopping capabilities, original content, in-depth reviews, bespoke digital panels, the first-ever luxury watch live-streaming format, and more.
MR PORTER also enjoys “first to market” novelty access, allowing customers to purchase new pieces in real-time during the event. This year, they’re also showcasing novelties from two new brands: Hermès and H. Moser & Cie. Frankly, we can think of no better go-to destination for this unique type of experience. As absolute masters of online luxury shopping, MR PORTER delivers the best in pretty much everything, including products, educational resources, and customer service alike. It’s then no wonder that they’ve become such a trusted partner amongst the world’s finest groups and labels.
Speaking of trust, MR PORTER ensures utter peace of mind through their Luxury Watch Service. Putting a number of the site’s greatest assets in one place, this service offers the following benefits on select purchases:
- Aftercare & Warranty: Pre-sale and delivery come backed by at least a two-year warranty and some brands offering up to 8 years. Aftercare programme for all working parts and manufacturing faults.
- Guaranteed Authenticity: Being an authorised retail partner of every brand they sell, MR PORTER can offer a guarantee of absolute authenticity.
- Secure Delivery: Your watch will arrive safely and in perfect condition and if there are any issues at all, you have 28 days to return it, free of charge.
- Educational Resources: With unique access to the world of luxury watches, MR PORTER’s editorial staff puts together how-to guides and other helpful resources.
- Selection: It’s all about who you know, as the saying goes, and MR PORTER employs some of the world’s most well-connected watch buyers.
- Exclusivity: If you’re looking for watches and other luxury products that you can’t find anywhere else, you’ve come to the right place.
- 24/7 Customer Service: An in-house expert is available around the clock and ready to address any of your questions or concerns.
10 Watches From W&W That You Can Buy at MR PORTER
Calling all passionate collectors! Especially those with deep pockets. Thanks to being apart of the Richemont Group, MR PORTER is able to offer a stunning selection of high-end novelties. Here are 10 of the best, each one of which is available through the luxury retail hub (while supplies last):
1. Hermès H08 Automatic 39mm Graphene and Rubber Watch, Ref. No. 049433WW00
MR PORTER has partnered with premium brands Hermès and H. Moser & Cie for this year’s W&W. That gave them access to this wondrous creation, better known as the new ‘H08’ reference. Effortlessly versatile, it runs on calibre H1837 automatic movement and features a cushion-shaped graphene case, grained and satin-brushed dial with signature detailing, and lightweight rubber strap.
2. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 27.4mm Steel and Leather Watch, Ref. No. Q3978430
Swiss master Jaeger-LeCoultre honours a bold innovative feat on the 90th birthday of the original model. First introduced in 1931, the iconic ‘Reverso’ flip mechanism concealed the watch face through the power of a single sweeping motion. This ‘Tribute Small Seconds’ model pays direct tribute to its historic predecessor, packing vintage dial details within an Art Deco-inspired case of polished steel.
3. Panerai Submersible Blu Abisso Automatic 42mm Bronze and Leather Watch, Ref. No. PAM01074
Decade after decade, Panerai’s ‘Submersible’ range continues to strike the perfect balance between unique aesthetic and robust performance. This latest model touts a 42mm cushion-curved bronze case, anti-clockwise rotating bezel with a graduated scale, midnight-blue dial, and matching calfskin strap. It runs on Swiss-made calibre P.900 automatic movement with a 3-day power reserve, and features Super-LumiNova on the hands and indices. We’re in love.
4. IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Automatic Chronograph 41mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch, Ref. No. IW388103
Striking green dials are all the rage these days and with good reason. IWC juxtaposes the catchy colour with a stainless steel case and brown leather strap on this brilliant ‘Pilot’s’ chronograph. Representing another symphonic feat, the piece blends 1940s-inspired details with modern mechanics to achieve working harmony between two distinct worlds.
5. Piaget Polo Automatic Chronograph 42mm Stainless Steel and Rubber Watch, Ref. No. G0A46013
Clean and classic, Piaget’s ‘Polo’ watch is arguably greater now than ever before. Powered by an in-house 1160P automatic movement (which is visible through an exhibition case-back), the piece deploys an impeccable dial display and elegant case of brushed and polished stainless steel. Look once and then look again to behold new details, all of them executed with laser-sharp purpose and precision.
6. Roger Dubuis Excalibur Flying Tourbillon Limited Edition Automatic Skeleton 42mm 18-Karat Pink Gold and Leather Watch, Ref. No. DBEX0836BU22NOV
There’s precious little we can say about this open-worked mechanical masterpiece that it doesn’t say for itself. Crafted by uber-exclusive watchmaker Roger Dubuis and limited to just 88 units, the mighty ‘Excalibur’ floats a flying tourbillon over the skeleton dial and features a bold case of 18kt pink gold. If you can afford one, get one.
7. Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic 40mm 18-Karat Pink Gold Watch, Ref. No. WGBB0039
Named after the floating blue cabochon perched within its bezel and pink-gold case, Cartier’s ‘Ballon Bleu’ renders an immediate impression of pure elegance. Classical details and signature brand hallmarks are infused with a perfect touch of the avant-garde, making this piece all the more transfixing.
8. Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Hand-Wound 40mm 18-Karat White Gold and Leather Watch, Ref. No. 82035/000G-B735
A reinterpretation of their own 1920s classic, Vacheron Constantin’s ‘Historiques American 1921’ employs the same 45-degree angled dial and strategically-placed crown. Pair that with the outsized Arabic numerals, 18kt white gold case, and Swiss-made hand-wound movement, and you get the kind of fusion between multiple temperaments that only this brand can provide.
9. Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition Automatic 42mm Bronze and Leather Watch, Ref. No. 128504
Brimming with the spirit of adventure and exploration, Montblanc’s limited edition ‘1858 Geosphere’ displays the northern and southern hemispheres on its signature dial face, along with a boldly illustrative case-back. The piece was released in honour of iconic watchmaker Minerva, which recently celebrated their 160th anniversary. Under the skin is an automatic calibre movement that likewise draws inspiration from the past, as does the smoked dial, bronze case, and hand-sewn leather strap.
10. H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillion Automatic 40mm 18-Karat Red Gold and Leather Watch, Ref. No. 1804-0401
Words can hardly describe the minimalist majesty of this incredible timepiece from H. Moser & Cie. A novelty if we ever saw one, it eschews numerals and indices in favour of tonal-brown gradients and a robust dial aperture, which exhibits the automatic movement’s escapement. An 18kt red-gold case and brown leather strap drive home the watch’s warm sensibility while also reinforcing its unmistakable allure.