Watches & Wonders 2022 is well underway with participating brands releasing their novelties for 2022. Join us as we constantly update and cover the latest announcements, highlights and news from Watches & Wonders 2022.
Rolex
Perhaps the biggest news coming out from Watches & Wonders 2022 is the launch of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Ref. 126720VTNR with a green and black Cerachrom bezel and left-hand crown(!). Speculation has been rife about such a configuration moments before the launch but now the news is out in the wild to great fanfare and surprise. Nobody expected this colourway to be released, let alone the left-handed crown and once again, Rolex has the last laugh. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II is presented in Oystersteel and Oyster or Jubilee bracelet and is powered by the Superlative Chronometer certified calibre 3285 with the date aperture and cyclops flushed to the left side of the case.
Tudor
Tudor’s range of Black Bays just got bigger with the introduction of the Tudor Black Bay Pro. The new technical model houses Tudor’s Manufacture Calibre MT5652 with built-in GMT function and sees the familiar unidirectional dive bezel make way for a fixed steel GMT bezel. A pair of Tudor’s “Snowflake” hands make an appearance with the other flushed in an eye-catching yellow representing the GMT hand. Other subtle refinements added to the Black Bay Pro include a redesigned knurled crown, applied hour markers made from monobloc luminous ceramic and a new bracelet clasp with a Tudor’s “T-fit” rapid size-adjustment system. The Tudor Black Bay Pro is available in either a steel bracelet, a hybrid rubber and fabric strap or a black fabric strap.
Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko presents the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 collection at Watches & Wonders 2022 as it sets the vision for the future of Grand Seiko’s technical development. Five models, all fitted with Grand Seiko Spring Drive calibres, are released as part of this milestone. Shown here from left to right are the black variants namely the Spring Drive GMT SBGE283, Spring Drive Chronograph GMT SBGC251 and Spring Drive Diver SLGA015. All three pieces are regulated to exceptional accuracy with daily deviations limited to ±0.5 seconds per day. As with all Spring Drive movements, the seconds hand glides effortlessly without a shudder as it promises to mesmerise even the geekiest of watch nerds. These pieces are encased in high-intensity titanium with matching bracelets which are 30% lighter and offer a brighter lustre than stainless steel.
TAG Heuer
Driven by light, TAG Heuer forays into new frontiers as it releases its first-ever solar-powered watch — the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph. Following the reimagining of the Aquaracer collection last in 2021, the Solargraph gives new meaning to ‘made for outdoors’ with a solar-powered timepiece. Powered by the calibre TH50-00 produced by Manufacture La Joux-Perret exclusively for TAG Heuer, power generation has been optimised to ensure maximum performance as it absorbs both sunlight and artificial light. Two minutes under sunlight can power the watch for one full day, while a fully charged capacity ensures the watch operates autonomously for six months. Should the Solargraph stop working after prolonged idle time, 10 seconds of light exposure will kick start its movement. The Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph features a black DLC coated stainless steel case with a bezel insert made of a blend of carbon and green SuperLumiNova.
The second chapter of the TAG Heuer X Porsche partnership materialises with the TAG Heuer Carrera X Porsche Limited Edition. The latest limited edition model pays tribute to Porsche’s emblematic yellow, reserved for its sportiest cars. Red accents seen on the first model made way for yellow while the metallic bodywork of Porsche’s cars is recreated on the dial. Given the strong association both TAG Heuer and Porsche share with motorsports, two sub-dials feature an asphalt texture. Other Porsche influences include an oscillating mass shaped like the Porsche steering wheel, set on the Calibre HEUER 02 Automatic movement and a textile inspired leather strap with double stitching inspired by the seat upholstery of Porsche cars.
Panerai
One of the big news filtering out from Panerai at Watches & Wonders 2022 this year is the release of the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro. QuarantaQuattro, otherwise known as 44 in English, is a nod to the Submersible’s new 44mm case diameter. The 44mm variant continues the narrative of Panerai refreshing the dimensions of its collections, having already done so with the release of the Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta late last year.
Hermès
Hermès gives new definition to the spirit of travel with the Hermès Arceau Le temps voyageur. A fantasy map, imagined by Jérôme Colliard for the “Planisphère d’un monde équestre” silk scarf adorns the dial housing a “Travelling time” mechanism with a disc-type display of 24 time zones developed exclusively for Hermès. The mobile counter and the home time indication at 12 o’clock is driven by a 122-component module, measuring just 4.4mm thick, which is integrated within the Hermès H1837 mechanical self-winding movement. Two Hermès Arceau Le temps voyageur models are released, the first in a larger 41mm-diameter platinum version with a matt black DLC-treated titanium bezel and a 38mm steel iteration – are fitted with alligator or Swift calfskin straps made in Hermès Horloger’s own workshops.
Montblanc
Coming out of Montblanc is the brand’s first-ever certified diving watch dubbed the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date. Recalling the frozen lakes and icy glacial waters, the dial was specially designed to mimic an interlocking network of crystals, giving the illusion of looking into the depths of a glacier. As with all dive watches, the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date features a unidirectional rotating bezel crafted with a bicolour ceramic insert. The 41mm diver is presented in blue, green, and black and comes paired with either a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap.
A. Lange & Söhne
The story of the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus expands further as the revered German watchmaker releases the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus in titanium. This episode marks the very first time A. Lange & Söhne is working with the alloy favoured for its lightweight and tough properties befitting of the Maison’s flagship sports watch. The 250-piece limited edition creation is paired with an ice-blue dial complementing the greyish hue of titanium. A. Lange & Söhne’s calibre L155.1 Datomatic powers the Odysseus, providing 50-hours of power reserve and displays the date and day of the week in two oversized apertures. Setting both calendar elements can be done through the pushers integrated along the side of the case.
Zenith
With the unveiling of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport in 2021, Zenith once again set a new gold standard for automatic sporty chronographs. Crowned with the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2021 “Chronograph” prize, the Chronomaster Sport is reinterpreted with a precious allure as it is clad in 18-carat rose gold with a matching rose gold bracelet. A yin and yang option is available as Zenith presented this stunning creation with either a black-lacquered dial or a matte white dial, both with Zenith’s signature tricolour registers. The Zenith Chronomaster Sport launch does not stop there as a two-tone variation with silver-toned sunray dial and a boutique exclusive Zenith Chronomaster Sport in stainless steel and tricolour bezel are released. All pieces are fitted with the high-frequency Zenith El Primero 3600 automatic movement.
