Continuing our two-part series on The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards nominations, this month’s watches are some of the finest classical designs that we’ve seen in recent times.
1. Vacheron Constantin Triple calendrier 1948
Clearly inspired by watch design from the 1940’s, the Triple calendrier 1948 is a timeless design. Absolutely stunning to look at, no matter which angle you view it from, it brings back classical watch design with its two-tone dial and carefully applied details. The combination of an almost salmon coloured dial, paired with detailing in red, blue and black, along with a railway track outline, catches your eye at first glance. Powered by a completely in-house developed movement, the watch features an annual calendar, as well as a seconds dial at 6 o’clock. Issued in a limited series of two hundred pieces each, this masterful design from the ultra-luxury manufacturer promises to be another collectible model.
2. Vacheron Constantin Overseas ultra-thin perpetual calendar
Focused on the avid travellers, the latest Overseas pieces from Vacheron Constantin are technical and design marvels. Featuring one of the slimmest cases in the grand complication world, this timepiece is powered by an ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement, powering a perpetual calendar and moon-phase indicator. At barely 4.05mm thick, the Caliber 1120 QP/1 has a power reserve of 40 hours and is water resistant to 50 metres. Of course, the complexity of a small case is further amplified by its design details, not to mention its 18K pink gold case.
3. Habring2 DOPPEL-FELIX
The Doppel Felix is a transformation of the brand’s last award-winning watch, the original Felix. Powered by an in-house movement, the Doppel Felix is a Rattrapante chronograph – a complication that would have required thousands of hours of R&D to perfect and manufacture. The metallic look of the Doppel Felix is in itself a highlight, and the play of colours between the rose gold hands and appliques and the almost dark gray polished dial present a fantastic contrast. Highlighting the design is the large rose gold hand that points to the date, which in itself is a very eye-catching feature.
4. Hermes Carre H
A reissue of an original design by French designer, Marc Berthier, the latest edition of the Carré H features an outstanding dial design. With its layered dial finished in micro blasted, shiny and right-angled guilloché work, the different surfaces appear different in different light conditions and look absolutely stunning. Powering the watch is the Hermès H1912 movement, with a power reserve of 50 hours, and a choice of two dial colours – black and dark grey. And with the watch offering only hour, minute and seconds functions, there’s a certain appeal to its ease of use, contrasted sharply by its wonderfully complex design.
