WHEN ELEGANCE
MEETS ART

The world's largest watchmaking summit, Watches and Wonders 2023, has come and gone, but the masterpieces will continue to be raved about throughout the rest of the year and beyond.

This edition pulled together no less than 48 prestigious Maisons under one roof to highlight state-of-the-art timepieces that generated conversation in keynote events, roundtables, and online forums.

Hundreds of watches were on display during the week-long occasion for enthusiasts alike and the public at large. It might seem like a lot to unpack, but we have deliberately picked the best and only the best for you. Highlighting three watches across the six categories, here are the timepieces you should know from the momentous affair.

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High Jewellery

These bejewelled watches are hard to ignore. Each Maison blends its distinctive design style with diverse forms of art and craft to bring these beauties to life. The best thing about these timepieces is that they can be swiftly transformed into exquisite accessories that lend elegance to their wearer. The colour of prosperity—gold—is in abundance this year, gracing a wide range of watches among other colours including sapphire pink and Yale blue.

Chic Black

What's not to love about classic black watches? Everything about them screams opulence, from the black dials with multiple finishes to the black straps made of various materials. If you need a confidence booster, these stunners are an excellent choice to add a pop of contrast to your colourful monochromatic ensembles and any outfit you can think of, really.

Mother Nature

This sublime lineup is for adventurers and nature lovers. Like every other year, Mother Nature has long been the muse for the art of fine watchmaking. With inspiration drawn from the tallest peaks, the moon, and the luckiest animal, some of these wristwatch styles are incredibly magnificent and look like no other.

For the Ladies

Since women and wristwatches aren't a novel pairing, it's no surprise to see the impressive range with its unmatched versatility. Vibrant dials take centre stage, with leather bands adding a soft, comfy feel against the skin. What makes these clocks much more appealing is that they can be passed down from one generation to another.

Diamond-Studded

Nothing screams luxury like a watch adorned with diamonds. Although sourcing diamonds have long been the norm, others have begun to use cutting-edge technology to grow their jewels, which are frequently referred to as 'lab-grown diamonds'. Each gem is carefully set in place to catch the light and emit an inviting sparkle, all while reflecting Maison's unrivalled artistry and workmanship.

Tourbillon

A tourbillon is a mechanism that turns the balance wheel, balance spring, and escapement constantly while the movement is in motion. These little details demand exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention, which explains why tourbillon watches are frequently associated with astronomical costs. The intricacy of the movement is what makes it desirable and sought after by connoisseurs and collectors.

TEXT: BENEDICT UNANG
CREATIVE DIRECTION: SARAH TAI
LAYOUT DESIGN: MUHAMMAD HEIRZY JONET
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: WATCHES AND WONDERS 2023

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