Strength in Numbers

Golden Opportunity

The past year was clearly buoyed by gold timepieces, with steel models "progressing at a below-average rate," according to FHS. Bi-metallic watches, a combination of steel and gold, also produced a below-par result, with growth at 5.3 per cent.

This year, Piaget released the Altiplano Date, a new complication for the series, combined with the world’s thinnest movement and case. The model is equipped with the automatic calibre 1205P (only 3mm thick) while the 40mm white or gold case measures only 6.36mm. Aside from the date display, the dial of the Altiplano also features an off-centred small seconds indication. A sapphire crystal caseback reveals the 221-part movement.

With a 42mm rose or white gold case, the Rotonde de Cartier Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is the first model in the series to combine the two complications. The watch is fitted with the automatic in-house calibre 9423 MC, built on the base movement of the Calibre de Cartier Chronograph (1904-CH MC), but features a new module on the side of the dial for the perpetual calendar function. A retrograde hand, mounted on the dial at 6 o’clock, indicates the days of the week. Quick-correction pushers on the case reset the calendar displays easily. The watch offers a 48-hour power reserve, and the sapphire crystal caseback offers a generous view of the movement and the skeletonised rotors.

Bulgari’s latest edition of its iconic Roma, first created in 1975, is a limited and numbered series in pink gold. The watch features a round, elegantly curved bezel bearing the words Bulgari and Roma embossed, inspired by Roman coins that symbolised authority and strength of character. A pure black lacquered dial creates a good contrast with pink gold-plated hour markers and indexes. The movement is the automatic calibre BVL 191, with hours, minutes, seconds and instantaneous date, and features a power reserve of 42 hours. Entirely developed in-house, only 250 pieces of the watch will be produced.