Shopping: Clock This

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Shopping

Clock This

Words by Liz Skone James

The ones to watch in the world of haute horology

Watches and Wonders 2025

The Wonderful World of Watches

The countdown is on to Watches and Wonders 2025. The world’s largest watchmaking salon will take place in Geneva from 1-7 April, and with a line-up of 60 luxury brands, it looks set to be the biggest yet. Among the new names gracing the halls are Bvlgari, Christiaan van der Klaauw, Genus and Kross Studio, alongside the returning Armin Strom and HYT. From 5 to 7 April, the event opens its doors to the general public, giving enthusiasts, collectors, and newcomers alike a rare opportunity to explore the show for themselves. Tickets go on sale this month, and the golden ticket is the new Premium Package, which offers an unforgettable experience at the heart of watchmaking. Priced at CHF 550, the package includes one-day access to the Salon, priority booking for exclusive product presentations, and a very special gift. Not to be missed.

Watches Spirit of Big Bang The Snake

Celebrating the Year of the Snake

Since 2016, Hublot has celebrated each Chinese New Year with a special edition of the Spirit of Big Bang. This special edition features the Spirit of Big Bang’s signature open dial, revealing the inner workings of the watch. Here, the chronograph movement is inhabited by a striking, three-dimensional golden snake that has been carefully positioned as if slithering around the chronograph’s three counters. The serpent motif is continued on the ceramic bezel, which is engraved to reveal a pattern of snake scales. And this pattern extends to the black rubber strap, which, thanks to a unique embossing texture, boasts a uniquely velvet fi nish with a slight shimmer. This special watch is powered by the Hublot automatic skeleton chronograph calibre HUB4700 and is available in a limited edition of 88 pieces.

Bvlgari

On the Straight and Narrow

At 1.70mm thick, Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC sets a new bar in high-end mechanical watchmaking. Not simply the thinnest mechanical watch ever produced, but the thinnest COSC chronometer. The astonishing timepiece matches its ultra-thin case with an integrated bracelet, only 1.50 mm thick, while the dial invites a closer look into the depth of the mechanism. Antoine Pin, director of Bvlgari’s watchmaking division, refl ects: “Our engineers, watchmakers, and designers have defi ed the laws of physics to offer complex timepieces of unparalleled slimness. These accomplishments go deeper than the watchmaking prowess they represent: they defi ne our DNA. Bvlgari stands to innovate, to keep pushing the boundaries, and to master the art of the extraordinary – and to always surprise.”

Watches - Tagheuer

The Race is On

The first watch to carry the TAG Heuer name was the TAG Heuer Formula 1, which launched in 1986. For many collectors, it was their first Swiss timepiece, admired for its forward-looking design and striking colour combinations. Decades later, this model has become one of the most coveted vintage watches, and remains as stylish today as it was when it launched. And the Swiss luxury watchmaker has just revealed five new timepieces in their TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection – four chronographs and the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Oracle Red Bull Racing – a tribute to the fearless spirit of motorsport. Since their partnership began in 2016, TAG Heuer and Oracle Red Bull Racing have unveiled eight coveted timepieces that have captivated fans and watch enthusiasts alike. It’s a winner.