GQ’s top five picks from LVMH Watch Week
Last week, Singapore played host to the fourth annual LVMH Watch Week convention—a physical trade show designed to showcase all the major watch releases from the four leading LVMH watch brands for the start of the year.
TAG Heuer, Hublot, Zenith and Bulgari each presented their marquee releases to kickstart the new year, with each collection offering a glimpse of the watchmaking savoir-faire these iconic brands are renowned for.
While each respective brand presented innovative and thoughtful collections for the new year—we were seriously impressed with the calibre (pun intended) of watch releases showcased- there were definite highlights from the week in Singapore. As such, GQ has laid out the timepieces that we simply cannot stop thinking about.
Without further ado, here are our top five picks from LVMH Watch Week in 2023…
TAG Heuer Carrera 60th Anniversary
One of the highlight unveilings from LVMH Watch Week was arguably the new TAG Heuer Carrera, a commemorative timepiece that honours the iconic Carrera chronograph first produced in 1963.
This faithful re-edition is exactly that; an almost identical reference that captures the romance of the original Carrera and everything it stands for. This special edition Carrera, which is limited to just 600 pieces globally, features a 39mm steel case that has all the hallmarks of the classic Carrera’s timeless design. You’ll find an iconic silver sunray brushed dial contrasted with black subdials—the ‘Panda’ look. It’s also fitted out with a luxurious leather strap that’s supple and distinctive.
Its beating heart is thanks to Calibre HEUER02—the flagship in-house chronograph movement that, really, sent TAG Heuer in a new direction of watchmaking.
Zenith Defy Skyline 36mm
Zenith provided the “wow” factor at this year’s LVMH Watch Week, starting with the release of its updated Defy Skyline Skeleton edition—a complex, open-dial timepiece featuring an open-worked version of the iconic El Primero automatic movement. While this timepiece had pundits in awe, we had our eyes on an absolute sleeper from the 2023 release: the new Defy Skyline 36mm.
Whether you like smaller watches or not, 36mm just works for a majority of people, men and women. This new model takes cues from last year’s Defy Skyline release but is simplified in its design. Of course, there’s nothing ‘simple’ about this release, however.
Now available in blue, green or pink, and with or without diamonds, the 36mm Skyline features the iconic octagonal case with a faceted bezel, a sunburst-patterned dial that revisits the emblematic Zenith four-pointed star, and of course an interchangeable steel bracelet that you can easily swap out for the provided patterned rubber strap.
The new Defy Skyline 36mm is powered by Zenith’s impressive Elite 670 automatic movement, which will provide its wearer with around 50 hours of power reserve.
Hublot Classic Fusion Original
When Hublot was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, the first watch it introduced to the world caused quite a stir; how could one pair rubber with gold?
Now, in 2023, Hublot pays homage to its first innovative, rebellious design with the new Classic Fusion Original collection. Refined and sporty, it’s hard not to marvel at its simplicity.
From the satin-finished and polished 18K yellow gold (or titanium) case, polished Black Lacquered dial and iconic bezel with 6 H-shaped titanium screws, this watch just works. Pair it with its smooth black rubber strap, and you honestly have yourself a knockout timepiece that’s entrenched in heritage and prominence.
The Classic Fusion Original is also guided by the pioneering HUB1110 Self-winding Movement, an in-house manufactured movement with 42 hours of power reserve.
Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori
If you are partial to a smaller-sized watch, and are open to wearing pieces that may have conventionally been designed for women (but look equally good on men), then the new Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori collection is well worth a look.
The Rome-based Maison, who are experts in iconic jewellery designs, present the newest iterations of the Serpenti Seduttori, available in silver or two-tone rose gold and silver.
Both models feature a beautiful yet simple deep black lacquered dial that is housed in a curvaceous signature case adopting the shape of a snake’s head. The bracelet plays into this theme effortlessly with an emblematic, geometric look that’s reminiscent of snakeskin. Of course, snakes—serpenti in Italian—have been the centre of Bulgari’s stirring designs since its inception in 1884.
TAG Heuer Professional 200 Solargraph
At this year’s LVMH Watch Week, TAG Heuer’s CEO Frédéric Arnault spoke in depth about building the brand’s desirability. Well, one way to do so is by releasing a piece like the Solargraph—a quartz watch that is fully powered by the sun.
First released in 2022 to much acclaim, the new Solargraph loses its black carbon case and instead opts for a full titanium fitout. Naturally, the first thing you’ll notice about this revamped, adventure-led Aquaracer is its lightness—it’s incredibly comfortable on the wrist.
The main drawcard of the Solargraph model is its technology, which, while it’s not new tech to the watchmaking world, it surely hasn’t been done by the Swiss before. Thanks to Calibre TH50-00, you will find a host of benefits with strapping on the new Aquaracer Solargraph; just two-minutes of direct sunlight exposure will power the watch for an entire day, 20 hours in the sun and you’ll find the watch will run for up to six months. You also won’t need to replace its battery for at least 15 years.
[Via GQ Australia]