New releases for SIHH 2016
With only a couple of days until the official opening of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), fans of luxury watches are waiting with anticipation to see what novelties will be launched from some of the finest watchmakers in the world. Here’s a sneak peak of four new releases for 2016 from Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Panerai and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
1. Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Yellow Gold
For 2016, Audemars Piguet takes its iconic luxury sports watch, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, and presents it in classic 18k yellow gold. Boasting all the hallmarks of the Royal Oak design – octagonal bezel, eight hexagonal screws, “Grande Tapisserie” decorated dial – the contrast between the warm gold case and bracelet and the cool blue dial is a striking one. The new Caliber 5134 can be seen via the sapphire caseback while the face of the watch harmoniously exhibits the day, month, date, and moon phase windows. The new 41mm Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is offered on a matching full 18k yellow bracelet equipped with an AP folding clasp.
2. Cartier’s Clé de Cartier Automatic Skeleton
Cartier debuted their Clé de Cartier collection at last year’s edition of SIHH and for this year, the Maison is adding the Automatic Skeleton model to the line. The most striking feature of the Cartier novelty is the skeleton dial that cleverly incorporates the Roman numerals 3, 6, 9, and 12. As the word “Clé” is French for “key”, on the 41mm palladium case is the signature blue sapphire key style crown for which the collection is named after. The Caliber 9612 MC is Cartier’s first attempt at an automatic skeleton movement, which is a technical feat that must be applauded.
3. Panerai’s Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Acciaio PAM655
Offering a fresh and bright look, the brand new Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Acciaio PAM655 from Panerai is the first white dial version to be offered from the Radiomir 1940 collection. The signature Radiomir 1940 cushion shaped case is crafted from stainless steel and is at 42mm is quite demure in comparison to the 45/47/48mm sized cases we are used to seeing within the line. As the name suggests, the Panerai PAM655 offers wearers a 3-day power reserve thanks to the automatic P.4000 movement, which can be view through the sapphire caseback.
4. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Calendar
2016 marks the 85th anniversary of the iconic Reverso watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The swivel watch was first introduced in 1931 specifically for polo players where they could turn the case of the watch inside out to expose the caseback rather than the dial during a game for protection from hard knocks. Throughout its history, the Reverso has enjoyed countless interpretations, and for this big birthday, Jaeger-LeCoultre is releasing a plethora of Reverso options. Among them is the Reverso Tribute Calendar in 18k pink gold. Its characteristic rectangular case measures 49.4mm x 29.9mm and swivels to reveal two distinct dials. The front dial boasts the hours, minutes, day, month, date, and moon phases functions, while the back dial includes a second time zone in addition to a day and night indicator. The mechanical manually-wound Caliber 853 movement drives the new Reverso Tribute Calendar and provides a 45-hour power reserve.
