5 watch releases that you might have missed in 2020, including a $200k+ Omega tourbillon
James RobinsonYou’d be forgiven for not really caring about whether or not there’s been any new watches released this year – there are definitely more serious matters at hand. But, nevertheless, watchmakers have continued doing what they do best and there have been a plethora of great timepieces unveiled. Now, we’re not going to attempt to talk about all of them — there are not enough hours in the day, and many have already graced the site. But we thought we’d share with you our favourite five watches that you might have missed this year.
Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon
Omega really went to town with this one. It’s the watchmaker’s first-ever manually wound tourbillon to be Master Chronometer certified, and the centrally mounted mechanism looks stunning against its black backdrop and precious metal case hewn from an intoxicating blend of 18k Sedna and Canopus gold. Price circa $168,000USD.
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Chronograph
Jaquet Droz may well be one of the oldest brands in the game of horology, but this Grande Seconde Off-Centered Chronograph with gorgeous onyx dial proves the watchmaker has still got what it takes to make us step back and just say wow. If we had a spare $29,500 AUD lying around, we’d be all over this.
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept
2.00mm … that’s how thin the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept is. What you’re looking at here, ladies and gents, is the thinnest mechanical wristwatch in the world. This watch makes a credit card look chunky, and having worn the prototype on the wrist, we can confirm it is an experience like no other. Mind you, while it may weigh less than a black Amex, you’d need one to purchase the Altiplano Ultimate Concept.
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon
If you love cars and watches, then you will have most certainly heard of Laurent Ferrier. The boutique maker of haute horology creates timepieces that are so good-looking they will make you wince. This Grand Sport Tourbillon, now with a stunning integrated steel bracelet, is no exception. We like it a lot. And Ferrier himself is such a dude – he raced at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Porsche 935, coming third overall and being beaten out by none other than Paul Newman, who came second.
Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic
An exemplar of why Hublot are considered to be the vanguards of material innovation in the horological space, this Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic looks like something Hellboy would wear on date night. It’s got a whopping 14 days of power reserve and a price at circa $119,000 AUD.