They say your firsts are never forgotten, right? And if your First happens to be one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Watch Industry, it has to be MAJOR! Yes, I’m talking about my first time at Watches and Wonders 2023. Excited for sure, I must say, I was also a little nervous for this one. Entering a larger than life exhibition, where you get to witness the grandeur that the 48 Maisons have put together, managing your appointments, attending meetings, working and at the same time trying to sink it all, was indeed my pinch me moment! When people ask me what was your takeaway from the Exhibition? For me, it has to be the Experience that each of the participating brands offered in terms of the Booth, the touch and feel sessions and the Novelties of course! Out of all the brands I discovered, my 3 unforgettable experiences are as below:
Van Cleef and Arpels
From the moment you set your foot inside, I’m sure you will be transported into a different World altogether! Not only was I Mesmerized by the booth, but also the creations that Van Cleef had to offer. Right from the Automatons to the poetic complications, I was blown away from it all! But the one timepiece that topped my wishlist was the Lady Féerie Watch.
A protective muse and symbol of femininity, a fairy watches over the sky at sunset in her pink sapphires and diamonds dress. Her wings made of pink plique-à-jour enamel echo the nuances of the sky, crafted in guilloché mother-of-pearl and set with diamonds. Delicately sitting on a cloud, she points out the minutes with her magic wand thanks to a retrograde movement. The sun indicates the hours in a mother-of-pearl aperture, magnified by a gentle and soothing halo.
Cartier
Cartier unveiled its creations in a massive and elegant space befitting of its stunning timepieces. Fascinated for sure, I was by their latest novelties. The Maison’s lineup of Watches and Wonders included a Cartier Privé entry, alongside iconic reiterations of the Tank watches, Santos-Dumont, and a collection of marvelous watches for Women. The timepiece that got me hooked onto was the Santos Dumont. available in three precious metals- platinum, rose gold and yellow gold.
Hermes
The Hermes booth was called ‘Fantasy of Time’, the space designed by the artist.
Clément Vieille, carried a playful vibe with whimsical sculptures of woven carbon fibre plates that swivel and swing. You had to experience it! But yes, the timepiece from Hermes that left me awestruck was the new Arceau Petite Lune. Featured on the dial are planets set against a starry night sky, sculpted in aventurine, mother-of-pearl, aragonite and opal framed by a halo of diamonds.
I worked, I freaked out, I met so many important people and brands, made new relationships with fellow colleagues and other attendees and overall had such a wholesome experience at Watches and Wonders 2023. Incredibly grateful for this opportunity, I cannot wait to discover what’s in store for Watches and Wonders 2024!
