Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2023, held from the 13th to the 17th of September, marked a remarkable celebration of horology. This immersive event transported watch enthusiasts and industry experts into the very heart of watchmaking, offering a 360-degree experience like no other.
A New Beginning
One of the defining features of this year’s event was the brand-new setup. The 14 prestigious Maisons graced a redesigned Pavilion, revealing their latest collections. This two-story space embraced transparency, openness, and an abundance of light – a fitting backdrop to showcase the artistry of watchmaking. The participating Maisons included:
- A. Lange & Söhne
- Arnold & Son
- Baume & Mercier
- Cartier
- Charriol
- IWC Schaffhausen
- Jaeger LeCoultre
- Panerai
- Piaget
- Roger Dubuis
- Speake-Marin
- Uboat Italo Fontana
- Ulysse Nardin
- Vacheron Constantin
Beyond Timepieces
While Watches & Wonders rightfully centers on the exquisite timepieces, it’s essential to acknowledge the impressive corporate booths. These booths were meticulously planned, requiring substantial logistics and investments. Some of them redefined the standard for watch exhibitions.
In a market where some renowned brands opt not to participate, others are determined to make a lasting impression in the Chinese market. The presence of numerous High-end Luxury Watch Authorized Dealers in this region, underscores the immense potential of the Southeast Asian demographic. Projections suggest that luxury watch sales in China could reach a staggering $36 billion by the end of 2023. Consequently, a local watch show becomes a strategic opportunity to reassert their presence.
Aesthetic Elegance
The event’s aesthetic theme was clean and minimalistic, a departure from the official and industrial designs of the past. Instead, vast plain walls in serene white and soft presence set the stage. The overall ambiance resonated with the sophistication of high-end brand boutiques found in upscale malls or airports.
A Glimpse into Iconic Watch Brands
Here is a closer look at some iconic watch brands and their standout offerings at Watches & Wonders 2023:
A. Lange & Söhne
A play of light and dark themes welcomed visitors to A. Lange & Söhne’s booth, featuring a giant watch replica that offered a rare glimpse into the intricate details of modern timepieces. Their highlight was the Platinum Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar, a 950 platinum masterpiece with a 41.9mm case. The sleek black dial features an iconic outsize date and a moon-phase display with a day/night transition. The in-house L021.3 self-winding caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, provides a 50-hour power reserve. This boutique-exclusive model exudes luxury and precision.
Panerai
Panerai’s booth at Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2023 stood out for its captivating design, featuring dark wood and evocative imagery. While it exuded a nostalgic charm, the booth’s interior transformed into a trendy bar-like setting.
Panerai introduced notable timepieces, including:
- Luminor Due Luna TuttoOro PAM01504 (38mm): This model features a unique Goldtech™ case, giving it a red undertone. The mother-of-pearl dial, lume-filled indexes, and moon phase indicator create an elegant aesthetic, powered by the P.900/MP automatic caliber with a three-day reserve.
- Luminor Due PAM01423 (42mm): The first in its series with a striking yellow-gold case and a dark green dial. It offers 5 bars of water resistance, a three-day power reserve, and a dark green alligator strap.
- Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon: A sustainable collaboration with Prada, offering slim, sleek timepieces with Re-Nylon straps. Available in various dial and strap options for versatility and sustainability.
Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin’s booth resembled an upscale lounge, setting the stage for the unveiling of the Freak [X OPS]. This innovative timepiece boasts a 43mm titanium case, bezel, and crown with a sleek black DLC coating. Khaki green carbon fiber composite flanks, extending to the matching indices and lume-filled handset on the dial, enhance its rugged charm. The UN-230 Manufacture caliber powers the watch, offering an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The flying carousel movement, illuminated by Super-LumiNova, rotates on its axis at 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin’s booth exuded a sense of neatness and luxury, resembling an expensive lounge. They introduced two Traditionnelle manual-winding watches in a captivating green colorway. One comes with diamonds in a 33mm case, while the other is a 39mm version with a small-second sub-counter. Both watches feature elegant sage green sunburst dials that harmonize with polished pink gold cases and dark green alligator straps. These timepieces pay homage to monochrome dials from the 19th century while adopting a contemporary approach.
Piaget
Piaget introduced the Altiplano Ultimate Concept in Midnight Blue, continuing its tradition of ultra-fine timepieces. With a mere 2mm thickness and a 41mm cobalt alloy case, it maintains the signature mesmerizing dial design featuring Super-LumiNova constellations. The new reference showcases a minimalistic dial in shades of midnight blue, silver, and pink gem accents, complemented by a matching alligator strap.
Speake Marin
Speake-Marin presented the Academic Rouge, adding a bold and vibrant touch to its Academic series. This timepiece showcases a vibrant red lacquered dial in Pantone 188C, coupled with large Roman numerals with matte finishing and Super-LumiNova coating. The small seconds indicator between 12 and 3 o’clock adds functionality. Encased in a grade 5 titanium Piccadilly case, it is available in 38mm and 42mm sizes, both housing the SMA03 automatic caliber with fully integrated micro-rotors, providing up to 52 hours of power reserve.
Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2023 was not just an event; it was an experience that left a lasting impression. With 12,000 unique visitors over five days, including nearly 5,000 end clients and public visitors during the weekend, the watch community came together in force. Social media played a pivotal role in expanding the event’s reach to an audience of 75 million people.
This year’s Watches & Wonders Shanghai 2023 reaffirmed its position as an essential platform for exchange, education, and engagement in today’s fine watchmaking global community. It celebrated not just the passage of time, but the artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship that make each watch a masterpiece
