One of the challenges for any watch company is keeping things fresh and giving people something to talk about. Every watchmaker hopes that their designs become timeless classics, but that doesn’t generate the excitement and individuality that many consumers desire. This year several brands introduced new shapes and designs that are turning heads. They certainly aren’t for everyone, but that’s the point.
Cartier Crash Skeleton in Platinum:
Cartier is an established brand that isn’t afraid to flex its disruptive design muscles, like with the Cartier Crash Skeleton. Not only does this showcase an eye-catching design, it puts Cartier’s exemplary watchmaking skills on full display. $78,500, Cartier.com
MB&F HM6 Space Pirate in Titanium:
MB&F stands for Max Busser & Friends, and the HM6 Space Pirate shows that Busser’s timepieces are not so much about telling the time as about making a statement on the wrist. $230,000, Mbandf.com
Meistersinger Circularis:
Where most watches have at least two hands, Meistersinger’s signature is getting by with one. It might take a little getting used to, but once you are familiar with it, you’ll wonder why you ever needed two. $5,995, Meistersinger.net
Artya Son Of Sound:
Designed by watchmaking’s bad boy Yvan Arpa, Artya’s Son of Sound honors rock and roll and cutting edge design. Want to tweak things? Arpa loves to customize for his clients. $20,800, Artya.com
Roger Dubois Knights of The Round Table 2:
Watchmaking is often called an art, but Roger Dubuis takes it a step further by creating these miniature bronze sculptures sitting around a black jade Round Table dial. Fabricated by hand, they are unique pieces of art displayed forever under the sapphire crystal of the timepiece. 28 pieces, $268,000, rogerdubuis.com
Dietrich OT-1:
New to the scene, designer Emmanuel Dietrich is dead set on doing things differently. The OT-1 has a lot going on and certainly looks like nothing else on the market. $1,450, Dietrichusa.watch
Hautlence HL2.5:
When Hautlence was founded 10 years ago by Guillaume Tetu, the goal was to display time in a different way. The brand has kept that DNA and the HL2.5 is a great example, with its turning time and its beautiful movement on show. $208,000, Hautlence.com
Bell & Ross BR-01 Flying Skull Bronze:
Skulls have always been a theme in aviation, and Bell & Ross’ entire collection is inspired by what goes on in the skies. The BR-01 is 10 this year, and the Flying Skull Bronze limited edition (500 pieces) is helping to celebrate. $6,900, Bellross.com
Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Mythe:
Inspired by Parmigiani’s partnership with Bugatti, the new Mythe celebrates 10 years of working with the automotive powerhouse and the movement is designed to evoke the incredible engines of the supercar. $345,000, Parmigiani.ch
