Baselworld/SIHH

SIHH and Geneva 2010 By Su Jia Xian January 2010 I present my report on the watches presented at SIHH and in Geneva in January 2010. This year’s fair was excellent for two main reasons. One being the exceptional range of products and the other being the u...  

Lange had a superb range of products this year. In contrast to previous years where the collection was led by a highly complicated watch that was complicated for the sake of being so, the range this year is a gifted balance. Both commercial products with ...  

Thanks for this excellent (no BS, really good) report and less than grainy photos.... nah... seriously good shots and work. The new Lange stuff doesn't excite me too much but that's just me. The Turbograph however.... oooolala! In my wildest dreams unfort... 

although I like the Annual Calendar as a practical piece, its design reminds me of Union Glashutte from about 7 years ago (which is not a bad thing, but was a VERY different price point. -Dean

Thank you for providing the clear shots of the Referenzuhr especially! Helps me alot! Stephen

wow. all are gorgeous but can not afford any ;0((( thanks for sharing Tony

Audemars Piguet presented a good range of watches with something for everyone. What was unusual was the relatively few high complication watches. On more than one occasion AP unveiled a bewildering number of complications, but this year the quantity was m...  

to match their 'positioning' as a sports watch company. Most of their chronographs are bolt-on stop watch mechanisms on the tried and tested JLC-base. Of course, they have tourbillon chronographs but they only time 30 mins epochs......now, I ask you.....w... 

my position on this has been so often misconstrued that I have decided not to engage in any further public discussions on this. Oops...did I just contradict my decision? ;-) TM

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Thanks, TM

Thomas, As an AP fan myself, with a dedicated chronograph movement in one of my AP watches, I was careful to specify 'dedicated' chronograph movement. Otherwise, it's like me (physician) saying: "Well, I started off planning to do a liver transplant but w... 

we needn't "pretend to disingenuously effete euphemisms " - when we mean shit, we should write shit, and not sh!t. Otherwise, don't use sh!t (shit) at all. (crap? or how about just "damned lousy?" ) See? Now you've gone and done it; you got me to slip fur... 

I was very careful not to diss the actual movements in use. I have a number of those movements too, in my small AP collection. So, I have to praise them! As a fan, I like to see AP being able to offer a range of engines at every price point and tastes. At... 

Hi, SJX, I find it extremely unfortunate that the "standards" of the field of watch appreciation (and product positioning) have evolved to the point that 37mm case sizes are assumed to be or "look like" ladies models. This not only shows an ignorance of p... 

Last year saw the first models from Cartier’s new range of high horology watches, intended to replace the Cartier Collection Privée Cartier (CPCP). Those watches demonstrated a serious and careful effort in creating a respected range of complications. Mor...  

and I do agree with jou on the 'Jumping Hour', my favorite watch too, especially in white gold. Thanks SJX, it was worth the waiting. GEO

De Bethune exhibits at the quietly palatial Four Seasons hotel during SIHH. This year David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet had only a small handful, actually only three, watches to show, but they were outstanding, as always. The DB25 Moon Phase was launched...  

but for the DW1 (still think its an absolutely stunning piece!), which do you reckon looks better? This of the original high shine PT finish?

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Three years ago Franck Muller showcased a prototype of the Aeternitas Mega 4, which it says is the most complicated wristwatch ever made. That’s an overused and much debated title, but this watch is certainly a strong contender. This year, at the complex ...  

I don't know why, it is always very rare to see reports about this brand. Thanks SJX. Fr.Xavier

My favorite is the metallic red Grand Prix. The Aeternitas 4 is just amazing to look it, although a highly impractical watch. Don't know why they made the master banker case so large. I thought 8880 is already too large (in fact, I thought 7880 should be ... 

made on the Ergal .??! thanks T

Girard-Perregaux offered a compact and straightforward collection this year; all new models were derivatives in one way or another of existing products. GP has made so many variations of the Three Gold Bridges tourbillon I’ve lost count. Yet it remains ic...  

My 2 GP Champions, this year, are the Vintage 66 Chrono, and the new World Time. Smart move from GP! Best, Nicolas

Greubel Forsey presented three impressive and exotic tourbillons – though each is a variation of an existing model – at their SIHH debut (no doubt thanks to Richemont’s 20% stake in the company). When I first encountered GF when it was established some ye...  

looks fantastic! How is it size wise?

In contrast to previous years, IWC’s collection this year is tight and focused, almost entirely consisting of new Portuguese models. Another notable trend of the collection is the lean towards more classical designs, which is itself a result of the watche...  

LOVE IWC .always New always Fresh . T

Jaeger-LeCoultre presented a small collection this year, which is a surprise since they never do. To start with, two models previously found in the LMH-era JLC Master range have been revived. The Master Control chronograph has returned with an automatic m...  

I'am amazed by the quality of your pictures, knowing the light conditions at the SIHH.... The worst to take in pic is certainly the MGT Grande Complication dial...I had a big fight to take some decent pictures... Do you authroize me to use some of them to... 

I've corrected the info on the black dial Duometre. As for the finishing of the GC, I do understand that is a prototype, but going by the finishing on the production versions of last year's Master Grande Tradition, I do not believe the finishing is truly ... 

Than the 2 previous MGT, the Tourbillon QP, and the Minute Repeater. It is indeed another league, but we'll see the definitive watches, and we'll be able to objectively judge. Actually, I agree that by essence, a JLC can't be finished at the same level th... 

Maximilian Büsser & Friends presented one new model, the Horological Machine No. 2-SV for sapphire vision. The front panel of the watch has been replaced with a clear sapphire block, exposing the workings of the double retrograde. Running along the edge i...  

the hm2 sv is prob their "coolest" watch till date...and yes...i thought the alain silberstein version WAS the "coolest"...had i known....sigh. when will be pics of the hm4 be out?

you know it as well! LOL!

will send the pics and specs to the local bank manager to seek financing possibilities...

but Max confirmed us that it would be very different from the existing HM ! Can't wait to discover it ! Fr.Xavier

little grapevines here and there... yes, it should be extremely extremely different. Hold on to your seat.

Montblanc unveiled a collection that was fairly balanced between high horology and mass market watches. Starting at the top with the Villeret 1858 collection: the first is the Villeret Vintage chronograph. Fitted with a grand feu enamel dial (white for ro...  

was a few years ago and there it is these Days.!! from some average Watches to ultra High end.! oh ! LOVE those Minerva Movements.!! thnaks Tony

The primary thing that struck me about this year’s Panerai collection is the seemingly liberal use of faux vintage ecru luminova – which works terrifically for the Panerai aesthetic. 2010 is a good year for Panerai, it never has bad years, and this year’s...  

PAMs have the best showing from the Richemont gp this year,,,excellent range,though all pricey end. the skeleton tourby...wht a weirdo and still a winner!! hope to see a pam tourby with a cut out dial one day. and the Composite...now that's a real looker.... 

so many great brands with so many amazing looking watches my favourites are Panerai Richard Mille Lange & Sohne Jaeger Lecoultre Vacheron Constantin and the Debethune in no particular order although the De bethune Pams and RMs were stunning and left me sp... 

Panerai did it again this year.. always impressive. wow. Several New Models i'd love to have ( but my only small problem i have is not enough of this: $$$$$$ ) thanks Tony

Especially of the PAM 300 and the 339, both of which are due to land on my wrist in due time... Stephen

of new models by Panerai, they have been going strong for many years now and entering a completetly new segment now with the astronomic watch. I wonder whent the first minute repeater is coming.... My favorites this year are the 335 and especially the 343... 

Being predominantly known for making ladies’ jewellery watches, Piaget is slowly but surely moving towards earning recognition for its solid range of men’s watches with respectable, in-house calibres. Last year Piaget’s flagship launch was the Polo FortyF...  

face Emperador Coussin watches with cloisonné enamel dial; the hands are incongruous with the excellent enamel work. I can see the point of having slots to minimise obstruction of the dial, but the they are not the most refined :-( More importantly, ... 

I keep meaning to write you and let you know how wonderful this Piaget report is (Honestly, all your reportage for SIHH 2010 has been amazing!). The photos really do the watches justice. Piaget had a fantastic showing this year IMO. There are so many roma... 

Along with Greubel Forsey, Richard Mille was one of the two new exhibitors at SIHH this year. Audemars Piguet is a long time SIHH exhibitor, being there since 1999. RM is connected to AP via the latter’s minority stake in RM, as well as the fact that all ...  

You said it - Richard's genius is that despite people telling him something cannot be done, he will find a way to do it. I believe the lapis version of the RM018 is something to behold... Thanks for the photos and write up. Andrew H

This year marks the second collection presented by a Richemont-controlled Roger Dubuis. The aesthetics of the 2010 watches are largely the same as before, watches are planned several years in advance, but the quality control, as well as fit and finish, ar...  

Vacheron Constantin presented a small and quietly attractive collection this year. The first of which is a pair of ultra-thin watches, the Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 and 1968. The 1955 is inspired by a VC from that year. At 36 mm it is faithful to watche...  

Due to a lack of time – SIHH is one long, mad rush to one appointment after another – I was unable to see Van Cleef et Arpel’s complete collection. That was disappointing because I knew it would be worth my while. Fortunately I did get to see the two most...  

THANK YOU so very much. Tony

And good macros too accompanying the description! Thanks! Stephen

Thank you so very very much, outstanding and very appreciated!!!! I didn't even know there was an LE Boutique JLC Duometre. Aaaaaghhhh!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you..... Terrific report!

prose and pictures make this a reference report. Will be very hard to top this one. Having said that, am sure you will do so somehow. As such, look forward to your upcoming ones with much anticipation. Thanks for sharing JX!!!!

SJX, thank you so much for putting it together. You did a brilliant job. Well done!

else in electronic or printed media. Truly herculean effort SJX. Brilliant in erudite commentary, and the photos are high end publication quality. Brilliant and my congratulations on a truly comprehensive report. Many thanks for all your efforts to bring ... 

You did a FANTASTIC job. Many thanks. Vte

I enjoyed reading your report than the watch magazines. The exquisite photos you took make the pieces very mouth-watering. I am really tempted to say "one of each please." You should start your own publication. Best Sam

and maybe one day it will happen but that'll be pretty far in the future. Thanks for the kind comments. - SJX

torture to see so many potential choices brought to life by SJX's excellent opinionated report.. BRAVO! and Brava, even! Great work and crafting of the report. The torture is about prioritisation.....we don't have limitless wallets! SJX: So, what would be... 

That must go down as one of th elargest posts ever, surely? Many thanks Tim

How many man-hours you spent creating this report? WoW!!! I ilke Van Cleef, will they look good on my wrist, providing I change the straps? Also like AP ROO chrono w/ black dial for ladies, I think it's cute. Before you say anything, let me declare: I sti... 

to make my own grande complication. - SJX

Very nice report. I wish I could have gone and meet up with several of members. Best, Ken

Thanks. Great report. Regards,

And your photos have gotten even better too! Thank you for all your efforts to put together this extensive, fun to read, and witty report for all of us to enjoy. Huge kudos to you SJX! Best, Anthony

good stuff mate

thank you SJX for another and I'll call it traditional (hoping for many more to come) SIHH report .... absolute treat. Thinking of all the time and effort you put in this post for us to enjoy all I can say is Chapeau Bas! Cordially Damian

The 2010 report is one of your best... thanks to the brands which presented a great number of interesting novelties and thanks to you: your pics are beautiful and you managed to capture the beauty of each and every model. Congrats ! Fr.Xavier

Appreciate what a hard work you have contributed. Thank you for sharing with us.

Thanks a lot. Massi

Hi SJX, Incredible work! I'm amazed! Do I really need to go to SIHH next year? Thank you very much for your efforts, and for their result! Cheers Dje

Rely on the fact that these picutres will be seen by many!

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You made those of us who were not at the show feel like we didnt miss it! Thanks. J.

It's always a pleasure to read your article and I consider myself very fortunate and honoured to know you as a personal friend. Thank you for such wonderful report I wish you a very Happy Chinese New Year. Lovesss*Clang

NT

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SJX ...Thank You So Much for such a complete report ... !! many ....... many Thanks

Thank you so much for this amazing effort. I wish I was there but I don't need to be with this.

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