The Incredibles

From gemstones to candies, neon brights to pastel lights, the horology creations at this year’s edition of Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie was a sweet store of delights.

- Charmaine Ho

The 29th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) was buzzing with activity. An international horde of journalists had descended upon Geneva once again for the sole purpose of previewing the first wave of timepieces for the year. And what a show they got: There were technical marvels and Haute Joaillerie designs aplenty, resulting in a buffet of wonders to satiate any gourmand desire.

Audemars Piguet, for example, kicked things off with an unbeatable act. To continue the high momentum set by its Diamond Trilogy, the brand unleashed a new gem-encrusted number that would look right at home on the set of the next Star Trek movie. The Sapphire Orb features over 12,100 snow-set diamonds and sapphires set on a concentric frame. In the midst of its articulated waves sits a 2cm swivel orb that reveals a petite dial. Approximately 1,050 hours went into its gem-setting alone, resulting in a futuristic secret watch designed to get heads turning and tongues wagging, especially when worn with an avant-gardist ensemble like those by Iris van Herpen.

As if this were not enough, the brand, which will not be returning to Palexpo next year, raised the bar with Code 11.59, a new collection that Audemars Piguet CEO Francois-Henry Bennahmias has been quoted as calling the brand’s “most important launch” since the unveiling of the iconoclast Royal Oak in 1972. While others might be happy with a healthy showing of five new watches, Audemars Piguet threw down the gauntlet with 13 references containing three new calibres and five complications, including a Perpetual Calendar, Flying Tourbillon and a Minute Repeater.