Pondering the mysteries of the cosmos
Here’s a look at the watchmaking maisons who showcased at the renown watch trade show Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) this year from the 14th to the 17th January 2019. We’ve picked the showstoppers at the event and the next on our list is — the Girard-Perregaux Bridges Cosmos.
You can find the full series here.
This year, Girard-Perregaux is pondering lofty concepts of earth and sky, as well as matter and space. These themes are all evident in this year’s new masterpiece, the Bridges Cosmos (CHF345,000), which hosts a unique complication with a philosophical bent.
Within the 48mm titanium case is a display neatly organised into four symmetrical sectors. Time is at 12 o’clock, opposite the tourbillon at 6. At 3 and 9 o’clock are the highlights of this piece: two laser-engraved titanium globes, the one on the right a model of the earth which indicates the local time zone as well as day or night, and the one on the left shows a star map that tracks the zodiac constellations.
It is a striking but visually contemplative timepiece. The globes glow blue in the dark thanks to the use of hydroceramic. This was also used for the sweeping accents on the metallized sapphire dial. There is no crown—instead, the watch is wound and set by four keys on the case-back which fold flat as to be unobtrusive during wear. A cut-out allows viewing of the globe indicators from the back as well, so that stargazers and world-watchers alike can fully observe our planet and its place in the universe.
SIHH 2019 Recap
The 29th edition of Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) was another record-breaking one, counting 23,000 visitors over its four days. Geneva’s Palexpo convention centre was packed not only with people, but the latest about to be unleashed on the horological world from the 35 participating brands.
There were quite a few new beginnings and surprises. Ulysse Nardin reworked the iconic Freak, and Bovet’s debut introduced the fair to its historical pocket watch heritage. Vacheron Constantin and Hermes surprised with some truly innovative watchmaking, while Panerai showcased new limited editions that come with adventurous experiences attached. On their last appearances at SIHH, both Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille unveiled new collections—the former surprising with distinct and deliberate design, while the latter with a completely unexpected candy-themed range.
