7 of the best new watches from SIHH 2016

The first of 2016’s high profile watch fairs, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, took place in Geneva, Switzerland this week. With some of the biggest names in fine watchmaking, including Cartier, Piaget, Richard Mille and IWC Schaffhausen, in attendance this was the world’s first chance to see some of the timepieces we’ll be coveting this year. Here’s our edit of the hottest luxury watches to look out for in 2016…

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie

An icon among the horological world for its instantly recognisable eight-sided bezel, for 2016 the Royal Oak is given a dose of Audemars Piguet’s complication mastery with the Concept Supersonnerie minute repeater. Hailed as a significant step forward in wristwatch repeaters thanks to its clear, refined sound and warm chime tone, this industrial beauty combines rugged looks with delicate acoustic artistry.

Case: Titanium

Strap: Black rubber

Movement: Manual calibre 2937

Waterproof: 20 metres

Limited edition: 50

Price: $597,400

If you like your watches big and bold then IWC’s new Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 55 is the 2016 model for you. As the name suggests, the timepiece measures in at a huge 55mm, making it the largest watch ever made by the Swiss brand. Its classic aesthetic is based on the original 1940 Big Pilot’s watch and is also available in a smaller 48mm version. With a limited edition of just 100, this is one investment you won’t regret making.

Case: Titanium

Strap: Brown calfskin

Movement: Mechanical Ref. IW510401

Waterproof: 60 metres

Limited edition: 100

Price: $14,800

Richard Mille, the fine watch brand famous for making its complications, well, complicated, doesn’t disappoint with its newest offering. The product of a collaboration with private jet firm Airbus Corporate Jets, the RM 50-02 ACJ Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph is distinctive for its open-work design which allows the wearer to inspect every tiny detail of its intricate construction.

Case: Titanium-aluminium alloy

Strap: Black rubber

Movement: Manual calibre RM 50-02

Limited edition: 30

Price: $1,050,000

Less a new design than a revamp of a forgotten favourite, Vacheron Constantin’s sporty Overseas range has been given its first makeover since 2004. While available in Classic, Small, Perpetual Calendar and Ultra-Thin models, the Chronograph has always been the favourite and, if an everyday watch is what you’re after, it’s easy to see why. Now available in steel or rose gold with a choice of blue or white lacquer dials and three interchangeable straps, this all-purpose watch just became even more versatile.

Case: Stainless steel or rose gold

Strap: Stainless steel, rubber and leather

Movement: Automatic calibre 5200

Price: From $28,900

As a specialist in some of the best Metiers d’Art watches and highly prized fine jewels on the market, it may come as a surprise to learn that 2016 marks the unveiling of Piaget’s first ever complication dedicated to women. Inspired by the moon, both in aesthetic and in the addition of the traditional horological moon phase function, the Limelight Stella is an unapologetically feminine timepiece that boasts precision and quality beneath its beautiful case.

Case: White or pink gold (with optional diamonds)

Strap: Leather

Movement: Automatic 11.5 ligne calibre 583P/580P

Price: From $20,500

Launching no fewer than eight high jewellery timepieces and two entirely new ranges, Cartier offered one of the strongest showings at this year’s SIHH. However, for sheer beauty, our standout piece had to be the Tourbillon Mystérieux Azuré pendant watch. Representing no fewer than 2,050 hours of work, this stunning piece subtly incorporates a sapphire and diamond butterfly on the dial and features a detachable 25.93 carat Sri Lankan sapphire making it one of the best transformer fine jewels for your capsule collection.

Case: White gold

Chain: White gold with diamonds

Movement: Manual calibre 9463 MC

Jewels: Sapphires, diamonds, onyx

Limited edition: 1

Price: POA

Montblanc is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year which, of course, means a slew of limited edition pieces including novelty additions to the Heritage, Timewalker and Villeret ranges. However, it was the brand’s new 4810 models – and in particular the Orbis Terrarum – that really caught our eye. This distinctive worldtimer offers the time in 24 different timezones and features a dial complete with sapphire discs showing the continents as viewed from the North Pole and the passing of day and night over them.

Case: Stainless steel

Strap: Black alligator

Movement: Automatic calibre MB 29.20

Waterproof: 50 metres

Price: €5,890