THE 2022 EDITION of Watches and Wonders was by far the most significant event for the watch industry since 2019. That year, the last of the pre-pandemic trade show circuit, saw the final incarnation of Baselworld, and the final incarnation of Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) before the latter rebranded itself as Watches and Wonders.
The most notable difference between this and previous fairs were the heavy-hitting brands that made their way to Geneva after the demise of Baselworld. Combined with the pre-existing SIHH attendees that included the Richemont stable and other established names, it meant that Watches and Wonders was the greatest concentration of horological luxury brand power seen under one roof in modern times. Here are the highlights from the show.
Cartier Coussin de Cartier
While the new Cartier Mysterieuse is one of the most talked- about pieces of the fair – and it is indeed a tremendous mechanical accomplishment that took eight years to develop – the Coussin de Cartier limited editions should not be overlooked. A demure ladies’ watch at first glance, the dial and caseback are joined by a flexible, gem-set white gold mesh, and even the core components of the watch seem to be on a spring to give them some bounce. The result is that the watch case is soft to the touch, compressing slightly but readily under the finger only to return back into shape, truly living up to its ‘cushion’ moniker. Both models also have gem-set dials, one in diamonds (€72,000) and one with diamonds alongside other coloured stones (€76,000). Each has over 1,000 precious stones to them, and are limited to 20 pieces. The result is playful, precious, highly reminiscent of early 20th-century glamour - and very Cartier.
A Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1
A Lange & Söhne’s more impactful releases this year are, arguably, either the visually arresting titanium
