The gap between the last novelties of 2023 and the fresh crop of this year invites both contemplation and, for some, a bit of quick thinking. The latter is especially true for the small number of brands that try and fill said gap, taking advantage of what feels like a momentary lull in the otherwise relentless march of time. For some context, most watch brands are waiting for Watches and Wonders Geneva to show their hands…even if they are not participating. It is not so much a case of tick-talking together as it is a frantic push to rise as one on favourable hot air.
Thus, the Spring issue of WOW Singapore (issue # 72) continues to function for two main purposes. Most obviously, it is a springboard for a few brands that dare to avoid the novelty crush of 2024. We salute them for bravely flapping their wings, and you can read about it in the Highlights section. The team notes for the record though that unless you are selling MoonSwatches, the message might get lost in the whirlwind that is to come. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of the new watches appearing in the first quarter of 2024 are from one watchmaking group, including our cover star, the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel, otherwise known as the Villeret Perpetual Calendar.
For the alternative perspective on this, we speak with Parmigiani Fleurier CEO Guido Terreni about the importance of watch fairs. He points out quite rightly that most people reliably pay attention to watches once a year and it is vital to get the message out right then. Of course, there is also something to be said for timing those messages to also coincide with the arrival of the actual watches in stores. The most popular and sought-after watches may not be available for just any customer, but the alternatives certainly will be.
This is where the aforementioned contemplation comes in because the team has spent the last six months considering what their horological blind spots might be. The results of all this thinking are evident in many dozens of watches and brand names, all pulled together under the banner of the Unusual Suspects, alongside a few choice offerings in gold and a deep dive into the world of German watchmaking.
Then again, there are those brands that showcased novelties in January and are gearing up for another round at Watches and Wonders Geneva. These are the brands of LVMH, and we have the important watches covered. Check it out here first because you may miss it once the game gets underway in the capital of Swiss watchmaking.
For more on the latest in luxury watch reads from WOW, click here.
