Watches and Wonders made a grand return with their second-largest global showcase this year in Shanghai from August 28 to September 1, 2024.
This event saw numerous luxury watch brands unveiling their latest collections for the year, featuring everything from classic timepieces to limited and special editions.
With so many brands introducing new models, you can expect shifts in both current and upcoming watch trends. Curious about the latest releases from Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024? Discover the full list in this article!
New Watch Releases at Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024
From Vacheron Constantin to Piaget and Panerai, numerous iconic timepieces have finally been unveiled to the world. Here are some of the top brands that showcased new watches at the event, along with a list of their latest models.
1. Vacheron Constantin: Fiftysix Collection & Chinese Zodiac Timepiece
Vacheron Constantin, one of the top three luxury watch brands and a pioneer in the industry, has introduced an update to their renowned Fiftysix collection at Watches and Wonders Shanghai.
The Fiftysix collection is a contemporary yet classic line that draws inspiration from the brand’s rich heritage, specifically referencing a historic model from 1956. Last week, they unveiled a new addition to the Fiftysix collection—the Fiftysix Self-Winding.
This timepiece features a deep black dial with an opaline center and a sunburst exterior, offering a striking contrast to the warm hues of its hour markers, hands, and case.
True to its name, the watch is powered by an in-house self-winding movement with a power reserve of around 30 hours. Completing the look is an anthracite-colored nubuck calfskin leather strap.
Also, in anticipation of the upcoming Lunar New Year, the brand also introduced the Year of the Snake timepiece. Available in 18k pink gold and 950 platinum, this limited-edition watch features a dial that showcases a cobra resting on a bed of rock, crafted using Grand Feu enamel.
Limited to just 25 pieces each, the dials are hand-engraved and hand-enameled by skilled artisans. The pink gold version is adorned with 18k 4N gold embellishments, while the platinum variant features 18k white gold details.
2. IWC: Portofino Chronograph & Year of the Snake Special Edition
Releasing special editions for the Lunar New Year appears to be a growing trend, as IWC joins Vacheron Constantin in introducing a new Year of the Snake timepiece.
The Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake is limited to just 500 pieces worldwide and features a striking burgundy dial that complements the golden moon in its moon phase display.
This release echoes IWC’s earlier Year of the Dragon model from January, but this time, the oscillating mass is serpent-shaped, paying homage to the snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac.
In addition to this, IWC also unveiled another addition to the Portofino collection: the Chronograph 39. This model comes with a five-link stainless steel bracelet and an integrated quick-change system, making it easy to swap out straps.
The watch features a silver-plated dial paired with rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, giving it a sleek, uniform appearance.
Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 caliber, a column-wheel chronograph movement, the watch allows for the measurement of stop times up to 30 minutes and offers a view of the movement through the sapphire glass case back.
3. Panerai: Luminor & Submersible New Models
At Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024, Panerai unveiled two exciting additions to their popular Luminor and Submersible collections: the Luminor Dieci Giorni GMT Ceramica PAM01483 and the Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech PAM01563.
The Luminor Dieci Giorni GMT Ceramica PAM01483 is a striking addition to the Luminor Complicazioni collection. Housed in a 44mm black ceramic case, this watch honors Panerai’s legacy of crafting durable and reliable timepieces for the Italian Navy.
It features the P.2003 calibre, an automatic movement with an impressive 10-day power reserve, which is prominently displayed on the green sun-brushed dial.
On the other hand, the Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech PAM01563 pays tribute to Panerai’s strong maritime heritage, particularly its partnership with the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team.
Limited to just 37 pieces, this 42mm watch is built with a case, bezel, and crown-protecting bridge made from Carbotech, a material renowned for its lightweight strength and resistance to wear and corrosion. It is powered by the P.900 calibre, an automatic movement with a 3-day power reserve.
4. Piaget: Polo Skeleton Ceramic
The Piaget Polo Skeleton Ceramic made its debut in the latest Watches and Wonders, following three years of meticulous development.
The primary challenge was integrating ceramic seamlessly into the Maison’s ultra-thin design DNA. The result is a watch with an impressive thickness of just 7.5mm, only 1mm more than its steel and gold counterparts.
The watch features a titanium case treated with black DLC, perfectly complementing the dark ceramic components. The design is predominantly tone-on-tone, with the open-worked dial highlighted by subtle touches of blue.
The indices, hands, and Piaget logo display a jewel-like blue tone that transforms into an aqua-like lume in the dark.
Powered by Piaget’s in-house 1200S1 movement, an ultra-thin self-winding caliber with a sleek jet-black finish, the Polo Skeleton Ceramic is completed with a classic black rubber strap, staying true to Piaget’s signature style.
5. Roger Dubuis: Two Tourbillon Models
Interestingly, Roger Dubuis introduced two new models featuring tourbillon mechanisms. The first is the Orbis in Machina Central Monotourbillon, designed around a series of concentric circles in 18K pink gold, adorned with 132 baguette-cut gems, including rubies and diamonds.
The transparent sapphire crystal caseback showcases the hand-finished Calibre RD115 movement, which includes two patent-pending systems for the tourbillon and is certified by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève. This limited edition is restricted to just eight pieces worldwide.
The second model is the Double Tourbillon Cobalt Chrome, featuring a 45mm case made from Cobalt Chrome.
This alloy, typically used in the aerospace and automotive industries for its durability and resistance, provides superior scratch and corrosion resistance while adding a distinctive silvery-gray sheen that is even brighter than stainless steel or titanium.
These remarkable new additions from Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Piaget, and Roger Dubuis were among the highlights at Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024.
Many of the timepieces introduced are special or limited editions, underscoring the exclusivity and craftsmanship that define this prestigious event.
For collectors eager to acquire these exceptional models, it’s wise to prepare well in advance, as securing these limited-edition pieces may require early planning and swift action.
