Time To Look Back At The Most Anticipated Watches

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As we gear up for Geneva 2018, Modern Luxury looks back at some of the most hotly anticipated watches of early 2017.

Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Symphonia Grande Sonnerie 1860

As the oldest continually operating fine watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin certainly took its time to introduce its first grande sonnerie timepiece, but the wait was well worth it. Les Cabinotiers Symphonia Grande Sonnerie’s clean, almost sporty 45 mm dial execution belies the utter complexity and dedication to technical and aural excellence of the piece. A bidirectional manual-winding movement—10 years in the making—and unique security systems combine to simplify and “ham-fist” proof this traditionally fussy complication, providing a rare, beautiful timepiece that makes equally appealing music. Price upon request, vacheron-constantin.com

F.P. Journe Vagabondage III

From the mind of master Geneva watchmaker François-Paul Journe comes the last installment in the limited collection of his trilogy Vagabondage timepiece series. Owners of the previous two editions will be given priority to purchase this limited edition, making the new iteration extraordinarily collectable. All the watches in the trilogy incorporate a wandering digital satellite approach to indicating the time, with this latest Vagabondage III completing the tale with digital jumping hour, minute and (a world’s first) seconds indicators, while the minute is indicated with a central hand. Red gold $56,900, limited to 68 pieces; platinum $59,000, limited to 69 pieces; fpjourne.com

IWC Da Vinci 40 mm Automatic

While the news at IWC focused on the relaunch of its 1980s-era 36 mm Da Vinci collection focused on ladies, this classic, sober 40 mm execution is perfect for the man seeking a smaller watch that still packs in style gravitas. Based on IWC’s 35111 calibre movement and available in two versions —stainless steel with a slate-colored dial and stainless steel with a silver-plated dial (pictured)—it is an instant clean classic. $5,400 on leather strap, iwc.com

Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Oracle Team USA Titanio

Panerai immerses itself even deeper in its maritime heritage with its announcement of not only becoming an official sponsor of the 35th America’s Cup races, but also becoming an official sponsor of both Oracle Team USA and SoftBank Team Japan. This 47 mm brushed titanium special edition pays homage to the cup’s current defender, Oracle Team USA, and incorporates a vital raceworthy regatta countdown function into the watch’s impressive flyback chronograph, three-day power reserve and 100-meter water resistance specs. The eye-catching color of team’s livery ensures the wearer will make a bold impression, whether sailing across the finishing line or simply watching from shore. $17,900, panerai.com

A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph Perpetual

Placing the Saxony, Germany-based watchmaker’s dedication to both technical precision and adherence to charming tradition center stage, the 43 mm Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Mérite timepiece captured a lot of attention during the show—not only for the execution of a splendid perpetual calendar function (a function that was something of a recurring theme at SIHH), but also for its integration of a miniaturized fusee-and-chain transmission for constant force; rattrapante chronograph; and bold, deep tourbillon—oh, and a moon phase to boot. Easily one of the most technically complex timepieces to debut at the show, it is limited to 50 pieces. $507,000, alange-soehne.com