Expecting the unexpected is an HYT maxim; the Soonow Drop Three doesn’t disappoint.

Many watch companies have become obsessed with “tracking” – tracking clients, in the first instance, in an effort to find out who they are, what they buy, and where. Customer data is the holy grail of watch marketing, probably because it’s still one of its primary weaknesses, particularly compared with mass retail. As Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué told us a few weeks ago, data is the future.

If you’re in need of some good news, you’ve come to the right place. It’s not going to be that we’ve found a cure or a super-vaccine — we are writers and creatives, not scientists. But something that is just as important as physical health is psychological peace and security. Paranoia has sparked violence, negative social behaviours and panic buying in some cities, leading local authorities to implement draconian measures such as business closures and restrictions on public events. Even in places with relatively manageable levels of infection, the abrupt evaporation of logic and common sense has created social chaos and unrest. 

Used to the tarmac, Bell & Ross has been providing drivers with the time since 1994. The watches created by the watch brand are inspired by instrument panels found on aircraft. To ensure the brand renews itself, Bruno Belamich, Bell & Ross’s co-founder and creative director, is keen to explore different worlds. The watch brand has partnered with the Renault F1® Team since 2016 and has been studying the world of Formula 1® ever since. This partnership solidifies the coming together of two French brands, united by their shared values of high performance and high tech. This union led to the yearly creation of a watch collection, with the search for the extreme serving as the driving force. Since 2016, four R.S. series inspired by this world have been created.

We’re here in Gstaad with Louis Vuitton to see some new pieces. Is there one in particular you were excited to show people?
Definitely the Tambour Curve. It’s a new step forward for Louis Vuitton because everything on this watch is new, such as the case material: CarboStratum. You haven’t heard of it before because it was especially developed for Louis Vuitton. 

The Spirit of Formal Elegance

At Montblanc, we have defined classical watches typology through their “Elegance” and history pedigree. The Spirit of Formal Elegance, which is embodied by the Star Legacy product line, is inspired by Minerva pocket watches from the 19th century and the beginning of 20th century. The nowadays timepieces include round polished pebble-shaped cases, like those found on antique pocket watches; onion-shaped crowns with the recognisable Montblanc emblem; refined dials with the iconic exploding star guilloché pattern; and Sfumato straps coming from the Pelletteria in Florence, Italy.

Hublot announces the Hublot Classic Fusion Special Edition ‘London’, a limited edition watch celebrating the Swiss watch company’s ongoing love affair with the vibrant, colourful city of London. The watch was launched last night at a star-studded event held at The Gherkin. The evening was hosted by Omar Choudhary, Hublot Brand Director UK, and attended by Hublot Friend of the Brand Chris Froggatt. Hublot also welcomed football coach and former professional football player Patrice Evra. Guests enjoyed a set by DJ Matt and mingled over canapés and cocktails.

The Women’s Pavilion takes a new look at the contribution of women and their impact on society, shining a light on the achievements, past and present, that have driven forward economies and enhanced their communities. The Pavilion will play an exciting role in The World’s Greatest Show of human brilliance and achievement. In the spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, the Women’s Pavilion will also spotlight the breadth and wealth of female expertise that is inspiring and empowering global citizens to create a better future. It will take visitors on an educational journey showcasing both male and female contributors to women’s empowerment and gender equality, and will highlight important milestones for women’s rights, as well as the challenges that women are still facing today. Through these stories, the Women’s Pavilion aims to raise global awareness and inspire people from all generations to make a difference within their community and beyond.

Inspired by historical Minerva classic wristwatches from the 1940s and 50s and the spirit of neo- dandy style, Montblanc unveils three novelties within its Heritage product line.The trend is for today’s stylish gentleman, fondly called neo-dandies, to be attentive to details that make a difference, whether it is the feel of a certain fabric, the cut of a jacket, the choice of colours, or the finishing touches to the ideal outfit. Genuinely passionate about sartorial details, these men master the art of being well dressed with flair and look for authenticity and aesthetic harmony, which can sometimes be anti-conformist. They embody the spirit of sophisticated elegance and are the essence of the Heritage product line.

In 2020, when every smartwatch and fitness monitor can tell you your heart rate, why in the world would you buy a mechanical watch with a pulsometer? It can’t show your current heart rate spontaneously, alert you if your heart rate becomes too high or too weak, or send you a notification in the event of arrhythmia. It can’t save your life, like some smartwatches apparently have.