Rolex Cellini Moonphase
Rolex celebrated the 50th anniversary of a cult icon this year with a modern take on the Sea-dweller, alongside the unveiling of three stunning iterations of the Daytona. But what was most surprising was the release of the Cellini Moonphase because really, when was the last time this complication came from the crowned king? It is a successor of the two most coveted watches in the vintage watch arena—the 6062 and 8171 Padellone— and is astronomically accurate to a day in 122 years with the full moon cast in meteorite and the moonphase cycle displayed on a blue enamelled disc. Another appreciable decision was how the brand had chosen the Cellini collection in which to relaunch this complication, invigorating and demonstrating its ambitions for the oft-overlooked line.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic
Elsewhere, Bulgari continued its domination in ultra-slimness and the Octo Finissimo Automatic unveiled at the show was simply astounding. It weighs just 68g and measures 5.15mm thick, surpassing the previous record-holder, Piaget at 5.25mm. With an entirely redesigned movement, every component has been significantly reduced to its minimum. The rotor is made of platinum to ensure sufficient inertia to fully wind the watch while the rest of the movement components are made of titanium. And for the first time, accompanying the watch is a striking bracelet made in full titanium with links that are just 2.5mm thick, 1mm slimmer than the norm of the market. It sits superbly well on the wrist and as per the codes of the Octo Finissimo, its heavily faceted case ensures a formidable wrist presence amid its record-breaking elegance.