Summer is in full swing, and while most of us have been off the grid vacationing in the tropics or camped out at our beach houses, the world of watchmaking has not stopped turning—pun intended. An impressive selection of new luxury creations, unexpected collaborations and exciting developments have recently been announced. We take a look at this season’s biggest horological highlights in the gallery below:

1. Save the ocean with Breguet and Race for Water

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Breguet

First announced in March at Baselworld 2018, the Race for Water vessel—the world’s first vessel powered solely by the energy of the sun, water and wind—is continuing on its voyage across Chile’s Robinson Crusoe Island this month before stopping at Easter Island later in September to benefit the Race for Water Foundation. Funds raised will go towards the foundation's efforts in water preservation and combating plastic pollution.

The crew on board—from captain to second in command, engineer and steward—have been donning the Breguet Marine Special Edition wristwatch that boasts an in-house movement with a hand-engraved dial on a rose-engine.

See also: 5 Luxury Watches That Are Saving The Seas

2. Zenith welcomes new ambassador, Eason Chan

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Zenith

Multi-award winning local pop singer, Eason Chan, has been tapped as the newest celebrity ambassador of the Swiss watchmaker.

Finding kinship in Eason’s “architectural approach to his craft”, “urban appeal” and “youthful spirit”, Zenith is launching a brand new advertising campaign entitled “Into the Second”. To be launched next week, the campaign aims to highlight their shared commitment to innovation, dedication and passion.

3. Piaget’s Record-Thin Altiplano Ultimate Concept Watch

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Piaget

You might have seen images and clips of this thin-as-a-dollar-coin concept watch all over social media, which is no surprise given that two of four pieces of the world’s thinnest mechanical watch ever produced—a jaw-dropping 2mm thick—recently visited the city to much fanfare.

Boasting one of the world's thinnest hand-wound mechanical movements, developed at the maison’s Manufacture in La Côte-aux-Fées, the paper-light monumental achievement is no doubt one of this year’s hottest horological releases.

See also: 10 Watches That Changed The World Of Watchmaking

4. Panerai reopens IFC boutique

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Panerai

Celebrated Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola lent her timeless, opulent aesthetic to the reopening of the Florentine luxury watchmaker’s IFC boutique. The 45-square-metre space features oak, veined marble, brushed dark brass, bronze and wood detailing to capture the watchmaker's old-time sensibility, while a large wall clock pays homage to Panerai’s iconic watch dial.

The reopening coincides with the unveiling of three new watches: the luxurious California 8 Days DLC, featuring the house’s first California dial in the luminor case, the Radiomir Black Seal Logo and the Radiomir Logo.

5. Baume & Mercier launch 920 collection

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Baume & Mercier

September 20 is still a month away—a romantic date that in Chinese roughly sounds like “love you for a long time”—but the luxury watchmaker has got lovebirds covered with the launch of its new 920 collection.  

Featuring a range of his and hers timepieces crafted in 18K rose gold and stainless steel bracelets, available in self-winding or automatic mechanical movements, the collection encapsulates the maison’s minimalistic elegance with a touch of heartstring-tugging sensitivity.

See also: Time Travel: Discover 9 Of The Best World-Time Watches

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