Cover Bulgari’s Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon. (Photo: Courtesy of Bulgari)

From Bulgari and Zenith to Hublot, here are six of the best timepieces from the first luxury watch reveal of 2020

The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) has moved its traditional January dates to April, to coordinate with Switzerland's other watch fair, Baselworld. 

A growing number of watchmakers have subsequently decided to bring their new models to market throughout the year, and three luxury brands unveiled their latest novelties in Dubai last week, as part of the very first (and highly-anticipated) LVMH Watch Week.

Here are the highlights.

See also: James Bond's 'No Time To Die' Watch Is Even Cooler Than We Thought

1. Bulgari’s Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon

Tatler Asia
Above Bulgari’s Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon in rose gold. (Photo: Courtesy of Bulgari)

An indisputable highlight, Bulgari unveiled the world's smallest tourbillon for women. The latest Serpenti Seduttori houses a unique movement that was especially designed to fit inside the unique and sleek dimensions of its snake head-inspired case.

Rhodium-plated and hand-decorated with the Côtes de Genève striped pattern, the movement also features one sapphire bridge, all of which can be admired through the transparent sapphire case back— a nice touch considering most women's timepieces don't showcase the insides.

Available in rose and white gold with diamond pavé and a leather strap, or white gold with diamond pavé and a full diamond bracelet, the Serpenti Sedutttori Tourbillon proves that exceptional watchmaking needn't be reserved for men.

2. Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo

Tatler Asia
Above Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Automatic in black sandblast-polished ceramic. (Photo: Courtesy of Bulgari)

Five new ultra-thin models have been added to Bulgari's beloved Octo Finissimo line, each of which boast innovative new finishes including satin-polished steel and rose gold.

The pictured Octo Finissimo Automatic comes in a moody black sandblast-polished ceramic case, which accentuates the model's contrasting matte and mirrored surfaces.

In another nod to female collectors, Bulgari has announced that this particular edition was made with women in mind. Bold and contemporary, the Octo Finissimo Automatic's slim structure and stylish aesthetic is designed to appeal to both genders although on my wrist it's still a macho hunk of wrist candy.

See also: Going Beyond Time: How Luxury Watchmakers are Giving Back Through Philanthropic Efforts

3. Hublot’s Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic

Tatler Asia
ProEXR File Description=Attributes=cameraAperture (float): 36cameraFarClip (float): 1e+009cameraFarRange (float): 1e+006cameraFov (float): 6.16471cameraNearClip (float): 0cameraNearRange (float): 0cameraProjection (int): 0cameraTargetDistance (float): 200cameraTransform (m44f): [{1, 0, 6.14105e-008, 0.193015}, {6.14105e-008, 0, -1, -563.021}, {0, 1, 0, -2.97232}, {0, 0, 0, 1}]channels (chlist)compression (compression): Zip16dataWindow (box2i): [0, 0, 3999, 5999]displayWindow (box2i): [0, 0, 3
Above Hublot’s Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic. (Photo: Courtesy of Hublot)

A limited edition of 100 pieces, the new Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic stays true to Hublot's 'Art of Fusion' philosophy, which celebrates the union of craftsmanship and innovation.

Housed in a blood-red case made of high-tech ceramic, which has been entirely developed and produced in-house by the brand, the Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic's movement is fully visible through its transparent dial.

Its skeletonized calibre HUB9011 boasts two weeks' worth of power reserve via seven series-coupled barrels. Boasting 270 components, it is wound manually using the large fluted crown that takes design inspiration from a car's helical gears. Vroom vroom...

4. Hublot’s Big Bang Sang Bleu II Limited Edition

Tatler Asia
Above Hublot’s Big Bang Sang Bleu II Limited Edition. (Photo: Courtesy of Hublot)

The Big Bang Sang Bleu II is now available in new limited editions. Inspired by the famous Swiss tattooist Maxime Plescia-Büchi, this collection of Big Bang watches is a horological expression of body art.

An intricate web of geometric lines criss-cross the model's hands, bezel and case. The latest blue edition is available in titanium as well as the brand’s very own King Gold, both with and without stone settings.

Measuring in at 45mm, this chunky timepiece houses a Unico manufacture movement–an automatic chronograph–which offers 72-hours of power reserve.

See also: Hidden in Plain Sight: 6 High Jewellery Secret Watches With Beautiful Dials

5. Zenith’s Defy 21 Land Rover Edition

Tatler Asia
Above Zenith’s Defy 21 Land Rover Edition. (Photo: Courtesy of Zenith)

A personal favourite (and not just because I have a Defender at home), this rough-and-ready wristwatch is a fun addition to any collection. Inspired by the new and improved Land Rover Defender, Zenith’s latest Defy 21 comes in a limited edition run of 250 pieces.

Its 44mm case in micro-blasted titanium feels light and robust, while the crown and chronograph hands in orange add a burst of colour onto the closed grey dial beneath. There's no doubting this watch's inspiration...

6. Zenith’s Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue

Tatler Asia
Above Zenith’s Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue. (Photo: Courtesy of Zenith)

Another fun piece by Zenith, the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue in stainless steel comes with a slate-grey sunray dial. An aged black calfskin leather strap adds to the wristwatch's overall vintage aesthetic, although its a little short to wear over a classic shearling leather flight jacket–in case you own one...

Oversized Arabic numerals complete this retro piece–made entirely out of Super-LumiNova, they ensure this watch looks just as good in the dark as it does in the light.

See also: How Luxury Watchmakers Are Changing The Role Of Brand Ambassadors

Topics