TIME²'s Fine Watch Expert Picks His Highlights From SIHH 2011

VACHERON

“Patrimony world time. It’s the first time Vacheron has created a world time. The quality of the craftmanship is obvious just by looking at the dial. The intricacy and use of colour and shading to mark the AM and PM indication is truly superb. It’s also very easy to use as it setting operates from the crown. This makes a fantastic addition to the Vacheron range and is certainly a piece that will interest collectors."

IWC

“This year sees the re-launch of the Portofino collection. Using the trialled and tested IWC method of revisiting each family roughly every 5 years, the new Portofino is subject to a cool 2011 revamp. Not only is the watch now slightly bigger but it also rides on a very ‘trendy’ retro feel with the addition of a mesh bracelet. The range also grows with the launch of the hand wound and dual time models. A very solid and attractive entry price point to the IWC family."

JAEGER LE-COULTRE

“Jaeger Le-Coultre Grande Reverso ultra thin. Thinner watches have definitely set the tone for 2011 watch trends. For the occasion, Jaeger Le-Coultre reworks its famous Grande Reverso case to a thinner format. The highlight of this new collection is the Grande Reverso ultra thin tribute to 1931. Everything about the watch screams vintage with a beautifully understated black baton dial (with no indication of the brand name on the dial, just reverso, how very chic!) in the steel execution. It is worth noting that the Grande Reverso lady ultra thin is a triumph. Elegant, understated and redolent of what Jaeger Le-Coultre stands for."

PANERAI

“Always the unexpected from Panerai. The range uncovered at Geneva included the brand’s first bronze watch. This derives from the close association with Panerai and all things sailing. The watch also evolves over time. Indeed, bronze oxidizes (though only superficially, rest assured) meaning that the colour of the watch will change over time. It’s worth noting that the watch comes with a titanium case back to avoid staining."

AUDEMARS PIGUET

“The highlight of the new collection is the launch of the New Royal Oak offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger Legacy watch. This impressive 48MM chronograph black ceramic watch will be limited to 1,500 pieces worldwide. As always with Audemars Piguet, an unmissable collectors piece!”

These brands are all available at TIME² in Selfridges.

For more pictures of the SIHH 2011 collections, see www.facebook.com/time2watches.