SIHH 2019: Frank’s Top 5 Picks

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As the dust settles, we bid farewell to the final SIHH to be held in January, at least until 2024 My impressions of this year’s SIHH are very positive This year’s launches were exciting to say the least.

There was drama, innovation, creativity, and even a social media dressing-down Some houses continue their consistently strong performance at SIHH, others rebounded strongly from dismal showings of SIHH past, and there were those who were vapid I am rambling on a little now, so without further ado, here are my top 5 picks from SIHH 2019:

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel

This watch needs no introduction.

Its mere existence commands reverence from all the other watches at SIHH The Master Grande Tradition Gyrotoubillon Westminster Perpétuel was arguably the most technically sophisticated timepiece present at the Palexpo If a multi-axis tourbillon (Gyrotourbillon) on its own doesn’t impress you, adding a minute repeater with Westminster chime and perpetual calendar to it should do the trick.

Might as well toss a remontoir into the mix to keep timekeeping snappy while we’re at it The aesthetics on the dial side – including the blued gongs and the relief-engraved dates – is gorgeous The view of the case back is no less breathtaking – top marks for design and finissage.

“They should probably just hand this year’s GPHG Aiguille d’Or prize to Jaeger-LeCoultre”, is what I’d say were it not for the next watch on my list.

Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar

It’s not difficult to see why the Traditionelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar is also one of the highlights of SIHH 2019 The watch has a feature that allows the owner to switch between a higher movement frequency (5 Hz) and a lower one (1.2 Hz) The higher frequency ensures precision; the lower frequency extends the watch’s power reserve by 22 times, enabling more than 65 days of autonomy, thus keeping the perpetual calendar going when not worn.

Naturally, it is not recommended for the watch to be worn while it is set at 1.2 Hz, as movement and shocks will have a much greater effect on timekeeping The concept may be simple, but the technicality behind it is mind-boggling And yes, this feature is a world-first.

It is so good to see Vacheron Constantin back in the innovation game The Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar is also a genuine contender for this year’s Aiguille d’Or.

A Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Jumping Seconds in White Gold with Black Dial

The Richard Lange Jumping Seconds is the only watch on this list that isn’t exactly new, being first introduced in 2016.

Now, let me get this off my chest: I’m not a fan of deadbeat/jumping seconds I very much prefer my seconds sweeping The ticking triggers some primitive part of my brain, causing feelings of agitation and irritability.

I appreciate the technicality of a ticking mechanical watch (especially in the Richard Lange’s case with the remontoir) but it isn’t enough to make me want it on my wrist Well, []

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