Watchmakers back on track at SIHH 2019

Based on the latest statistics for the industry, Swiss watch exports for the twelve months of 2018 will likely increase by around 7% It's a performance not seen since 2011/2012, reflected in the more subdued atmosphere of recent editions of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie The exhibiting brands have dropped the "Belt and braces" approach and are taking risks again - much to the delight of watch enthusiasts who are itching for something more adventurous than yet another vintage-inspired design.

Brands have also lived and learned from this last crisis, and have come to this year's SIHH with collections that are well-balanced and full of ideas, as well as mechanically more complex In these brighter days, watchmakers are considerably more inclined to show off their expertise After the omnipresent steel three-hander, brands are giving a new edge to their emblematic collections with more complex, more sophisticated pieces.

Not forgetting Ulysse Nardin whose Freak has been reworked as a more affordable version There are more surprises to be had on the materials front in the form of original alloys, used mainly for sports watch cases and mostly carbon-based; a material whose properties correspond to the performances one expects from a sports watch. . Source