Still located in the premises where it was born in 1865, Zenith is celebrating its 150th anniversary by introducing an exceptional watch imbued with the visionary genius of its founder, Georges Favre-Jacot. Genius was indeed required to transpose the fusée and chain system borrowed from historical marine chronometers to the tiny space of a wristwatch. This highly complex device serves to compensate for the progressive reduction in the force of the barrel as the power reserve is discharged, and to maintain the perfect stability of the force with no loss of amplitude. In concrete terms, the mainspring transmits its energy to the helicoidal fusée devised by Zenith via a 18-cm chain that wraps itself around the barrel. By adjusting variations in tension, the fusée ensures the regularity of the force distributed to the gear train and then to the silicon escape wheel. 150-piece limited edition.

Already serving as “official supplier to world aviation” in the 1950s and 60s, Breitling now finds inspiration in a model from that era to present its new Chronoliner. This chronometer certified by the COSC, like all Breitling chronographs, is pursuing the brand’s longstanding aeronautical tradition in a spirit that is both modern and timeless. Its distinctive features include a broad scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic bezel with a star-shaped cut-out that facilitates handling as well as white ceramic numerals creating an optimal contrast. The second timezone is easily read off by means of a red-tipped hand together with a 24-hour graduated rotating bezel equipped with an ultra-accurate ratcheted system. The dial is distinguished by its perfect readability, with white luminescent hour-markers standing out against a black background, oversized hour/minute hands and luminescent counter hands. The model is complemented by a comfortable and distinctive steel mesh bracelet.

Christophe Claret pays tribute to Aventicum, the ancient capital of Roman Helvetia, and its museum. One of the many treasures to have been excavated here is a solid gold bust of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. The watchmaker has reproduced this bust and placed it at the centre of the dial, in the form of a gold micro-sculpture. Less than 3 millimetres high, this likeness is magnified using an astonishing optical system known as the mirascope: two parabolic mirrors are positioned one above the other; the topmost mirror has a hole in its centre. The object to be viewed is placed on the bottom mirror, reflected by light rays, and magnified to twice its size. The bust appears to be projecting out of the dial. Each of the watch’s decorations is inspired by Roman art, such as the patented sapphire oscillating weight that is embellished with five racing chariots. Aventicum is proposed as two limited series with 68 pieces in pink gold and 38 in white gold.

The highly original, shimmering new Farfalla watches by Artya are part of the Son of Earth collection and play with the colours of nature as well as subtle light effects. The most immediately striking aspect is the dial with its countless different shades, stemming from the incorporation of genuine butterfly wings, naturally in compliance with the relevant authorities. These stunningly beautiful wings are enriched with gold leaf in order to create an incomparable chromatic balance. This is the work of an artist, Dominique Arpa-Cirpka, who makes each watch a unique and almost living creation that subtly changes appearance as the day goes by. As always with Artya models, each customer is offered a chance to personalise the hands and the case – the latter being available in several sizes of 38 mm and up.