First look at Watches & Wonders

WITH the mega Watches & Wonders 2022 making a comeback in the flesh in Geneva, the luxury watch world is cautiously stepping out of the virtual cocoon it has been in for the past two years of the pandemic.

Many watch brands are returning to the habit of unveiling some of their new timepieces before the main event next month, just to whet the appetite of watch lovers and to build up the momentum to the biggest watch event of the year. Here's a taste of what's to come:

• Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table

In this limited-edition watch - only 28 pieces have been crafted - the 12-hour indices are ingeniously transformed into King Arthur's brave knights, each in a different posture. The dial is the fabled round table, framed in a 45 mm-wide rich pink-gold case.

Inspired by the legend but designed for the future, the watch showcases rare craftsmanship. Showcasing micro-sculpture and manual hand-assembly, each knight is complete with medieval armour, plates, shield and helmet, and wields a customised weapon that is drawn, ready for battle.

In conveying the legend, even the crown and its protector are intentionally shaped like the guard of a sword; it is designed to appear as if a blade is stuck inside the watch, just like the Excalibur was in the stone that Arthur pulled out as proof of his destiny as king.

Price: S$478,000

• TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4

Designed to appeal to a larger customer base, the Connected Calibre E4 comprises a pair of new-generation smart watches - a bigger 45 mm wide sporty model, and a smaller 42 mm watch that is more sophisticated and elegant. The smaller version is equipped with the latest sports and wellness apps to appeal to all tastes - and looks good at work and play as well as at formal functions.

The larger watch exudes the feel of a traditional high-end timepiece and is rimmed by a strong ceramic bezel. Significantly restyled to set it apart from past models, the watch has an increased sense of flow and is easier to use for people on the go.

Keeping track of your fitness routine on these two connected watches is a piece of cake, with the TAG Heuer Sports app now offering guided workout routines, fitness information and sports tracking for running, cycling, swimming and walking performance.

There are also more elegant watch faces to choose from. The battery life is 30 per cent longer on the 45 mm watch and synchronising data to and from your phone is a lot faster on the new smart watches.

Price: S$2,550 to 3,550

• Zenith DEFY Extreme E "Desert X Prix"

The first in a series of special editions of the DEFY Extreme Carbon, this new automatic high-frequency chronograph that measures time at 1/100th of a second marks the second season of the Extreme E electric car rally race, the Desert X Prix. The race took place last week at NEOM, the futuristic city built on a mountainous terrain with vast sand dunes alongside the Red Sea in north-western Saudi Arabia.

Zenith is a founding member of and official timekeeper for Extreme E, an international off-road racing series that uses spec-silhouette electric SUVs to race in remote parts of the world.

All racing locations are chosen to raise awareness for some aspects of climate change. Extreme E is supported by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, the governing body for many auto racing events, including the Formula One race.

Limited to 20 pieces, DEFY Extreme E "Desert X Prix" incorporates various recycled elements from the sidelines of the first season's race, such as the E-grip recycled tyres, which are used to make the lid of the case.

The plate covering the watch is made from parts of an Extreme E racing tarpaulin. The watch case, inspired by the extreme conditions of the rally, is waterproof and crushproof. It is framed by an ultra-light, but highly durable carbon case that has an angular geometric shape. The pusher protectors and the 12-sided bezel are made of titanium. The watch comes with inter-changeable rubber and Velcro straps in yellow or in black.

Price: S$39,700