Preview these early launch show-stoppers ahead of Watches & Wonders 2023

WATCH lovers may be waiting in anticipation for the show of all shows - Watches & Wonders - to happen at the end of the month, for a glimpse of what timepieces to put on their wishlist. But for those who just can’t wait - and some brands seem to know that too - there are some truly exciting watches being rolled out now as several big names show off their latest creations.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph

In horological parlance, the “panda” refers to any chronograph watch dial that’s white with three black sub-dials. The first of such chronographs was dedicated to motor sports and appeared in the 1960s. Since then, the panda has become the most popular face for chronograph watches.

Yet Vacheron Constantin, which only rolled out the first chronographs in its Overseas collection in 1999, has taken more than 20 years to produce a panda. Still, to have launched the brand’s long-awaited version of it ahead of Watches & Wonders, Vacheron Constantin might have stolen the march on rivals at the fair.

Already, some watch reviewers are calling the new steel panda “the best-ever interpretation” of the chronograph models in the Overseas series. While there are many other pandas in the market, this one which has the Vacheron Constantin name on it is likely to command greater appeal. Price: S$46,500.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph

Get set for more new Royal Oak Offshore watches this year as the brand celebrates the line’s 30th anniversary. And if this first celebratory piece is any indication, Royal Oak Offshore fans are in for a treat ahead. 

The new version of the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph is now housed in its first-ever black ceramic case. This is paired with a matching bracelet and a black Petite Tapisserie dial that gives the 42mm watch a contemporary monochrome look. The mechanical heart of the watch is an in-house automatic chronograph movement, which has a flyback function. This allows the chronograph to be restarted without having to first stop and reset it.  Price: S$122,900.

Officine Panerai Luminor Quaranta Razer Special Edition

They come from different worlds, but a common love for the ocean has brought the Italian watch brand and US-Singapore gaming company together. The Luminor Quaranta Razer, a merger of high-end horology and the iconic aesthetic of the most recognised name in e-sports and global gaming, is a symbol of the partnership between Officine Panerai and Razer. The partnership is committed to promoting sustainability and protecting ocean species as well as their environment.

Thanks to its cushion-shaped case, including the crown protection bridge, the 40mm self-winding watch is easily recognised as belonging to the iconic Luminor collection, a pillar of the Panerai family of adventure-ready timepieces. This special steel edition is made largely from recycled materials, including its case, strap and packaging.

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Razer’s presence on the watch is marked by the electric green on the small seconds dial and strap stitching, set against a black back — the gaming brand’s signature colours. Razer’s famous triple-headed snake is engraved on the caseback and Razer’s name, in its own font, is reflected on the crown-protection bridge. Price: S$12,100.

IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic 40

Three years ago, the Portugieser Automatic 40 brought back the timeless design of the first Portugieser model from the late 1930s. That first watch, Reference 325, has since set the design template for the Portugieser line. It features a clearly organised and open dial, a characteristic minute’s scale and small seconds at six o’clock.

The latest Portugieser Automatic 40 comes in a stainless steel case as well as rhodium-plated hands and appliqués. But most eye-catching is its striking salmon-coloured dial. Thanks to the pared-back Portugieser design and the refined sunray finish, the beautiful colour is displayed in all its glory. The watch, powered by an in-house movement, is paired with a black alligator strap which has a butterfly folding clasp matching the dial colour. Price: S$11,000.