Watches of wonder

AMONG THE DISRUPTIONS caused by the Covid-19 crisis was the postponement of the mega watch show Watches and Wonders - the successor of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie exhibition - from this year to 2021. But the show's organisers have since rebounded from the initial upset over extended lockdowns to find an online solution. Hence, the launch on Apr 25 of watchesandwonders. com, which saw new timepieces rolled out by 30 leading watch brands, mostly owned by the Swiss Richemont luxury group.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

''La Musique du Temp'' Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Split Seconds Chronograph has a long name, with multiple complications to match. This double-sided watch packs 24 functions that qualify it as the world's most complicated wristwatch. The previous record holder, Patek Philippe's Grandmaster Chime, features 20 complications. Housed unsurprisingly in a big 50mm wide pink gold case, Vacheron's Grand Complication has time and calendar functions, including a perpetual calendar and split seconds chronograph, displayed on one side of the watch. The other side shows a tourbillon regulator and astronomical indications. The unique piece is also a minute repeater that boasts a ''unique sound print recorded and certified'' by Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles made most of their records.