Following an electrifying start, the festival's second day cemented its reputation as the epicenter of watchmaking culture. It was an oasis free from sales pressure and filled with pure innovation, a dazzling symphony that combined the technical rigor of haute complication with immersive cultural experiences.
Hours of Genius: The Launches That Set the Pace
The second day became the birth date for timepieces that are set to redefine the limits of mechanics and art.
1. The Summit of Sonnerie: Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike
If on the first day we spoke of its pleasant resonance, we now know the magnitude behind this masterpiece. The new L.U.C Grand Strike is not just Chopard's most complex watch to date; it is a declaration of intent. Its development consumed over 11,000 hours and is protected by ten patents. With its minute repeater functions and the dual capacity of grande and petite sonnerie, it is the ultimate proof of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele's and Romain Boulandet's pursuit of acoustic perfection.
2. Mechanical Poetry and Subtle Luxury
- Van Cleef & Arpels dazzled with its Brassée de Lavande table automaton, a piece that merges high jewelry with animation. A central lavender bouquet magically opens to reveal a butterfly with plique-à-jour enamel wings and diamond details—a spectacle of delicacy and fantasy.
- Parmigiani showcased the contained elegance of its 'Arctic Rose' edition of the PF Tonda Rattrapante. Subtlety is found in every detail, from the Grain d'Orge guilloché treatment on the dial to the perfect fluidity of its case and bracelet.
- Collaborations also shone, including a forged carbon version of the Frederique Constant Highlife chronograph and the charming Unfrogettable by Konstantin Chaykin and Louis Erard.
There was also a glimpse of coveted limited editions, such as the vibrant Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo collaboration and the exquisite Louis Vuitton Escale Limited Edition.
Watchmaking Culture: Education and Legacy in Focus
This event distinguishes itself from traditional fairs by its unwavering commitment to education and community. The atmosphere continued to integrate art installations, interactive exhibits, and immersive learning experiences.
- 150 Years of History: Audemars Piguet paid an emotional tribute to its century and a half of existence with the "House of Wonders" exhibition.
- Masters of Independence: Support for independent watchmaking remained a pillar, with a stellar lineup including A. Lange & Söhne, F.P. Journe, Greubel Forsey, MB&F, and Urwerk.
- Classes and Advice: The Bonhams team offered appraisals, while masterclasses from Bovet (explaining their Roller system) and La Fabrique Du Temps (introduction to miniature painting) offered unique technical perspectives.
Chronomania: The Emotion Behind Collecting
The day's climax was the evening session: Chronomania: Inside the Mind of Watch Collectors.
The debate was an interdisciplinary meeting of legends: investor Kevin O'Leary (with his iconic red straps), film star Dhanush, cricket legend Kane Williamson, and independent watchmaking superstar, Rexhep Rexhepi.
The conversation transcended economic value, delving into the psychology, fatherhood, and sentimental value of watches. While Edouard Meylan (H. Moser & Cie) and Antonio Aiello (100% Capri) debated how to build an identity that resists trends, the message was clear: a watch is a vehicle of legacy, not just a timekeeper.
The second day of the festival was a masterful celebration where technical innovation, exemplified by the patents of the Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike, met artistic expression, such as that found in the Van Cleef & Arpels automaton. The event transcended mere exhibition by integrating education, paying tribute to the history of Audemars Piguet, and concluding with the Chronomania segment, reinforcing that the intrinsic value of haute horlogerie lies in its capacity to be an emotional and cultural legacy, far beyond being just a timekeeper.
