What a year! Endless diseases, exploding wars, energy crises, collapsed economies, and, of course, special watches. Let's focus on the last part, shall we? As we approach the end of 2022, we gathered together the most important novelties of the year in the same article.
Hype. No one has ever heard of this word. It is used as exciting but also deceptive information/advertisement. In the world of watches, this word has gained a whole new meaning. I explain the word hype as watch models that even those who are not related to the hobby make great sacrifices to reach them.
Among the hype watches of 2022, several brands and models attract attention. The first is an Audemars Piguet. The flagship of the brand's most popular family, Ref. 15202, nicknamed Jumbo, was discontinued. Its successor, the Royal Oak Ultra-Thin 16202, appeared as a lesson to Swiss watchmaking on how to update a perfect watch. The case/bracelet/dial trio was before us again with all its glamor. The movement, on the other hand, equipped with 2022 technologies, renewed, strengthened, and made the watch even thinner.
Speaking of hype, it is impossible to continue without mentioning Patek Philippe. Aside from the Grand Complications that could not be found or reached even though they exist, the most striking model of PP, the 5711, left its place for the 5811. Thus, an era has come to an end. The entry-level Nautilus with a stainless steel case and bracelet replaced by an 18K white gold version has shifted the attention of many watch lovers, including me, in different directions.
Vacheron Constantin, the last member of the old holy trinity, made a show of strength with the Ref. 222 that rose from its ashes. The unique individual of the integrated case and bracelet watches segment, Ref. 222 combined the glamor of 18K yellow gold with VC quality. Hopefully, we'll see a stainless steel version of the 222 in the future.
Swatch, the revolutionary name of Swiss watchmaking, literally shook 2022! MoonSwatch models lined up millions of people in front of dealers, kept them waiting in the cold, and created a stampede. With this clever move, Swatch, the extraordinary and smart child of the family, has signed one of the most notable novelties of not only 2022 but also recent years. I wish new planets were discovered and different colored MoonSwatch versions were produced... We expect dynamic novelties from Swatch for 2023.
It would be impossible not to mention Rolex on such a list. The record-breaking brand confused the minds with the game-changing Deepsea Challenge model. The special model, which can go down to depths that do not exist in the world, apart from being the first complete titanium model of the brand, divided Rolex fanatics into two with its (almost) unwearable dimensions.
Sister company Tudor's Black Bay Pro and then Pelagos 39 models revealed the development of the brand. I think the Pelagos 39 model has confused many watch lovers, reshaping their watch shopping lists.
Omega's green Seamaster 300M model appeared with the most beautiful shades of green, our new favorite. Ceramic master Omega won brand new fans with the new version of the all-time classic Bond model. Combining the chronograph and the minute repeater, the Speedmaster Chrono Chime taught his brothers how to make complications.
Let's talk a little bit about the economy. Switzerland exported the most watches to the USA, China, and Hong Kong this year. Watches worth 7.7 billion CHF entered these 3 countries. In the period from January to November, Turkey ranked 21st in exports at 21.2 billion CHF, and the amount was announced as 222.2 million CHF.
Finally; Apple Watch has taken the concept of connected watches one step further with its Ultra series. The titanium case model made an appearance to “luxury” smartwatch manufacturers with its astonishing price tag.
