Rolex Leads High-End Watch Releases with Perpetual Padellone
Rolex has launched three new versions of the Perpetual Padellone, paying tribute to the 1950s reference 8171 known among collectors as the “Padellone” or “big frying pan,” De Tijd reported. The nickname originates from the 38-millimeter wide, flat case that was unusually large for its era. The new model measures 39 millimeters and features a combination annual calendar and moon phase display. Day, date, and month indicators jump simultaneously in a fraction of a second. The lineup includes two everose-gold variants, priced starting at 58,300 euros on rolex.com, alongside a platinum edition with an ice-blue dial.
Jeff Koons Partners with Hublot on Balloon Dog Watch
Artist Jeff Koons, whose 2019 sculpture “Rabbit” sold at auction for $91 million, has collaborated with Swiss watchmaker Hublot to create the Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons. The timepiece features a puffed case design, colorful aesthetics, and a miniature balloon dog acting as the second hand. Hublot lists the watch at 24,600 euros on hublot.com.
Omega Expands Seamaster Diver Line with James Bond and Spectre Models
Omega has introduced six new Seamaster Diver 300M models divided equally between the fictional character James Bond and his adversary organization, Spectre, following a museum preview in Biel. The 42-millimeter steel watches incorporate ceramic dials with wave patterns. The Bond variant utilizes blue and titanium styling with a rotor shaped like a gun barrel, while the Spectre version uses an all-black design featuring an octopus symbol. Two limited sets of 77 pieces each are available for collectors, priced at 8,500 euros according to omegawatches.com.
Jules Wittock and Ressence Collaborate on Complex Dial Design
Brussels-based labyrinth artist Jules Wittock has designed a watch dial for Antwerp watchmaker Ressence, as reported by De Tijd. Wittock, who transitioned from an IT career to full-time art five years ago, met Ressence founder Benoît Mintiens at the Brafa art fair. Mintiens noted that Wittock possesses the ability to reinvent his work for new applications. The resulting timepiece displays hours on a small dial and minutes on a larger one. Ressence manufactured 60 units of the Jules Wittock edition, priced at 26,200 euros on ressencewatches.com.
Audemars Piguet Releases White Ceramic Chronograph with Serena Williams
Audemars Piguet has released the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Serena Williams, designed in partnership with the tennis athlete who has maintained a decade-long relationship with the brand. The 38-millimeter watch consists of white ceramic paired with a soft pink mother-of-pearl dial. Production is limited to 500 pieces, priced at 70,000 Swiss francs according to audemarspiguet.com.
Patek Philippe and Chopard Highlight Heritage Collections
Patek Philippe has expanded its Gondolo collection with the Gondolo Ladies First, featuring six models equipped with color leather straps and gemstones, starting at 38,000 euros on patek.com. Concurrently, Chopard marked the 50th anniversary of its moving diamonds concept with the Happy Diamonds Heritage. The retro-styled yellow-gold timepiece contains 21 floating diamonds positioned over a black onyx dial, priced at 46,000 euros on chopard.com. Hermès also expanded its horological offerings with the H08 Squelette, an open-worked skeleton watch priced at 20,000 euros on hermes.com.
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