The WatchAddictWT SIHH2019 Awards: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsseVu8Hl0w/After following the coverage by the prominent industry journalists, I am taking the opportunity to summarize the Best of SIHH 2019 with a mainstream brand focus. I hereby present to you 4 Awards:
1) Best Showcase of Mechanical Watchmaking Award:JLC Gyrotourbillon Westminster PerpétuelRationale: It is a constant-force Gyrotourbillon, a minute repeater (with Westminster chiming), and a perpetual calendar that can be set forwards and backwards, all in a 43mm case that's thinner than an ETA7750 based watch. The dial too is a showcase of in-house craftsmanship. This is JLC showing off what it can do just because it can. The holy trinity has just been reminded why JLC is the Watchmaker's Watchmaker.
2) Best Mass Consumer Appeal Award: IWC Pilot SpitfireRationale: IWC finally did it. For the most basic Pilot Spitfire, the modestly sized 39mm dial now has a date window that is well balanced to the hour arabic numerals unlike the Mark XVIII. It also boasts a new in-house workhorse movement to match, and is priced competitively with its peers in the mainstream, affordable luxury segment. Top it all off in bronze and we've got a winner.
3) Best Sleeper Hit Award: AP Royal Oak Chrono 38mmRationale: What's so great about another Royal Oak, you say? AP had no reason to make this watch. It was previously a 41mm timepiece that sold well. But now AP has essentially made a brand new case that's 10% smaller and still houses the exact same legendary Frédéric Piguet movement and specifications. Small wrists around the world rejoice - you now have an iconic chronograph by a trinity brand that can be procured at the same price as a pre-owned current year Rolex Daytona.
4) Best Controversy Award: AP CODE 11:59Rationale: What can I say that has not already been said. If AP was looking for a media-storm, they got it. We might as well call this the AP Polarizer. I will reiterate again, I applaud AP for the admirable attempt at something new. For all intents and purposes the case and crystal show it. It's just that the dial doesn't. But the foundations are there. I think if AP persists and does a Dial V2.0 in the next year, opinions may just swing back to positive.
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