Miami is always tons of fun — ever since Will Smith crooned the beach city’s name in his hit 1997 record, it’s stood as a byword for high times and hot nightlife. And it was the perfect choice of location for LVMH’s 2024 Watch Week, considering that the United States still holds on to its place as the biggest consumer of luxury watches in the world — the latest figures show that the US is now worth more to the watch industry than both the Hong Kong and Chinese markets combined. What better way to show off the group’s latest TAG Heuer, Hublot, Bulgari and Zenith wares than by launching them in a city where the idea is to have a good time, all the time.
It was also an opportunity for LVMH to introduce its two newest acquisitions — Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta, two historic Maisons that have been relaunched within La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton — to its biggest market, and the rest of the world beyond. The occasion also served to officially introduce 28-year-old LVMH heir Frédéric Arnault — watch execs seem more and more like policemen, they just keep getting younger — as the new CEO of LVMH Watches, moving on from his former role of CEO of TAG Heuer.
“LVMH Watch Week is a major rendezvous for our Maisons, an opportunity for us to kick off the year by welcoming our clients and our partners,” said Arnault during the week. “This now annual event highlights the exceptional creativity of our teams and brings our guests a custom-tailored experience as they discover our new creations, each emblematic of unique watchmaking savoir-faire and vision.”
Here, GMT GCC counts down the week’s biggest and most bombastic launches, as perfect for a refined stay at a private villa — such as the one LVMH Watch Week took place in — as a wicked night out on Ocean Drive. Bienvenidos a Miami.
BULGARI
Octo Finissimo Tuscan Copper
Steel and salmon — it’s a fire and ice combination that shows a whole new side to the dynamic Bulgari Octo Finissimo. Having set a very appropriate eight records in its time, its slimness is of course its most remarkable feature, but the innate chic of this design simply cannot be overlooked, proving the perfect canvas for a celebration of Italian style. The Tuscan Copper of this particular timepiece’s name refers to the metallic dial designed to reflect the palette of a Mannerist painting — the high renaissance style of the mid-16th century that was characterised by richness, realism and warmth of colour. It’s a beautiful tribute to classic Italian elegance, a sweet slice of la vita bella.
TAG HEUER
Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon
A new Carrera is always cause for celebration, with this perpetual sporty favourite inevitably drawing a crowd of admirers. But this time around it wasn’t just the new teal colour scheme and irresistible slickness of this staple that demanded attention, but the addition of a tourbillon at six o’ clock. Refusing to rest on its laurels after celebrating the Carrera’s 60th anniversary in 2023, TAG Heuer leaned even further into the model’s racing heritage with this sporty shade of aqua green, further building on the launch of the Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon in blue last year. At a masterful 42mm, this oversized montre made onlookers green with envy — let’s see what else this ever-innovating Maison has in store.
HUBLOT
MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System
With a spin of the wheel of fortune, Hublot has come up trumps with this dial-free masterpiece — and after five years in development, it’s a real winner. The MP stands for Manufacture Piece, and is the 10th in the Maison’s series of most mind-bending, rule-breaking timepieces. Reading the time on four rolling wheels — hours, minutes, seconds and power reserve — a titanium case ensures this chunky gem feels light on the wrist, a necessity with its longest side measuring up at 54mm. Automatic winding with the movement powered by two linear weights that move on an axis and an inclined tourbillon, this is a watch that’s truly playing by its own rules. The most distinctive launch of the week, Hublot once again stole the show.
ZENITH
Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar
Balanced, minimal and infinitely legible — El Primero’s triple calendar chronograph has been one of Zenith’s best-loved configurations for more than 50 years. In this new iteration, the combo of high-performance high-frequency chronograph, triple calendar and moon phase is proving to be just as attractive as this classic design has ever been. The wealth of information and functions this watch provides is ingeniously laid out, providing an uncluttered and intuitive read. And the 38mm steel case is compact with a vintage feel, based on the exact blueprint and proportions of its 1969 predecessor. The ‘panda’ design with white opaline and black counters has to be the most striking version of this timepiece — available in multiple colours — that, while inspired by the past, is very much a future classic.
