Welcome to the 2022 version of Quill & Pad’s early Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) predictions by which the workforce picks favorites and explains why.
The panelists are:
Elizabeth Doerr (ED), co-founder and editor-in-chief
Ian Skellern (IS), co-founder and technical director
Joshua Munchow (JM), resident nerd author
GaryG (GG), resident collector
Martin Inexperienced (MG), resident gentleman
The Calendar and Astronomy class emphasizes mechanical watches comprising no less than one calendar and/or astronomical complication (e.g., date, annual calendar, perpetual calendar, equation of time, complicated moon phases show, and so on.). Further indications and/or problems are admissible.
GPHG 2022 Calendar and Astronomy class shortlist
JM: That is one among my favourite classes as a result of my love for astronomical problems corresponding to moon phases and sky charts. Combining it with the calendar complication makes this a little bit of a head-to-head competitors since calendar problems are sometimes crucial for astronomical problems, however every one’s usefulness may be very completely different.
Astronomical problems are poetic in nature, extra emotional than sensible. Calendar problems are the precise reverse: completely sensible and helpful problems for time administration which may enchantment to a really completely different sort of individual. Because the class doesn’t dictate particularly what needs to be valued and solely outlines what suits into the class, it leaves rather a lot as much as us on what we subjectively worth extra and why.
GG: It pays to do your studying! Whereas I used to be ready at first look to be a bit dissatisfied by the finalists on this class, some analysis into every revealed spectacular designs and the participation of spectacular makers.
ED: So spectacular, actually, Gary, that I’m having a particularly arduous time selecting a winner. Can we settle for a coin toss?
IS: I used to be additionally initially dissatisfied, Gary, that there weren’t extra clearly excellent watches on this group, however additional analysis has me now sharing Elizabeth’s dilemma that it’s troublesome to choose a winner.
MG: That is one among my favourite classes of the GPHG even if I’m usually not that keen on a date perform on a watch, and the phases of the moon maintain no sensible use for me. That mentioned, seeing these kinds of problems utilized with care and creativity makes my horological coronary heart go into excessive beat!
Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum
JM: I can’t assist however be torn because the Arnold & Son Luna Magna is one among my most favourite moon part watches that I’ve ever seen. It’s a good spotlight of the moon part and the moon part alone, letting or not it’s the first function for all of us moon part nerds to gawk at.
Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum
I beloved it when it first got here out and thought it was within the prime two final yr on this identical class. But in addition like final yr, I assumed one other piece was extra deserving of prime honors. Now, that is the second yr it’s been nominated, and it’s a variation as an alternative of the unique, which takes it down one other peg or two. I am keen on the large glowing luminescent moon, new for this model, and mixing it with meteorite is all the time a cool aesthetic. However given the competitors, as soon as once more I don’t know if it has what it takes to take the crown. I do know the jury will find it irresistible, however that isn’t all the time sufficient.
MG: Not the one three-dimensional moon part available on the market, however nonetheless one of many nicest. In platinum with a meteorite dial, it’s merely irresistibly Arnold & Son at its most interesting. Whereas I don’t suppose it is going to be topped winner on this class as a result of heavy competitors. It’s a watch I might purchase with my very own cash.
ED: That is one among my favourite watch households of current years and selecting towards it actually goes towards my grain. Nevertheless, within the 2021 GPHG Calendar and Astronomy class the jury voted towards the unique Luna Magna with aventurine dial in favor of the Christiaan van der Klaauw Planetarium Eise Eisinga.
Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum: at evening the moon actually comes out
Okay, okay, I already hear you: who of their proper minds would vote towards that on this class? And I agree. But it surely does make me uncertain that this piece is as revered among the many broader watch group as it’s for me and, subsequently, I believe that one other would possibly come out victorious. Even when that dial manufactured from octahedrite-class meteorite – which presents notably lovely so-called Widmanstätten criss-cross patterns after being PVD-coated with a sand-colored remedy – additionally reveals a luminous shock when the solar begins to go down and the moon dominates the evening sky: each the Cachalong opal time dial and the opal half of the moon not coated by the uncommon meteorite are extraordinarily luminous, emitting a stunningly brilliant bluish glow in low-light situations. I do marvel what line extension these inventive minds at Arnold & Son will provide you with subsequent!
GG: With the Luna Magna Platinum, Arnold & Son presents one other variation on the massive moon theme, this time with a meteorite dial and half-moon. Fairly a pleasant piece, however less than the inventiveness or novelty of the highest watches on this class.
IS: I’m a giant fan of the Arnold Luna Magna and this platinum model is placing, however I don’t suppose it’s as eye-catching because the unique Luna Magna with aventurine dial and I believe that the jury will look elsewhere for a winner.
Additional studying: Arnold & Son Luna Magna And Luna Magna Final 1: Marbles, Moons, And Magnificence
Fast Info Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum
Case: 44 x 15.9 mm, platinum
Motion: manually wound Caliber A&S1021, 90-hour energy reserve, 21,600 vph/3 Hz frequency
Features: hours, minutes; moon part, age of moon (on again)
Limitation: 28 items
Worth: CHF 71,000
DRT Tempus Fugit
ED: I’ve to confess I do know nothing about this watch besides that it’s made by grandmaster Dominique Renaud and buddies. I’ve not seen it and I’ve no official details about it other than what’s on the GPHG web page. It’s very arduous to judge a watch that you recognize so little about other than the very fundamentals.
However this data contains the truth that it’s a secular perpetual calendar – solely the third such wristwatch within the historical past of wristwatches after Svend Andersen’s Secular Perpetual and Franck Muller’s Aeternitas Mega.
DRT Tempus Fugit
That in itself is astounding, and I might very very like to deal with this piece on the first alternative. However for now, I’ve bother making this very busy watch my winner sight unseen. Does anybody even see the time show?
MG: Whereas I might love to like the DRT, and I discover its technical design very spectacular, it is just too a lot. Whereas the blue home windows supply some order within the chaos that’s the entrance, too many parts vie in your consideration. The uniquely formed case can also be not serving to on this matter. It’s a variety of good issues mixed, however for my part they compete an excessive amount of somewhat than obtain synergy.
IS: Okay, I’ll give excessive factors to the DRT Tempus Fugit for being a uncommon secular perpetual calendar (and a really compact one at that) and I’ll double these factors for Dominique Renaud’s involvement. I’d wish to study extra in regards to the algorithm predicting the wearer’s energy reserve of life, nevertheless it’s arduous to guage a watch with out having held and manipulated it. From the pictures the dial aspect appears very busy. That is positively a watch to control, however I can’t see it successful right here.
Again of the DRT Tempus Fugit
GG: If Dominique Renaud is concerned, look out for one thing particular! The DRT Tempus Fugit is simply that, complementing a secular perpetual calendar with a “life reserve” indicator that counts down the time till the tip of the proprietor’s life and comprises a chip with the holder’s DNA and a hidden message revealed on the finish of the reserve. For me the artwork of timekeeping may be very a lot linked to mindfulness of our personal mortality, so this complication intrigues me regardless of its barely creepy nature. That mentioned, it’s arduous to inform what the completed watch will appear like from the renderings introduced and its visible design appears a little bit of a hash.
JM: The DRT Tempus Fugit is a watch that seemingly has the whole lot you’ll need to win this class from a mechanical standpoint: an attention-grabbing and progressive perpetual secular calendar in a 39-millimeter case with wonderful pedigree and distinctive aesthetic. For that cause alone it will get me to name it my second runner up for this class.
However I can’t assist however really feel that – from the pictures – this watch appears like the primary totally completed prototype of a just-graduated watchmaking pupil who has but to seek out their design aesthetic and nonetheless has a couple of years till they will flesh out the main points to make their groundbreaking watch. Clearly the ability, expertise, and fervour is there, nevertheless it wants refinement and a good bit of suggestions.
Given the names connected to this, I’m a bit stunned, and on the identical time it really is sensible. An unimaginable horological idea from Renaud, a really industrially mechanical oriented design supported by the president of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences, and a watch prototypist that appears recent on the scene. Very expert and educated folks, nevertheless it lacks true cohesion for me to name it the very best for this class.
Fast Info DRT Tempus Fugit
Case: 39 x 10.6 mm, titanium
Motion: handbook winding skeletonized caliber with 80-hour energy reserve, 18,000 vph/2.5 Hz frequency
Features: hours, minutes; perpetual secular calendar with day, date, month, yr; life reserve indicator
Worth: CHF 376,000
H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Perpetual Calendar
MG: What a handsome watch! It has a confidence that one hardly ever sees in a timepiece. I suppose it additionally has to because the model brand is barely seen and the elements that make it recognizable as a perpetual calendar are hidden within the again. I’m very torn whether or not this would be the winner on this class or the HYT, however I believe the Moser will get the best honor.
H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Perpetual Calendar
GG: I’ve all the time beloved H. Moser & Cie’s strategy to the instantaneous perpetual calendar, and for followers of the Streamliner look the Streamliner Perpetual Calendar needs to be a should. My tastes run extra to the unique, however there’s actually nothing I dislike about this one.
JM: I’ve all the time beloved Moser’s minimalist aesthetic, and the implementation of a full perpetual calendar inside that aesthetic was trendy design genius. Then when Moser created the brand new Streamliner assortment, I beloved the brand new aesthetic and the sporty addition to the ultra-classical styling this model normally brings to the desk.
However I’ll admit I believe some design selections on this watch make the idea lack a clearly outlined course and it feels prefer it tries to straddle each worlds and sadly doesn’t reach both. The dial is each too busy and too minimalistic to really feel fully thought-about, with the busy markings for seconds alongside the skin and the inclusion of the tiny (supposed to be largely invisible at first look) month indication, it makes me really feel prefer it hasn’t dedicated to the design totally.
Because it isn’t the chronograph, the extraordinary markings alongside the sting make a lot much less sensible sense, and the month pointer feels out of proportion. I believe it’s a pleasant watch, however I believe this design wants one other cross or two for the workforce to determine if it actually goes to be a minimalist perpetual calendar or a sporty perpetual calendar with minimal indications. That doesn’t imply the markings should be tiny or nonexistent, it simply implies that dropping the perpetual calendar motion into the Streamliner isn’t as easy of a swap as it will appear.
Moser Streamliner Perpetual Calendar
ED: Whereas the low-key visuals and performance of Moser’s well-known perpetual calendar stay intact on this new Streamliner, someway it doesn’t enchantment to me. I believe I must see a extra vital hint of the calendar capabilities to understand it totally – which I do know just isn’t the aim of this timepiece.
IS: If you’re available in the market for a perpetual calendar then the Moser Streamliner Perpetual Calendar needs to be in your shortlist. I just like the neat energy reserve indicator at 10 o’clock, the massive date, the discreet brief central hand indicating the month, and the comfortable curves of the case. This Streamliner Perpetual Calendar is in my prime three, however I believe that it is going to be pipped on the publish.
Additional studying: H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Perpetual Calendar: Elegant Minimalism
Fast Info H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Perpetual Calendar
Case: 42.3 x 11 mm, chrome steel
Motion: hand-wound Caliber HMC 812, 18,000 vph/2.5 Hz frequency, energy reserve minimal 168 hours; twin spring barrels, Moser enamel for all wheels and pinions; modular interchangeable escapement, Straumann hairspring; gold escape wheel and pallet fork
Features: hours, minutes, direct-drive central (hacking) seconds; perpetual calendar with massive date and month; energy reserve indicator; bissextile year cycle indicator on motion aspect
Worth: $54,900 / CHF 49,900
HYT Moon Runner Supernova Blue
JM: Aesthetically, HYT is all the time going to be divisive. And so for that one cause I believe it may be arduous for this watch to win, however I believe it presents a variety of factors for why it ought to severely be within the working.
HYT Moon Runner Supernova Blue
Aesthetics apart (which in contrast to different items are no less than cohesive and properly thought-about), the mechanics behind the watch have all the time been unimaginable (micro-fluidics) and the addition of a full calendar and spherical moon part are so shocking for any such watch that it may have been a catastrophe. However the implementation is so completely on level for this watch that the rings of month and date surrounding the large moon part within the heart are sensible, and having a cool, arching show window that hovers over the moon jogs my memory of many different astonishing timepieces from the GPHG’s previous.
The futuristic design will likely be arduous to get previous for some, nevertheless it actually represents the very best of what an astronomical calendar watch from HYT might be, and for that cause it deserves some clear recognition.
GG: If Renaud of DRT is a legend, so is Eric Coudray, caliber designer for the HYT Moon Runner Supernova Blue. With the steadying hand of CEO and trade veteran Davide Cerrato and aesthetic steerage from Paul Clementi, this watch appears to me significantly extra refined than earlier HYT choices. The central “blue moon” show surrounded by date and month rings catches the attention, and the retrograde liquid hour indication appears built-in into the general presentation somewhat than the “take a look at me” mechanical gimmick of HYT’s previous.
HYT Moon Runner Supernova Blue
MG: To me, the Moon Runner is definitive proof that HYT is on its manner again and proving that it’s way more than a one-trick pony. I’m personally not a fan of the strap attachment however love the combination of the calendar capabilities and the moon part. Very properly, and initially, executed. Further honorable point out for the ability reserve, which stays spectacular at 72 hours regardless of the opposite problems.
ED: It is a very unique watch in a brand new and improved model of HYT. Whereas its immense measurement turns me off, its ingenuity and forward-thinking shows are intriguing. I’m nonetheless not a super-fan of the liquid show, however I can see the enchantment.
IS: The HYT Moon Runner Supernova Blue is the kind of progressive out-of-the-box pondering that I wish to see win on the GPHG and it alerts a powerful rebirth for HYT. Regardless of the groundbreaking signature fluid show for the hour show, I don’t see it being a contender right here as a result of its measurement: at 48 mm in diameter, it’s a watch that may solely be worn on very massive wrists.
Fast Info HYT Moon Runner Supernova Blue
Case: 48 x 52.3 x 13.3 mm, sandblasted titanium
Motion: handbook winding Caliber 601-MO designed by Eric Coudray/PurTEC with liquid hour show inside capillary tube, 72-hour energy reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Features: retrograde hours, minutes; day, month, moon phases
Limitation: 27 items
Worth: CHF 120,000
Krayon Anyplace
JM: The mechanical predecessor to the Anyplace (known as All over the place) gained an Innovation prize on the 2018 GPHG as a result of it was a totally genius watch. But it surely additionally was difficult and aesthetically busy, so I can perceive why it might not have gained over the jury that yr.
However now the Anyplace tackles the identical drawback of offering dawn and sundown all over the world and does so in a greater kind issue for a (comparatively) extra inexpensive value, and does so in such a refined aesthetic manner that this watch would look nice on nearly anybody’s wrist.
Krayon Anyplace
It has been mechanically reinvented but delivers the identical data in a transparent, uncomplicated manner. The engineering alone is wonderful, however the complication is above the whole lot else on this class this yr. I personally suppose the Solely Watch model continues to be the very best model produced, however the usual blue mannequin is so beautiful that I can’t argue it deserves something lower than successful the crown this yr.
GG: It’s a tricky name, however I’m selecting the Krayon Anyplace as my winner on this class. I’m a bit delay by the truth that it was launched in 2020, however I assume that it has handed the vetting necessities of GPHG for entry into this yr’s competitors. The concept of a dawn and sundown watch that may be adjusted to any location and relies on a rack-and-yoke system somewhat than the standard cam is extraordinarily intelligent, and just like the annual calendar complication is a type of “ok” approaches that does what we actually want it to do with out all of the bells and whistles of Krayon’s earlier user-adjustable All over the place watch. I’m additionally a fan of the aesthetics of this piece, together with the variable day/evening ring across the perimeter with its touring solar.
ED: The GPHG lists its introduction date as September 2021, Gary, which, I imagine, makes it authorized. There have been a couple of completely different variations of this watch launched through the pandemic time.
Krayon Anyplace motion and dial sides
MG: Krayon is a well-recognized face on the GPHG as already in 2018 its “mother or father,” the All over the place Horizon, gained the innovation prize. The Anyplace presents an analogous enchantment, displaying dawn and sundown occasions in a really charismatic manner. The watch can also be very properly proportioned with all of the capabilities sustaining nice legibility, however not overtaking the design as an entire.
ED: I believe it will most likely be folly to wager towards this watch on this yr, so I’m going to hitch the refrain right here and decide the Krayon Anyplace as my winner. The excellent motion ending alone is well worth the value of admission, and the elegant dial parts work so superbly collectively that it’s arduous to not fall in love with it.
Apart from that, it’s eminently wearable for any wrist – which is the place I believe the actual coup is: becoming all that mechanical data into this measurement.
IS: I’m one other becoming a member of the Krayon Anyplace bandwagon. For all of the similarities, the Anyplace is admittedly is a really completely different watch to the unique Krayon All over the place. And other than its intelligent dawn/sundown complication, attractiveness, and eminently wearable 39 mm case, the motion’s hand-finishing is sensational. The Krayon Anyplace is my decide to win the 2022 GPHG Calendar And Astronomy class.
Additional studying:
Krayon Anyplace: A Lengthy Overdue Love Letter To A Sensible Dawn-Sundown Masterpiece
Fast Info Krayon Anyplace
Case: 39 x 9.5 mm, white gold
Motion: manually wound Caliber C030 with 432 parts, 86-hour energy reserve, 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency
Features: hours, minutes; sundown and dawn occasions, month, date, 24-hour indication with day/evening
Worth: CHF 125,000
Sarpaneva Nocturne
ED: Sarpaneva is one among my favourite creators, and even with out having seen this watch in individual I’m totally drawn into the multilevel story crafted on the dial. The Sarpaneva moon face is likely one of the most charismatic parts in all of watchmaking immediately, and mixed with the ornamental dial that takes what the Finnish watchmaker began with the Moomin watch and runs with it, it will be unattainable to not find it irresistible. The cherry on prime is the luminous moon face on the again. I’m lusting after this.
Sarpaneva Nocturne White Glow Moon on the wrist by day
JM: The Sarpaneva Nocturne is a design watch in the beginning, utilizing the inventive abilities of Finnish illustrator and comedian artist Ville Tietäväinen to create a fascinating scene surrounding the long-lasting Sarpaneva Moon Face.
However in contrast to another Sarpaneva moon part watches, this mannequin has the bottom precision moon part of the bunch, simply 29.5 days for an accuracy of someday each two and half years, showcasing that the trouble clearly went into aesthetics over mechanical prowess.
There may be completely nothing fallacious with that and it doesn’t take away from this watch in any manner. However in a contest surrounding astronomical and calendar problems, it retains it from rating extremely. I like the watch, I would like the watch, nevertheless it isn’t the strongest contender within the class this yr.
Sarpaneva Nocturne Orange Glow Moon at evening
GG: Nocturne is one other lovely watch from Stepan Sarpaneva; he has actually hit his stride with using Tremendous-LumiNova accents and mythological motifs.
IS: The Sarpaneva Nocturne is the watch I’d wish to put on from this class and at 23,900 Swiss francs is half the value of the subsequent least costly watch right here. I like the distinction between the monochromatic nothing-to-see-here look of the Nocturne by day and its burst of vivid colours at evening. That is Tremendous-LumiNova as artwork. Whereas I don’t really feel that it’s technically complicated sufficient to win right here, it’s the watch I’d wish to personal.
MG: Ask Sarpaneva to make a moon part and he comes with this! Charismatic, progressive, however most of all very lovely! I want that some mainstream manufacturers would even have the heart to return out with ideas like this as they enrich the watch world as an entire. Within the meantime, lets take pleasure in Sarpaneva at what he does greatest!
Additional studying: Sarpaneva Nocturne: Evening And Day Are Totally different Worlds
Fast Info Sarpaneva Nocturne
Case: 42 x 11.4 mm, Outokumpu chrome steel from Finland SUPRA 316L
Motion: computerized Soprod Caliber A10 modified with in-house moon part, 42-hour energy reserve, 28,800 vph/4 Hz frequency
Features: hours, minutes, moon phases
Limitation: 30 items every of White Glow Moon and Orange Glow Moon
Worth: €19,000 / CHF 23,900
Predicted winners
Elizabeth: Krayon Anyplace
Ian: Krayon Anyplace
Joshua: Krayon Anyplace
Gary: Krayon Anyplace
Martin: H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Perpetual Calendar
You may additionally take pleasure in:
GaryG’s Early Successful Picks For The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie De Genève (GPHG) 2022
English 
https://www.savetoday.com.pl/collections/health-care/products/electric-heating-knee-massager
