The 5 New Classic Watches We Love At Watches & Wonders 2020

Words by Annie Darling

May 15, 2020

Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Control Calendar

Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Control Calendar
Montblanc's 1858 Split Second Chronograph

Montblanc's 1858 Split Second Chronograph
Baume & Mercier's Clifton Baumatic Date

Baume & Mercier's Clifton Baumatic Date
Cartier's No.14 Bis Santos-Dumont

Cartier's No.14 Bis Santos-Dumont
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar

Cover 1858 Split Second Chronograph (Image: Montblanc)

These familiar watch designs have been nipped and tucked because sometimes the old ways are the best

Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Control Calendar

Above Master Control Calendar (Image: Jaeger-LeCoultre)

Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Control might not be the watchmaker's oldest collection, but it's one of its most timeless. Launched in 1992, Master Control has remained popular thanks to its modern features (a silicon escapement; an extended power reserve, etc) and clean design, which is inspired by the round watches popularised in the '50s that—let's face it—go with anything and everything.

For Watches & Wonders 2020, the watchmaker added a new pink gold alloy to the collection, dubbed Le Grand Rose gold, and has upped each watch's power reserve to a convenient 70 hours.

Montblanc's 1858 Split Second Chronograph

Above Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph (Image: Montblanc)

Montblanc's 1858 collection was first presented in 2015 and last year we were able to get our hands on the watchmaker's all-new split-seconds chronograph, which was limited to 100 pieces.

This year, the brand has unveiled an updated version of this unusual timepiece, which comes with a combination telemeter/tachymeter scale, and now with a blue grand feu enamel dial and titanium case (last year's model came with a black lacquer dial and bronze case).

The watch's two chronograph hands are in eye-catching beige and red, while the start, stop, and reset functions are operated via a single pusher, set at two o'clock. Easy-peasy.

Baume & Mercier's Clifton Baumatic Date

Above Clifton Baumatic Date (Image: Baume & Mercier)

This year's Baume & Mercier releases were, as expected, very recognisable. The watchmaker is best known for its Clifton Baumatic collection, which it is constantly revamping and reinventing.

Traditional and timeless, this year's new 39mm and 40mm Clifton Baumatic Dates are available in three easy-to-wear versions: steel, two-tone and 18-karat rose gold. Choose from an alligator or steel bracelet, as well as a grey lacquer or white porcelain dial.

Cartier's No.14 Bis Santos-Dumont

Above No.14 Bis Santos-Dumont (Image: Cartier)

Louis Cartier designed the Santos-Dumont for his Brazilian aviator-friend Alberto Santos-Dumont in the early 20th century and, this year, the No.14 Santos-Dumont timepiece was born.

A handsome yellow gold bezel is fitted onto a stainless steel case, which frames a moody slate-grey dial that pops against a blue spinel that sits on top of the watch's winding crown.

Limited to 500 pieces, this commemorative timepiece celebrates Santos-Dumont's flight in his "No.14 Bis" plane, which was the first 220-metre journey verified by an official organisation.

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar

Above Fiftysix Complete Calendar (Image: Vacheron Constantin)

Vacheron Constantin's Fiftysix collection was first unveiled in 2018 and has always been super retro. Inspired by the very first water-resistant automatic watch created by the brand in 1956, this year a 40mm pink gold case beautifully complements a sepia brown-toned dial and brown calfskin leather strap.

One of two new Fiftysix releases, this complete calendar features Arabic numerals and gold hour-markers that are coated in luminescent material, so that the hands hands are visible in the dark.