Laurent Picciotto, founder of the watch boutique Chronopassion, picks the top 5 new watches of 2020

Laurent Picciotto

He is the founder of Chronopassion, known as one of the world's leading watch boutiques. He was a close friend of Gérald Genta and helped found Richard Mille, making him one of the most discerning watch connoisseurs in the industry. He has appeared in our magazine many times.

The only trend of 2020 is the integrated bracelet
　I don't think there were any truly profound trends in 2020, because watch production and trade shows were delayed due to the COVID-5 pandemic. The only trend was that many brands created metal bracelets integrated into the case, following the designs of Gérald Genta. However, few brands managed to create anything good. There is no example of someone being able to create something good by improvising. To pick five watches from 2020, I would start with Bulgari's stainless steel Octo Finissimo Automatic. I never expected Bulgari, a company known for its women's watches, to create an iconic men's watch. Its ultra-thin movement and lightweight bracelet brought a new feeling to the wrist.

　Our second pick is the collaboration between H. Moser & Cie. and MB&F. This is a new interpretation of watchmaking, and two fascinating brands combine beauty and technology. I really like H. Moser's approach of not showing their logo. Urwerk's UR-111C TT uses two colors to create a beautiful contrast. I also like the time display mechanism, which is reminiscent of a driver's watch. The funky blue of H. Moser's Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic has a clear and easy-to-read design. Its non-traditional case and exquisite bracelet make it an unparalleled and attractive watch. Finally, we have MB&F's Legacy Machine Thunderdome. This watch with a three-axis escapement is a complication with an exceptional design.

Laurent Picciotto's Top 5 New Watches for 2020

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Satin Polish

"I never imagined that Bulgari would quickly create an iconic men's watch and a complicated watch with so many world records." The stainless steel version, which joined the blockbuster, is different in character from the Ti model.
The case is also different and is water resistant to 100m.

MB&F Legacy Machine Thunderdome

This model features a three-axis tourbillon, developed by Eric Coudray and Kari Voutilainen. The inner cage rotates once every 8 seconds, the middle cage rotates once every 12 seconds, and the outermost cage rotates once every 20 seconds. It was announced in December 2019.

H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic

This coaxial flyback chronograph features Agenor's Agengraph movement. It features a uniquely shaped case and a bracelet that is extremely comfortable to wear. The 2020 model features a funky blue fumé dial.

Urwerk UR-111C TT

This is a different specification added to the UR-111C with a linear display. Three horizontally arranged displays show the hours (jumping hour), minutes (linear display), and minutes (rotating display). The 2020 limited edition has a two-tone case.

MB&F x H. Moser Legacy Machine 101 MB&F x H. Moser

"There's nothing to indicate the brand, no logo, but it's beautiful and the mechanism is sufficient. It's a watch that only the owner will understand, and I like it that way." This is a "Moser-ized" model of MB&F's LM101. There are four dial colors available.