Catherine Bishop

Automatons remain something of an obscure phenomenon in our fast, technology driven world of AI and mass production. Even more little-known is the atelier of François Junod, which perches high atop the village of Sainte-Croix in Switzerland’s Jura mountains. However, a twist of fate recently propelled this already renowned workshop yet deeper into the world…

Initially debuted in 1979, the Piaget Polo 79 has been a big talking point for us at Swisswatches ever since its revival last year, as reported on in great detail by my colleague Nico Bandl. It is a beautiful watch – and an undeniably grand watch, available up until now, true to the original, in…

The Swiss watch and jewellery maison recently announced the introduction of several Piaget 'Andy Warhol Watch' models. With colourful and customisable new dials, these watches will no doubt continue to prove popular amongst the collector community and beyond. New chapters: The Piaget Andy Warhol watch Last October, watch connoisseurs gladly received the news that an…

Everyone forges their own unique professional path – and Pascal Narbeburu, current Timepieces Director at Van Cleef & Arpels, is no exception. His journey to the position is particularly interesting for two reasons. Firstly, he has worked exclusively for Richemont-led maisons that combine high jewellery and watchmaking: Piaget, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Secondly,…

Cartier has introduced two new iterations of the Tank Louis Cartier, thus expanding one of its most emblematic watch designs. As a successor to the original Tank Normale, first conceived in 1917, the Tank Louis Cartier has been an enduring symbol of elegance and refinement since its creation in 1922, making it an ever-popular centenarian.…

Out of the 60 watch brands attending Watches and Wonders, from highly anticipated horological giants like Patek Philippe to independent geniuses like Christiaan van der Klaauw, Van Cleef & Arpels is a booth that journalists and retailers alike particularly look forward to visiting. It’s not just because of the brand’s inevitably enchanting stand design; watchmaker…

Another year around the Sun; another year of ethereal, complex Reverso models as well as several handsome new iterations of the Reverso Tribute. Let’s jump right in. Another stunner: Limited edition white-gold Reverso Hybris Artistica The Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 represents the pinnacle of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s expertise, blending technical mastery with exquisite craftsmanship. Now reinterpreted…

Many brands have an iconic model at the forefront of their portfolio: few, however, hold the key to such a storied history as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. No wonder, then, that the brand used this year’s Watches and Wonders trade fair to bestow several creative new pieces upon us, drawing up on the horology house’s own…

Cartier has once again turned to its archive for inspiration as it unveils the latest addition to its prestigious Cartier Privé collection: a revival of the little-known Tank à Guichets. This release continues the maison’s tradition of reimagining its most emblematic designs, following iterations of the Tank Normale, Tonneau, and Tortue in recent years –…

Celebrating its sixth birthday this year, the Chopard Alpine Eagle enjoyed an ascent to ‘icon’ sports watch status in record time, allowing the maison to comfortably introduce a few new highlights to the indubitably popular collection at this year’s Watches and Wonders trade fair. Let’s take a look. Alpine Eagle: Three highlights for the men’s…

Laurent Dordet has been with Hermès for 29 years, having started in finance before transitioning into silk and textiles, followed by exotic leather, tanneries and leather bags. Describing himself as having had ‘five different lives’ within the company, he has been at the helm of Hermès’ watchmaking department as the CEO of Hermès Horloger since…

Swisswatches team headed to Switzerland to discover the stories, innovations and people behind the Hermès watchmaking division, from the brand’s impressive production site in Le Noirmont to its serene watch assembly and leather workshops at the La Montre Hermès atelier in Brügg. To read our interview with the division’s CEO, Laurent Dordet, please click here.…