Only Watch 2023: What We Liked

Only Watch 2023 brought out some real game-changers. Although some of the watches presented there were not exactly our cup of tea, three watches we could wear every day. Here are the standout models that caught our eye:

 

Photo source: F.P. Journe

 

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu Furtif

 

F.P. Journe has always been a bit of an experimentalist in the watch world, and they didn't hold back with the Chronomètre Bleu Furtif. This timepiece rocks a tantalum case and bracelet, which is no small feat, given how tough this material is to work with. But surprisingly, it's not as heavy as you'd expect, making it a comfortable fit for daily wear.

 

The hand-wound calibre 1522 in 18K rose gold is a real showstopper, featuring a power reserve indicator and moon phase on the back. And let's not forget that bold blue enamel dial with those subtle, light-catching numerals. It's a piece that's meant to be enjoyed by its owner.

 

Estimated price: CZK 5,200,000 to 10,400,000

 

Photo source: Bulgari

 

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble

 

Bulgari brought a serious wow factor with their Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble. They took a 40mm DLC-treated titanium case and bracelet, then added a layer of Verde di Alpi green marble. It sounds like it should weigh a ton, but it's surprisingly light, giving you a surreal tactile experience.

 

The green marble dial reveals a flying tourbillon that's the thinnest of its kind, adding an extra touch of magic to this piece. And a little cool fact: the marble comes from the Aosta Valley, linking Switzerland and Bulgari's Italian roots, creating a historical connection that's etched in

stone.

 

Estimated price: CZK 3,600,000 to 6,000,000

 

Photo source: Audemars Piguet

 

White Ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked

 

Audemars Piguet knows how to work their ceramic magic, and the white ceramic Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked is proof of that. The combination of the Royal Oak design and the open-worked movement is a match made in horological heaven.

 

The cal. 2972 movement now flaunts blued titanium bridges and plates, giving it a distinctive (and quite ostentatious) edge. With white-gold hour markers and hands, plus a 22-karat gold automatic rotor in matching blue and rhodium tones, this watch is a head-turner. It's a perfect blend of innovation and timeless style.

 

Estimated price: CZK 7,200,000 to 12,000,000

 

Photo source: Bernard Hermant

 

In a nutshell, Only Watch 2023 brought us some watches that were absolutely stunning, some that were good, and some that were…different? But the trio we just described not only breaks new ground in materials but also redefines what's possible in watchmaking. F.P. Journe, Bulgari, and Audemars Piguet have truly outdone themselves with these pieces.