Watches & Wonders: Truly Wild
The dial is the canvas for watch designers. Unlike painters, however, they must incorporate technical constraints into their creative process. Beyond that, they enjoy creative freedom—including drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom.
These and other innovations will also be on display at Watches & Wonders 2026.
Bremont – “Altitude MB Meteor ‘Felix the Cat’”
As is well known, cats have nine lives. Felix the Cat is currently embarking on his third. A member of the Felidae family, this cat was one of the first major characters in the history of animation and became an international cartoon star starting in 1919. With the advent of sound films, however, he lost popularity.
In his second life, starting in 1943, he became the emblem of the U.S. Navy flight squadron now known as VFA-31 Tomcatters. Laughing cheerfully while carrying a bomb with a burning fuse, he symbolizes courage, humor, and a fearless spirit of adventure for Navy aviators.
Felix is spending his third life—still carrying a bomb—on the “Altitude MB Meteor ‘Felix the Cat’” pilot’s watch from the British watch brand Bremont. The watches in the MB series were developed in collaboration with the British ejection seat manufacturer Martin-Baker Aircraft Company and are tested to standards similar to those for fighter jet ejection seats. It’s a perfect fit—for the Navy flight squadron and for Felix the Cat. After all, cats always land safely on their feet.
But the “Altitude MB Meteor ‘Felix the Cat’,” limited to 500 pieces, is far more than just a crash-tested gimmick. Titanium in DLC black, applied numerals and indices, Superluminova, a bidirectional rotating inner bezel, the rubber-mounted automatic caliber BB14-AH with a 60-hour power reserve, and a soft-iron shield against magnetic fields attest to Bremont’s serious horological ambitions: adorned with a cheerful, cheeky cat on the dial and sapphire crystal case back. Meow! (MSRP: €7,150)
Eberhard & Co. – Gilda Peacock
One glance—whether at the name or the dial—and the source of inspiration is clear. The male peacock, with its iridescent plumage, served as the inspiration for the new “Gilda” quartz watch. The “enigmatic eyes” seem to fix the watch’s viewer with an attentive gaze, transforming into a decoration imbued with communicative power.
The new dial blends seamlessly with the essence of the “Gilda” collection: timepieces designed exclusively for the feminine world in all its nuances, combining playful lightness with clean lines.
The base of the peacock dial, featuring iridescent shades of blue with a dégradé effect, is the result of an elaborate coloring process that requires exceptional precision due to its elliptical shape. On this surface unfolds the intricate decoration, created through a laser engraving process that takes about eight hours: a radial engraved motif, accentuated by a relief inspired by a peacock’s plumage, which is then colored to recreate the characteristic play of iridescent reflections.
The elliptical stainless steel case—the unmistakable hallmark of the “Gilda”—measures 32.1 × 38 millimeters and, with its flowing lines, fits comfortably on the wrist. The patented spherical sapphire crystal follows the curved profile of the case. (MSRP: €3,820)
Piaget – Limelight Gala
The “Limelight Gala” was first introduced in 1973 and drew inspiration from Piaget’s signature “play with shapes.” The structural lugs were transformed into decorative elements set with precious stones.
The latest “Limelight Gala” features a dial of bright orange Grand Feu enamel on gold, engraved with a snakeskin pattern and generously set with 20 diamonds and 22 spessartine garnets in rich sunset hues. The gold bracelet flows seamlessly into the 32-millimeter rose gold case, which also features a snakeskin finish.
This highly specialized engraving technique, first introduced in 2019 with the “Extremely Lady” watch, demands exceptional precision and craftsmanship. Its sophisticated trompe-l’œil effect skillfully mimics the flowing, supple scales of a reptile.
Inside, the watch is powered by the in-house automatic caliber 501P1, which offers a 40-hour power reserve. (Price upon request)
