Watch News Briefing: Blancpain, Dennison, Favre Leuba, and Shorokhoff

Four new releases showcase the breadth of contemporary watchmaking: Blancpain presents the Grande Double Sonnerie, an extraordinary striking watch, while Dennison incorporates black, pavé diamonds, and a checkerboard pattern. Favre Leuba is expanding the Harpoon Revival collection with black and blue versions, while Alexander Shorokhoff combines mother-of-pearl with the Fire Horse motif.

Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie: A Grand Complication for Two Melodies

With the Grande Double Sonnerie Ref. 15GSQ, Blancpain is introducing a striking watch capable of playing two different melodies. The design combines Grande Sonnerie, Petite Sonnerie, and minute repeater functions and has been nominated for the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in the “Mechanical Exception” category.

The Grande Sonnerie automatically strikes the hours and quarter-hours, while the Petite Sonnerie does not repeat the hour at every quarter-hour. The minute repeater can be activated as needed. Thus, the focus is not merely on the number of complications, but above all on their acoustic coordination and the control of the various striking modes.

Dennison ALD Checker: Three Variations Between Black and Diamonds

Dennison applies the chessboard motif to three diamond-set variations of its ALD case design. Balance, Gambit, and Draw each feature jet-black surfaces and pavé-set diamonds, though they arrange these elements differently. The brand describes the three compositions as balance, symmetry, and deliberate disruption.

The diamonds are not limited to the dial but extend into the case. As a result, the pavé becomes an integral part of the design and contrasts with the all-black sections. All three models share the same design language but appear distinct due to the varying distribution of the pattern.

Favre Leuba Harpoon Revival: Black and Blue for the 1966 Model

Favre Leuba is expanding its Harpoon Revival collection—inspired by a 1966 model—with two new dial colors. The black version combines a sunburst dial with rhodium-plated hour markers and a black leather strap. The blue version also features a sunburst dial but comes with a brown leather strap. The horizontally aligned hour markers at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock, as well as the stylized “Harpoon” lettering, remain unchanged.

Both watches measure 36.8 millimeters in diameter and 10 millimeters in height. Inside, the FLD04 caliber—based on the La Joux-Perret G100—features a 68-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The price for each is 1,800 Swiss francs.

Alexander Shorokhoff Fire Horse: Mother-of-pearl for eleven pieces

Alexander Shorokhoff interprets the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse with a special edition limited to eleven pieces. Mother-of-pearl surfaces with varying shimmers form five sections representing the inhabited continents. On each watch, the individual limited-edition number replaces an hour marker. At the 9 o’clock position is a small seconds sub-dial, whose hands end in two stylized horse hooves.

The stainless steel case measures 43.5 millimeters. Inside, the Dubois Dépraz automatic caliber 14069, featuring 21 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 44 hours, keeps the watch running. The hand-engraved and hand-finished rotor is visible through the sapphire crystal case back.