Sandra‘s Closet

A Return to Time: Notes from Watches and Wonders Geneva

There are few places where time feels as tangible as at Watches and Wonders Geneva. For one day, everything revolves around it, interpreted through craftsmanship, design, and an almost obsessive attention to detail.

This year, the fair revealed more than technical innovation. It signaled a shift in mood, subtle, but unmistakable.

Patek Philippe New Models 2026

BVLGARI celebrates old-school glamour with its newest Serpenti watches.

There is a clear return to old-school glamour and with it, a strong retro influence. Not nostalgia in its simplest form, but a deliberate reinterpretation of the past. Vintage codes are everywhere: softened silhouettes, intricate bracelets, and, most notably, the reappearance of the secret watch.

These pieces conceal their dials beneath decorative covers, blurring the line between jewelry and timekeeping. They are intimate, almost private objects, designed to be discovered rather than displayed. It is a language that echoes the elegance of earlier decades, yet feels entirely contemporary in its execution.

At the same time, craftsmanship is moving back to the center of the conversation. Not just as a technical necessity, but as a form of artistic expression. The level of detail, the patience, and the human touch behind these pieces feels more important than ever.

One example that stayed with me came from CHANEL. A chess set, already sold and therefore no longer on display in its final form, was presented through prototypes. Each figure was meticulously crafted, with the Gabrielle Chanel silhouette wearing a tweed jacket, entirely set with diamonds, that emphasized the effect of the material. It was less an object and more a demonstration of what true craftsmanship can achieve: intricate, precise, and deeply intentional.

Audemars Piguet Etablisseurs Galets

At the same time, a structural shift within the industry is becoming increasingly visible. The market is stretching apart.

Van Cleef & Arpels is expanding its Jour Nuit collection with a new timepiece in honor of the Moon. Within the Midnight case, the watch features two overlapping complications: the first one animates the Jour/Nuit display, while the second one illustrates the actual Moon phase. 

BVLGARI

On one end, brands are leaning heavily into haute horlogerie, producing exceptional, highly complicated, and often extremely limited pieces. These watches are not simply products; they are statements of craftsmanship, created for collectors who value rarity as much as technical mastery. Prices reflect this shift, reaching levels that position these timepieces firmly within the realm of art and investment.

Celebrating 100 years of the Rolex Oyster with this beautiful and affordable Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 «Jubilee Edition».

On the other end, the more accessible segment remains present, but quieter, almost overshadowed by the spectacle of high-end innovation. The middle ground is thinning, and the contrast between the two extremes is becoming more pronounced.

A Testament to Métiers d’Art: Van Cleef & Arpels, with its latest Perlée Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantés collection, is capturing the ruby-red intensity of perfectly ripened raspberries.

Yet within this high-end focus, creativity is flourishing. Freed from the need to appeal to a broad audience, brands are allowing themselves to be more expressive, more daring, and more niche. Watchmaking, in this sense, is becoming increasingly cultural. These are no longer just instruments or even luxury goods, they are narratives, identities, and statements.

Collectors today are not simply buying watches; they are engaging with meaning.

Walking through the fair, it quickly becomes clear that the experience goes far beyond the watches themselves. Some booths are consistently extraordinary, fully immersive environments that tell their own story. Officine Panerai, known for its diving heritage, brought that world to life with a stand that felt like stepping into the depths.

Van Cleef & Arpels created something entirely different, a poetic garden, complete with a swing, where time seemed to slow down.

And Audemars Piguet offered a more introspective atmosphere, with a library-like setting that invited you to pause, reflect, and look closer.

I leaned into the spirit of the fair with a Moschino look, complete with a watch-shaped bag and a hat featuring a clock detail. A subtle nod to the theme of time, and one that, quite unexpectedly, drew a lot of attention throughout the day. I was frequently stopped, photographed, and even interviewed, an unusual but fitting part of the experience.

Yves Piaget with me (click here for a previous post from 2012).

Amidst all of this, it is often the quieter, more personal moments that stay the longest. Seeing Yves Piaget again was one of them. Having been for many years an ambassador for Piaget, it made the encounter feel all the more meaningful.

Relaunch of the Piaget cocktail ring collection, for which I hosted an private garden party in my house in 2013.

There was something genuinely special in being recognized, in that brief moment of familiarity within such a fast-moving environment. A small exchange, a shared memory, and somehow, it stays. I still have the Piaget rose.

Ulysse Nardin

And perhaps that is what defines the fair as much as the watches themselves. It is not just an industry event, it is a cultural moment, where craftsmanship meets storytelling, and where timepieces become part of a larger narrative.

I predict a huge success for the BVLGARI Octo Finissimo Watch in satin-polished 18 kt yellow gold case.

What remains after a full day is not simply a memory of products, but a clear impression:

The future of watchmaking may well lie in its past.

In craftsmanship over scale.
In rarity over ubiquity.
In intimacy over display.

And in the enduring desire to make time feel, once again, timeless.

Trying on Cartier‘s latest Bagnoire collection, that I am completely obsessed about.

Some of the most remarkable pieces deserve a closer look, and I’ll be returning to a few of them in more detail over the coming weeks.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Spring just hits different. Lighter fabrics, bare skin, that first real warmth, it’s a whole mood.

This look is all about effortless confidence: clean lines, fresh energy, and that feeling of stepping back into the sun. And honestly, nothing beats a spontaneous drive, windows down, wind in your hair, no plans, just movement in a great outfit that deserves an equally great car like this Maserati Ghibli Hybrid.

My look: Cropped satin-trimmed grain de poudre wool jacket, and pleated cotton-blend twill cargo pants, both by Balmain, striped sports bra by Celine, Caracaba mini leather-trimmed appliquéd patchwork canvas tote, and Kate 100 leopard-print pony hair pumps, both by Christian Louboutin, cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Bottega Veneta, Chandra earrings with white porcelain and pink tourmaline by Bvlgari, Golden Dome Elixir cocktail ring in 18k yellow gold by Cartier, and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: We may also earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #Maserati #MaseratiGhibliHybrid #PerformanceCharged

I am delighted to present Eclettica, Bvlgari’s latest High Jewelry and High-End Watches collection, unveiled this year in Milano as a bold expression of creativity, imagination and craftsmanship.

Eclettica, derived from the Italian word for «eclectic,» embodies Bvlgari’s philosophy of embracing contrasts, combining diverse inspirations and blending audacity with elegance. It represents a fearless approach to beauty, where artistic intuition guides technical mastery and imagination transcends traditional boundaries.

The collection brings together over 50 multimillion creations, including 14 transformable pieces, the highest number ever presented by the Maison and is crowned by nine exceptional High Jewelry «Capolavori» – masterpieces crafted from the world’s rarest gems with extraordinary skill and passion.

Rooted in Rome’s rich artistic heritage, Eclettica draws inspiration from sculpture, painting and architecture, transforming these disciplines into a creative playground. Designers and artisans explore form, color, light and structure to create pieces that are both technically extraordinary and emotionally expressive. Each work becomes wearable art, a dialogue between imagination and expertise where innovation and elegance coexist naturally.

Since its founding in 1884, Bvlgari has embraced eclecticism as a method rather than a style, turning contrasts into harmony and daring ideas into enduring beauty. Eclettica elevates this vision, offering High Jewelry and High-End Watches as a celebration of artistic freedom, visionary design and the Maison’s enduring pursuit of excellence.

Those pieces are true art. Let’s start dreaming …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © BVLGARI
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Bvlgari announces Dua Lipa as its new Global Brand Ambassador. One of the most influential artists of her generation, Dua Lipa has built a remarkable global career defined by artistic freedom, authenticity and a strong commitment to creative integrity. With multiple Grammy and BRIT Awards to her name and billions of streams worldwide, she has established herself as a powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture.

With Laura Burdese

«Dua Lipa embodies a contemporary vision of empowerment and freedom that deeply resonates with Bvlgari’s values. She is a strong, authentic voice who redefines success, and through her artistry and confidence inspires women around the world to embrace their inner strength. We are proud to welcome her as our Global Brand Ambassador and to begin this exciting new chapter together.» says Laura Burdese, Bvlgari Deputy CEO and Bvlgari CEO as of July 1, 2026.

«It is incredibly special to work alongside an iconic brand like Bvlgari, and I’m thrilled to be part of a house that embodies confidence, creativity, and modern femininity. Their pieces always add the perfect finishing touch, transforming a look into a real moment.» – comments Dua Lipa.

Personally speaking, Dua Lipa is a great match for BVLGARI and I am really excited to seeing her future looks and campaigns.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of BVLGARI
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Icons Minaudière –  The Authority of Craft

True luxury begins long before an object is desired. It begins at the workbench, in decisions measured in millimeters, in materials chosen for their integrity, and in the patience required to shape something meant to endure.

Championing the heritage of the Roman High Jeweler, Creative Director of Leather Goods and Accessories Mary Katrantzou introduces the BVLGARI ICONS Minaudière collection. Mary approaches creation with precisely this mindset. Her objective is not to redesign the evening bag, but to reinforce the idea of the icon, objects defined by their aesthetic vocabulary, and rich cultural symbolism.

Because icons are not trend-driven. They are constructed.

Craftsmanship is therefore not a supporting narrative here; it is the foundation. Each minaudière reveals an engineering logic closer to high jewelry than to traditional leather goods. Metal frameworks must balance strength with refinement. Stone settings demand microscopic accuracy. Enamel work, polishing, and finishing require technical fluency that cannot be simulated by surface aesthetics.

Nothing about these pieces suggests haste. At a time when luxury often risks becoming conceptual rather than material, this commitment to making feels quietly assertive.

Mary understands a fundamental truth: desirability follows discipline.

«This collection celebrates the living heritage of Bvlgari’s Icons, symbols that have transcended design to become part of our cultural language. Each minaudière was conceived not simply to hold objects, but to hold meaning, blending high craftsmanship with cultural storytelling. Carrying culture in your bag is both a metaphor and a reality, a way of cherishing the wisdom of women. We are honored to have five extraordinary women lend their voice to our Icons and, through their lived experience, give new dimension to their symbolism, transforming heritage into a living dialogue. That is the culture that we create, we carry, and share.» Mary Katrantzou Bvlgari Creative Director of Leather Goods and Accessories

Objects That Refuse to Behave Like Accessories

Encounter the minaudières in person and one impression overrides all others: presence.

They are structured, architectural, almost self-possessed. These are not accessories designed to disappear into a look; they anchor it. Weight replaces fragility. Precision replaces decoration.

Created in limited edition, each piece draws from Bvlgari’s unparalleled jewelry-making savoir-faire. The collection moves through five established Bvlgari icons, each translated into a compact object that prioritizes construction over ornament and clarity over excess. Scale, notably, is treated with refreshing honesty. The standard minaudières operate as genuine evening clutches, sculptural yet functional, capable of carrying essentials without compromise.

The XS versions make no such promise. However, they are smaller than a smartphone. Not inconveniently so, intentionally so. At this dimension, the minaudière shifts category entirely. It ceases to be about capacity and moves closer to jewelry: an object chosen for resonance, not practicality.

Luxury has always reserved space for pieces that privilege expression over utility. Mary leans into that tradition with confidence rather than apology.

Serpenti – Controlled Power

Rendering the serpent in rigid form demands exceptional technical command. Curvature must feel alive while remaining structurally exact, a balance achievable only through advanced metalwork. The result carries tension and authority, capturing movement in stillness.

Divas’ Dream – The Discipline of Lightness

What appears effortless is, in reality, highly controlled. Symmetry, stone placement, and material transitions reveal a craftsmanship that favors precision over spectacle. It is elegance engineered rather than embellished.

Tubogas – Technique as Identity

Few methods communicate mastery as clearly as Tubogas. Seamless and mechanically complex, its fluidity disguises the difficulty of its construction. Here, innovation is not aesthetic experimentation; it is heritage sustained through expertise.

Monete – Time, Edited Through Craft

Historical references invite risk, too literal, and they become costume; too abstract, and they lose meaning. Craft functions as editor, ensuring the coin motif is translated with restraint. The past is not replicated; it is refined.

BVLGARI BVLGARI – Precision Without Refuge

Strong geometry is unforgiving. With nothing to conceal behind ornament, proportion becomes everything. The clarity of the design reflects the confidence of its execution.

Restraint, in this context, is a form of technical bravura.

When Craft Opens Into Culture

Only once the material authority of the objects is established does the collection expand into a broader intellectual register, aligning each icon with female voices who examine how culture is lived, protected, and reimagined.

Notes on Honoring Tradition – Linda Evangelista reflects on family rituals, reminding us that heritage survives through repetition, through gestures performed often enough to become identity.

Notes on Cultivating Inner Calm – Kim Ji-won turns inward, proposing self-acceptance and emotional balance as markers of contemporary strength — a quiet counterpoint to an era defined by visibility.

Notes on Finding Home – Architect Sumayya Vally challenges fixed notions of belonging, describing home as something constructed through memory, care, and human connection rather than geography.

Notes on Listening to Nature – Isabella Rossellini, shaped by her work in animal behavior, invites a deeper attentiveness to the natural world, suggesting that listening itself is an act of cultural intelligence.

Notes on Creating Culture – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie articulates the principle that ultimately binds the collection: culture is not static. It is created, carried forward, and continually rewritten — with women often serving as its most vital transmitters.

What emerges is not a conceptual overlay, but a dialogue between making and meaning. These are unique new works, published exclusively by Bvlgari for this limited-edition collection.

The Quiet Confidence of Objects Made to Last

The Icons Minaudière collection does not argue for attention. It assumes it.

Craft gives the pieces legitimacy.
Design gives them permanence.
Cultural perspective gives them dimension.

They will hold what you need for the evening. However being smaller than your phone, they may require a reconsideration of what «essential» truly means.

But perhaps that is the point. The rarest luxury today is not excess, nor even visibility. It is conviction, the assurance that an object has been made well enough, and thoughtfully enough, to outlast the moment it enters.

And icons, by definition, are never designed for the moment alone.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © BVLGARI
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

This week, I was invited by BVLGARI to celebrate the history and evolution of the Maison’s icon, Serpenti at Zurich’s Mascotte Club. Continually changing its skin through the creativity and vision of the master Roman jeweler, Serpenti has unfolded its transformative nature over the past 75 years. Always ready to take a hypnotic new form, the icon forever remains an emblem of eternal rebirth and bold metamorphosis.

Introduced in 1948 as jewelry-watches to be wrapped around the wrist, Serpenti creations made their debut with a supple, stylized body crafted with the iconic Tubogas technique. In the ’50s, the Bulgari serpent began to embrace a more realistic style, an evolution that culminated in the ’60s when its distinct turned into a canvas for creative experimentation sporting gemstones and colored enamels. Moving from one mesmerizing form to the next, Serpenti has offered stunning interpretations of its hexagonal scale motif, various levels of preciousness and unique combinations of exquisite gems, captivating design and creative craftsmanship.

Photo top right: Kristina Bazan and Photo bottom right: Christa Rigozzi

From left to right: Alex Lambrechts, Nicole Boghossian, Zoë Pastelle, my humble self, Kevin Lütolf and Jaz Brunner.

In the last 75 years, women have affirmed the right to be independent, cultivate their talents, pursue their dreams and live a life that aligns with their desires. From the red carpet to the office, Serpenti has been their faithful ally, evolving side by side with confident women proud to reveal their magnetic charm.

With Monica Brannetti who had flown in for the night from Rome.

We started the evening with a very interesting conversation between Christa Rigozzi, who lead through the evening, and Monica Brannetti from the Bvlgari Heritage Team about the amazing stories that have been told in the past decades through Serpenti jewelry and watch pieces.

The amazing Dora Live Band performed on stage and made sure that nobody stood still in the room. The final culmination of the night was the big birthday cake, followed by the sounds of DJ Tanja La Croix.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography, Bvlgari, Jaz Brunner
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Today is the birthday of my dear aquarius friend Mary Katrantzou. who launched a beautiful scent with BVLGARI, that reminds me of those warm, endless summer days.

Inspired by the joyful spirit, vibrant allure and unbridled exuberance of Omnia, fashion designer Mary Katrantzou created an exclusive new fragrance in collaboration with Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas.

«Growing up, we had gardenia trees in my home in Greece, Alberto Morillas realized my dream of capturing the scent of this living flower. For this collaboration, I imagined the Omnia bottle as a sculptural vase holding a bouquet of colorful flowers, creating this universe of optimism and sincerity.» – Fashion Designer Mary Katrantzou

Reminiscent of Mary’s childhood memories and conjuring Italy’s love affair with spectacular floral, Omnia by Mary Katrantzou is «a beautiful universe that awakens our olfactory and visual senses.»

This new fragrance, a colorful floral Eau de Parfum, is a caress to the soul and an infusion of optimism, exploding with the brightness of Mandarin and accords of Gardenia and Fig leaf. A celebration of life’s purest pleasures: an ultra-lush flower bouquet, the smell of an unforgettable bloom, the joy of colours.

Flashy Sparkling Top Notes
Mandarin Essence, Fig Leaf accord

Kaleidoscopic Floral Heart Notes
Gardenia accord, Orange Flower

Prismatic Dry Down Notes
Blond Woods accord, Musk accord

THE BVLGARI OMNIA COLLECTION
The three iconic fragrances of the collection are given a new look inspired the new fragrance Omnia by Mary Katrantzou. A specially designed collection, reimagining the Omnia universe with its spectacular colourful flower dresses.

The bottles and packaging are so beautiful, colorful, vibrant, full of life. An optimistic and uplifting scent – captivating the energy of nature’s wonders and the amazing spirit of my dear friend Mary!

Happy Birthday, Mary, may all your dreams come true!

Click here for yesterday’s post with all the details of my outfit.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © BVLGARI/Mary Katrantzou, © Sandra Bauknecht and Rian Davidson 
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The best way to prolong the warm season is a great floral summery fragrance that will immediately transport you to your favorite holiday destination in your mind. A new level of style is when your look matches your scent … I am loving it!

My look: Ruffled broderie anglaise-trimmed cotton-voile blouse by Saint Laurent, belted floral-print cotton-blend poplin maxi skirt by Mary Katrantzou, Naomi buckled leather mules by The Attico, vintage ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari, aviator sunglasses by CHANEL, Diorette ring by Dior, and long floral drop earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

Scent: Bvlgari Omnia by Mary Katrantzou.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The outfit for which I had received the most compliments this summer was definitely this full-on Dolce & Gabbana denim and brocade patchwork look that I wore to a summer party in Saint Tropez.

Isn’t this outfit just fabulous? So vibrant, fun and playful. I love the idea of using stock fabrics to produce new looks, a truly sustainable approach to fashion without loosing the style aspect out of sight! Bravo, Dolce & Gabbana, well done!

My look: Patchwork brocade, drill and jacquard vest, patchwork drill and brocade jacquard bustier top, patchwork denim and jacquard midi skirt, short necklace with patchwork details and rhinestones, printed turban, Devotion denim slingback pumps, Sicily leather-trimmed patchwork denim tote, and floral embellished rhinestone sunglasses, all by Dolce & Gabbana. Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier. Vintage Chandra earrings with white porcelain and pink tourmaline by Bvlgari (worn in shoot), and oversized gold-tone, leather, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana (worn at party).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

In Wednesday’s post about the departure of Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chanel and Chopard from Baselworld, I rose the question if this will be the end of the famous watch and jewelry show. Here is the answer and some more breaking news as the Swiss watch manufactures belonging to the LVMH Group, the world leader in luxury, have chosen to leave Baselworld in order to join the other flagship brands of the Swiss watch industry in Geneva from 2021 onwards. This includes all brands from the LVMH Watchmaking Division, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith, as well as the House of Bvlgari.

Within this context of clearly weakened representation of the Swiss watch industry and hence inevitably lower participation, it appears clear to the brands composing the Division and to the House of Bvlgari that they must also withdraw in order to preserve their image and their relations with their clients as well with the media.They will therefore not be taking part in the 2021 edition of Baselworld.

The four Maisons are examining various potential event formats corresponding to the need to present their strategic directions and new products to their commercial partners – as well as to the international press – next year. The LVMH Watchmaking Division on the one hand, and Bvlgari on the other, will decide on their plans in the coming weeks, according to their respective objectives.

Stéphane Bianchi

Stéphane Bianchi, CEO Watchmaking Division LVMH, said: «We are sorry to have to leave this over 100-year-old Baselworld event to which our Maisons have been consistently loyal. It is nonetheless clear that we must respond quickly and make other arrangements. We are facing an opportunity to reinvent the format and content of one of the key moments of our watchmaking year, which represented both a major commercial challenge and a lever of influence for our brands. With this in mind, we will do our utmost to be present alongside the other prestigious Maisons that will gather in Geneva in April 2021, and thereby meet the requirements of our partners and clients while offering them an unrivalled experience.»

Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO Bvlgari Grou., stated: «Grouping the entire Swiss watch industry in a single location, Geneva – the historical capital of watchmaking – and around a single date, is a major opportunity to at last revive a sector that all too many divisions and divergent interests have weakened compared to the rest of the luxury sector in which Bvlgari is active and that is making much faster progress. We are looking forward to going to Geneva in April 2021, even though we still need to define the terms of our participation, which we will specify in the coming weeks. We are also delighted not to have to make up for the lack of institutional watch shows, which in 2020 forced us to take tactical initiatives that were necessary in the short term but undesirable in the medium term.»

So, dear ladies and gentlemen, this is the answer, this is the end of Baselworld…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands