Van Cleef & Arpels brought wonder to the opening day of SIHH 2017 with its Automate Fée Ondine, impressive in both size and beauty.

Ingenious or extravagant, brands unleash their creativity to equip their timepieces with straps whose technical and aesthetic prowess has nothing to envy that of the movement. A closer look at recent innovations and what's new this year.

Complications are, for watchmakers, a means of expressing their mechanical ingenuity and sense of innovation. Despite an economic climate that inspires prudence, a good many Maisons have chosen to shun simplicity. A round-up of what's on show at SIHH.

While the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie has traditionally been one of the most likely places to see full-on bling in ladies’ watches, there are early signs of a new, more subdued aesthetic at January’s show.

For the past four decades, the Nautilus has epitomised casual elegance, a milestone Patek Philippe has chosen to mark with two limited editions. What better way for the brand to wish its many admirers and collectors a happy anniversary.

While most Breitling watches are born to fly, the brand is also reputed among professionals for its instruments designed to conquer great depths, such as the Avenger II Seawolf. Water-resistant to 3,000 m (10,000 ft), this model flaunts all the distinctive characteristics one would expect from a champion of the abyss.