Courtesy MB & F
The unique Horological Machine N°6 SV (Sapphire Vision) has four crystal spheres, two of which turn to reflect the hour and minute respectively. Maximilian Busser, CEO of MB&F, calls it a "piece of art that also happens to tell the time".
Courtesy Christophe Claret
Along with its traditional line, Christophe Claret produces a line of limited edition art pieces. The Tiger Watch features sapphires set in rose gold, hand-engraved tiger detailing, and a crocodile strap.
Courtesy De Bethune
The name "Quetzalcoatl" references a bird-snake hybrid that was a powerful symbol in pre-Columbian American. The creature's head points to the hour, while the tail indicates the minute.
Courtesy Urwerk
According to Urwerk's website, "The new EMC enables its wearer to both monitor its precision as worn on the wrist as well as the amplitude of the watch."
Courtesy Hautlence
The limited edition Hautlence Vortex features the unconventional shapes and transparency the brand has built its name on.
For the world traveler: The interior disk of this new watch from Kari Voutilainen always reflects GMT.
Courtesy H. Moser & Cie
H. Moser & Cie's Perpetual Calendar Heritage was inspired by one of the company's 19th-century pocket watches.
Courtesy Laurent Ferrier
Thanks to this newly unveiled model from Laurent Ferrier, you can observe the entirety of Earth on your wrist.
Courtesy HYT
"We have always said that we would never create a classic piece. Having said that, this is exactly what we've done!" said HYT CEO Vincent Perriard in a press release. H2 Tradition tries to combine the brand's futuristic vision with the hallmarks of traditional watchmaking.

Editor’s Note: Marc André Deschoux is the founder of thewatches.tv. The views expressed here are his own.

CNN  — 

It was a smart move for world-leading watch show SIHH to invite the small independent brands that embody the new face of watchmaking.

We have seen the rise of these young brands over the last 10 years and they have definitely brought in some freshness and coolness in the industry. With a mix of real, traditional watchmaking and outside-the-box thinking, they have all developed their own little territory and unique offering.

For sure, they cater to a small group of potential buyers around the planet – compared to watchmaking’s grand old names – but these are the trendsetters, and maintain watchmaking’s “cool.” Everyone benefits from it.

The boom is over, but no need to panic

In the last 15 years, we’ve seen double-digit growth of the industry, but these are now behind us. We will most probably see the rise of “less but better” in the months and years to come.

I find it fascinating that in the 21st century there still is space for a 500-year old craft that deconstructs a very intangible notion, time, into a mechanical object.

I will always love the simple fact that to be a successful watchmaker, you need to be creative and at the same time think like an engineer.

It’s a bit schizophrenic, and putting more than 500 components in a space smaller than a matchbox is crazy.

Having all these components work in a harmonious and reliable way, even crazier!