Bvlgari Watches & Wonders 2021
We recap the multitude of newly launched watch novelties including those from Watches & Wonders 2021 and the Swatch Group.
Pictured above: Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando Shape, volume, material and spatial design come together in perfect harmony as acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando once again works his magic on the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo. The second partnership between the two big names sees the inspiration of the moon and more notably the Mikazuki (crescent moon) concept reinterpreted by Ando. A crescent moon set in a sliver of yellow gold rests gracefully against the deep blue lacquered dial as a series of spirals ripple out from the seconds hand. The 160-piece limited edition is cased in a black ultra-thin ceramic case paired with a matching integrated bracelet.
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Louis Vuitton Tambour Street Diver
Louis Vuitton Watches & Wonders 2021
Equal parts urban, chic and utilitarian, Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Street Diver is the latest evolution of the Tambour that blazed the French Maison’s journey in horology 19 years ago. Crafted with multi-functionality, creative ingenuity and freedom of expression, the Tambour Street Diver is Louis Vuitton’s take on a versatile high-end sports watch. Bursts of colours and unconventional elements such as the rotating internal dive bezel and subsidiary seconds dial break traditional codes of dive watches. The inclusion of the quick-change strap system further tempers its diving sensibilities, transforming the Watches & Wonders 2021 novelty from a contemporary dive watch to an ultra-modern package.
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Cartier Privé Cloche de Cartier
Cartier Watches & Wonders 2021
Introduced as a collector’s collection, the exquisite Cartier Privé collection exalts the Maison’s mystical models to legendary status through a series of limited and numbered pieces. The enigmatic Cloche de Cartier is the latest model on the cards of Cartier Privé, named after its bell-shaped form first released in 1920. While it is designed as a wristwatch, its whimsical orientation doubles up as a desk clock when set on the table. Cartier’s iconic touches such as the railway minute track, sword hands and cabochon-set crown adorn the Cloche de Cartier as well as its secret signature for eagle-eyed admirers. A trio of precious metals — yellow gold, pink gold and platinum — envelope the Cloche de Cartier with only 100 editions made per iteration for Watches & Wonders 2021.
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Hermès H08
Hermès Watches & Wonders 2021
Contemporary yet timeless, robust and delicate, the new Hermès H08 harmonises opposites and contrasts according to artistic director, Véronique Nichanian’s vision of the Hermès men’s universe. Sensual case curves and unique typography belies its sports watch nature, hinting at a contemporary and versatile timepiece befitting of the modern man. A series of materials such as the ultra-light graphene composite case and ceramic bezel intermingle to provide an aesthetic and technical appeal that Hermès has perfected. The H08 bears the automatic Hermès Manufacture H1837 movement bolstered by its high-end manufacturing capabilities.
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Omega Seamaster 300 Master Chronometer
Forged with a mature outlook with a youthful heart, Omega revitalises an archive classic with its brand new take on the Seamaster 300 Master Chronometer. While it was not too long ago when a similar iteration was released, the 2021 update is more accurate to the original 1957 edition and subsequent versions in terms of aesthetics and essence. A sandwiched dial with aged luminous hands and plots lends a touch of warmth, nostalgia and depth to the 2021 version. Superfluous texts on the dial were omitted in favour of a cleaner execution, allowing vintage elements of the broad arrow hour hand and lollipop seconds hand to shine. Within the 300m water-resistant case is Omega’s trusty METAS certified automatic Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8912.
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Longines Silver Arrow
Having perfected the art of faithful re-editions with its Heritage collection, Longines is at it once again with another masterful rendition of its Silver Arrow. Launched in 1956 during the golden era of race cars and supersonic jets, the Longines Silver Arrow represents Longines’ pioneering spirit with an insignia of a supersonic jet on the case back. The minimalist dial execution is peppered with tasteful adornments — striated faceted hour indexes are read off with a pair of sword hands juxtaposed against a silvery opaline dial sans date. Within its 38.5mm stainless steel case is the exclusive automatic L888.5 calibre fitted with a silicon balance spring for enhanced magnetic resistance and accuracy.
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TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300
TAG Heuer Watches & Wonders 2021
After more than 40 years since its introduction, the legacy of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer is reborn with a modernised version of the iconic tool watch at Watches & Wonders 2021. A combination of materials, styling and updates breathes life into the new collection and in particular the Aquaracer Professional 300 Tribute to Ref. 844. The timepiece draws inspiration from the fabled 1978 Ref. 844 divers’ watch with the double hour indexes and a black opaline dial. A grade 5 titanium case and ceramic bezel typify the new generation of TAG Heuer dive watches with its rough-and-tough demeanour. Keeping in line with the special homage piece, only 844 pieces of the Tribute to Ref. 844 are made.
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Panerai Submersible eLAB-ID PAM01225
Panerai Watches & Wonders 2021
Guided by Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee’s ceaseless pioneering approaches to contemporary watchmaking, it constructed the Submersible eLAB-ID PAM01225 with recycled-based materials totalling 98.6% of its weight. The case, sandwich dial and bridges are composed of EcoTitanium, a lightweight aerospace-grade recycled titanium alloy that is made of more than 80% pure recycled content. Apart from the structural components, the PAM01225 is the first watch to use 100% recycled SuperLuminova on its dial and hands, and 100% recycled silicon for its movement escapement; its watch hands and sapphire crystal contain recycled based materials as well. Only 30 pieces of the PAM01225 concept watch will be created while a wider commercial launch is available in the form of the Luminor eSteel.
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Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925
Tudor Watches & Wonders 2021
Bright, metallic and radiating an incandescent glint, Tudor’s latest incarnation of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 takes a jab at a precious yet unconventional metal with a silver case. While silver is notorious for tarnishing, Tudor perfected and stabilised the alloy with a secret composition that preserves its lustre indefinitely. Satin-finished for a matte appearance, the move to work with silver represents a first for Tudor, alongside another first for the neo-vintage dive watch — an open case back. The inimitable “Snowflake” hand, characteristic of Tudor dive watches since 1969 makes an appearance alongside the taupe dial and matching bezel. A matte finish on both reigns back the ornateness as the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 straddles between a robust tool-watch and a precious object.
This story about 2021 watch novelties first appeared in the May ’21 issue of Men’s Folio Singapore.
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