From a watch inspired by the Mediterranean to a whimsical space-themed customisable watch, the Men’s Folio team sieved through some of the new watch releases and picked out four models to keep your eyes peeled out for this August.

Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph Smeraldo

Introduced to the wrists of the world in 1998, the Bvlgari Aluminium was a disruptive trailblazer — melding rubber and aluminium in a combination unbeknownst to our conception of the luxury watch. It strayed from traditions of legacy watchmaking — a vision of the modern, casual and sporty — while fronting a monochromatic palette. Over two decades later, Bvlgari has continued challenging itself, introducing new mechanical movements and iterations of the iconic watch. Following its portraiture of the Italian seaside holiday with its limited Capri editions in 2023, the brand, this time, turns to the turquoise blues of the Sardinian sea for inspiration. Boasting a stunning replication of the deep green waters surrounding the Mediterranean island, the Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph Smeraldo sports a vivacious turquoise green as its central colour. Reminiscent of a lush ocean odyssey — its dial sports a beautiful gradient from white to turquoise green and is detailed with dark green hands and green chronograph counters to match. The timepiece also bears the famed Italian Rosa dei venti engraved on its titanium caseback and is encased within a watch box that evokes the sea’s emerald hues. The Smeraldo is both playful and polished, a vision of Sardinia’s tidal tapestry on the wrist.

Hermès Cut

Hermès expands their geometric vocabulary with the year’s latest proponent — the Hermès Cut. Smooth curves and sharp lines define the latest collection, though describing its shape as a geometric paradox is an overstatement of the Hermès Cut’s simplicity. Cursory glances reveal some semblance with its Hermès H08 counterpart, though one could get away by describing the Hermès Cut as a softer take on the former. The sides of a conventional circle are dramatically “sliced” off, revealing a peculiarity that is the signature of the French maison. Accoutrements such as the crown and integrated bracelet (or rubber strap) further dramatise the effect as they are aligned to accentuate the Hermès Cut’s sensuous curves and powerful lines. Eight coloured rubber straps ranging from white to vert criquet to bleu jean lend a different vibe when paired with the stainless steel or two-tone iterations. Both executions are also available with a diamond-set bezel.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT

With the launch of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT, two new keywords — adventure and time zones — join the existing ones of durability and exceptional performance. The Swiss manufacture’s dive watch now straddles both land and air with the GMT complication that aids adventurers in their unrelenting quest to conquer new depths across different continents. Given the harsh elements of nature, the robust timepiece ensures itself as an unfailing companion with a 300m water-resistant stainless steel case and double safety clasp. A reworked case provides better wearing comfort, ergonomics and balance as the watch diameter is reduced to 42mm while the thickness is increased to 12mm. A bi-coloured, bidirectional ceramic GMT bezel tracks a second-time zone thanks to the COSC-certified Calibre TH31-03 with 80 hours of power reserve. While the new execution might be indistinguishable from its predecessor, the TAG Heuer shield-tipped hour hand and wave pattern dial are tell-tale signs of the latest model.

Swatch Summer in Space

With temperatures set to reach sizzling records this summer, Swatch offers respite from the heat with the ideal destination — space. Swatch has roped in the talents of British artist Edward Carvalho-Monaghan of Hermès fame, known for his narrative-driven, detailed and dreamlike aesthetic for two ready-to-wear watches. Titled Holiday Vortex and Astral Airport, the former features a series of extraterrestrial spacecraft, while the latter sees revellers enjoy the many orbiting suns. Those who prefer a one-of-a-kind take will be thrilled to learn that Carvalho-Monaghan’s artworks are incorporated into Swatch’s Swatch X You customisation program. Simply select the preferred artwork and drag, rotate or zoom in and out the watch icon to set your final design. Other customisable options include the mechanism colour, design of the indexes and even an inclusion of a personalised message on the case back.