Five Hot New Watches From Watches & Wonders 2021
While digital, Watches & Wonders 2021 kicks off immediately in high gear, showing that the industry is still strong, even during a pandemic. Many exciting new watches have already been introduced, of which the following five in particular caught our eye:
The new Patek Philippe Nautilus models
Patek Philippe already announced earlier that the Nautilus Ref.5711 with blue dial was to be discontinued. Now we have met its replacement, with a stunning olive green dial that shows a lot of play of light. For those who want something more precious looking, is there also a version with baguette-cut diamonds in the bezel. It is not the only new Nautilus that joins the collection, as Patek Philippe also welcomed the Travel Time Chronograph in rose gold. While the Nautilus made its reputation in stainless steel, it is also stunning in full gold. Especially when combined with a deep blue dial, such as this version, does the watch have a lot of character. The last addition is a new ladies model in rose gold, featuring a snow-setting of brilliant-cut diamonds, which is as beautiful as it is challenging to create.
Rolex updates the Explorer I
The big news at Rolex is, without a doubt, the new Rolex Explorer 1. It confirms that smaller watches are en vogue again, as Rolex shrinks the model 3mm compared to the previous model. This means that the Explorer 1 is once again 36mm, just as the original from 1953. As Rolex has already proven many times over, is this just a great size that combines wearing comfort with timeless appeal. Quite daring is that the new Explorer I is available in steel and in Rolesor, Rolex’s term for steel combined with gold. This gives the Explorer I quite a new appearance. Inside we find automatic caliber 3230, with a 70-hour power reserve, and Rolex Chronergy escapement with Parachram hairspring for optimum precision.
Roger Dubuis makes its Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon even more tempting
With the latest edition of the Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon, Roger Dubuis is redefining the watch. It features an upgraded movement, caliber RD512SQ, which offers a 12-hour longer power reserve, thanks to a titanium tourbillon carriage. On the material side is Roger Dubuis also innovating, offering the watch in a special gold-alloy that is more resistant to tarnishing, titanium with a grey-DLC coating, or Cobalt. Special mention is there for the Excalibur Glow Me Up! in which different colors of luminous material light up the bezel, in which baguette-cut diamonds are set.
Panerai’s sustainable future
Panerai is focussing fully on a sustainable future, and is instantly putting its money where its mouth is. With the development of the eLAB-ID they have created a watch of which 98.6%, measured by weight, comes from recycled materials. Various new recycling processes had to be developed to achieve this. The aim was not only to be as environmentally friendly as possible but also to meet the high-quality standards of Panerai. While the current watch is still a prototype, Panerai is planning on releasing it as a limited edition of 30 pieces next year.
It gets very complicated with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica
Packing no less than 11 different complications, Jaeger-LeCoultre is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Reverso in style with the new Reverso Hybris Mechanica. The brand’s most impressive accomplishment is that they were able to pack all this in a watch that is still wearable, being 31mm wide, 51.2mm long, and only 15.15mm thick. With a price tag of $1.35 million, is it also one of the most expensive, non-diamond set watches launched at Watches & Wonders 2021, but for that, you get one of the most astonishing Reverso’s ever made.
