Haute Time’s Hottest Watches Of 2021 Part I
2021 wasn’t how many of us would have expected it to be. As the Covid-19 pandemic continued, it offered many challenges to all of us. Where some businesses lingered because of it, others thrived. Despite very few events, many of the watch brands did well, not in the least because of the fantastic new models they launched. These are among Haute Time’s favorites of 2021:
Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire
Hublot showed us this year that they are once more a true master when it comes to sapphire crystal. This Big Bang Integral not only featured a case made out of this material but part of the movement and even the bracelet as well. It is a master class in transparency, which is all the more interesting because the watch features the brands recently introduced manufacture movement with micro-rotor and tourbillon.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Moonphase
Ulysse Nardin tapped this year into the heritage of the brand. With the Marine Torpilleur Moonphase, they present a stunning, classically inspired watch in this collection. Astronomical complications have always had an important place in the brand’s history, and this is represented in this model by the detailed moon phase display at six o’clock. It is balanced by a power reserve indicator just above it. Inside we find caliber UN-119, which is made in their own manufacture according to Ulysse Nardin’s highly regarded traditions.
Patek Philippe Ref.5750 Advanced Research Minute Repeater
With the Ref.5750 Advanced Research Minute Repeater showed Patek Philippe why they are still one of the most desirable brands in the world. The watch combines technical prowess with refined craftmanship. Its distinct lines and innovative movement advance the minute repeater by making it more audible while maintaining a rich and clear sound. While Patek Philippe is known as a classic manufacture, do they also advance with this watch their design language into the future. Once again, is also this rooted in tradition and craftsmanship, yet with an unexpected touch that makes the Ref.5750 Advanced Research Minute Repeater all the more desirable.
Jaquet Droz Grande Skelet-One Tourbillon
Advancing in both design and mechanical excellence is also enclosed in the DNA of Jaquet Droz. With the Grande Skelet-One Tourbillon, they presented one of the most prestigious complications in a contemporary yet timeless package. While the watch is not even that large, it is quite an eyecatcher with a red gold case measuring just 41mm. The movement is skeletonized in a modern fashion, leaving little to the imagination but a lot of refined details to enjoy. The dial is made from sapphire crystal, complementing the rest of the design. The tourbillon is a modern one, featuring a balance spring and pallet horns made of silicon. Jaquet Droz cleverly integrated the red gold oscillating weight in such a way that it is hardly visible. The Grande Skelet-One Tourbillon has a power reserve of seven days when fully wound, clearly identifying it as one of the trailblazers of a new generation of tourbillon watches.
