Watches and Wonders 2021 once again exhibited many stunning creations from the leading watchmakers in the world. We bring you a selection of our favourite timepieces from this year’s event.
JLC Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185
The Reverso line-up from JLC has long been a design hallmark, not just for the brand but also for the entire watchmaking world. At this year’s WandW, JLC revealed its most extravagant variant of the legendary Reverso. It packs 11 stunning complications, which make it not only the most complicated Reverso in the world but also one of the most complicated watches produced by the JLC brand. The Reverso also features four different watch faces and offers one of the most intricate lunar month displays in the world, along with a flying tourbillon and a perpetual calendar. Only 10 pieces of the Quadriptyque will be produced for, perhaps, the most discerning clients across the world.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar
The Lange 1 collection from the German watchmaker has been appreciated and celebrated for its design in the watchmaking world, given its completely new take on dial design, along with its oversized date window and offset sub-dials. This year, A. Lange & Söhne has simplified the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar by removing other complications from the timepiece and making it a single-complication perpetual calendar. And with the month indication on the outer ring of the dial and day indication taking the place of the power reserve indicator, I must say, the new variant of the Lange 1 looks breathtakingly stunning. Add to that the pink gold case with a grey dial, and it becomes a work of art that you cannot resist.
A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split
Back in 2018, A. Lange & Söhne shocked the watchmaking world by introducing its first Triple Split chronograph, which, with its landmark L132.1 calibre, had the ability to simultaneously measure two times for up to 12-hours. It was a world-first and set a new benchmark in modern watchmaking. And now, the new version of the Triple Split offers a new look with its pink gold case and blue dial. The original variant of the watch (which we featured in our February 2018 issue) was somewhat sombre looking with its all-silver finish, but this new variant, with a gold and blue combination, really gives the Triple Split a look that matches its mechanical complexity.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph
Arguably the most beautiful looking timepiece to come out of WandW 2021, the Traditionelle chronograph is a stunning watch in the classic sense of watchmaking. With its platinum case, frosted-finish dial, and blued hands, the watch just shouts gorgeous, regardless of the angle you look it from. It is powered by the ground-breaking rattrapante calibre 3500, which also features a self-winding mechanism with a peripheral rotor. And by the way, if you think the dial of the Traditionelle is gorgeous, wait till you see the movement through the sapphire case back, which is immaculately finished and looks stunning.
Rolex Explorer 36mm
The Explorer is one of the legendary watches that helped cement Rolex’s position in the watchmaking world – after all Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wore an Explorer when they ascended the mighty Mount Everest, proving the reliability of the timepiece in adverse conditions. Naturally, then, a brand-new variant of the Explorer is bound to astonish watchmaking circles. Available as a steel-only variant for nearly 6 decades, the Explorer is now available, for the first time, in a dual-tone gold-and-steel version, which Rolex refers to as the Rolesor. Given its uniqueness and desirability, owing to its 36mm dial and classic design, expect the two-tone Explorer to fly off the shelves as soon as it hits retail outlets.
Rolex Daytona Meteorite Dial
The Rolex Daytona is a watch that anyone even remotely into watches is quite familiar with. Popularised by Paul Newman, it’s one of the most collectable sports watches in the world and of late has been setting stupendous records in auction circuits with sky-high valuations and unprecedented demand from collectors. It is no surprise, then, that Rolex has chosen to reveal new variants of the Daytona – all of them featuring a unique Meteorite dial. While other details about the Daytona remain the same – 40mm case with the calibre 4130 movement – the striking new dial made from fragments of a meteorite is certainly going to spark even more demand for the Daytona worldwide. If you’re looking for one, I would suggest you book one now and be prepared to wait for many years.
IWC Pilot’s Chronograph
The IWC Pilot’s Chronograph has contributed immensely to the popularity of the IWC brand, particularly over the past couple of decades. With an attractive and easy-to-read design, as well as a relatively affordable price point, the Pilot’s Chrono has been the watch of choice for many enthusiasts. But, over the years, along with the popularity of the watch, what has also grown is its case size. Thankfully, this version of the Pilot’s Chrono is now offered in a smaller 41mm size that should be easier on the wrist for most customers and further increase the appeal of the already popular timepiece.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon
Ok, so I’m not being completely honest here. You see, the latest edition of IWC’s Big Pilot wasn’t introduced at WandW 2021, but given its phenomenal design and motorsport heritage, I think it fits the bill. Made from Certanium – a material developed by IWC – the Big Pilot looks stunning with its sparse detailing and matt-black finish, which extends to the case, crown, and dial. Alongside, the Tourbillon-equipped 94800 calibre movement is also fully blacked out to give it an even more radical look. My favourite part, though, is the lovely detailing on the dial, such as the power reserve indicator modelled after a rev counter and, of course, the sparse dial, which makes the Tourbillon stand out and gives it striking visual appeal.
Panerai Luminor Chrono
The new Luminor Chronos are part of a renewed push from Panerai towards diversifying its product portfolio – the idea is to have a wider portfolio instead of just tool watches with terrific water resistance. And I must say that one look at the new Luminor Chrono is enough to make you fall in love with it. Right from the squarish shape of the case to the round dial and pushers offset opposite the crown, every aspect of it is stunning, especially the dial treatments. I’m particularly fond of the white dial, which, along with its blue detailing and the brushed steel case, looks gorgeous. This is one Panerai I could see myself wearing every day if only there wasn’t the small matter of its price being way out of my meagre budget.
