Almost a month has passed since Watches and Wonders 2021 took place, now that the dust has settled, here are my top five picks from the convention. There are no set criteria on how these watches were picked as they range from dress pieces to the more extravagant ones. One thing that is common between these five timepieces is that they stood out from the get-go.
So without further ado, we present to you Watchadvice’s top five picks from Watches and Wonders 2021.
1) Patek Philippe – Ref. 5236P-001 In-Line Perpetual Calendar
The all-new Patek Philippe Ref 5236P-001 is a watch that brings together beauty, complexity, and a whole lot of history. Equipped with a 41.3mm x 11.5mm platinum case and an all-new movement (calibre 31-260 PS QL), the Ref. 5236P-001 also brings three new mechanisms for the brand’s perpetual calendar movement. These three new mechanisms are all subject to patents. Something that’s also completely new for Patek Philippe is the in-line display of the date.
We love this piece because firstly, the dial is gorgeous to look at, with the blue background contrasting against the white. Secondly, it has a newly developed movement. Thirdly, for how much you are paying for this piece, the watch is quite versatile and it features a platinum case and a perpetual calendar movement with some skilful work of micro-engineering.
2) Zenith Defy Extreme
This latest take from Zenith sees the brand step away from the Chronomaster sport and vintage-inspired revival models to bring us something quite extraordinary.
The new Zenith Defy Extreme is just that. Extreme on all accounts. The Defy Extreme comes in a bigger and bolder case which measures at 45mm. The open-worked dial is certainly something that’s not new in the Defy range, but what is, is the setup of the tri-counter layout and the subtle see-through appearance.
The Zenith Defy Extreme comes in three different variants; a micro-blasted titanium case with black dial accents, a brushed, polished and micro-blasted titanium case with blue dial accents, and a micro-blasted titanium and polished rose-gold with gold-plated accents. While it may be a big timepiece, it certainly packs a punch with that new case design, and what it carries on the dial.
3) The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin
Definitely a top contender for the most beautiful timepiece at Watches & Wonders 2021, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin brings together mechanical innovation along with traditional hand finishing and the design styles that have stood the test of time. Featuring a 950 platinum 42.5mm case and a platinum dial with tachymeter scale, the new Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph is certainly a show stopper.
The Caliber 3500 movement used in this timepiece is a split-seconds self-winding movement with a peripheral rotor which now has some new technical innovations as well. The beauty of using a peripheral winding system? It offers an unobstructed view of the movement. When you look at the case back of this model, you immediately understand why. If you thought that the dial of the Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph is beautiful, the case back is going to be a pleasant surprise.
4) The H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye
The master of minimalistic timepieces, H.Moser & Cie have released their latest simplistic piece, now with the added feature of a tourbillon. The Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye comes in two different coloured dial variants; the blue dial (Falcon’s eye) and the red dial (Ox’s eye). With no logos, hour indexes or any other inscriptions on the dial, the beauty of the colours can be truly appreciated.
The H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye represents a new collection of tourbillon watches for the brand. With the dial being minimalistic, it gives way for the tourbillon to stand out. Unfortunately due to difficulty in sourcing stones that have regular parallel lines along with the complexity of actually producing the dials, each variant of the Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye will have a limited run of 50 models, with only 20 models being made each year.
5) The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split In Pink Gold With Blue Dial
The reason why we couldn’t give the award for the most beautiful timepiece from Watches & Wonders 2021 to Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin, was due to this timepiece. The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split In Pink Gold With Blue Dial is not just a watch, it’s art on your wrist. The visual poetry with the different complications and features on the dial ensures that you and bystanders are going to be glancing at this watch every chance they get.
The functions on this timepiece besides the normal reading of time include chronograph with 12-hour split-seconds function for hours, minutes, and seconds. A power reserve indicator is also shown at the 6 o’clock position. The use of blue, pink gold, and silver/white certainly makes this watch visually stunning. The case back, however, truly is something else. The full display of intricate gears and mechanisms while being beautifully done in colour makes it look like it belongs in an art gallery.
