Wrist Candy: A sneak peek at the latest 2021 novelty watches

Each year, the world’s leading haute horology brands unveil a slew of new designs, tempting timepieces that will set the trend for the industry and its legions of fans in the months to come. Below, we highlight some of the most outstanding 2021 novelty watches to feast your eyes on…

Corum Admiral 45 Automatic Tourbillon
First to make the cut is the Admiral 45 Openworked Flying Tourbillon by Swiss watchmaker Corum. An arresting marriage between avant-garde stylings and precision engineering, the automatic chronometer proudly blends classic design with a modern nautical motif that is sure to win over the hearts of ocean-going watch connoisseurs around the world. The dynamic 45mm carbon and 18K gold-glitter case affords view on both sides of the dial, including the artisanal mastery that went into meticulously finished components of the rotating flying tourbillon escapement C0 298 taking place of pride at 6 o’clock.

Longines Avigation BigEye
Next up is the Avigation BigEye by Swiss luxury watchmaker Longines, which impresses with a striking grained and shaded petrol blue dial burnished with Arabic numeral hour markers. Multifunctional to the extreme, it boasts a small-seconds counter at 9 0’clock, a 12-hour measure at the bottom half of its fascia, and an intriguing 30-minute scale at 3 o’clock. Unabashedly boasting vintage pilot-watch appeal, this 41mm titanium case houses a self-winding calibre L688 mechanical movement with a silicon balance-spring and sits handsomely on any gentleman’s wrist.

Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm
Intertwining uncompromising craftsmanship with bold aesthetics, world-renowned mechanical watchmaker Audemars Piguet has pulled back the curtains on a new41mm self-winding iteration of its iconic Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm. Powered by a self-winding calibre 4401 movement replete with a column wheel and a flyback function, its black-on-rose gold aesthetic presents an undeniably sleek appeal. Here, the middle case is crafted from black ceramic for a great lighweight feel, while atop its smoked grey lacquered dial lie three recessed subdials. Also available in a white gold iteration, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm comes fitted with black textile straps that temper its overall look with a subtle casual flair.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Turning to watches for the ladies, the Seamaster Aqua Terra by Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega is a timepiece that embodies lushious feminine elegance at its very finest. With a dazzling diamond-set bezel and hour markers crafted from precious rubies, this blushing wrist adornment’s dial is further enhanced with a wave-patterned pink dial. Presented in a 34mm stainless steel or 18K Sedna gold case, this delightful homage to womanhood is powered by a Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 movement.

Cartier Panthère Songeuse
Long renowned for creating the finest timepieces for discerning female collectors, Cartier’s new Panthère Songeuse does not disappoint. A dazzling statement piece in every sense of the word, this ostentatious gem-laden creation features the brand’s emblematic feline draped across the top of its fascia, replete with a pair of pear-cut emerald eyes, black onyx nose and sapphire spots. The multi-ringed motif of this sparkling 28.4mm timepiece draws attention to the pave-set diamonds, ensuring all eyes will undoubtedly be on its sophisticated wearer.

New Rolex 2020 Novelties: Submariner, Sky-Dweller, Datejust 31 and more…

After much anticipation, luxury watch manufacture Rolex has unveiled its latest designs for 2020, and they truly do not disappoint. Four iconic models from the Swiss haute horology brand’s Oyster Perpetual collection have been revamped as part of the Rolex 2020 Novelties, including the Submariner, the Sky-Dweller, the Datejust and entry-level Oyster Perpetual.

Sky-Dweller

Rolex’s signature world-time Sky-Dweller watch is back in three new iterations – yellow gold with a black dial, Everose gold with a white dial, and Everose gold with a chocolate brown dial. For the first time, it comes fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, an innovative elastomer strap bequeaths it a more athletic appeal, replete with a power reserve of 72 hours.

Submariner

Eight new versions of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date are also part of the Rolex 2020 Novelties, all redesigned with a slightly larger 41mm case and remodelled bracelet. The latter comes fitted with a calibre 3235 movement, while the former is burnished with the all-new calibre 3230 launched just this year.

Datejust 31

A dazzling array of new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 creations have been unveiled, all crafted from white Rolesor and featuring a variety of diamond-set and fluted bezels. Powered by a calibre 2236 movement, it comes in a buyer’s choice of aubergine, mint green, white lacquer or dark grey dials.

Oyster Perpetual

Rounding out the Rolex 2020 Novelties are two new sizes have been introduced to Rolex’s entry-level Oyster Perpetual range. The first is a larger 41mm edition – available with a silver or bright black dial – while the second comes in the form of a more delicate 36mm avatar, replete with a staggering array of lacquer dial hue options, including candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green. Both are fitted with the all-new calibre 3230 movement.

Loving Butterfly Automaton: A stunning new timepiece from Jaquet Droz

Ever since watchmaker Pierre Jaquet-Droz created his first automata mechanisms back in the late 18th century, these jaw-dropping, precision engineered creations have been a significant part of the illustrious history of the haute horology label he founded, Jaquet Droz. Now, 280 years after its foundation, the brand has unveiled the latest iteration of one of these dazzling designs – the Loving Butterfly Automaton.

First launched in 2017, the Loving Butterfly Automaton has seen several different avatars across the years in a variety of dials, including onyx, mother-of-pearl and aventurine. This latest model, though, plumbs the depths of Mother Earth’s history to create a dial lovingly crafted from Chinchilla Red, petrified wood dating back some 140-180 million years in far-eastern Australia.

Inspired by an artwork titled Le Papillon Conduit Par l’Amour, which was sketched by The Draughtsman – an automata created by Henri-Louis Jaquet-Droz back in 1774 – this latest 43mm timepiece depicts a backdrop of a golden forest through which the chariot-riding Cherub and the Butterfly meander.

Here, the haute horlogerie label’s expertise in automata comes literally to life, with the butterfly’s wings fluttering as if about to take flight, and the chariot wheels turning in unison, all combining to create the optical illusion of life on the dial, an effect further enhanced by the 3D-effect of the hand-engraved 18K red gold applique work.

Just 28 pieces of this shining example of high-end watchmaking will be produced, and part of the proceeds of the Loving Butterfly Automaton will generously be donated to reforestation efforts across the world, and in Australia in particular, where wildfires have devastated the country. To find out more, visit this website.

Pelagos LHD: Latest left-hand iteration of iconic Tudor watch unveiled

The Pelagos – Swiss watchmaker Tudor’s iconic diving watch – has for decades been among the most beloved ocean-going timepieces amongst discerning collectors and military outfits across the globe. In 2017, though, the brand sought to widen the appeal of this unique design even further by creating a dedicated ‘LHD’, or ‘left-hand drive’, avatar.

This thoughtful titanium-cased, 42mm addition to the Tudor back catalogue meant the watch could be worn on the right wrist, with left-handed folks easily able to access the winding system placed at the 9 o’clock position.

Now, the Tudor Pelagos LHD has been gifted yet another updated iteration, one that sees the signature left-handed features further enhanced by the addition of a new dial, replete with an alternatingly coloured day display, and the ‘Pelagos’ logo emblazoned in red at 6 o’clock. Under the hood, meanwhile, beats the in-house MT5612-LHD Manufacture movement, while its caseback proudly displays the unique production number of this lovely numbered series.

Waterproof to 500m and fitted an automatic helium escape valve, the newest interpretation of the Pelagos LHD isn’t just a fitting homage to the innovative mechanical dive watches of bygone decades, but an apt acknowledgement of the unique requirements of watch collectors today.

Rose Gold Watches: Timepieces that embody a perfect rosy blush

Ever since Patek Philippe, watchmaker extraordinaire, crafted the world’s first wristwatch – an ornate yellow gold affair with a baguette-shaped, key-wound movement – for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary back in 1868, the use of this rare, valuable metal pretty much became the calling card of haute horology houses for crafting high-end timepieces.

Today, despite the encroachment of more affordable silver and stainless steel materials in the art of horlogerie, yellow gold remains one of the most popular metals to be used in manufacturing sophisticated statement watches. However, the past decade has seen a new challenger rise in the luxury segment, the subtler, gentler rose gold. First brought to the world’s attention in the early 19th century when famed jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé utilised it to create his renowned Fabergé Eggs, rose gold – an alloy crafted from 24K yellow gold, copper and silver – is now seen as a luxurious alternative, one that appeals to both genders in equal measure. Below, we highlight six superlative new designs that use this blushing metal.

Discerning female collectors could do far worse than start their perusals with Breguet’s new Breguet Marine Dame 9518. Attractively fitted with white alligator leather straps, its rose gold case and fluted case band are further enhanced with a diamond-studded bezel. A glistening opaline mother-of-peal dial with rose gold hour, minute and second hands graces its 33.8mm fascia, while the self-winding 591A calibre movement is visible on its transparent caseback.

A more unusually shaped timepiece comes courtesy of haute joaillerie brand Bulgari, with the dial of the latest iteration of its Serpenti Seduttori watch embodying the triangular head of the brand’s iconic Serpent emblem. Crafted almost entirely from rose gold – including its hexagonal-patterned bracelet, case, bezel, crown and folding buckle – the serpentine design is at once beguilingly feminine and beautifully functional. Here, its minimalist white opaline dial is lovingly ringed with diamonds, with the cabochon-cut rubellite on its crown adding a charming touch of red.

Starry-eyed femme fashionistas, meanwhile, may also give Chopard’s all-new Happy Moon a thorough look-over. Part of a 250-piece limited release and crafted from ethically-sourced 18K rose gold, it unabashedly showcases the marque’s precision engineering and aesthetic expertise. Fitted with a COSC-certified 96.25-C calibre movement and taking the stars as its central motif, its blue aventurine dial is dotted constellations as visible from the Northern Hemisphere, with the North Star taking pride of place at 6 o’clock. The snow-set diamonds set on the bezel bestow an aura of delicacy to the timepiece.

Gentlemen collectors are also spoilt for choice when it comes to rose gold specimens of every imaginable timepiece category. Minimalist-inclined enthusiasts, for instance, would understandably be drawn to Baume & Mercier’s new Clifton Baumatic 18K Pink Gold Automatic. Understated elegance is the central appeal here, its white-on-rose gold fascia is enticingly simple, with only a date aperture at 3 o’clock and pink gold hour markers punctuating its dial. The star in its crown is undoubtedly the Baumatic BM13 calibre, its mechanical self-winding movement that offers a staggering 120-hour reserve and innovative antimagnetism features.

Foregoing minimalism for a more athletic appeal is renowned watchmaker Omega in the form of its blue / rose gold / stainless steel interpretation of its Seamaster Diver 300M, fictional superspy James Bond’s preferred wrist adornment (a preference shown in several instalments including Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies). This modern update of the classic dive watch features a crown burnished in Omega’s proprietary rose gold – Sedna gold – with its blue ceramic dial embracing its aquatic motif by featuring laser-engraved waves that mimic the sea. Measuring 42mm in diameter, blue rubber straps round out its sporty sophistication.

Perhaps the ultimate rose gold statement timepiece, though, comes in the form of haute horology marque Vacheron Constantin’s super-slim Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin. Measuring just 8.1mm thick, this intricate design not only comes equipped with a moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock, but also boasts a perpetual calendar visible on its blue lacquered dial, all housed in a fetching 18K 5N pink gold case. Powered by a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 4.05mm-thick Calibre 1120 QP/1 movement, the perpetual calendar mechanism needs no adjustment until the year 2100, ensuring that its rose gold appeal will endure through generations.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

One-of-a-kind watches to hit Only Watch Charity Auction 2019

The Only Watch Charity Auction has become something of a fixture on the calendars of haute horology enthusiasts the world over. Now in its eight iteration, the biennial event was first founded by Luc Pettavino to raise funds for his charitable organisation, the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy (AMM), which combats the rare Duchenne strain of the disease. It was the death of Pettavino’s son, Paul, who tragically succumbed to the condition at just 21, that inspired him to take up this worthy cause.

Not only do all proceeds from the Only Watch Charity Auction go towards research for the neuromuscular disorder (it has raised an eminently-worthy 40 million Swiss francs since its inception), this exclusive horological event also affords collectors the chance to acquire one-of-a-kind timepieces from the world’s best-loved brands. This year, the auction will feature 50 unique lots crafted by 52 watchmakers, all donated pro bono, which are set to go under the gavel in Geneva from 7 to 9 November. Below, we highlight seven of the most outstanding designs on offer.

Only Watch Charity Auction 2019 - Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked — Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked

First up is luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet with a unique white and rose gold Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked. This dual-tone interpretation of the model serves to heighten the architectural complexity and geometric shapes of the Code 11.59 layered case. Its central case, crafted from 18K rose gold and shaped in the brand’s iconic octagonal figure, sits sandwiched between an ultra-slim bezel, lugs and caseback, all burnished in a contrasting white gold hue. Its open-worked dial, meanwhile, provides an easy aperture through which to view the hand-wound skeletonised movement underneath.

Only Watch Charity Auction 2019 - Piaget's Altiplano Ultimate Automatic — Piaget’s Altiplano Ultimate Automatic

Another two-toned submission is an arresting blue and rose gold version of Piaget’s Altiplano Ultimate Automatic. While it’s a debut colour combination for the brand, this particular model already holds the distinction of being one of the world’s thinnest mechanical watches with a thickness of just 4.3mm. Indeed, it took the marque three years to bring this super-slim, open-worked design to life, with its watchmakers ultimately fashioning its Altiplano Ultimate Automatic 910P movement and case as one cohesive structure.

Only Watch Charity Auction 2019 - Jaquet Droz's Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic for Only Watch — Jaquet Droz’s Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic for Only Watch

For its part, Swiss haute horology label Jaquet Droz has also donated a superbly skeletonised watch to the charitable auction – the Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic for Only Watch. Taking pride of place on its fascia is a smaller hour-and-minute subdial at 12 o’clock and a larger small seconds dial at 6 o’clock, both overlapping to form the brand’s iconic figure-eight emblem. This unique rendition, though, sees its rail-track, hands and strap all furbished in a vibrant red in honour of the flag of Monaco, where AMM is headquartered.

Only Watch Charity Auction 2019 - Montblanc's 1858 Split Second Chronograph Only Watch 2019 — Montblanc’s 1858 Split Second Chronograph Only Watch 2019

Not to be outdone, Montblanc has produced the stunning blue-on-titanium 1858 Split Second Chronograph Only Watch 2019. The deep azure dial, lovingly crafted from blue agate, a hard semiprecious stone, stands in sharp contrast to the white-and-red double chronograph scale that rings it. Inspired by the marque’s ’30s-era military-style timepieces, a telemeter encircles its outer reaches, while a snail-shaped tachymeter dominates its central fascia. Powering the entire 44mm design is the hand-wound, hand-finished MB M16.31 movement, enticingly visible through its transparent caseback.

Only Watch Charity Auction 2019 - Zenith's El Primero A386 Revival for Only Watch — Zenith’s El Primero A386 Revival for Only Watch

Meanwhile, to mark the 50th anniversary of its iconic 1969 El Primero, Zenith has served up the El Primero A386 Revival for Only Watch. A millimetre-accurate reproduction of the original, the only updates to its 37mm fascia are the use of sapphire crystal instead of acrylic and a new transparent caseback. As part of its celebrations, Zenith is further offering its lucky buyer a series of luxurious experiences, including a VIP visit to its Le Locle Manufacture, a lifetime warrantee and even an invitation to be a guest at the El Primero 50th Anniversary closing event in Geneva.

Only Watch Charity Auction 2019 - Patek Philippe's Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 — Patek Philippe’s Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010

Perhaps the most mechanically intricate design at the 2019 Only Watch Charity Auction, though, comes courtesy of Patek Philippe, the masterful marque behind some of the world’s most cutting-edge timepieces. Its submission this year, the Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, is a delightful stainless steel interpretation of the first modern grand-sonnerie in its current collection. It boasts a staggering 20 complications in all, including two world firsts – an acoustic alarm chiming at a preselected time, and a date repeater that sounds the date on demand. Its patented reversible dual-dial case, meanwhile, has been burnished alternately in a striking black ebony and an unusual salmon pink hue. From start to finish, this expansively-acreaged statement timepiece stands as a tribute to the finest haute horological arts.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Only Watch Charity Auction

Hot Watches: Latest Panerai timepieces hit Hong Kong pop-up store

Panerai, the high-end maker of sports watches, recently thrilled local fans when it opened its first-ever Greater China pop-up store at Harbour City, Ocean Centre. For the special exhibition, the Florentine-headquartered maison, which has been crafting precision timepieces since 1860, transformed the intimate 75sq.m space into a mystical underwater realm as imagined by its Creative Director Alvaro Maggini.

Accented to highlight the brand’s maritime heritage and focus, the Panerai pop-up store features powerful images of sharks and an impressive octopus tentacle display set against an aquatic backdrop of rocks, shells and sand. Amid this eye-catching showcase were nestled some of Panerai’s newest novelties.

At an exclusive sneak preview, media friends were invited to peruse these latest designs, including the all-new Luminor Due 38mm and Luminor Due 42mm, crafted from lightweight titanium in these latest iterations. Also on display was another titanium creation, the Luminor Due 45mm, which comes equipped with the cutting-edge P.4002 movement, a three-day automatic design burnished with off-centred oscillating weights. Guests were also treated to interactive entertainment such as an underwater VR adventure, and a selection of delicious Italian liqueurs and canapes.

Black Bay Chrono S&G: Iconic Tudor timepiece gets a steel-and-gold update

To say that luxury watchmaker TUDOR is a past master at crafting exquisite, high-end dive watches is an understatement to say the least. Having launched its first such design in 1954, the marque has consistently delivered ever-more-alluring timepieces that more than meet the needs of even the most discerning underwater explorer. Now, it has burnished its reputation even further with the addition of the Black Bay Chorno S&G.

Part of its hugely successful Black Bay Collection, this latest chronograph has been given the two-tone treatment and boasts an attractive steel and gold motif (from which the ‘S&G’ designation is derived). Its matte black dial also features the line’s iconic ‘snowflake’ hands – a TUDOR dive watch signature since 1969 – and a date aperture at 6 o’clock, which is fetchingly ringed by a fixed yellow gold bezel with a black anodised aluminium insert and tachymetre scale. Underneath beats a cutting-edge Calibre MT5813 movement, replete with a 70-hour power reserve. The choice of Jacquard fabric, bund leather or steel straps is left to the lucky buyer.

To mark the launch of the Black Bay Chrono S&G as well as several of TUDOR’s other new steel-and-gold creations, the haute horology house took over The Chinese Library at the Tai Kwun Complex for a very special ‘sneak peek’ event. With its signature “Born To Dare” motto clearly the central motif of the adventurously-themed evening, a select group of VIPs were invited to peruse these luxury watches, all while partaking in a series of entertainments ranging from portrait painting and fashion styling to photobooth-printed mementos.

Last chance to check out Rolex’s A Watch Born to Explore exhibition

For much of its century-long history, luxury watchmaker Rolex hasn’t just wowed the haute horology world with a stunning array of cutting-edge designs, it’s also been party to some of the most significant adventures of exploration known to humankind. To celebrate this unique, adventure-driven heritage, the Swiss marque treated its legion of Hong Kong fans to a special exhibition dubbed “A Watch Born to Explore”.

While this unique showcase has travelled the world, this particular Elements-located iteration is the first time the Fragrant Harbour has featured on its itinerary. Aimed at spotlighting the brand’s involvement in these grand adventures, visitors to watch-bracelet-motifed exhibit will be treated to a series of illustrated panels and films that explore Rolex’s explorations through the ages, be it the first-ever successful summitting of Mount Everest in 1953 or deep-sea voyages to the belly of our planet.

Ample focus has also been given to several of the amazing watches that have been spawned by these experiences, including the Explorer, which was launched the same year that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hilary climbed Everest, and its successor, the Explorer II, launched in 1971 and long the go-to timepieces for intrepid explorers the world over.

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay atop Mount Everest

The final chapter of the interactive “A Watch Born to Explore” exhibition highlights Rolex’s latest endeavour – its newly-announced Perpetual Planet campaign, a project aimed at supporting key individuals and organisations worldwide in creating solutions to the world’s myriad environmental challenges.

The showcase, which kicked off on Thursday last week, will run for just one more day, so if you’re keen to check out these latest watches and find out more about Rolex’s Perpetual Planet programme, head to Elements mall posthaste.

A Watch Born to Explore Exhibition
Date: 5 – 11 September
Venue: 1/Fl, Metal Zone, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui

The eye-catching watches of CORUM’s new 2019 Admiral Collection

For over six decades, Swiss watchmaker CORUM has used its high-precision mechanical engineering and inspired craftsmanship skills to gift the world with an array of truly arresting timepieces. Recently, the luxury marque expanded on this storied legacy by introducing the latest 2019 Admiral Collection to eager fans at an exclusive party at The Murray, Hong Kong.

*Alfred Hui, Soon Boon Chong, Kevin Chu and Ashley Lam at CORUM’s 2019 Admiral Collection launch party*

To help celebrate the premier of the 2019 Admiral Collection, Soon Boon Chong, the brand’s Global Sales and Marketing Director, was joined by several local celebrities who shared insights into their own love of CORUM, including singer Alfred Hui, actor Kevin Chu and Ashley Lam, former Hong Kong Swimming Team member-turned-actress.

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Instantly recognisable by their dazzling dodecagonal (12-sided) cases, the new 2019 Admiral Collection that were showcased at the launch event featured three updated designs – the Admiral AC-ONE 45 Openworked Automatic, the Admiral AC-ONE 45 Openworked Tourbillon and the Admiral AC-ONE 45 Chronograph – as well as the exciting debut of the first-ever ladies’ model of the collection: the diamond-ringed Admiral AC-ONE 38 Automatic.

*Admiral AC-ONE 45 Openworked Tourbillon*

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring of the timepieces on display was the attention-grabbing Admiral AC-ONE Openworked Tourbillon. Speaking to the unique nature of this avant-garde design, Global Sales and Marketing Director of Montres CORUM, Soon Boon Chong, remarked, “Creating top-notch timepieces with innovative elements has always been a mission of CORUM. Following our previous success on skeletonised designs, we are extremely excited to present the Admiral AC-ONE 45 Openworked Tourbillon, a grand complication timepiece that marks another milestone for the brand.”

To find out more about these eye-catching timepieces, visit the CORUM website.