Watch Report 2021

The first quarter of 2021 heralds a renewed confidence in the world of horology, with brands flexing their versatility through a wide range of novelties that span accessible favourites to signature complications. Feast your eyes on the new releases in this first segment of a two-part report.

ROLEX

The Crown’s 2021 novelties include refreshments to the Oyster Perpetual Explorer range, some utterly over-the-top bejewelled additions to the Day-Date 36 and Lady-Datejust collections, as well as a number of new dial designs for the Datejust 36 and Day-Date 36. The latter line, which now includes a stunning version with a diamond-set bezel and Eisenkiesel (a quartz variety) dial on a President bracelet, really does seem to be shaping up as the watch for all seasons and reasons.

However, the Rolexes that are really catching our eye this year are the trio of Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytonas, each with an utterly unique dial that’s been sliced from a chunk of meteorite. The new 40mm models are available with a white gold case, monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic and a rather discreet Oysterflex bracelet; with a yellow gold case, bezel and Oyster bracelet; or with a case, bezel and Oyster bracelet in Everose gold.

Aside from the dials (which also feature contrasting black subdials), the new references are little changed from existing models: The Superlative Chronometer Certified automatic calibre 4130 boasts a 72-hour power reserve and an accuracy of +2/-2 seconds a day.

BVLGARI

It’s undeniable that Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo range has made an indelible mark in the world of haute horlogerie. The maison has racked up seven world records in a short seven years with the latest for the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar – the slimmest in the world. Reinterpreting a classical horological complication in a resolutely contemporary manner, the 40mm timepiece spotlights Bvlgari’s finesse in rewriting traditional watchmaking codes.