A Wondrous Affair

The multitude of watch novelties from the recently concluded Watches & Wonders 2021 and a pair from the Swatch Group are handpicked and highlighted.

- Asaph Low

LOUIS VUITTON TAMBOUR STREET DIVER

Equal parts urban, chic and utilitarian, Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Street Diver is the latest evolution of the Tambour that blazed the French Maison’s journey in horology 19 years ago. Crafted with multi-functionality, creative ingenuity, and freedom of expression, the Tambour Street Diver is Louis Vuitton’s take on a versatile high-end sports watch. Bursts of colors and unconventional elements such as the rotating internal dive bezel and subsidiary seconds dial break traditional codes of dive watches. The inclusion of the quick-change strap system further tempers its diving sensibilities, transforming it from a contemporary dive watch to an ultra-modern package.

BVLGARI OCTO FINISSIMO TADAO ANDO

Shape, volume, material, and spatial design come together in perfect harmony as acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando once again works his magic on the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo. The second partnership between the two big names sees the inspiration of the moon and more notably the Mikazuki (crescent moon) concept reinterpreted by Ando. A crescent moon set in a sliver of yellow gold rests gracefully against the deep blue lacquered dial as a series of spirals ripple out from the second's hand. The 160-piece limited edition is cased in a black ultrathin ceramic case paired with a matching integrated bracelet.

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