Its that time of year again where we eagerly anticipate another online digital hosting of the annual W&W event. A vast majority of big industry names formally showcasing their novelties for the twelve months ahead. After a while of living with Covid we are now fully adjusted to the formalities of digital platform hosting, showcasing and communicating, so this years releases felt a little more ‘’normal’’ in comparison to last years event. With anything tangible, you can argue nothing quite beats getting hands on- although I felt we all were able to get a solid representation and feel for what the industry has in store for us looking ahead. So lets jump in and take a look at a few of my favourite picks of 2021’s releases!
Moser Pioneer Centre Seconds‘’Blue Lagoon’’
H.Moser & Cie in my opinion, stole the show this year. Focusing on the latest addition to the Pioneer line-up, we were treated to both a steel centre seconds and tourbillon, finished in a striking and trademark turquoise but not quite turquoise fume dial! ''Blue Lagoon’’ is the official term, and I think they got it spot on! This watch is so hot, it needs that cool dial to calm it all down a bit…!
As with previous Pioneers its clean lines, legibility and powerhouse movement can easily handle daily life as well as those more strenuous activities. In my eyes its Moser's perfect daily option, but with flare of course! If you really want to push the boat out, there is also a tourbillon version, which breaks up that vast fume dial and allows you to view some of the exquisite craftsmanship from the front as opposed to the open case-back of which is offered on both versions.
Images: Monochrome-Watches
As a final word, H.Moser & Cie continue to push boundaries bringing fresh concepts to 21st century watchmaking. The Pioneer series offer haute horology, perfecting the balance of craftsmanship both aesthetically and mechanically, built for daily use.
Specifications for the Centre Seconds ‘’Blue Lagoon'’:
Case material: Steel
Case size: 42.8mm
Movement: HMC200
Power reserve: 72hrs
Water resistance: 12ATM
Bracelet/strap: strap
Tudor Black Bay Chrono 79360N
Tudor once again, pleasing the crowd. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the chronograph for Tudor. Two variants comprising of a panda and reverse panda dial are showcased, immediately reminiscent of the Newman dials from its big brother Rolex. Yes, we already have a series of chronographs from Tudor, but this isn’t just a different dial, this is a relaunch. Apart from the dial variations and movement we now have a slimmer profile which is a well received update from previous models. Aluminium bezels, domed crystal and screw down pushers is what a lot of us love to see, and thats what we have got! Offered on bracelet (faux rivets still there though...), textile strap and even a bund- theres plenty of options.
Image: Monochrome-Watches
As a final word, this year’s offerings from Tudor continue to show the industry that they are very much still pushing the boundaries and willing to please the crowd at extremely attractive price points. The Black Bay Chrono is a very tasteful nod to its past and a perfect execution to celebrate a 50th anniversary milestone.
Specifications:
Case material: Steel
Case size: 41mm
Movement: MT5183
Power reserve: 70hrs
Water resistance: 200m
Bracelet/strap: Bracelet, woven and bund
Cartier Tank Must Monochrome series
My final standout novelty comes from Cartier, a brand that has a rich background in both jewellery and watchmaking. Over the past year Cartier has been gaining more attention from the community with the Santos at the spearhead of its current catalogue of timepieces. This year however we have been treated to a selection of Cartier ‘Must’ quartz powered timepieces with steel cases and beautifully finished lacquered dials available in; green, red and blue. The fresh, minimalistic designs speak for themselves, taking us back to the 70’s and 80’s where the Must was in its infancy- A timepiece that didn’t require indices or overly complicated dial configurations, its infamous Tank case and minimalist lacquered dial did all the talking.
Image: Hodinkee
These colourful iterations I believe, will lend perfectly to a dress or casual wear scenarios with interchangeable straps that provide endless opportunity to explore various colour ways, my pick would be the burgundy version, reminiscent of the original Cartier Must series. So, If your looking for a hassle free, eye catching piece from La Maison, look no further!
Specifications:
Case material: Steel
Case size: 33.7mm
Movement: in-house developed quartz
Bracelet/strap: Alligator leather
That wraps up my picks from this years releases, hopefully before long the majority of us will be able to get hands on with the novelties. This year was an exciting year, maybe less so for some brands and we can’t really finish without addressing the elephant in the room, Rolex. I believe the general consensus was a rather disappointing one for the Rolex collectors and followers, I being one, can’t quite understand the reasoning or rationale behind a bi-metal Explorer although I am certainly pleased with the Explorer I going back to a 36mm case. So, apart from the slightly lacklustre celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Explorer there wasn’t too much to get excited about from Rolex, however this is in the nature of the brand and right now the demand is higher than many of us have ever witnessed before so maybe it won’t hurt to have a quieter year on the Rolex front?
Thanks for reading! all the best, Josh
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