Our Top Picks From Watches and Wonders 2021
From Rolex’s diamond-encrusted Datejust to Cartier’s beginner-friendly Tank, here are our favorites.
Taking place virtually this year, the annual Watches and Wonders fair came to a close with a slew of exciting launches featuring unexpected collaborations, updated models and more. From brands like Cartier and Rolex, to Audemars Piguet and Tudor, we’ve gathered some of our favorite releases of 2021.
Highlights include a Black Panther-themed Royal Oak Concept design from AP, featuring a black-and-purple color theme referencing the Marvel production. Elsewhere, Rolex has adorned its Lady-Datejust with brilliant-cut diamonds all over, while Jaeger-LeCoultre made history with the first four-faced watch. As for fashion houses, Chanel has crafted a skeleton version of its BOY·FRIEND line and Louis Vuitton has added a Flying Tourbillon complication to its Tambour Moon timepiece.
Scroll down below to explore all of our favorite launches from Watches and Wonders 2021.
Audemars Piguet
Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet
Teaming up with Marvel for the first time, Audemars Piguet has updated its signature Royal Oak Concept timepiece with Black Panther-themed details along with a Flying Tourbillon. The watch, arriving in the classic 42mm octagonal case, features a three-dimensional white gold figure of Black Panther along with the purple-and-black dial, bezel and strap.
Cartier
Tank Must
Cartier
Cartier
Cartier
This year, Cartier has unveiled a series of new designs ideal for those looking to purchase entry-level watches. From September, the house is making its latest Tank designs available from $2,500 USD. The timepiece comes with a “Solarbeat” movement, which runs on solar energy using light reached through the Roman numeral indices. The Tank Must also arrives in quartz options in solid lacquered dials dressed in shades of burgundy, blue and green.
Chanel
BOY·FRIEND Skeleton
Chanel
Updating its popular BOY·FRIEND line, Chanel debuted two limited-edition skeleton watches. One variation comes with an 18k beige gold case along with a bezel adorned with 38 baguette-cut diamonds. The mechanical movement, exposed through the transparent case, boasts 55 hours of power reserve and a diameter of 37mm.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Four-Faced Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185
Jaeger-Lecoultre
Upgrading its iconic dual-dialed Reverso model, Jaeger-LeCoultre has crafted the world’s first-ever four-faced timepiece. Limited to 10 pieces only, the horological design features lunar displays, as well as complications that allow the wearer to determine astrological events like super moons and eclipses.
Louis Vuitton
Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon “Poinçon de Genève” Sapphire
Louis Vuitton
Standing out from Louis Vuitton’s new women’s watches is the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon “Poinçon de Genève” Sapphire available in three colorways. The model arrives with a case made using a whole block of sapphire while showcasing the tourbillon-powered manufacture movement through a skeleton design. Measuring 42.5mm in diameter, the timepiece features 80 hours of power reserve.
Rolex
Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust
Rolex
Rolex has gone over-the-top by embellishing its Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust with over 1,000 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case sides, lugs, bezel and President bracelet. The 18kt yellow gold design is contrasted with black Roman numeral indices, while Rolex’s signature logo is engraved onto the crown. The watch is complete with a 28mm Oyster case and a self-winding mechanical movement.
Tudor
Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925
Tudor
Tudor
Expanding its popular Black Bay Fifty-Eight line, Tudor has newly crafted the model in 925 silver and an open case back. The diver’s watch, which is waterproof to 200 meters, dons a tonal-brown look on the straps, frosted taupe dial and bezel. The back of the timepiece reveals the Manufacture Calibre MT5400, a chronometer movement that lasts roughly 70 hours – or a full weekend – without being reset.
