2021 Promises To Be An Exciting Year For Watch Enthusiasts. Here Are Some Of The Bracelet Watches Released Recently To Whet Your Appetite.
Goodbye 2020 and hello 2021. A brand-new year comes with yet another reason to splash out on a new watch. From what we have witnessed so far, it definitely promises to be an exciting year for watch lovers, especially to those who are in the market for a bracelet watch, or two. Don’t take our words for it; see it for yourself.
Bvlgari
Serpenti Spiga
Christened after the captivating snake, Bvlgari’s Serpenti is an icon in the world of jewellery watches thanks to its idiosyncratic bracelet that coils itself sensually around the wrist. Tapping into the maison’s unparalleled know-how in jewellery craftsmanship, 2021 sees the collection given an aesthetic makeover – echoing the snake which renews its skin – as the Serpenti Spiga exudes a refined and contemporary vibe through the unique matelassé pattern. Set with brilliant diamonds, the bracelet made of precious rose or white gold is labour intensive as its modular element is cast and produced in series, before it is exceptionally finished and assembled by hand.
Just how demanding is the process? It depends on the model itself. For example, the two-row bracelet is composed of 70 elements, while the single row consists of 40 links cast from 40 different moulds, with each modular element inserted around an internal flexible spring. These gold links interlock seamlessly in order to create a flexible band that contours comfortably around the wrist, without any soldering involved.
Bvlgari
Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT
To ensure water resistance up to 100 metres, the Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT is equipped with a larger screw-down crown than previously seen sandblasted models
The realm of sports watches has a new darling as Bvlgari unveils the Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT in stainless steel. Based on the design philosophy “Estetica della Meccanica” – translating to aesthetics of mechanics – in which ingenious function takes shape as exquisite form, the Octo Finissimo collection has truly captured the attention of watch enthusiasts in the past few years with innovative designs.
This brand-new specimen blends sporty practicality with mechanical complexity as evident in its choice of complications. The automatic in-house chronograph and GMT ultra-thin calibre BVL 318 – at 3.3mm thick – features a unique peripheral rotor in an effort to achieve svelteness. As a result, the 43mm octagonal case measures only 8.75mm thick. On top of the chronograph function, a second time zone is displayed on the 3 o’clock sub-counter. Complementing the blue sunray dial is an integrated vertical brushed steel bracelet with polished parts.
Corum
Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph
Corum is all about unique design and the Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph delights with the exclusive “Grenadier fendu” bracelet
Debuted in 1960, the Admiral collection has undergone a string of redesign over the course of history. One aspect that has remained constant, however, is that its aesthetic has continued to push boundaries. The Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph, today, can be described as masculine, dynamic and elegant. From the sleek, angular dodecagonal bezel to the “panda” or “reverse panda” composition upon a “Grenadier fendu” – translating to split pomegranates – motif-enhanced dial, every facet of the chronograph is unique.
Originally offered in 5N 18k rose gold or grade 5 titanium with black PVD treatment for the black dial version and in grade 5 titanium grade 5 or 5N 18k rose gold for the white dial model, Corum ups the ante this year with this exclusive titanium bracelet mirroring the “Grenadier fendu” pattern decorating the dial. Bold? Juicy? We think so.
Omega
Speedmaster Moonwatch
One of the most influential creations in watchmaking history, the Speedmaster Moonwatch is now better than ever. Drawing inspiration from the 4th generation Moonwatch worn by Apollo 11 astronauts on the Moon in 1969 – commonly referenced as the ST 105.012 – the latest iteration is fitted with one of the industry’s finest movements. Thanks to the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, which can withstand magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss, this “Speedy” has passed the Swiss watch industry’s stringent examination in precision, performance and magnetic-resistance to obtain the Master Chronometer certification.
Beyond the heartbeat, Omega has also given the watch some subtle touch-ups. The minute track is now separated into three divisions, as opposed to five found on previous models, in a move necessitated by the calibre 3861’s frequency. For the purist, you will be pleased that there are several space-era details to be found, including the classic asymmetrical case, step dial, double bevel case back, and the famous dot over 90 and a dot diagonal to 70 on the anodised aluminium bezel ring.
Omega
Seamaster Diver 300M “Beijing 2022” Special Edition
Counting down the 2022 Olympic Winter Games to be held in Beijing which will also mark the 30-year partnership between the games and Omega, the faithful watchmaker celebrates the historic sporting event and their unwavering ties with a commemorative edition of the Seamaster Diver 300M. Powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800, this “Beijing 2022” edition features a 42mm case crafted from stainless steel, paired with a grade 5 titanium bezel ring spotting a 60-minute diving scale in positive relief.
Paying homage to the Olympics, Omega adorns the diving watch with a quintet of minute markers at 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 o’clock, signifying the five colours that make up the iconic Olympic Rings. Turning the watch over reveals a polished and brushed case back featuring a stamped Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 emblem, as the patented Naiad Lock system ensures all engravings remain in perfect alignment.
Piaget
Polo Skeleton
Dubbed by Piaget as the brand’s most anticipated watch this year, we find ourselves unable to disagree with that statement as the Polo Skeleton looks absolutely stunning in the flesh. Created in 1979 and subsequently amassing a legion of loyal followers including the legendary American jazz artist Miles Davis, this year marks the first time Piaget offers this luxury sports watch in a fully skeletonised guise.
Piaget is known for its ultra-thin timepieces, and the Polo Skeleton is no exception. Compared to the existing Polo, this new number is 30 percent thinner at 6.5mm thick – a feat made possible courtesy of the 2.4mm-thick Piaget 1200S1 self-winding skeleton movement powered by an off-centre micro rotor engraved with Piaget coat of arms. Despite the intricate appearance, the Polo Skeleton remains just as robust thanks to its 42mm steel case.
In addition, the polished and satin-finished H-shaped bracelet synonymous with the Polo collection has also been reworked to incorporate an interchangeable function for you to effortlessly swap out for a leather strap.
TAG Heuer
Carrera Porsche Chronograph
A collaboration fuelled by a common thirst for innovation and deep history in motor racing, the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph bears two iconic names associated with motorsport – Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and German automaker Porsche. It is no surprise that the 44mm exhibit emits an aura expressing Porsche’s essence.
On the front, the dial seduces autophiles with an asphalt effect created especially for this chronograph. It is further complemented with large Arabic numerals reminiscent of those found on the dashboard of Porsche’s sports cars. Also visible on the bezel is Porsche’s engraved inscription, while the Porsche symbolic colours of red, black and grey – which also recall past Heuer models – are incorporated into the chronograph. On the reverse side, the oscillating mass of the in-house Calibre Heuer 02 movement, which can be admired through a transparent case back, is redesigned to resemble Porsche’s celebrated steering wheel. It is imprinted with the words “Porsche” and “TAG Heuer.” Whether you cruise in a Boxster, Cayman, 911 or Panamera, we can’t think of a more apt watch to go with the car.
Zenith
Chronomaster Sport
As a nod to its heritage, Zenith is supplying the Chronomaster Sport with an integrated steel bracelet similar to those conceived by Gay Frères, which was instrumental to the brand’s metal bracelets in the past
With a rich history rooted in the incessant pursuit of high-frequency precision, Zenith rekindles its ties with the world of chronographs once again with the Chronomaster Sport. Available in two references – distinguished by either a black or white dial – the chronograph features the manufacture’s emblematic tri-colour chronograph sub-dials in blue, anthracite and light grey, evocative of the legendary A386 from 1969.
For an intuitive and instantaneous reading of the chronograph, each sub-counter is graduated to 60, with small seconds at 9 o’clock, 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock, and 60-second counter at 3 o’clock, while the central chronograph hand completes a full revolution in 10 seconds. Capable of measuring up to 1/10th of a second thanks to the in-house El Primero 3600 automatic movement, this 41mm stainless steel example features a black ceramic bezel etched with a 1/10th of a second display to enable the decisive moments to be read effortlessly. It is the only watch to offer this distinctive functionality.
Book an appointment to discover more on the watches and collections in our boutique at Fahrenheit 88, Starhill Gallery, Suria KLCC, TAG Heuer Suria KLCC and Imago Kota Kinabalu.
