The second of a two-part primer to the highlights of our favourite brands from the show.
Our round-up of highlights of the headlining brands of Watches And Wonders 2021 continues with watchmaking titans Rolex, TAG Heuer and Vacheron Constantin. You can also check out part one of our round-up here.
ROLEX
The world’s most famous watch brand clearly doesn’t shy away from extremes. For its latest novelties, Rolex is equally at ease reminding us that it is the undisputed OG when it comes to hard-wearing tool watches, as it is dazzling us with its deft gem-setting mastery.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer
Rolex’s pedigree in making watches for the world’s pioneering adventurers and explorers once again comes to the fore with the introduction of the new-generation Explorer and Explorer II this year. The former gets refreshed in a new 36mm case - the same case diameter as the 1953 original – equipped with the Calibre 3230 with proprietary Chronergy escapement, and luxed-up in yellow Rolesor with black dial.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
Meantime, the Explorer II returns with redesigned case and lugs, and feature hands and markers mbued with optimized Chromalight display that glows brighter and lasts longer blue in low light conditions. Inside the watch is also a new engine, the Calibre 3285 that was launched in 2018, which promises improved shock-resistance and anti-magnetism.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
At the other end of the spectrum, Rolex spares no expense in pimping its new Cosmograph Daytona, Datejust 36 and Lady Datejust creations. The new Daytonas, available in yellow gold, Everose gold or white gold with Cerachrom bezel and Oysterflex bracelet, rock meteorite dials that are unique as they are rare. The Datejust 36 models, on the other hand, rock either a palm motif, inspired by tropical forests, or a fluted motif that recalls Rolex’s signature bezel, elevating the iconic timepieces with a touch of artisanship.
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
Vacheron Constantin inimitable Historiques American 1921 collection celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and we are stoked to see a new line-up of what’s arguably the brand’s quirkiest range of dress watches.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 ‘Excellence Platine’
Distinguished by a cushion-shaped watch with the dial and movement angled 45 degrees to the right, the collection returns in 40mm and 36.5mm gold, with an added touch of colour courtesy of patinated calf leather straps from Milanese luxury leather goods brand, Serapian, the watches feature Breguet hands, Art Deco hour numerals and a railway track around the dial that recalls the 1921 vintage. For those with even more lavish tastes, there is the Historiques American 1921 ‘Excellence Platine’ in platinum case and dial with hand-stitched alligator strap that’s limited to 100 pieces.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin ‘Excellence Platine’
On the other hand, one of our favourite chronograph movements, the Calibre 3500 makes a fine return to the stage in the Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin ‘Excellence Platine’. A gorgeous piece of work both inside and out, the platinum watch is limited to 15 pieces and exudes old-world chrono gravitas with its neat and symmetrical bi-compax interface spiked with blued hands.
TAG HEUER
TAG Heuer’s headliner at Watches And Wonders is the beloved Aquaracer, an accessibly priced dive-watch inspired collection has served as a gateway TAG Heuer for many of the brand’s enthusiasts. Improved from the inside-out, the new-generation series, dubbed Aquaracer Professional 300, retains much of the collection’s signature design elements while improving the watches’ ergonomics and turning up the luxe factor.
The most recognisable trait of the Aquaracer, its 12-sided unidirectional bezel, continues to anchor the Aquaracer Professional 300. Everything around that trademark aesthetic, however, has been refined. The claw-like elements that hugged previous models are replaced by knurled edges, the lugs are now shorter, and a new crown protector design recalls the original Ref. 844 Aquaracer from 1983.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 in 36mm steel
As the name suggests, the Aquaracer Professional 300 range are all water resistant to 300m. The class of 2021 are all fitted with the automatic Calibre 5, regardless of the case size. The men’s versions are available in 43mm steel with matching bracelet, with exception of a special edition in titanium with green dial and bezel, and the women’s versions come in 36mm steel with black, silver or blue lacquered dial with diamond markers.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 limited edition
Our pick of the lot is the 844-piece limited edition, with ‘ONE OF 844’ inscribed on the caseback. Housed in steel, it features a black dial that sports old radium-coloured Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers, and red 24-hour scale that appeared on the original Ref. 844.
