This year, Watches & Wonders has presented more hits than misses. These are three exquisite examples.
Cartier Ballon Bleu
When it was first released in 2007, the Cartier Ballon Bleu was an instant hit, wrapping the wrist of celebrities and influential individuals in the major cities around the world. The new 40mm Ballon Bleu model is a ground-breaking in the sense that the automatic version of the watch was only offered in 36mm and 42mm until now. Comes in a few variations, there’s a choice of steel or pink-gold case, with or without diamonds, that matches with either an alligator strap or a steel or gold bracelet, not to mention attention-grabbing dial options in dark grey and bright blue.
Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 is a watch that guarantees to excite vintage enthusiasts. The watch features a case crafted out of 18-carat gold alloy, a gold-coloured dial contrasted with striking green elements and sophisticatedly completed with a classic green nubuck alligator leather strap. Aside from the small seconds at 9 o’clock, the dial stands out with a telemeter scale and a tachymeter smack right at the centre in a snail shape.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300
The Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 is bold, elegant and highly functional. Comes in four references in 43mm case and three in 36mm, the12-sided unidirectional rotating bezel is integrated with a scratch- resistant ceramic insert and fluted each of the 12 facets so the bezel is easy to grip and turn. In addition, several enhancements have been made to the look and legibility of the watch. The new collection has a wider sword-shaped hour hand and a narrower minutes hand for clearer distinction particularly in low-light conditions. With the concept of “work and play” in mind, the case, bezel and metal bracelet have all been slimmed down
Note: this is by no means an exhaustive list but it gives an idea of some of the most covetable new timepieces.
This story first appeared in the May 2021 issue of Men’s Folio Malaysia.
