While true watch lovers want to own dozens of watches, not everyone has it in their monetary powers to do so. Some can only own a watch or two or three at the present time. As such, there may be a real need for versatility, and luckily, today’s top watch brands are offering exactly that. At the recent Watches & Wonders Geneva 2021 digital watch exhibition, where nearly 40 brands came together to showcase (albeit online) their newest timepieces, we witnessed so many watches that offer versatility in wear. The selections range from watches with quick-change easy interchangeable strap systems to watches that can easily transition from day to night, from work to weekend, and even to that formal event (when those events are back on and in full swing). We were really impressed with the wearability of these watches when we first saw them on the digital show.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando – Price USD 18,100
Bulgari partnered with architect and artist Tadao Ando for the newest Octo Finissimo limited edition series that is distinctly Japanese in nature. Created in a limited edition of just 160 pieces, this Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando watch expresses the passage of time using a concept based on Mikazuki, which is represented on the dial in the form of a crescent moon. The evolution of the moon from a crescent to a full and back again symbolizes the transitory nature of time. The background is a deep blue lacquer dial, and a transparent case back allows for viewing of the mechanical automatic movement. The case is black ceramic sandblasted and the bracelet is also black ceramic. This is a watch best worn at any time of the day or night.
Cartier Tank Must – Price USD 3,440 – 5,600
Paying homage to a 1980’s icon, Cartier this year brings back the classic tank look in the Must de Cartier. The first Les Must de Cartier watches were quartz-powered (after all, it was the quartz era) and boasted easy-to-wear colorful dials. The new Tank Must collection embraces that spirit. Crafted in stainless steel and powered by quartz movements, the new pieces are offered with either blue, green, or burgundy dials and are paired with matching colored alligator straps. While the green one might be difficult to pull off with a tux, the burgundy and blue versions, or a bracelet model, of the Cartier Tank Must can definitely go the distance with style.
Hermes H08 – Price USD 5,500 – 8,900
Hermès is billing its newest collection of timepieces, H08, as a sports watch for men, but this watch has a chic and elegant side that works nicely with a suit. What’s more, a special edition made of high-tech graphene has such a black hue to it that the watch is a study in monochrome colors that define black tie. The H08 watches boast a new geometrical shape and house manufacture-made automatic movements. There are also titanium and black DLC titanium versions. $5,500, or $5,700 with the graphene model selling for $8,900.
Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph 18 – Price USD 50,000
How about spicing up your weekend and your black-tie affair with a little gold. But this is not just any gold, it is the new proprietary 18-karat gold alloy called Lime Gold from Montblanc that makes for a great weekend casual-wear talking point and for a shiny conversation started at that dull soiree. The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph 18 features a spiral center for reading the telemeter and bright green numerals that offer a fresh take on a vintage classic. The 46mm watch houses a mechanical movement made in-house by the brand. Hurry, though, because just 18 of this watch will be made. Talk about a watch with a story.
A Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar – Price USD 104,500
German watchmaking at its finest, A. Lange & Söhne pulled out all the stops this year with a great repertoire of watches. One of them: the Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar. The brand’s 67th in-house-made movement houses more than 600 individual components and offers instantaneous changes of the day, date, and other information. The moon phase is accurate for 122.6 years before needing an adjustment. While you may not think you could wear such an expensive, complicated watch with a t-shirt, think again. One of the great features about A. Lange & Söhne is that it is an insider’s watch. Only those in the know recognize what you are wearing on your wrist.
These watches, which span across a host of different price ranges, are the perfect double-duty companions for your various life activities.
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