[2021 Edition] Mechanical Watches: 8 New Models

New products are being announced one after another from each company, but in this column I would like to pick out the models from each brand that I am interested in. As for the content, I will select one model from each brand, for a total of eight selections.

As a trend in 2021, there were a lot of brands that adopted green dials. It was as if they had made a pre-arranged decision to use the Nautilus, Royal Oak, Reverso, and Luminor Marina. No, they definitely made a pre-arranged decision (laughs).

yes,,,

There's no point in going on and on about it, so I'd like to get straight to the point and introduce the new model that catches my eye.

Recommended Models

Recommended Model 1: [Patek Philippe] "Complication" "Ref. 4947/1A-001"

This is a 38mm round case made of stainless steel with a polished finish. The five-link bracelet is rare among Patek Philippe watches, which tend to use leather straps.

The contrast with the elegant midnight blue dial, which has a vertical and horizontal satin finish (Shandong silk finish), is a beautiful finish. In addition, the automatic movement "Cal. 324 S QA LU", which is patented by Patek Philippe, is a user-friendly model that only requires date adjustment once a year.

Although it is difficult to say anything until we see the actual watch, there is no doubt that this is an attractive model with its easy-to-use materials, case diameter, bracelet specifications, etc. I am also interested in the Nautilus olive green Ref. 5711/1A-014 and the Calatrava Ref. 6119 with its beautiful Clou de Paris, but I decided to introduce this model.

[Source] Patek Philippe

List price: ￥5,511,000-

Recommended Model 2: [Jaeger-LeCoultre] "Reverso Tribute Small Second" "Ref. Q3978430"

When you think of Jaeger-LeCoultre, the first model that comes to mind is the Reverso. This model features an inverted case that was developed to protect the dial surface, which is covered by the windshield, during polo competitions. As an aside, polo is a sport that originated in Persia (now Iran) in the 6th century BC, and it is said that the current rules were established in 19th century England. Just like modern horse racing, which originated in England, it is no wonder that many British people at the time wore the Reverso, when equestrian sports were popular.

The Reverso is available in a variety of case diameters and designs, but this tribute model is a reproduction of the early Reverso in the style of the time. The most distinctive feature of the new 2021 model is the green dial, which is instantly recognizable. You can see that the sunray-finished green is very beautiful even when viewed on the official website. The green leather strap that matches the dial is also a nice color. Polo games are played on grass, so this is a beautiful model that blends in with the natural green.

[Source][Source] Tudor

List price: ￥467,500

Recommended Model 4: [Panerai] Luminor Marina ESteel™ Verde Smeraldo, Ref. PAM01356

Have you ever heard of the word "sustainability"? It literally means "ability to continue," and generally refers to the continuity of systems and processes, the ability of the environment and living organisms to maintain their diversity and productivity indefinitely, and means sustainable development. Panerai is one of the watch brands that takes sustainability into consideration.

In 2020, the company announced new models using new recycled materials, and in 2021, it announced the Luminor Marina, which is called "eSteel." This "eSteel" is a new recycled steel alloy, and it is said that 60% of the total weight of the watch is made from recycled materials.

Speaking of Panerai! It seems that eSteel is also used for the "sandwich dial" of the watch, and I think it's amazing that they are able to use environmentally friendly materials while at the same time achieving 300m water resistance. Equipped with the in-house movement "Cal.P.9010", it also has a long power reserve of 72 hours. This model comes in three beautifully gradient colors: gray, green, and blue, and I would love to compare the actual watch. I'm really looking forward to receiving eSteel to see what it feels like.

This is a watch that makes you look forward to Panerai's future direction as a company.

[Source][Source] A. Lange & Söhne

List price: ￥20,240,000

Recommended Model ⑥ [Vacheron Constantin] "Historiques American 1921" "Ref. 82035/000G-B735" 40mm

We have previously featured the Historiques Américain 1921 in our Vacheron Constantin column, but to commemorate its 100th anniversary, we would like to introduce a new model announced for 2021.

This is a very unique watch with a distinctive square case, unique crown position, and diagonally placed dial. The new models announced are two models (36.5mm and 40mm) made of 18KWG (white gold) and a PT (platinum) limited edition of 100 pieces, but this time we will focus on the 40mm 18KWG (white gold) model.

The indexes are painted on the grained silver-tone dial with a vintage font, and the brown calf leather that comes with it has a vintage feel to it.

[Source][Source] Piaget

List price: ￥3,366,000-

Recommended Model 8. [Rolex] "Daytona Meteorite" "Ref. 116519LN"

I usually have one rule that I follow when I write a column. That is, I don't write about Rolex. Why? Because the columns and blogs written by other staff members often touch on Rolex. Today, I'm going to break that rule (lol). Because, the new Daytona Meteorite for 2021 is cool (lol).

I'll get straight to the point, but I won't go into the features in particular. Personally, I'd say the Ref. 116519LN MET is the only choice. The contrast between the 18KWG (white gold) case and meteorite dial in the same color, combined with the ceramic bezel, Oysterflex, and black sub-dials, is simply the best. Up until the previous model (Ref. 16520, Ref. 116520), the black dial was popular, but I think the white dial is also popular for the current Daytona stainless steel model because of the color contrast.

The 18KYG (yellow gold) and 18KERG (Everose gold) models and bracelet specifications are of course cool, but I expect that the specifications featured this time will fetch the highest premium price compared to the list price. Rolex has many restrictions on maintenance, so will the service center actually accept dial replacements? I'm looking forward to it.

[Source] Rolex

List price: ￥3,606,900

summary

What did you think.

Although I have tried to introduce some popular brands, I expect that models that can be called milestones will be popular. However, there are many brands that propose new initiatives and designs, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets excited when it's time for new releases.

Were there any watches released in 2021 that caught your eye?

I'm sure there are many other attractive models besides the ones I have introduced, so I would be happy if you could talk about them when you visit our store.