9 Best Men's Watches for 2021
We have lived through some interesting times the last year. Pandemic dishevelled our routines and changed the way we worked and lived. Countries went into shut down one by one and brick-and-mortar retail seems to have come to a stand still. Luxury retail hit an all time low and naturally the watch industry wasn’t spared. Several eagerly awaited launches were either postponed or toned down to hasty low-key affairs online. Brands like Rolex refused to take the bite to move online, but most of the luxury brands that hoped to, found themselves at crossroads between customer experience and actually making the sale.
We are now at a threshold that might well be considered blasphemous by the conservative horologist - selling these exquisite pieces of handcrafted treasures online, sans the touch and feel. While the watch enthusiasts worldwide are looking at online platforms for research and purchase, the traditional retailers are not giving up. They are using technology to give better experiences and safe shopping environments.
This 2021, as we toast to our eternal love for the fine art of timekeeping, let’s take a glorious peek at some of the best luxury watches on offer for men.
- Omega De Ville Prestige Co-axial Chronometer Power reserve
It is hard to resist this beauty with a two-tone silver dial with Roman numeral hour index encased in a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It is ideal for a person who would like to be seen in a vintage classic, gravitating towards subtle. What makes it more interesting is the style that takes well to both formal and casual attire.
Calibre is Omega 2627 with a self-winding chronometer augmented with a date window, seconds hand and a power reserve indicator.
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- Longines Spirit
Longines Spirit Collection comprises watches of outstanding heritage that pay tribute to the rich history of aviation watches. The five star on the dial indicates the highest commitment to quality, particularly swiss precision. Coming in 40mm and 42 mm models and a 42 mm chrono option, each model offers three colour variations.
The dial is covered in domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, encased in a tough stainless steel case enhanced with brush strokes. Water resistant to 100 metres, the movement is automatic with a L888.4 Calibre.
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- Rado True square Automatic Open Heart
This truly enticing piece of accessory is unapologetic in its presence creating a statement of class in opulence. The quintessential Rado square watches encased in silky ceramic case and bracelet is synonymous with aspirational luxury.
Having said that, their first watch using square injected monobloc ceramic is path breaking in its visual aesthetic. The design shows off the inner mechanism, the automatic ETA C0 7.361 movement through the open worked dial. The gold and silver tones of the hand and appliques come together with artistic perfection against the shiny black ceramic. This one is definitely about the looks. The 80-hour power reserve helps, of course!
Shop Rado Watches on Zimson right here
- Tissot Seastar 100 Powermatic
This piece of brilliance from Tissot is the ultimate diving watch. We do wonder what it is about divers that inspire so many horologists! Designed for efficiency even at water 1000 ft deep, the technology and aesthetics in design can please any watchlover.
This automatic watch is powered by the wrist movement of the wearer and Powermatic 80 promises a power reserve of 80 hours. The Milanese strap is an added attraction and is not merely a vintage hangover; it is best suited for stress underwater. Undeniably, the most budget friendly package in sporty luxury amongst Swiss watches.
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- Breitling Navitimer
Certainly one of the legendary pilot watches of all time, The most distinctive feature of the watch is its dynamic ultra stylish bezel that allows one to calculate a whole lot of parameters from fuel consumption, speed and rate of climb or descend.
Breitling Navitimer was the first watch to be designed exclusively for pilots at a time when there were no cockpit screens and computers and the calculations were all done in the pilots head. Wondering why you should buy it today? There is nothing out there that looks as enigmatic or close to it.
Shop Breitling here
- Hublot Big Bang Unico Integral Ceramic
The first one with an integrated bracelet in the Big Bang collection, this watch emerges more suited for formal occasions. The bracelet design surely makes a better match with the skeletal dial as compared to its earlier strap version.
Available in 3 finishes - Titanium, King Gold and Ceramic (Black), the satin finish and no contrast bezel still makes it a subtle option by Hublot standards. The specs include a 42mm case, 100-meter water resistance and automatic winding with a power reserve of 72 hours.
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- Chopard Mille Miglia 2020 Race Edition
Much has been said about partnerships between watch houses and races. One that surely stands out is the time-tested partnership of 32 years between Chopard and Mille Miglia Races, Italy. The Chopard Mille Miglia launch is much-awaited every year and even Covid could not play spoiler to the 2020 edition.
This 42mm case of precious craft is muted in colour and design by race watch standards. The only element of flashy red one would expect in a racer watch is in the Mille Miglia logo on the black dial. Leaning towards the category of a heritage race watch, the one with the rose gold bezel would be our pick.
Shop Chopard on Zimson here
- Tag Heuer Carrera X Porsche Special Edition
What do you get when you have two icons of style and speed coming together? This special edition piece of marvel that exemplifies the charm of restless sporty elegance is perhaps the best offering of 2021.
Ensconced in a true Carrera case is textured asphalt inspired dial with 2 subdials and a date wheel. Not to miss the Arabic numerals in the Porsche font and the name itself in red on the black ceramic bezel. The attention to detail is impeccable including the case back showing off the in-house movement display reminding you of a Porsche steering.
Shop Tag Heuer on Zimson now
- Ulysse Nardin Freak X 43mm
Affordable and practical in the Freak category, this will be a worthy addition to your style statement. Carbonium casing in black with titanium inlays make it almost feather-light on the wrist. The distinctive strap is made of leather but coated with rubber on top for better water resistance. The unique fly open titanium clasp detailing makes it a pleasure to handle.
The most striking feature inside the sapphire dome is the freak trademark carousel containing the proprietary silicon hairspring and balance.
Shop Ulysse Nardin here
How would you dress your wrist this year?
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