Watches & Wonders 2021: Vacheron Constantin, H. Moser, Ulysse Nardin, and More

Looking to the avant-garde style embraced during the roaring twenties, a century later Vacheron Constantin celebrates the anniversary of its iconic Historiques American 1921 model. Available in three new iterations—two white gold models and a 100-piece limited edition version in platinum—the timepiece embodies the vintage aesthetic of the time period through squared edges surrounding a rounded, offset dial with curvy Arabic numerals.

Continuing its quest for minimalism in order to optimize the design of its watches, H. Moser’s Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept X Seconde takes the concept of branding erasure to the maximum. Offering a simplistic rounded case in solid steel, the 40mm watch is accompanied by a black alligator strap and a face featuring hours, minutes, and central seconds functions, placed on top of a graphic dial in blue with an eraser graphic at its center.

Ulysse Nardin has combined two of its favorite diving watches to bring us the Diver X Skeleton. Limited to 175 pieces, the timepiece combines the sporty look of the Diver X with the technicalities and transparency of the Executive Skeleton. Executed with a fresh take on the UN-371 movement (which is visible through its 44mm case), the Diver X Skeleton has been imagined in a blue Carbonium and features a central oscillating weight in the shape of the house’s X, as well as the options for a blue or orange rubber strap.

Zenith’s Defy 21 Ultrablue wows with features like its 1/100th of a second chronograph movement and a maximalist design outfitted with details like a power reserve indicator, hours and minutes, a 60-second timer, and a central chronograph hand. Created from a deep microblasted titanium, the timepiece’s statement case is complemented by a black rubber and ultrablue cordura effect bracelet.

With just 12 pieces created, Chanel’s 12 Electro Star timepiece isn’t one we’ll quickly forget. Nearly covered in gems, the top of the white gold case has been set with a total of 578 baguette-cut diamonds (around 32.55 carats), and the sides of the timepiece feature a gradient of sapphires in the colors of the rainbow, for a total of 13.01 carats. The glittering masterpiece displays hours, minutes, and seconds, powered by a self-winding manufacture movement.