Ulysse Nardin is continuing its path of combining classic watchmaking with disruptive creations at Watches & Wonders 2021. They showcase not only the brands' expertise and craftsmanship but also their future-minded nature and eye for tantalizing design. They achieve this by pushing the boundaries of not only themselves but watchmaking as a whole, serving existing connoisseurs, as well as a new generation of watch collectors.

While digital, Watches & Wonders 2021 kicks off immediately in high gear, showing that the industry is still strong, even during a pandemic. Many exciting new watches have already been introduced, of which the following five in particular caught our eye:

At Hublot, they have a passion for materials. Whether it is gold, ceramic, or sapphire, they love to see if they can improve it or give it a color that has never been achieved before. In 2016 the brand introduced its very first sapphire watch, and things developed quickly in the years after. Not only was Hublot able to create sapphire in different colors they could also make them in modest volume. While this sounds less exclusive, the production process of sapphire watches is so intensive that being able to make more of them is a major achievement. Hublot kicks off Watches & Wonders 2021 with another amazing accomplishment, and that is a Big Bang Integral Tourbillon where both the case and the bracelet are made of sapphire.

Complicated watches have very little secrets for Chopard. As a true manufacture, the brand has created a wide variety of them, from perpetual calendars to minute repeaters. However, one thing they have never made is a jump hour watch. With the introduction of the L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25, this all changes. With its 40mm case in ethical rose gold, and dial made from Grand Feu enamel, has the timepiece a classic look. The railway track and Arabic numerals underscore this, as does the brown alligator leather strap.

In watchmaking, a millimeter more or less can make all the difference. This year, Cartier is launching the Ballon Bleu in a new 40mm large case. With this, 'La Maison' keeps the watch in line with current trends and on point in terms of design. Initially launched in 2007 has the Ballon Bleu quickly become one of the best-selling models of Cartier, and one of the pillars of the brand's watchmaking collection. Thanks to its pebble-shaped case, is it one of the most comfortable watches to wear, while its crown guard gives it a unique appearance.

2020 was, without a doubt, a turbulent year. This didn't exclude the watchworld. The first two quarters looked grim for many watch brands, but as the Covid-19 pandemic played out, the markets showed their resilience, making this year not as gloomy for the industry as it could have been. So far, 2020 claimed only one distinct victim, as RJ watches (formerly known as Romain Jerome) closed its doors, but what can we expect for the new year?

At Watches & Wonders, Cartier surprised us with not only the return of the Pasha but also with a mechanical version of the Santos Dumont. Time to discuss these new additions, and more, with Arnaud Carrez, Marketing and Communications Director at Cartier International.

Julien Tornare, CEO of Swiss watchmaker Zenith Watches, joined Haute Time for the latest edition of "Talking Time", a series of live webinars with the time industry's leaders and legends. Tornare is one of the youngest CEOs in the luxury watch industry.

Last year Lange & Söhne surprised us by introducing the Odysseus, not only the brand's first sports watch, but also their first regular-production timepiece in stainless steel. On the dial, it combined a large date with a day-indicator as well, while a subdial for the seconds gave the watch a touch of vintage flair. These ingredients haven't changed for the latest addition to the collection, apart from the fact that it is now crafted from white gold, features a new color dial, and comes on a rubber strap.

Haute Time goes live with Roger Dubuis CEO Nicola Andreatta on Zoom to discuss the brand going digital, Watches & Wonders, the industry's future and more.

What started 70 years ago as an extraordinary watch for elite forces of the Italian navy during WWII has become one of the most recognizable and popular sports watches. The Panerai Luminor paved the way for oversized watches and has earned its position as an icon. However, Panerai never allowed the Luminor rest on its laurels, but instead used it as their preferred platform to push the envelope, either with complicated movements or with innovative materials. The latter is also what they used for the three special models of the Luminor that Panerai created to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

2020 marks the return of the Pasha de Cartier, which also happens to celebrate its 35th birthday. The watch was initially launched in 1985 and one of the great successes of the brand. It was created by Gerald Genta, who cleverly combined the Vendome-lugs, designed and patented by Louis Cartier in 1934, with a round case and a prominent canteen-crown. It resulted in a very expressive watch that today hasn't lost any of its appeal.

IWC has crowned 2020 as the year of the Portugieser, and that means that we can welcome lots and lots of new additions to this collection. Some are just revamped versions of old favorites, but many are also entirely new watches, some with innovative complications.

With the 2020 edition of Watches & Wonders, formerly known as the SIHH, in full swing, lots of novelties are being introduced by the thirty participating brands. May trends already emerge, blue is holding its ground as a popular dial color, classic designs get a boost, and diameters tend to get a little bit smaller. Another trend that remains strong is that for complicated watches. Many brands use these watches as their calling card, and to delight their most demanding and affluential clients. The following four are the ones that caught our eyes for sure;

Usually, we would be in Geneva right now, visiting Watches & Wonders, the former SIHH. Unfortunately, very little is normal these days. The COVID-19 pandemic is making its marks around the world, and for the watch world, it meant that many prestigious, international events, had to be canceled. As it sometimes feels that the world has come to a standstill, it is also important that some things do continue, and we have to be creative about how to achieve this. The Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie, who organizes Watches & Wonders, therefore took the decision to take the show into the digital space and has created in record time a platform on which all the thirty exhibiting brands can present their latest products.

Rolex and Patek Philippe are among five major luxury watch brands that have decided to leave Baselworld and begin a new fair with FHH.