Elite Traveler Fall 2021

INSPIRE TOP WATCHES

PANERAI LUMINOR CALENDARIO PERPETUO

A first for Officine Panerai, this year the brand releases the Luminor Calendario Perpetuo watch — a function Paneristi (cult-like Panerai followers) have been clamoring for. It isn’t enough to create a new movement and function, though. The brand also had to house it in a case made from its own proprietary materials. The version shown here is crafted in Goldtech™, a special material developed by Panerai that offers a richer luster and improved scratch resistance. Interestingly enough, the perpetual calendar indications are on the back of the watch. The dial features the typical Panerai Luminor hours, minutes and seconds, and then offers day and date indication at 3 o’clock and 24-hour GMT function at 9 o’clock. Flip the watch over and the wearer is treated to the perpetual calendar indications, including year, leap year, days and month displays, and more. Just 270 pieces will be made. $47,200, available at Panerai in New York, +1 212 223 1562, panerai.com

ULYSSE NARDIN BLAST HOURSTRIKER In a bold move, Ulysse Nardin takes its knowledge and experience with striking and chiming watches to new heights with the Blast Hourstriker, whose chiming mechanism is visible on the dial side of the watch. With a goal of optimum sound quality and volume, the master watchmakers at the brand spent several years developing the new 330-part UN-621 mechanical caliber — its first in-house automatic striking movement to be powered by a flying tourbillon. The concept began when Ulysse Nardin teamed with French audio technology company Devialet two years ago on next-level sound. The result was the Classico Hourstriker Phantom watch. The Blast Hourstriker takes sound to a new magnitude. Essentially, the striking mechanism is powered by the automatic flying tourbillon with a silicon hairspring, anchor and escape wheel, but there is also a manual winding source for the chiming. The watch’s chiming action and sound jump into motion every hour and half-hour, or on demand. There is also an ‘off’ position to stop the striker. The movement also features a titanium membrane developed with Devialet that connects to the heel of the gong to increase audibility. A double ‘X’ is cut into the case back to act as a speaker for the sound. The 45mm case is crafted in black DLC titanium with 18-karat rose gold accents. $104,400, available at Watches of Switzerland in New York, +1 646 973 3363, ulysse-nardin.com