Da Man - Caliber Vol.8 2021

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Looking back at how the watchmaking industry responded to the first year of the pandemic really showed us just how versatile it actually is. We’re talking about an industry that is steeped in centuries’ worth of history and one that is often accused—not entirely without merit, mind you—of being slow to move away from tradition and embrace modern best-practices. But the moment watch boutiques had to close, launch events had to be cancelled and watch fairs postponed, things changed. Major watch brands quickly became experts in online presentations, virtual boutiques began popping up, augmented reality applications allowed a measure of “try before you buy” and the social media presence of watchmakers grew exponentially. In a way, these changes brought the watchmakers and the watch wearers—and media like us, of course—closer than ever. At the same time, proper, traditional watchmaking remains as strong as ever, too. A perfect case in point would be TAG Heuer, whose offerings this year ranges from the reimagining of its iconic Aquaracer line to a collaboration with Nintendo’s Mario, of all things. Do check out our interview with Guy Bove from TAG Heuer to learn more about the brand’s creative process. We also have chats with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Lionel Favre about what is essentially the most complicated watch of the year, with Panerai’s Alvaro Maggini about sustainability and trends, IWC’s Florian Gutsmiedl about the Southeast Asian market and Piaget’s Antoine Martin about traditional savoir-faire. A common thread across all of the people we talked to, however, is a sense of optimism that has grown into solid confidence—a confidence that, naturally, manifests itself in amazing timepieces. On that note, we have—of course—plenty of timepieces for you to feast your eyes on. If technical characteristics are your thing, our Essential and Watch Lab sections has plenty of little details to absorb.