Watch and jewelry journalist Keiko Homma's top 5 exciting watches of 2021

This project asks prominent journalists from Japan and around the world to choose their top five watches released in 2021.
The five watches selected by Homma Keiko, a rare journalist in Japan who specializes in watches and jewelry, clearly set her apart from previous journalists.
As the pandemic continues to drag on, jewelry watches adorned with colorful gemstones shine brightly, seemingly blowing away the gloomy mood of the world. Their brilliance will surely act as a "vitamin of light" to lift your spirits.

TASAKI "Petit Skull"

　Fiona Kruger, known for her skull-themed watches, has collaborated with Pearl Brand. Contrary to the design, the watch conveys a positive message of cherishing the joy of living and gratitude, and living each day to the fullest.

Bvlgari "Diva's Dream Mosaic"

　The ancient mosaics in Rome's Baths of Caracalla are created from vibrant tsavorite, a type of garnet popular for its beautiful green color. The precision-cut tsavorites are set in invisible settings, a testament to their exquisite craftsmanship.

Harry Winston "Ultimate Emerald Signature"

　This model is lavishly decorated with the highly popular Paraiba tourmaline, a clear blue-green reminiscent of the coral reefs of the ocean. The strap can be removed from the watch body and used as a pendant or brooch, a feature only a jeweler can offer.

Piaget Limelight Gala

　The gradation of colors created by the large and small sapphires and garnets is stunning. To achieve the smooth gradation of the rainbow colors, it takes time and patience to arrange the gemstones. The engravings on the palace decoration also bring out the rainbow colors.

Patek Philippe "Nautilus High Jewelry 7118/1454R-001"

　The Argyle mine in Australia, which produced approximately 9% of pink diamonds, closed in 2020 due to depletion. Rather than using these precious stones in small amounts, the luxury of encrusting them in a snow setting is simply astonishing.

Comment from Keiko Homma

　It's been a year of self-restraint after self-restraint. As the unprecedented pandemic continues, skull motifs based on "memento mori" and "carpe diem" have been seen everywhere, which I think is unique to the current situation. I've had a lot going on in my personal life, and when I come across a sentimental watch like this when I'm feeling down, it makes my heart ache and I can't take my eyes off it.

　Speaking of global trends in the jewelry world, the overwhelming trend was "gems." Brilliantly colored and rare gems were lavishly used in jewelry. Reflecting this trend, watches adorned with colorful gems were eye-catching. Paraiba tourmaline, in particular, is a gemstone highly sought after by connoisseurs, as its mines were once depleted.

　This trend has led to the emergence of watches surrounded by rainbow-colored jewels. The rainbow was once the symbolic color of gay pride, but in recent years it has also become a symbol of diversity and inclusion, with high-end brands actively incorporating it into their creations. As the genderless trend is sweeping over the watch world, it's interesting to see the seven colors of the rainbow being used not only for women but also for men.

　The return of color to jewelry watches is likely due to the demand for elegance that lifts the spirits in a world shrouded in gloom. This trend is likely to continue for some time.

Profile of Keiko Homma

Journalist specializing in watches and jewelry. A former jewelry designer, he went through many twists and turns before becoming a writer. He always carries a high-powered magnifying glass for jewelry and scratches. His articles are serialized in publications such as Figaro Japon and the Asahi Shimbun.