6 Amazingly Unique and Crazy Watches

When we think of a wristwatch, the first thing that comes to mind for most of us is a round, stainless steel case with three hands that display the hours, minutes, and seconds. In recent years, models have been created that go far beyond these ideas. Here, we've selected six of the most "crazy" and amazing watches released in 2021.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept "Black Panther" Flying Tourbillon

　In 2021, Audemars Piguet President François-Henri Bennahmias announced a collaboration between his company and Marvel Comics. The first watch to emerge from this partnership is the Royal Oak Concept "Black Panther" Flying Tourbillon. While this model may not appeal to traditional watch enthusiasts, its accomplishments are undeniable. It faithfully portrays Black Panther, the animated superhero played by Chadwick Boseman in his final years. Clad in a high-tech suit and clawed gloves, the Black Panther is hand-painted in white gold, looking as if he's about to pounce. His lower legs encircle the tourbillon cage at 6 o'clock, and a see-through barrel is visible behind his right arm. Powering this movement is the manual-winding caliber 2965. The 42mm case is crafted from titanium, with a ceramic bezel and crown. This model was produced in a run of 250, and has already sold out.

Roger Dubuis "Excalibur Glow Me Up!"

　Known for its tourbillons and double tourbillons, Roger Dubuis also enjoys implementing new techniques in gemsetting. The Excalibur Glow Me Up! is a prime example, transforming from a jewelry watch by day to an avant-garde piece by night. The sparkling diamonds appear to float. While the appearance is eye-catching, the technical background is not particularly complex. The 60 baguette diamonds on the bezel are treated with different-colored Super-LumiNova, creating a vibrant glow in the dark. Luminous material is also applied to the star-shaped movement bridge, the tourbillon rim, and the virtually invisible outer periphery of the dial. This creates a unique feast of light at night. When the sun rises, the watch reverts to a technically sophisticated, traditional jewelry watch. The 42mm 18K pink gold case is powered by the in-house manual-winding caliber RD512SQ.

Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5 Days Power Reserve 3D Carbon

　The Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5 Days Power Reserve 3D Carbon features many noteworthy features. The bezel and sapphire crystal break away from the traditional circular shape at 6 o'clock, sloping downward to meet the caseback. The manual-wound caliber HUB9009.H1.RA houses a two-axis tourbillon at 6 o'clock, rotating one rotation per minute on one axis and half a rotation every 30 seconds on the other. This tourbillon will continue to rotate for approximately five days after the watch is fully wound. The power reserve is displayed at 7 o'clock. The see-through, three-dimensional dial is framed by two arc-shaped date displays. The 49mm diameter, 18mm thick case is made of 3D carbon, a composite material that can be molded into complex shapes, a specialty of Hublot. This model is available in four colors: yellow, green, blue, and red, each limited to eight pieces.

Hamilton Ventura Elvis 80 Skeleton

　The Ventura features a distinctive triangular case. While currently available in both automatic and quartz movements, when Hamilton introduced this model in 1957, it was the world's first battery-powered wristwatch. Elvis Presley was perhaps the Ventura's most famous fan. He wore the original model both privately and during the filming of the 1961 movie "Blue Hawaii." The Ventura Elvis 80 Skeleton features a zigzag voltage trace design, similar to the early Ventura styles. The case shape is modernized and features elegant rose gold plating. The see-through dial and sporty rubber strap are paired with a sporty rubber strap. Powered by the Caliber H-10-S, based on an ETA automatic movement, this watch is one of the more affordable of the six crazy watches featured here.

Urwerk UR-220 SL "Asimov"

　Urwerk has long been renowned for its satellite displays. The UR-220 SL "Asimov" features a moving rotating block that displays the time, coated with Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL, a luminous material that glows in the dark. The hour display, as well as the arcing minute track, power reserve indicator, and even the brand name, are all coated with luminous paint, adding a touch of design. Of particular note is the time display structure. This is based on Urwerk's patented "Wandering Hour" system, which uses no hands, and displays the time in a retrograde fashion using three rotating arms. Each arm is overlaid with a large pointer that functions as the minute hand, moving 120 degrees over the minute track in one hour. After one hour has elapsed, the pointer instantly returns to zero and, with the next arm, begins ticking again. The hand-wound caliber UR-7.20 controls all functions and has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours when fully wound. The 53.6mm x 43.8mm case is an ultra-lightweight carbon case made from 81 layers of CTP carbon compressed with resin, and Urwerk has used a special manufacturing process to give the case a textured appearance with concentric circles.

MB&F Horological Machine No. 9 "Sapphire Vision"

　The Horological Machine No. 9 series, launched in 2018, pays homage to the outstanding design of automobiles and aircraft from the 1940s and 1950s. Its streamlined, aerodynamic cases house movements that stand up to even the most discerning eye. The Sapphire Vision features an extremely complex sapphire crystal case with multiple curves and domes. A manual-winding movement with two balances creates a symmetrical structure. A central differential equalizes the information from these two sources, ensuring optimal timekeeping. The hours and minutes are displayed on a dial positioned perpendicular to the wrist. Available in four models, each with a case material of 18K red or white gold and featuring a movement bridge of a different color, each is limited to just five pieces.