Late in 2021, Justin Hast (Watch aficionado, Mr Porter Style Council member, overly optimistic and all round top bloke) contacted me on instagram asking if I would like to contribute to second edition of The Watch Annual publication, as someone who spends a considerable amount of time reading horology literature as well as researching and consuming media via digital platforms including Instagram, websites and blogs I enthusiastically accepted his offer.
The Watch Annual is an annual publication highlighting the best of the years watches, think of it as a year’s market overview that highlights the innovation, themes and stand out novelties of the horological world in 2021 rather than a definitive ‘year book’ of the horological calendar. Beautifully simple and concise publication for watch lovers rather than for trade, and it always will be; it’s a book for the watch community, a collective of beautiful imagery and submissions from watch enthusiasts from all over the world, perhaps you already follow some of the contributors on instagram. The 232 page publication celebrates the photography as well as unique perspectives of a widely varied audience, covering over 50 watchmakers; It is indeed a refreshing and relatable read, perfect for the coffee table.
This years publication also includes five letters from CEOs of smaller independent watchmakers (which seems to be a real talking point this year with existing collectors and enthusiasts). Including Maximilian Büsser (MB&F), Laurent Dordet (La Montre Hermès), Benoît Mintiens (Ressence), Nick English (Bremont), and Etienne Malec (Baltic).
Every year The Watch Annual pledges to donate to an in-need charitable cause through he proceeds of the sale of their book; Pay it Forward. (more details below).
Mr Gumbatron had the great pleasure of contributing to The Watch Annual 2021 edition. For this years submission, I shared the Jaeger Le-Coultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième which was one of Jaeger Le-Coultre’s celebration novelties for the 90th Anniversary of the iconic Reverso (a timepiece I admire greatly).
The 2021 Edition of The Watch Annual MR PORTER Edition.
This year there was also a hard cover edition produced in collaboration with MR PORTER, limited to 250 copies and featured an original & signed hand illustrated art print by artist Julie Kraulis. Mr. Porter donates profits from the sale of this book to the Health In Mind Fund powered by Movember to support men’s mental and physical health initiatives.
EXCLUSIVE TO MR PORTER.
Price: USD$275 / £222 / HKD$2150
Purchase Here
MORE INFORMATION.
The 2021 Edition of The Watch Annual.
A book for watch lovers, by watch lovers. A reflection of the year in watches, celebrating the best of design and complication — and a reference for years to come.
— 232 pages
— 99 watches, by 83 contributors
— 5 CEO letters
CHARITY INFORMATION.
£2 of all 2021 Edition sales will be donated to charity:
Every year we pledge to donate to a good cause; last year we proudly supported The Healthcare Workers’ Foundation, and this year we will donate £2 of each book sold to UNICEF’s Give the World a Shot initiative. While most of us are lucky enough to have the option to be vaccinated, we need to ensure that everyone around the world also has this choice. The money we raise will help UNICEF realise its target of purchasing and delivering two billion COVID-19 vaccines this year, as well as tests and treatments to 190 countries across the globe. It is the biggest health operation in history and its aim is to ensure that no one is left behind in the combined effort to eradicate COVID-19.
The 2021 Edition of The Watch Annual is available, For more information via their Instagram and purchase your own copy at The Watch Annual.
THE WATCH ANNUAL 2022
Publisher: Birch Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-8383070-2-8
Pages: 232 pages
Binding: softcover
Language: English
Price: USD$30 / £24.99 / HKD$240
Purchase Here.
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dress well, drink well. live well
L.M
