Last week was LVMH watch week. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it; there’s really no reason you should have given it was just a slate of virtual – and oddly slick – press conferences. All you need to know is that it was a chance for the luxury group’s watchmakers to show off their latest horological creations at once and make a big song and dance of it in the process.

All that is, except for TAG Heuer, who instead basically sent an apology note that they’re too busy right now. Busy with what? That would be telling. (Plus we don’t know yet.)

For now though, we have more than enough to be digesting, be that slimline watchmaking from Italian jeweller-come-watchmaker Bulgari (or Bvlgari if you’re being pedantic), or the quite diverse offering from chronograph specialists Zenith and Hublot.

So without further ado, here are all the launches you should know about from LVMH Watch Week 2021. And yes, these are just the men’s pieces; we don’t want to be writing about bejewelled peacocks all day.

Bulgari

Bulgari went in hard with their high jewellery women’s pieces this year and for once, didn’t show off a record-breaking new entry into their Octo Finissimo range. We can’t say we’re disappointed; there’s only so many times Bulgari can break an ultra-thin record without it getting boring, and that was two watches ago. Instead, Bulgari added a few variations on previous Finissimo models and the result is some of their most wearable watches to date.

Both the new Octo Finissimo S and the Finissimo S Chronograph GMT are slightly upsized, sportier versions of the record-breaking watches they’re based on. For the base automatic version (no longer a record-breaker thanks to Piaget, by the way), that means it comes with a full steel look as opposed to the original’s titanium and 100m water resistance thanks to a new screw-down crown and (very slightly) bulkier, 6.4mm-thick case.

In the Chronograph GMT version, those sportier dimensions are complemented with a blue and white reverse panda dial, a layout that’s pretty much shorthand for racing-inspired in the watch world. Once again it’s larger than the original (still a svelte 43mm across and 8.75mm thick) and has a more solid crown for 100m water resistance. It’s finally a Finissimo that’s not just cool, but perfect for daily wear.

The headline-grabber from Bulgari, on the other hand, is anything but casual. The three-gong Octo Roma Carillon Tourbillon sounds out the chimes of Westminster, amplified by an openworked dial and case sides. The big, DLC-coated titanium case is finished with a white gold chime button and crown and houses a movement of 432 components. It’s incredible. It’s also $259,000. Ouch.

Zenith

Zenith’s 2021 presentation was all about one watch: the Daytona. Ok, ok, so while the new Chronomaster Sport has already been decried as a Rolex homage, that’s just watch writers being edgy. Not every tri-compax (three-counter) racing chrono with a contrasting bezel is a Daytona homage and Zenith more than anyone has a history of incredible chronograph movements. The latest of which is the El Primero 3600, which times to 1/10th of a second.

This is the second time we’ve seen the El Primero 3600 calibre, but the first in a regular production watch. The previous being a 50th anniversary limited edition. The Chronomaster Sport is also a lot better looking, in our humble opinion.

It comes in two colours, though the one to focus on is obviously the white dial with black bezel. It’s seriously cool with a scattering of archival touches, feels great on the wrist and is backed by solid watchmaking. It’s Zenith’s 2021 highlight for good reason.

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It’s not all they have of course. There was also the Revival A385, a recreation of the original El Primero with a lovely fume brown dial that was released as a taster before the event. There was the Urban Defy, a colour-swapped version of Zenith’s open-worked watch in forest green ceramic. Finally, there was also a new take on the brand’s iconic Pilot Type 20 with a silver dial inspired by an aircraft fuselage, rivets and all.

All three are solid additions to the collection, if nothing exactly ground-breaking. Still, you wouldn’t want to take any of the spotlight away from the Chronomaster Sport. Not that it’s having any issues there.

Hublot

Sapphire is the second hardest material after diamond. That makes it incredibly hard to work with, especially in watches. That goes double if you want to try for coloured sapphire. So a full orange sapphire case the size of a Big Bang? That’s insane. It’s also Hublot’s big 2021 novelty. It joins the previous rainbow of sapphire colours and, perhaps more importantly, contains the brand’s shiny new automatic tourbillon calibre MHUB6035.

That all said, for us the highlight of Hublot’s 2021 slate is their most under-the-radar piece – if a full ceramic, integrated sports watch can be considered under the radar. Only at Hublot. Last year the brand launched their first Big Bang with an integrated bracelet, the aptly-named Integral, as an answer to the sports luxe trend for pieces like the Lange Odysseus, Chopard Alpine Eagle et al. Here it is again but in a trio of coloured full-ceramic cases, of which the blue version is particularly handsome.

The same can’t be said of the MP11 Magic Gold, a new version of Hublot’s 14-day power reserve-equipped movement in the brand’s own hardwearing gold alloy. The fortnight of power comes from the row of barrels you can see front and centre. There is also a blue sapphire version, but compared to the orange it’s not worth talking too much about.

Finally, there’s a trio of artistic collaborations. The first pair are a continuation of Hublot’s work with Richard Orlinski, with the artists’ signature faceted look applied to the black or blue ceramic cases of the Classic Fusion. Cool, but nothing to write home about.

The last though is a shiny new partnership with Takashi Murakami, arguably the biggest Japanese artist around and makes full use of his trademark grinning flower in plenty of black diamonds. Just over 550, in fact. It’s priced at just over £21,000 which sounds pricey. Compared to Murakami’s paintings though, it’s a pittance.

Every man needs a “thing”. Something that motivates him. Something aside from work that gives him a sense of purpose. And, if nothing else, something to put in his Tinder bio other than, “enjoys consuming nutrients and breathing oxygen”.

Now more than ever, hobbies play a vital role in our mental – and sometimes even physical – wellbeing. They help us to unwind, de-stress, meet new people and make new friends. However, if you’re on the hunt for one, it can be a little daunting. There’s just so much out there worth trying. So, in order to help you make an informed decision, we’ve whittled it down to 15 failsafe options that are perfect for the modern gent.

Mastering An Instrument

Your neighbours may not thank you at first (particularly if you opt for drums or the violin) but learning how to play a musical instrument is ultimately one of the most rewarding things a person can do. The best part is you never stop improving. There are always new challenges and there’s even a social side to explore when it comes to forming a band and jamming with fellow “artists”.

Getting Behind The Lens

There are few things more satisfying than perfectly capturing a moment in time. Photography is a fantastic skill to master, and now that everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, it’s never been easier to give it a go. Try practising your shooting style with your phone before you go investing in the latest camera tech though.

Working With Wood

There’s something deeply satisfying, perhaps on a primal level, about whittling away at a piece of wood to create something new. Woodwork is an age-old hobby that can bless you with not only hours of entertainment, but also a way to conjure up birthday and Christmas presents without ever having to spend a penny.

Getting Creative In The Kitchen

As long as you’re not trying to channel Heston Blumenthal when the closest you’ve ever been to a stove was leaning over it to put a ready meal in the microwave, experimenting in the kitchen is a therapeutic way to refine your culinary skills. Why not try learning a few new recipes and eventually you’ll be confident enough to venture off-piste. Still, leave the dry ice and flambéing to the pros, eh?

Snow Sports

Speaking of off-piste, taking up skiing or snowboarding is one of the most enjoyable ways you can possibly keep fit. Granted, not all of us are lucky enough to live near the slopes, nor is a trip looking particularly likely for the next 6 months or so, but there are plenty of dry and indoor options around so you can get some practise in before you tackle the real thing.

Putting Pen To Paper

You don’t have to be Oscar Wilde in order to try your hand at writing. Whether it’s penning short stories, a novel, or even just keeping a journal, putting your thoughts down on paper can be therapeutic and it’s a great way to expand your vocabulary while keeping your mind supple at the same time.

Mountaineering

When asked why he wanted to climb Everest, legendary mountaineer George Mallory famously replied, “because it’s there”. That about sums mountaineering up, and you simply either have that urge or you don’t. If you do, you could be on the verge of discovering a new lifelong hobby that will take you to faraway places, introduce you to new friends and make you feel more alive than you ever thought possible. On the downside, you’ll also discover how expensive rope is.

Cycling

Whether it’s bombing down forest tracks at breakneck speed or cladding yourself head to toe in Lycra and trying to smash your personal best on Strava, cycling is a great way to stay in shape and occupy your free time. Good for the heart, great for the head and once you’ve forked out for your equipment it’ll rarely cost you a penny.

Home Brewing

For the average guy, the thought of being able to conjure delicious beer out of thin air is akin to growing a money tree. While the latter is still sadly out of the question, with the right equipment and a bit of studying there’s no reason why you can’t become a competent home brewer. Drinks on you.

Giving Something Back

Not all hobbies are about personal gain. A lot of people like to spend their spare time helping others and giving back to the community. If you’re searching for a meaningful way to use your spare time, why not look into volunteering at a local charity or getting involved in some community service work at the weekends?

Learning To Defend Yourself

You’ll probably never need to use it, but even so, learning a martial art is a tried and tested way to build confidence, make new friends and stay in shape all at the same time.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner – many gyms offer free introductory courses, so if you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Bruce Lee then you can go along and try it out without spending a penny. Likewise, there are plenty of instructional videos available online to try while the dojo is shut.

Mastering A New Language

For those of us who only speak one language, going away to a foreign country where even the children are bi- or multilingual can be a little embarrassing. However, spend your spare time learning a second tongue and you need never experience that feeling again. Whether you go all out with night classes or just do a few minutes a day on an app like Duolingo, learning new languages is one of the most useful hobbies there is.

Yoga & Meditation

Barely a day goes by that you don’t feel like tearing your hair out with stress at one point or another, but such is modern life. Perhaps that’s why calming activities such as yoga and meditation have become such a popular means of keeping both mind and body fit and healthy. There are certainly less beneficial ways to spend your spare time.

Exploring The World

If we’ve learned anything over the past 12 months, it’s that being confined to your home only increases your desire to see the world. Discovering new places and meeting new people is what living life is all about – so if it’s a new hobby you’re looking for, why not start planning that dream trip you have been putting off and book the first ticket out of here as soon as life returns to normality?

Rock Climbing/Bouldering

Climbers are some of the most physically fit people you will ever meet, and it’s no wonder. Hauling your body up sheer cliff faces using only your fingers, arms and legs unsurprisingly burns some pretty serious calories. No suitable spots nearby? Don’t let that stop you; get online and find your nearest bouldering gym. Most are fairly cheap and given that walls don’t tend to reach much over 15ft, you’re a lot less likely to injure yourself.