Grammy-award-winning music artist, producer, and watch connoisseur Swizz Beatz sits down with Haute Time to reveal the power of impactful projects.

Vacheron Constantin is a brand that dedicates a lot of time and resources to the preservation of fine artistic crafts. Combined with their passion for making highly complex watches, this results in one-of-a-kind timepieces like the Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Bacchus. As the name already indicates, it is dedicated to the Roman god of vines and wine. The engraver and gem setter worked in tandem to execute this theme in great detail. The bezel, lugs, and sides of the case were engraved with vines in a bas relief, where the gem setter placed the cabochon cut rubies representing the grapes. The result is as mesmerizing as it is breathtaking.

Grand Seiko has built quite a reputation by taking inspiration from Japan's impressive natural beauty and translating it in an inventive way into their watches. The new Grand Seiko Sōkō Frost SBGH295 shows this perfectly, as it captures the clear, vivid blue skies over the Sea of Japan in a hue that can typically be seen in the early winter months. It gives the sportive watch an icy cool touch that suits it very well.

With the Tiffany Blue Patek Philippe Nautilus fetching $6.5 million at auction in December of last year, it is safe to say that this iconic model is hotter than ever. This passion also causes an even broader interest in the history of the Nautilus. This includes many exquisite and often rare models like this Reference 3800/1, which Patek Philippe made just before the turn of the Millenium in 1999.

112 years after the inception of luxury automobile manufacturer Bugatti, the company has now introduced its bespoke customization program: ‘Bugatti Sur Mesure’.

Ulysse Nardin has always been a brand that nurtured its creative side. In order to give itself extensive freedom to express itself, it also has to be technologically very advanced. The two combined have resulted in some of the most extraordinary timepieces, of which the Blast Free Wheel is one. It takes mechanical watchmaking to new heights by presenting it completely different from what we are used to.

The Lone Star State holds an important place in the universe of Hublot. The brand has two very successful boutiques in Texas, one in Houston and the other in Dalles, with a third opening this Spring in Austin. As Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot's CEO, explains the love of the brand for Texas "Hublot has always been at home in Texas thanks to our incredible clients and friends. Part of our original North American footprint, we have embraced the State's bold, adventurous and independent spirit, the same values we are proud to reflect back in this unique timepiece. One of only 25, It is a special piece, for a special place and special people and we think there is no better time than the present to pause a pay tribute to the places we call home - or soon to be home - in the case of our exciting Austin development."

The Rolex Submariner is one of those watches that truly deserves the title of icon. It remains the benchmark of diving watches and a truly special Rolex to own. There are quite a few exceptional models in the rich history of the Submariner, often made for a limited period or in very low quantities, of which this reference 5513 "Meters First" is one.

It is great to see that women's watches are becoming more and more the focus of many watch brands. Serious efforts are made to create the most marvelous timepieces, catering to women's trends, styles, and interests. Complex movements are more the rule than an exception, making them also far more interesting from a horological perspective. While diamonds are optional, many still feature them, even on sports watches, as they provide a dash of glamour to daily life.

To mark the centennial anniversary of Mercedes-Maybach, the brand continues its journey towards maximum individuality, independence and comfort with two high-tech models - the "Edition 100"

The pandemic has not slowed down the development of new watches. Also this year, many brands launched new creations, proving that creativity and technical advancement has not been halted. It also seems that particularly this year, more time was taken to reexamine one's strengths and make new models that truly represent the brand's DNA. This resulted in captivating watches that represent, yet also defy, time, like the following;

2021 wasn't how many of us would have expected it to be. As the Covid-19 pandemic continued, it offered many challenges to all of us. Where some businesses lingered because of it, others thrived. Despite very few events, many of the watch brands did well, not in the least because of the fantastic new models they launched. These are among Haute Time's favorites:

Earlier this year, Vacheron Constantin gave center stage to the complete calendar with a new model in the Traditionnelle collection. This classic proposition now gets a more contemporary touch as the brand launches a so-called openface version. To achieve this, Vacheron Constantin reworked the dial and made it from sapphire crystal. As a result, part of the levers and gear train that make the complete calendar function are now visible. This usually is not that interesting to see, as the only moment of motion is around midnight each day. For Vacheron Constantin, motion is not needed to create something spectacular.

No other designer has left such a mark on the industry as Gérald Genta. He was the man that gave us two of the most important stainless steel sports watches in history, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. As a true creative force, it didn't stop there, as he also worked for various other brands, designing icon after icon. A decade after his death, we get a rare glimpse into his archive as Sotheby's is auctioning one hundred of his original designs, including those of the Nautilus and the Royal Oak.

Antonio Brown is a respected veteran within the NFL, starting in 2010 at the Pittsburgh Steelers and currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also won the Super Bowl for the 2020 season with this team, scoring the third touchdown of the final game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his distinct style and eye for quality, it is no surprise that Brown teamed up with Skeleton Concept, the French Haute Horlogerie atelier. Together, they dreamed up a unique customization launched today as the Antonio Brown Concept and based on the Rolex Submariner 'Hulk' 116610LV.

The Speedmaster is, without a doubt, one of the most important and recognizable watches in the history of Omega. However, when this particular Ref.2915 was made in 1958, its true claim to fame was still in the future. That didn't make the Speedmaster any less innovative when it was launched. It was the very first chronograph that had the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel rather than printed on the dial. This increased the legibility of all the functions and was one of the reasons many professionals embraced it. This would later even include NASA, where one of the successors of this model would make history as the first watch worn on the moon.