In our latest edition of Editor’s Picks, we dive into the standout watch releases of 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, these watches offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of watchmaking. Our selection spans various styles, from classic dress watches and robust divers to versatile field watches and dynamic sporty chronographs. Whether you’re looking to invest in a luxury timepiece or find something more budget-friendly, we have options to suit every taste, style, and wallet. We’re confident you’ll discover a watch that truly resonates with you in our curated collection.
TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport Chronograph Tourbillon X Senna
In the realm of watches that scream, “I can survive a tumble down Mount Everest and still make it to dinner,” the TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport Chronograph Tourbillon X Senna takes the crown—or, should I say, the checkered flag. It’s like someone decided to create a watch using nothing but superlatives: the most extreme, the sportiest, the most ridiculously complex—and they threw in a tourbillon to make sure the laws of physics hadn’t nodded off.
Named after the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, known for his fearless driving and a charisma that could short-circuit TV screens, this watch is as audacious as a double overtake at Monaco. With a design that looks like it was forged in the heart of a collapsing star and features that suggest it could practically co-pilot a race car, the Carrera Extreme Sport Chronograph is less a timepiece and more a statement of intent. If this watch were a person, it’d be the type to parachute into a business meeting, land impeccably on the CEO’s table, and casually check the time.
Honoring Senna’s legacy, the meticulously crafted skeleton dial is adorned with vivid blue, green, and yellow accents, echoing the iconic colors of his famed racing helmet. Encased in a 44 mm titanium shell, this timepiece marries sporty, durable aesthetics. It boasts a black forged carbon tachymeter and a sapphire crystal back that proudly displays Senna’s signature “S” emblem and a subtle, light-grey sketch of his piercing eyes, reflecting his relentless focus and fiery racing spirit. Powered by the in-house TH20-09 tourbillon movement, a unique and highly precise mechanism that features a striking blue column wheel and detailed markings on the oscillating weight, this watch is fully equipped for the racing aficionado. Price $37,900.00. At tagheuer.com
Detrash Player One
Next watch in our latest Editor’s Pick is trash! We are not kidding; it’s literally made from trash. It is made of 80% recycled steel on an ocean-plastic strap. We dive into the intricacies of the Detrash Player One, a watch rapidly defining its niche in contemporary watchmaking.
This British microbrand timepiece isn’t just a nod to nostalgia with its retro-futuristic design cues; it’s a bold statement on sustainability. Crafted from eco-friendly materials, the Detrash Player One marries classic aesthetics with modern environmental consciousness. It’s a watch for those who dare to stand out while standing up for the planet. A must-have for any discerning collector looking to enhance their collection with a watch that speaks to both style and substance. Price $493 At detrash.com
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Monet Collection
The next pick is not just one watch but the entire collection. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Monet Collection is a stunning homage to the art of Claude Monet, one of the most revered figures in the Impressionist movement. This collection marries the timeless elegance of the Reverso watch with the delicate beauty of Monet’s paintings, skillfully rendered in Grand Feu enamel.
Immerse yourself in the serene blues of the Reverso Tribute Enamel Monet The Doge’s Palace. The vivid shades of Grand Feu enamel artfully evoke a Venetian dawn, as captured by Claude Monet. The watch’s face displays a stunning lozenge pattern created from 4,905 guilloché lines, over which blue Grand Feu enamel casts a radiant, translucent glow. On the reverse side, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Atelier des Métiers Rares™ showcases exquisite craftsmanship: nearly 70 hours of meticulous labor bring to life the miniature enamel reproduction of Monet’s famous impressionistic scene. The interplay of blues and gold across the sky and sea reflects an almost surreal harmony, making this timepiece a profound statement of art meeting artisanship. Price available upon request at jaeger-lecoultre.com
Embark on a voyage through time and Art with the Reverso Tribute Enamel San Giorgio Maggiore, a timepiece celebrating Claude Monet’s enchanting visit to Venice in 1908. Crafted in the serene atelier of Jaeger-LeCoultre, this watch invites you to the luminous shores of the Adriatic. Encased in Art Deco-inspired white gold, the watch’s face displays a meticulously guilloché dial with a refined herringbone pattern of 360 lines beneath a serene blue Grand Feu enamel. This radiant hue emerges from nine painstaking hours of lapidary work, complemented by five layers of enamel and seven firings at an intense 800 °C to achieve its translucent glow. On the reverse, a miniature homage to Monet’s “Sunset over San Giorgio Maggiore“ unfolds over a mere 2 cm², brought to life through 70 hours of enameling and 15 kiln cycles. This limited edition of just 10 pieces, each paired with a sleek black alligator strap, is a portal to a historic Venetian visit and the rarefied craftsmanship of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most skilled artisans. Price available upon request at jaeger-lecoultre.com
Immersed in the rich hues of Venice, the Reverso Tribute Enamel Monet The Grand Canal by Jaeger-LeCoultre transcends ordinary watchmaking to capture Claude Monet’s vision of the Grand Canal under the vibrant afternoon sun. This exquisite timepiece echoes the fluid beauty of Monet’s 1908 masterpiece with its dial that dances with waves of golden green, reminiscent of the shimmering waters that Monet observed. The front dial, crafted in the spirit of the original 1931 Reverso models. This piece is not merely a timekeeper; it is a wearable canvas that brings Monet’s interplay of light and water to life on the wrist. Price available upon request at jaeger-lecoultre.com
Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer
I grew up with Japanese manga and anime, and seeing Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer for the first time brought back fond memories. Grendizer is a timepiece that seamlessly marries nostalgia with the avant-garde. This watch is a tribute to the iconic anime series, encapsulating its futuristic essence in a sleek and evocative design. With its sharp, angular lines and bold, robotic aesthetics, it isn’t just a nod to the adventures of the beloved Grendizer; it’s a statement piece that captures the imagination. Engineered for the devotee who appreciates precision and flair, this Tissot model bridges generations, turning the act of timekeeping into an ode to classic animation and contemporary craftsmanship. It’s a distinctive choice for those who carry a zest for the past yet stride confidently into the future.
Grendizer features a robust 40mm case crafted from 316L stainless steel paired with an interchangeable quick-release bracelet for versatility. The dial showcases a striking Super-LumiNova® silhouette of Grendizer, complete with a Harken-style secondhand and an intricately engraved rotor that will delight fans of the series. At its heart, the Powermatic 80 Swiss automatic movement ensures reliability with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Price $825. At tissotwatches.com
Berneron Mirage Sienna
Just as Dalí’s paintings distort reality with dreamlike scenes, the Mirage’s unconventional form—inspired directly by its caliber’s layout, rather than an external design. The movement’s structure is crafted to accommodate its mechanics freely—featuring a large barrel, a direct small second, and a pocket watch-style balance wheel, which breaks away from traditional circular forms. This results in a watch whose lack of symmetry achieves a deliberate and uniquely harmonious aesthetic. Crafted entirely in gold with meticulous attention to finesse, the Mirage communicates an ethos of understated luxury and impeccable elegance.
Sienna, a pigment named after the Italian city-state where it originated, presents a natural yellowish-brown hue that transforms into a reddish-brown upon heating. One of the earliest pigments utilized in art, sienna’s rich, earthy tones have adorned prehistoric cave paintings and were later refined during the Renaissance to enhance artistic expression.
Currently sold out with the order book reopening in 2025, epitomizes sophisticated design and advanced mechanics within its 34 x 38mm full 18K gold case, achieving a slim profile with a total thickness of 7.00mm and a visible height of 4.90mm. Its proprietary hand-wound Caliber 233 features a direct small second and an innovative inverted hand set complication, supported by a robust 72-hour power reserve. Crafted entirely from 18K gold—including the case, dial, hands, buckle, and even the movement’s main plate and bridges—the Mirage combines luxury with durability, offering water resistance up to 30 meters. Price $68,600. At berneron.ch
NOMOS Glashütte Tangente 2Date Blue
By now, you’ve probably realized that I’m a dial guy. I know the dial is not everything, but it’s certainly close to everything.
The NOMOS Glashütte Tangente 2Date Blue embodies minimalist design with maximalist precision, a hallmark of the revered German watchmaking tradition. This watch boasts a classic, clean aesthetic, framed by a stainless steel case that elegantly complements its rich galvanized blue dial, with sunburst finish. The grooves on the traditionally recessed sub-seconds dial are called azurage. The seconds hand is rhodium-plated and the differing shape of the indexes here adds an additional accent.
Powered by an impeccably crafted in-house DUW 4601 movement visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the Tangente 2Date Blue offers a generous 52-hour power reserve, matching functionality with enduring style. Price $2,760. At nomos-glashuette.com
MB&F x EDDY JAQUET LM SPLIT ESCAPEMENT 2024 SERIES
If you are a fan of adventure novels, you are absolutely going to love the MB&F x EDDY JAQUET LM SPLIT ESCAPEMENT 2024 SERIES.
When Eddy Jaquet began engraving for MB&F in 2011, his initial task was to inscribe the names of Kari Voutilainen and Jean-François Mojon on the bridges of the first Legacy Machine calibers. Though impeccably executed, these engravings barely scratched the surface of Jaquet’s capabilities. His true potential emerged when he wanted to expand his creative contributions. In a series launched in 2020, Jaquet explored literary themes, engraving scenes from novels by Jules Verne. Inspired by this success, MB&F continued the literary theme, selecting 15 classic books for Jaquet to choose from for a new series. The resulting LM Split Escapement models feature intricate engravings from eight literary works: “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe, “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas, “The Last of the Mohicans” by James Fenimore Cooper, “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling, “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London, “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville, “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson, and “Robin Hood” (anonymous).
The Machine is a limited edition of eight unique pieces, each featuring dial plates intricately engraved by Eddy Jaquet, drawing inspiration from eight beloved young fiction novels. This exquisite timepiece is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 44.5mm in diameter and 18.2mm in height, with a water resistance of 30 meters. At the heart of The Machine is the LM Split Escapement movement, ingeniously developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, which showcases a split escapement design with the balance wheel floating above the dial. In contrast, the anchor and escapement wheel are positioned beneath the movement. This manual winding timepiece has double mainspring barrels, offering a robust 72-hour power reserve and featuring 296 components and 35 jewels. The watch boasts exceptional hand finishing and includes functions such as hours, minutes, a date display, and power-reserve indicators, with a convenient push-button next to the date dial for quick adjustments.
Price available upon request. At mbandf.com
Seiko Presage SPB449 Porter Classic Limited Edition
The Seiko Presage Collection combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with sophisticated mechanical watchmaking. In its latest addition to the Presage Craftsmanship Series, Seiko unveils a new enamel-dialed watch created in partnership with Porter Classic. Each piece crafted by Porter Classic is made in Japan, designed to endure and be cherished across generations. This collaboration highlights both brands’ dedication to enduring quality and cultural heritage, introducing a timepiece that is as timeless as artful.
Porter Classic and the Presage team set out to craft a watch that embodies the timeless essence of Japanese artisanship intertwined with Seiko’s rich watchmaking legacy. Katsuyuki Yoshida’s fascination with pocket watches and early 20th-century Seiko designs significantly influenced the design process. Their latest creation pays tribute to the Laurel, Japan’s first wristwatch launched by Seiko in 1913, mirroring its classic and unassuming dial, rounded shape, and proportions that echo the traditional pocket watches of the early 1900s. Price $2,300. At seikowatches.com
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony X Ora Ïto
You are not alone if you find this piece has a hypnotic effect! Vacheron Constantin proudly marks the 20th anniversary of its Patrimony collection with the introduction of a new self-winding model, a masterpiece crafted in 18K 3N yellow gold. This unique creation, designed in collaboration with Ora ïto, embodies his ‘Simplexity’ philosophy. The limited edition of 100 pieces, each a symbol of exclusivity, features a monochromatic design with a yellow gold case and a matching gold-tone dial. The dial, a true marvel, is adorned with countless concentric circles that create a captivating visual effect of ripples spreading across the cambered surface, capturing and reflecting light with every movement. To further enhance its allure, the watch is paired with a burgundy calfskin strap featuring softened rectangular shapes that beautifully contrast with its round case and dial. Powering this elegant timepiece is Vacheron Constantin’s in-house self-winding caliber 2450 Q6, which includes an open-worked 22K gold oscillating weight shaped like the Maltese cross, visible through the sapphire case back. Price $35,300. At vacheron-constantin.com
DOXA SUB 200T SEA EMERALD
Green is the new black of 2024 watch dials. The SUB 200T combines classic DOXA heritage with modern refinement, featuring a sleek 39 mm diameter and 10.70 mm thickness for a contemporary look. Crafted from durable 316L stainless steel, this 3-hand diver showcases DOXA’s patented unidirectional rotating bezel with the US Navy’s no-decompression limit table for enhanced diver safety. The Sea Emerald stands out with its vibrant, sunray-finished with a luminous sunburst effect dial. The design includes a date display, a screw-down crown ensuring water resistance up to 200 meters, and a dial with Super-LumiNova® for excellent low-light visibility, all protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This robust watch is a reliable tool for deep-sea explorers and a stylish statement piece. Price $1,590. At doxawatches.com
Biver Automatique ‘Echoes Of This Moment’
Biver Automatique by father and son duo, Jean-Claude and Pierre Biver. For the 2024 TimeForArt auction, Biver partnered with Swiss artist Guillaume Ehinger to offer a distinctive take on the Biver Automatique. This collaboration merges classic watchmaking techniques with a forward-thinking view of the essence of time. It brings together time-honored craftsmanship and a contemporary artistic vision, presenting a unique exploration of time’s perpetual flow through the lens of avant-garde design.The dial is meticulously hand-engraved with a delicate ripple pattern, evoking the serene movements of light across a lake’s surface. This is beautifully overlaid with several layers of colored enamel to produce a captivating shimmer. In particular light, the dial reveals a dynamic range of colors—from subtle reds and pinks to striking grays—much like the fleeting impressions in a Singer painting, turning each viewing into a unique sensory memory.
The Calibre JCB-003 powers the Automatique with an innovative design exclusive to this model. It incorporates a micro-rotor and manual winding mechanism, enhanced with a zero-reset feature for precise time-setting. The movement is also artistically adorned, including a custom micro-rotor engraved with the watch’s name and a signature reminiscent of Singer’s distinctive abstract landscapes, adding a touch of artistic flair to the mechanical precision. Price available upon request. At jcbiver.com
Piaget Andy Warhol Collection
“They always say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol (1928-1987), an artist and cultural icon, owned at least seven Piaget watches. However, he is most associated with the era-defining Beta21 movement, previously named the Black Tie watch. Thanks to an official new collaboration under license with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the timepiece is formally renamed the Andy Warhol watch.
The Piaget Andy Warhol watch debuts a new design interpretation, featuring a stunning Clou de Paris pattern on the case and a powerful blue meteorite dial. This is a new chapter and identity for this collector cult favorite.
150th anniversary celebrations, Piaget is officially relaunching the model as the Andy Warhol, in honour of the artist who helped make it famous.
The featured timepiece boasts an automatic mechanical movement housed in a classic round shape, designed to display hours and minutes. It has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). The movement measures 24.6 mm in diameter, stands 3.5 mm thick, and incorporates 25 jewels and 196 components, ensuring robust performance and precision. Aesthetic enhancements include blued screws, circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained main plate, and beveled bridges, which contribute to the movement’s refined and elegant finish. More about at piaget.com
Vanguart Orb
The Vanguart Orb takes its cue from the sci-fi world, presenting a watch that looks like it was crafted from the future. Its distinctive orb-shaped case and transparent spherical crystal defy traditional watch design laws, offering a full, unobstructed view of its intricate internal mechanics. This avant-garde timepiece captures the essence of futuristic innovation, resembling something straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster. With its complex movement showcased in full glory, the Vanguart Orb is not just a tool for timekeeping but a bold expression of cutting-edge horological art. It’s the perfect piece for enthusiasts who appreciate a watch that combines high technical artistry with the daring imagination of science fiction.
The Vanguart Orb showcases an in-house levitating flying tourbillon and an orbital winding mass with a decorative diamond on a titanium ring, balanced by a gold counter-weight. Enhanced functionality is provided through a crown-operated function indicator, while visibility is ensured by Superluminova-coated hands and PVD-coated titanium bezel with luminous hour markers. The watch supports a 60-hour power reserve in manual mode, incorporating 395 components. Its structure features grade 5 titanium for the main plate and bridges, finished with techniques like microblasting, satin finishing, and hand-beveling, merging high-tech design with durable sophistication. More at vanguart.com
Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium
The Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium is a standout timepiece for modern travelers. Crafted from lightweight titanium, this watch is durable and comfortable for all-day wear. It features a Zulu Time function, also known as GMT.
The anthracite-colored dial is legible and has a distinctive design that adheres to Longines’ tradition of pilot watches. This model also has a self-winding mechanical movement beating at 25200 vibrations per hour, with a monocrystalline silicon balance-spring power reserve up to 72 hours, ensuring reliable precision. The Spirit Zulu Time Titanium is a testament to Longines’ commitment to combining historical legacy with modern watchmaking innovations. Price $4,275. At longines.com
Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1 Split-seconds Chronograph
The Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1 Split-Seconds Chronograph is the epitome of high-performance timekeeping, inspired by the engineering marvel of McLaren supercars. This exquisite chronograph mirrors the sophistication and speed of McLaren’s elite vehicles, integrating advanced materials like Carbon TPT and titanium, which are favored in the supercar industry for their strength and lightweight properties. The watch’s intricate split-second mechanism offers precision akin to the fine-tuned mechanics of a McLaren race car, allowing for the measurement of lap times with impeccable accuracy. Its dynamic aesthetic, featuring McLaren’s signature color palette and automotive-inspired details, makes the RM 65-01 not just a tool for time measurement but a statement of cutting-edge design and technological mastery.
At its core, the RM 65-01 is powered by the RMAC4 movement, one of Richard Mille’s most sophisticated calibers, capable of measuring time to one-tenth of a second, thanks to its high frequency of 36,000 vph, vertical clutch, and three column wheels. Enhanced shock resistance is provided by mounting the movement on chassis mounting rubbers, and a unique ‘rapid winding’ system with an orange Quartz TPT pusher allows for quick recharging of the 60-hour power reserve. The movement’s visual appeal is complemented by grey electro-plasma treatment on the titanium baseplate and black PVD and grey electro-plasma-treated bridges, all visible through the sapphire crystal case back. Price available upon request at richardmille.com
RADO True Square Thinline
Discover the seamless fusion of artistic flair and Swiss precision in the Rado True Square Thinline. Equipped with the reliable Quartz Rado caliber R420 movement, this watch guarantees accurate timekeeping and is wrapped in sleek elegance. Its 37 mm case size offers the ideal blend of style and comfort for any event. The watch is encased in a polished green high-tech ceramic that reflects a bold, modern aesthetic true to contemporary design principles. Its monobloc construction, paired with a flat sapphire crystal, adds a layer of durability while maintaining a look of timeless elegance. The dial showcases a captivating green mother-of-pearl surface accented with yellow lacquered hands and the distinctive Rado logo in yellow print. Completing this exquisite design, the polished green high-tech ceramic bracelet integrates flawlessly with the case for a unified and stylish appearance. Price $2,000. At rado.com
Grand Seiko Sport Collection Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGC275
This limited-edition timepiece celebrates the 20th anniversary of Grand Seiko’s Caliber 9R Spring Drive movement. Crafted in the Shinshu region of Japan, home to the majestic Hotaka mountains, this model draws inspiration from the vibrant hues of dawn—shifting from pink to orange across the mountainous landscape. The robust, angular case echoes the lion, emblematic of Grand Seiko since 1960, symbolizing strength and precision. This theme extends to every element, from the claw-like, hairline-finished lugs contrasting with the Zaratsu-polished surfaces to the design details that emphasize the brand’s commitment to superior accuracy, legibility, durability, and beauty.
This watch is significantly lighter and designed for peak performance in sporting contexts. It is water-resistant to 20 bar and constructed from high-intensity titanium. The bracelet’s H-shaped links adapt comfortably to any wrist, enhancing wearability. Enhanced legibility is achieved through Lumibrite-coated hands and markers, with distinct green and blue luminescence for easy reading in low-light conditions.
A dial that depicts the morning glow of the Hotaka mountain range in summer.
In the early hours of summer mornings, the first red rays of the sun bathe the Hotaka mountain peaks in a radiant glow. As dawn approaches, this glow descends along the mountainsides, casting them in a soft crimson that transitions into the delicate hues of shinonome, or daybreak. This ephemeral beauty, visible only briefly around sunrise, is captured exquisitely on the watch’s dial through an innovative Optical Multilayer Coating technique. This technology allows the dial to mimic the mountain’s color transformation, showcasing the vibrant yet fleeting moments of dawn. Price $13,400. At grand-seiko.com
Orient Bambino Version 7
We always appreciate colored dials, but this subtle pink shade truly stands out. The Orient Bambino Version 7 is a stylish continuation of Orient’s revered Bambino line, known for blending classic design with contemporary flair. This version upholds the collection’s reputation for elegance and affordability, featuring a clean, minimalist dial and a sleek case that exudes a modern yet timeless appeal. Version 7 incorporates updated elements such as a new dial layout and refined hands, enhancing readability and aesthetic charm. Ideal for casual and formal settings alike, this watch is powered by Orient’s reliable automatic movement, ensuring both precision and sophistication for the discerning wearer looking for an accessible entry into mechanical watches. Price $300. At orientwatchusa.com
Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon SLGT005
Watch that screams Japanese craftsmanship! The Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon is reimagined to capture the essence of daybreak in its latest version. The first Kodo captured the essence of evening twilight, and now, its successor beautifully embodies the dawn. This new Grand Seiko timepiece mirrors the early morning light with its design, continuing the brand’s exploration of light and shadow initiated two years prior. The watch enhances its sophisticated architecture by featuring movement components in a silver tone that lends a bright, subtle glow. Adding blue sapphires instead of traditional rubies introduces a serene, dawn-like hue, complementing the hand-polished, intricately detailed components.
The watch employs Platinum 950 for the inner case and Brilliant Hard Titanium for the outer case, providing durability and a subtle gradation of color that mimics natural light transitions. Both materials are finished with Grand Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polishing for a flawless mirror effect and contrasting hairline finishes, meticulously applied by skilled artisans. This meticulous craftsmanship ensures the watch reflects morning light and offers enduring, scratch-resistant beauty from every angle. Price $365,000. At grand-seiko.com
Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space
More than 60 years after Schirra’s historic mission, OMEGA honours this legacy with a special re-edition of the Speedmaster. The Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” commemorates Omega’s historic role in space exploration, explicitly honoring the Speedmaster’s first journey into space in 1962 on the wrist of astronaut Walter Schirra. This particular model is a tribute to the watch Schirra wore during the Sigma 7 mission of the Mercury program, marking it as a significant piece in Omega’s and space exploration history. It retains the classic Speedmaster look with its iconic chronograph function, manual-winding movement, and black dial featuring three sub-dials. Crafted with a sleek, slightly smaller 39.7mm case size, this watch is encased in stainless steel and finished with a durable sapphire crystal with a Hesalite-like shaped domed form recreating the charm of the original 1962 model.
First Omega in Space features a manual-winding chronograph movement equipped with a Co-Axial escapement. It is certified as a Master Chronometer, having met the rigorous standards set by METAS. Thanks to its free-sprung balance with a silicon balance spring, it boasts resistance to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss. Enhanced with rhodium-plated finishes and straight Geneva waves, the movement ensures stellar precision. It also offers a substantial 50-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 3 Hz, combining traditional manual winding with advanced horological technologies. Price $7,900. At omegawatches.com
Ulysse Nardin Freak S X Watches Of Switzerland
It’s a tribute to those who dare to stand out—a true freak transformed into an unparalleled work of watchmaking art. The long-standing partnership between Watches of Switzerland and Ulysse Nardin has deep roots. The former was among the first to appreciate and stock the groundbreaking Freak when it debuted in 2001. Ulysse Nardin’s proprietary Grinder® automatic winding system stands out by delivering power with double the efficiency of traditional winders and supporting a robust 72-hour power reserve.
The watch also features Crystalium, a unique crystallized form of ruthenium—a metal rarer than platinum, produced through an intricate vaporization process over several days. This method transforms ruthenium into Crystalium, enhancing the watch’s exclusive and innovative appeal. Price $163.500. At ulysse-nardin.com
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Eternal Calendar
The word “Eternal” in the watch’s name says it all. The 1985 debut of Kurt Klaus’s legendary perpetual calendar set the stage for IWC Schaffhausen’s mastery over complex mechanical calendars, capable of recognizing varying month lengths and accounting for leap days every four years. Building on this heritage, IWC introduces the Portugieser Eternal Calendar, its first secular perpetual calendar. This advanced calendar system syncs all displays for adjustment via a single crown. It features a 400-year gear that accurately tracks leap years, only needing adjustment every four centuries—a testament to its future-proof engineering that’s set until at least 3999.
The Portugieser also boasts an eternal moon phase display of unprecedented accuracy, resulting from IWC engineers solving complex calculations to achieve an adjustment necessity only every 45 million years. The aesthetic is elevated with a glass dial and double box-glass sapphire crystals highlighting sophisticated internal mechanics. The IWC-manufactured 52640 caliber inside the finely finished platinum case offers a 7-day power reserve through its efficient Pellaton automatic winding system. Complementing its technical prowess is a luxurious black alligator leather strap from Santoni, fitted with a platinum folding clasp, rounding out a watch that measures time and stands as a pinnacle of horological innovation. Price available upon request. At iwc.com
MING 37.09 Bluefin
Can you create a diver that is aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing and yet meet all the required technical standards of a dive watch? YES! The result is the 37.09 Bluefin
While the MING 37.09 Bluefin’s case shares aesthetic cues with its 37-series counterparts, it has been thoroughly redesigned to integrate dual crowns, enhanced sapphire crystals, and additional gaskets necessary for a 600m water resistance rating. Adjustments to the curvature of both the front and back crystals in prototypes allowed for a tested crush depth of 900m after 24 hours of saturation, establishing its conservative rating. Measuring 38×12.8mm—of which 2.8mm is the domed sapphire crystal—the Bluefin is designed for both comfort and depth, presenting a slim profile on the wrist. Its visual impact is amplified by a combination of polished and brushed finishes and a design that minimizes the bezel, giving it a striking presence.
The 37.09 Bluefin features a distinctive internal design explicitly tailored for enhanced pressure resistance and to accommodate the necessary timer scale for diving. Abandoning the conventional external rotating bezel, the watch incorporates this functionality with a Super-LumiNova X1-infused sapphire dial. A securely sealed crown positioned at 4 o’clock controls the rotation of the sapphire dial through a 60-click, unidirectional mechanism that uses sprung bearings for added security. This crown is designed to stay fixed in place without the need to pull out or screw down, and it is filled with luminous material for easy visibility and operation underwater. It offers 50 hours of power reserve, bidirectional automatic winding and the central running seconds required of a dive watch. Price $5,370. At ming.watch
We’re curious to hear your comments as we marvel at these groundbreaking timepieces that have set the pace for 2024. Which of these watch releases has captured your imagination, and why?
