Editor’s Pick: The Most Memorable Watches From 2024
It seems like 2024 has been a fascinating year for watchmaking, full of bold moves and unexpected twists in both design and craftsmanship. From the elegance of Laurent Ferrier’s Classic Moon Silver to the extravagant, ostentatious statement of the Rolex Deepsea Dweller Yellow Gold, the industry has showcased a broad spectrum of what’s possible in the world of horology. Here are a few highlights that stand out:
Laurent Ferrier Classic Moon Silver: As Martin Green mentions, this watch is one of those pieces that catches your attention with its understated elegance and surprising play of light. It seems to strike the perfect balance between luxury and humility, offering an almost "human" touch to its refined design. The moon phase complication is always a crowd-pleaser, but here, it feels integrated into the watch's overall experience rather than just a feature.
Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde: Sabine Zwettler highlights the Toric Petite Seconde as a perfect example of understated sophistication. The attention to detail, from the ancient graining technique of the dial to the movement's high-quality finishing, makes this a true connoisseur's piece. The restrained, vintage-inspired design gives it an aura of timelessness.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique: Roger Ruegger praises the return to a more classic size and the introduction of the titanium case, which provides both a lighter and more refined take on the Fifty Fathoms. The use of a display caseback is a lovely nod to the mechanical beauty inside, while the green dial and unique materials bring something fresh to an otherwise classic dive watch.
Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendent 7077: Dara Hinshaw's appreciation of the Breguet Tradition Chronographe speaks to its technical mastery and striking visual appeal. The dual balance wheels and the ability to measure time down to a tenth of a second represent not only Breguet's technical prowess but also their flair for creating watches that are as much art as they are functional timepieces.
Piaget Polo 79: Zen Love touches on the funky glam style that’s been making a comeback, and Piaget’s Polo 79 fits squarely within that trend. While not necessarily groundbreaking in terms of innovation, the watch represents a shift toward bold, playful design, a clear departure from the more restrained, traditional aesthetics that have dominated the industry for years.
Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind: Daniela Pusch’s coverage of the Santos-Dumont Rewind is a great example of Cartier pushing boundaries while maintaining their signature elegance. The reverse rotation of the hands is a daring design choice that challenges traditional notions of timekeeping, and the color contrast and architectural design elements only add to its allure.
Rolex Deepsea Dweller Yellow Gold: Caleb Anderson's take on the Rolex Deepsea Dweller in yellow gold captures its essence perfectly as a watch that straddles the line between performance and art. The sheer ridiculousness of using solid 18k yellow gold in a diving watch raises all sorts of questions, but that’s exactly why it’s so memorable. It’s a playful contradiction, blending absurdity with high-end engineering, and it seems to ask more questions about the nature of luxury and practicality in modern watchmaking.
