The Executive Guide to Watches and Wonders 2024 Essential Timepieces

Join The Executive Magazine as we explore the most prestigious event in the horological calendar, highlighting the latest masterpieces from the world’s finest watchmakers. Discover the innovations and timeless elegance that are defining this year’s trends in high-end horology
Picture of Jack Bell

Jack Bell

Technology Correspondent at The Executive Magazine

The Executive Magazine’s editors and journalists had the privilege of attending Watches and Wonders 2024, held in Geneva. This significant event, the pinnacle of the horological world’s calendar, saw participation from over 54 esteemed brands, including debuts by eight newcomers to this prestigious gathering.

Our team explored the expanse of Geneva’s Palexpo convention center, engaging with the latest innovations and exquisite designs set to define the coming year. Below, we present an exclusive compilation of standout pieces from this year’s show.

Rolex Perpetual 1908

In only its second year, the Rolex Perpetual 1908 has quickly distinguished itself within the esteemed brand’s portfolio. This year’s model features a mesmerising ice blue dial with a guilloche rice-grain motif, housed in 950 platinum, confirming Rolex’s perpetual appeal at the event.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5980 60G Aquanaut Flyback Chronograph

This year, Patek Philippe has subtly refreshed its classic Aquanaut Flyback Chronograph, now presented with a blue-gray dial and a casual yet luxurious hand-woven denim on calfskin strap, ideal for sophisticated yet understated tastes.

Hermès Cut

Hermès has introduced a new line of mechanically driven sports watches targeted at a female audience. The ‘Cut’, with its polished case and simplicity in design, offers customisability with metal and rubber bracelet options, reflecting the brand’s commitment to elegance and versatility.

Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph

Zenith continues to innovate with its Defy Skyline Chronograph, combining a contemporary aesthetic with the historic El Primero movement, encapsulated in a striking 41mm stainless steel case.

Vacheron Constantin Berkley Grand Complication

This pocket watch from Vacheron Constantin is the apex of complexity in modern watchmaking, featuring the world’s first Chinese perpetual calendar among its 63 complications, a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy of horological mastery.

Tag Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph

Celebrating 55 years of the iconic Monaco, Tag Heuer’s latest chronograph features a split-seconds function, ideal for timing competitive sports, encased in a vibrant red and blue design that pays homage to the original 1969 model.

Ulysse Nardin Freak S Nomad

The latest in the Freak series, the S Nomad showcases a novel approach to traditional watchmaking, with its movement and design reminiscent of a futuristic spaceship yet grounded in traditional craftsmanship.

Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono

Chopard expands its Alpine Eagle collection with a new titanium chronograph, featuring a sky-blue dial, embodying the sportiness and elegance of the collection.

Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde

Parmigiani Fleurier has enhanced its Toric line with a model that exemplifies refined luxury. The rose gold Petite Seconde model promises sophistication and a timeless appeal.

Patek Philippe 5738-1R Ellipse

The Ellipse, known for its distinctive oval shape, now features a large model with a luxurious chain bracelet, blending classic elegance with modern flair.

Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT

Tudor’s latest release draws inspiration from the vintage Rolex ‘Coke’ GMT of the 1980s, offering a nostalgic yet fresh interpretation for today’s enthusiasts.

Zenith Defy Revival A3648d

A faithful recreation of a 1969 Zenith diver watch, the A3648d model respects its origins with a 37mm case and vintage orange accents, appealing to collectors and aficionados alike.

TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper Gold

Following a successful reintroduction in steel, TAG Heuer presents the Carrera Skipper in rose gold, enhancing its sporty design with a touch of luxury and leadership.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time

This model is part of a new series featuring a green and gold palette, with the Dual Time version highlighted by its functionality and sporty red arrow, offering a luxurious yet practical choice for global travellers.

Ressence Type 1 Round M

Ressence’s Type 1 Round M challenges traditional design with a dial reminiscent of the Olympic rings, suggesting a playful alternative for marking significant events.

Cartier Tortue Time Only

Cartier revisits one of its classic designs with the Tortue Time Only, presented at Watches and Wonders as part of the Privè collection, which continues to captivate with its unique and elegant shapes.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT

Alpina introduces a robust and functional GMT model in its Diver Extreme collection, perfectly suited for both professional divers and watch enthusiasts alike.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT ‘Tokyo Lion’

With its dial transitioning from shades of orange to red to pink, this model from Grand Seiko captures the essence of the Shinshu skyline at dawn, combining technical excellence with artistic expression.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Concept Citrus Green

Introduced shortly before Watches & Wonders, this model from H. Moser & Cie. makes a bold statement with its striking citrus green dial, reflecting the brand’s penchant for innovation and rule-breaking.

IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar

IWC redefines its Portugieser line with a variety of new colourways and complications, including a standout black-dial perpetual calendar model that shines with fifteen coats of lacquer.

Piaget Polo Date 150th Anniversary

In celebration of its 150th anniversary, Piaget introduces the Polo Date with a captivating cappuccino-coloured dial and a sporty rubber strap, underscoring the brand’s heritage in crafting slim and elegant watches.

Hermès Arceau Duc Attelé

Hermès continues to infuse whimsy into its designs, as demonstrated by the Arceau Duc Attelé minute repeater, which features mallets shaped like tiny horse heads, showcasing the brand’s creative spirit.

Oris Aquis Date

Oris refreshes its Aquis line with attention to detail and a commitment to sustainability, featuring dials made from recycled plastic and a striking use of colour that enhances its visual appeal.

Gerald Charles Masterlink

Influenced by the iconic designs of Gerald Genta, the new Masterlink collection from Gerald Charles features an integrated bracelet and a unique dial layout, continuing the legacy of innovative watch design.

Chanel J12 Automaton Caliber 6

Chanel brings a touch of fun to Watches and Wonders with the J12 Automaton, which features a playful depiction of Gabrielle Chanel engaged in dressmaking, powered by the intricate Caliber 6 movement.

Gucci G-Flat

Gucci introduces the G-Flat, a quintessentially ’70s-inspired dress watch that marks a new direction under the leadership of Sabato De Sarno, highlighting the brand’s Italian heritage with classic elements.

F.P. Journe Élégante Gino’s Dream

Marking its 10th anniversary, the Élégante by F.P. Journe offers a distinctive take on luxury quartz watches, with a design that activates upon movement, adorned with a colourful array of stones.

Nomos Glashuette Tangente 38mm Flamingopink

The Nomos Tangente debuts in a delightful “Flamingopink” among 31 new colourways, celebrating 175 years of precision and minimalist design in watchmaking.

Hublot Big Bang Integrated Time Only 38mm

Hublot expands its Big Bang series with a neatly sized 38mm model featuring an integrated bracelet, providing a subtle yet fashionable option for enthusiasts.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon Roger Dubuis introduces a toned-down yet still striking monotourbillon in titanium, appealing to those who appreciate understated luxury.

Bremont Terra Nova 40.5 Date

Under the new direction of Davide Cerrato, Bremont updates its brand identity with a series of field watches that blend vintage aesthetics with modern innovation.

Laurent Ferrier Classic Moon

Laurent Ferrier, known for his exquisite and rapidly evolving collection, adds a moonphase movement to his offerings, combining outstanding design with exceptional craftsmanship.

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”

This piece from A. Lange & Söhne is a highlight of craftsmanship and innovation, featuring a semi-transparent dial and extensive use of luminous material, priced at an estimated $620,000.

Bell and Ross BR-05 Black Ceramic

Bell and Ross introduce a new ceramic collection for the BR-05, featuring a slightly larger 41mm case size that offers a sleek and contemporary option for watch enthusiasts.

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