Some pursuits in life are like bottomless jars; interests eager to hold all that we can deposit, hungry for our time, effort, attention – and, yes, dollars. Horologists – enthusiasts of timekeeping and timepieces – understand this all too well.
It has never been a more interesting time to immerse oneself fully in the world of luxury watches as witness to its continual evolution. We are in a moment defined by the seamless blending of tradition with cutting-edge innovation. The horological landscape is marked by an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, while embracing technological advancements and sustainable practices that are ever more important in the modern era.
So far, industry watchers (pun intended) are witnessing a renaissance in the appreciation of intricate mechanical movements, complemented by an increased demand for unique materials and personalization. Driven by a wider understanding of nuance and details, luxury watch owners expect pieces that do more than tell time. They are statements of style, symbols of status, investments in timeless elegance – and things that can endure for generations.
It’s large character and small nuances that sets these brands apart in the competitive luxury market, which, yes, can seem quite complex and byzantine to outsiders and beginners.
Let us guide you through our collection of the year’s most compelling and relevant opportunities on the market, all the while helping you to start your own bottomless jar – or add to it.
The ROLEX GMT-MASTER II is evolving in 2024. For the first time ever, this classic unisex piece is presented with the Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic, echoing emotions that resonate through the eras – from the model’s inception in 1955 to its modern iternation.
Two new versions are offered: one with the classic Oyster bracelet, the other with a Jubilee bracelet. A green 24-hour hand displays much more than just an alternative time zone; it points to another location that resonates with the wearer – a reminder of the emotions that accompany each traveler.
While known for authoring the flawless construction of some of the world’s leading timepieces, BVLGARI’s roots actually date back to 1880s silver and gold. In fact, BVLGARI’s founding father Sotiros Bvlgari cut his teeth as the village goldsmith-silversmith across Epirus, fashioning belts, earrings, sword cases and silver buttons before creating what would become an iconic luxury brand.
That historical expertise is on full display with the latest Serpenti Tubogas, a single-spiral watch in 18 kt yellow gold, stainless steel, and silver opaline dial.
Along with merging two of the most iconic emblems of BVLGARI’s design, the Serpenti Tubogas is embellished with diamonds coils, portraying a sinuosity of the snake with the contemporary soul of tubogas, the twisting, interlocking chain-making style. Crafted with a flexible and tubular litheness, the timepiece evokes both the seductive power of the serpent and the fluid shape of its wrapping body, fusing irresistible glamor with distinctive jewelry design.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of attending the Kentucky Derby, to take in the trackside elegance and athletic excellence, you understand that the event is singularly inspiring. The Longines Mini Dolcevita – 150TH Kentucky Derby Edition takes that sweet inspiration to the next level with a new Kentucky Oats pink colorway and set in diamonds.
While the Kentucky Derby Edition is limited, Longines offers no shortage of other Mini Dolcevita models. They represent masterpieces that exquisitely express, in equal parts, Longines’ quiet luxury and contemporary elegance. The models are bound to resonate with dynamic women drawn to breathtaking watches that perfectly complement any styling choice.
Other innovations include new Mini DolceVita double tour straps, now available in black, beige gold, pink, red, orange or green Nappa leather.
The new Navitimer by Breitling is a masterpiece that seamlessly merges timeless elegance with modern innovation. This iconic timepiece, revered by aviation enthusiasts and watch aficionados alike, retains its legendary design while incorporating cutting-edge features. The Navitimer’s classic chronograph functionality is enhanced by Breitling’s latest in-house movement, ensuring precision and reliability. The watch boasts a 43mm stainless steel case, a sleek black dial with contrasting white sub-dials, and the signature bidirectional slide rule bezel, a hallmark of the Navitimer’s heritage and utility.
Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the new Navitimer. The dial’s intricate design is complemented by Super-LumiNova-coated hands and markers, ensuring readability in any light conditions. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal adds to the clarity and durability, while the transparent case back offers a glimpse into the watch’s intricate mechanics. The Navitimer is available with a variety of straps, including a classic black alligator leather option and a robust stainless steel bracelet, allowing for personalization to suit any style.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the new Navitimer is a testament to Breitling’s commitment to excellence and innovation. The watch is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B01, renowned for its remarkable precision and impressive 70-hour power reserve. This self-winding chronograph movement is COSC-certified, guaranteeing exceptional performance. Whether you’re soaring at high altitudes or navigating the demands of daily life, the new Navitimer by Breitling is a reliable companion, embodying the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of perfection.
All that’s old is new again. In the case of the Hermés Faubourg Mini Model, all that’s large-faced is small again. In recent decades, the style has bent more and more towards bigger faces, so-called “chunkier” luxury watches that make big statements.
Hermés bucks the trend with this 15 mm, diamond-set rose gold watch, featuring impeccable quartz movement, diamond-set silvered obsidian dial, and diamond-set rose gold bracelet. The understated cut and shape make this modern classic the kind of red carpet look that would be equally comfortable on the wrists of Aubrey Hepburn or Aubrey Plaza.
The Tank watch was created by Louis Cartier, who designed it after the tanks of WWI battlefields. Defined by flat vertical brancards and a sapphire cabochon, this symbol of understated elegance has since captivated the world’s most astute minds.
More than a century after its creation, this collection continues to age like a fine wine. This year, the French watchmaker is making a smaller splash – literally – staying on trend with a robust offering of smaller-faced Tanks – including subcollections Louis Cartier, Must, Américaine and Française.
These models are united in their diminutive status, featuring quartz movement and an assortment of casings, straps, and bands.
In the realm of Louis Vuitton high watchmaking, replete with limited edition collections and artisan crafted timepieces, one recent piece stands out above the others thanks to its arresting design and construction. The remarkable Louis Vuitton Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Sapphire Frank Gehry. As its name suggests, the Maison has teamed up with legendary architect Frank Gehry again to guide the latter’s first foray into first foray into the world of high watchmaking, resulting in this one-of-a-kind timepiece that marks the culmination of two years of hard work.
If you’ve ever visited Gehry’s marvelous Louis Vuitton Maison in Seoul, you will immediately recognize this watch’s inspirational origins.
Boasting a Calibre LFTMM05.01 mechanical movement with manual winding developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the Tambour also features a sapphire case, lugs and crown, Frank Gehry’s signature engraved on the case-back, 43.8 mm diameter, robust 11.27 mm thickness, and anti-reflection sapphire crystal.
While Racing Week has come and gone from Miami, you can capture that high octane lightning in a bottle and keep it handy on your wrist.
At the launch in 1986, TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 collection had everything going for it. Colorful, inexpensive quartz watches that were made in Switzerland were taking the world by storm; under the new ownership by TAG, the company had abundant resources to
develop this collection of watches and chronographs; and the “Formula1” name itself drew on the company’s deep, historic connection to motorsports.
Over the intervening years, the Formula 1 collection has remained a vibrant and popular part of the TAG Heuer catalogue, as the company has offered a rich variety of colors, materials, styles and movements. In 2024, TAG has launched a new race-inspired collection alongside lifestyle brand KITH. TAG Heuer | KITH is a TAG Formula 1 Original, but with a modern twist, marking a long-awaited comeback that collectors have been craving. Paying tribute to the 1986 original, the new Formula 1 is upgraded with sapphire crystal glass, rubber straps, and strikingly vivid colorways. This collection is limited edition but can be found in-store.
The Tiffany & Co. Union Square watch collection pays homage to the House’s New York legacy, with skyscraper hands and a square case that nods to the powerful, clean lines of the city’s architecture.
Among the new additions this year is this 20 mm square stainless-steel case and bracelet combination, featuring Tiffany Blue® lacquer dial with white numerals and stainless steel crown.
The faceted skyscraper-shaped hands are delivered in a dual finish, a subdued elegance that belies the high-precision Swiss quartz movement.
Other new entries in the Union Square collection feature white dials, larger 27 mm faces, white lacquer, and diamond markers.