Watches and Wonders 2024 Round Up: Our 6 Favourite Novelties

While the festivities continue and the mystery of Watches and Wonders opens their doors to the public, the unveiling of new, luxury watches has come to a close. And with that, I get to share my, and Max’s, favourite pieces from the watch event of the year. Below, I have narrowed it down to 6 of our favourite timepieces that scream luxury and sophistication: 

1. TUDOR Black Bay 58 18K

TUDOR has elevated their iconic Black Bay 58 to new heights of luxury with the introduction of the striking Black Bay 58 18K. This marks TUDOR’s inaugural venture into solid gold dive watches, showcasing a lustrous green dial complemented by gleaming gold hour markers and bezel details. 

The TUDOR Black Bay 58 transcends the ordinary, merging opulence with utility in a dive watch that’s as lavish as it is practical. Whether navigating the depths of the open ocean or navigating the demands of the workday, this versatile timepiece adds a touch of elegance to every occasion. 

2. IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day & Night

The star of the collection, the IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Day & Night watch, is a masterpiece of watchmaking. An 18ct Armor Gold® case, gold plated hands, a truly breathtaking Obsidian dial make this watch a work of art.  

Inside, you will find industry changing tourbillon movements. The mechanism encases the balance wheel and pallet lever in a compact cage that performs a complete rotation on its axis every minute. This perpetual motion is essential for counteracting gravity’s influence on the watch’s oscillating components, thereby improving the precision of time measurement. This ingenious design not only boosts the watch’s accuracy but also adds an element of mechanical fascination. 

A guaranteed showstopper. 

3. TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Skipper

In 2023, TAG Heuer commemorated 60 years since the launch of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph. A year later, the luxury watches brand once again redefined diving watches with the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Skipper.  

With a 18K 5N rose gold case and vibrant multi-coloured dial, the Carrera Chronograph Skipper is a sight to behold. Each colour signifies a different part of the New York Yacht Clubs Intrepid, paying homage in a way that showcases honour yet excitement.  

Flipping the timepiece reveals an impressive see-through case back, showcasing the proprietary Heuer 02 Skipper calibre in action. It boasts an 80-hour power reserve and features a column wheel chronograph mechanism with a vertical clutch, enhanced by a novel bi-directional rotor that takes the form of TAG Heuer’s signature shield emblem. 

4. Grand Seiko Starry Night

Grand Seiko are known for taking inspiration from the world around them. From the Hotaka Peaks to the Genbi Valley, the Japanese watch brand produces honourable timepieces that transcend traditional watchmaking. Now, they are taking on the master's with their latest releases. 

Watches and Wonders 2024 saw the release of the Grand Seiko Starry Night. A truly beautiful watch with a deep navy-blue dial, inspired by a starry night sky, and rose gold accents, this watch has deep roots in history.  

Just as with all Grand Seiko timepieces, the authenticity can be verified by examining the serial number etched on the reverse side. This exclusive edition timepiece challenges the conventions of watchmaking while maintaining a luxurious and elegant demeanour. 

5. Montblanc Iced Sea Burgundy

Montblanc introduced a whole new selection of watches. But my favourite is the Montblanc Iced Sea Burgundy. With a bold dial, strong stainless-steel case, and unforgettable gratte-boise engraving technique, this glacier watch is powerful.  

Conforming to the ISO 6425 standards for scuba-diving, the Iced Sea Burgundy watch allows you to explore the ice caps and the mountains without every feeling the Icey cold of Antarctica.  

6. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar

Taking inspiration from the first ultra-thin pocket watch from 1907, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar is a defining piece for the brand.  
Extending the Maser Ultra-Thiin collection, this model features a gorgeous diamond encrusted bezel, thin, elongated hands, and of course, the incredible perpetual calendar.

The Master Ultra Thin watch is not only a feat of technology but also a work of art. It starts with a sleek black leather strap featuring a traditional pin buckle. The real allure begins with the eggshell dial, which, along with the opulent 18-carat rose gold bezel adorned with 60 sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds, adds an element of elegance to this sophisticated watch. 

Watches and Wonders 2024 was an incredible week filled with mind-blowing launches, and I got an insight into the industry that is incomparable to anything else. From meeting some of the most genius minds in watchmaking to glimpsing advancements that the world is yet to see, this year's W&W was one of a kind. And you can find my favourites on the Chisholm Hunter website!