Watches and Wonders 2024: 9 Remarkable timepieces that caught our attention
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The prestigious Watches and Wonders 2024 unfolds its grand affair in Geneva this month, inviting enthusiasts into a realm of horological marvels. Set within the halls of Palexpo-Geneva, the seven-day event welcomes the arrival of eight new brands, joining a record-breaking lineup of 54 exhibiting Maisons. The excitement doesn’t end there—this year, the renowned watchmaking fair expands across two floors of the venue, offering a richer experience for attendees. Without further ado, here are nine timepieces that have stolen the spotlight, including the ultra-thin Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra and the stunning Lady Arpels Brise d’Été.
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XP Frozen Summit
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The Alpine Eagle 41 XP Frozen Summit is the latest masterpiece that seamlessly blends Chopard’s expertise in watchmaking and jewellery craftsmanship. Certified by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, this timepiece is fashioned from ethical 18-carat white gold, with every detail—from the 41mm-diameter case to the dial, bezel, crown, and integrated bracelet—adorned with meticulously cut diamonds. Powering this horological marvel is the ultra-thin L.U.C 96.41-L movement, boasting a remarkable 65-hour power reserve, marrying elegance with functionality in perfect harmony.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC
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Bulgari sets a new benchmark in high-end watchmaking with the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, boasting an ultra-slim case thinner than a coin. Breaking records as the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, this timepiece measures a mere 1.70mm thick and features a sleek monochromatic look in sandblasted titanium. The hour and minute dials, coupled with the large barrel and the escapement skillfully leverage the circular geometry of the bezel opening to fully optimise the watch’s surface area.
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon
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In celebration of its 150th anniversary, Piaget is pushing the boundaries of ultra-thin watchmaking with the Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon. Sporting a 41.5mm diameter and a blue PVD-treated cobalt alloy case, this extraordinary timepiece is engineered to withstand water depths of up to 20 metres, making it an ideal companion for everyday wear. While it has the same slim profile as the 2018 Altiplano model, the inclusion of a flying tourbillon elevates it to the distinction of the world’s thinnest tourbillon timepiece. At its heart beats the Piaget calibre 970P-UC, a manual calibre with a 40-hour power reserve, ensuring outstanding precision and performance.
Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Brise d’Été
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The Lady Arpels Brise d’Été watch captures the essence of a fresh summer morning, evoking the blossoming corollas of Van Cleef & Arpels’ garden. On its matte mother-of-pearl dial, you’ll find flowers embellished with champlevé enamel leaves and surrounded by blades of grass crafted from tsavorite garnets and plique-à-jour enamel. Sculptural miniature painting adds depth to the delicate stems, creating a picturesque landscape on the dial. Completing the scene is a self-interchangeable alligator leather bracelet, adding versatility to the enchanting timepiece.
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001
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Patek Philippe introduces a fresh take on its timeless Golden Ellipse wristwatch, enhancing it with a meticulously hand-polished 18K rose gold case and bracelet, exuding luxury at every angle. The innovative construction allows for effortless length adjustments, offering wearers the flexibility to tailor the fit precisely with three convenient adjustment notches on the clasp. Adding to its allure is the captivating ebony-black ‘sunburst’ dial, serving as an elegant canvas for the rose gold baton-style hour markers and slender ‘cheveu-style’ hands.
Chanel J12 Automaton Calibre 6
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This year, the Chanel Watch Creation Studio presents the J12 Automaton Calibre 6, influenced by Gabrielle Chanel and her legendary couture workshop on rue Cambon. What sets this diamond-studded timepiece apart is its revolutionary new Calibre 6 movement, developed and assembled by the Chanel Watch Manufacture. With a simple press of a button, the watch’s 355 components spring to life, showcasing Mademoiselle’s silhouette within her esteemed couture atelier for a mesmerising 10-second display. Fuelled by a manual-winding mechanical movement with an automation complication, the dial animates on demand, offering a captivating glimpse into the House’s heritage.
Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph
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True to its dedication to breathe new life into the Cartier Privé collection, Cartier has refreshed the Tortue timepiece with the addition of a monopoussoir chronograph complication. This lightweight watch features blued-steel apple-shaped hands and a refined rail-track design that elegantly follows the shapes of the watch, enhancing legibility on its silver opaline dial. What’s more, the movement measures a mere 4.3mm in thickness, marking it as the Maison’s thinnest chronograph to date.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon
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Jaeger-LeCoultre reintroduces the iconic Duometre with a contemporary twist, featuring a brand-new case characterised by its tactile rounded contours, convex crystal, and elegantly redesigned crown with deep, rounded notches. Powered by the innovative Calibre 391, the timepiece boasts a fully integrated movement, combining a manually wound mono-pusher chronograph with moon phase and night-day complications, complemented by two power reserve indicators and a flying second display. Additionally, the Swiss watch arrives in two styles: one featuring a platinum case contrasting with a copper-coloured dial, and the other with a pink gold case offset by the refined charm of a silver dial.
Bell & Ross BR 05 Black Ceramic
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Bell & Ross reveals five novelties this year, with three models crafted from ceramic—a first for the brand’s urban line. Presented in a classic black hue, this technical material adds a modern feel to the collection while delivering great durability and lightweight comfort. The BR 05 Black Ceramic, in particular, stands out with its satin-finished black ceramic case and a shiny black sunburst dial. Its rhodium-plated skeletonised hands, tipped with white luminescent material ensure optimal readability. The 41mm case houses the Calibre BR-CAL.321-1, providing a power reserve of 54 hours.
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