We had a lot of releases and interesting watches during 2024, it was almost overwhelming to see, process and -rate- all of them. But as 2024 comes to an end and we expect 2025 releases, we have a curated selection of what we consider the best watches released during the last year.
As we have way ti much to cover, here is a 10 watch list, with no specific order. You will find kind of everything, from GMT’s to dress watches all the way to Tourbillons. Check out our picks below.
IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar
Of course we had to start with a record holder and winner of 2024 GPHG Aguille d’Or, The Eternal Calendar is the epitome of Horology Engineering. With a movement that will be precise for the next 400 years and the hyper-accurate moonphase which won’t need adjustment for the next 45,000,000 years encased in platinum, this IWC is a must mention when we talk about the best watches of the year.
Arround $150,000.00 usd. At iwc.com
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m
Definitely not an expected material combination, but we are loving it! Released in the last month of 2024, the new Omega Diver is truly one of a kind. Made up with bronze gold and titanium this watch is ultra light, but it gets better when you add green to the equation -you know we love green watches-, and the resemblance to the 007 edition is very pleasing. Despite the other two diver releases, this is by far a more suitable member of our picks.
Around $9,900.00 usd. At omegawatches.com
Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT
We are Tudor cravers all day, every day; and with this new release our excitement got high and higher. With three different timezone GMT function this Pelagos is designed for flying and land missions, apart from the original Pelagos focused on naval errands. With a tactical look and entirely made in Titanium with a 42mm case, this Tudor is the perfect adventurous and daily watch of 2024.
Around $4,900.00 usd. At tudorwatch.com
Richard Mille RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon, Rafael Nadal
Yes, we also have -Heavy Hitters- in the list, of course the first one is the RM 27-05. This RM features a single sided flying tourbillon movement in a TPT case that’s only 7.2 mm thick and weights 11.5 grams, this is crazy just by itself, but the best part, as a good Nadal piece it has been tested up to 300 G’s. Limited to 80 pieces and with a cost over a million it is most likely to be a hard to get, but now that Rafa is retired, we can only wonder the prices it will reach in the grey!
Around $1,150,000.00 usd. At richardmille.com
Audemars Piguet 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph
You know we had to add more Tourbillons, of course, but probably a 11.59 would’ve been your last guess right? Yes, the 11.59 was not very well received, but when you have the chance to take a closer and -IRL- look to it, it is quite an amazing piece. And a Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph inside a black ceramic and white gold bezel case has to make the work by itself. Oh, and did we mention the 65 hours power reserve?
Around PUR. At audemarspiguet.com
Patek Philippe Cubitus
I know, I know; this one is a hot take; but we are not only considering features or popularity to get pieces into the list, we also have to consider the impact they had in the industry. And of course a PP release after 25 years certainly made an impact, weather it was good or bad, but it was big. Despite all the criticism and -hate- from both sides, the Cubitus is actually really decent, and take a look to the platinum perpetual, don’t tell me it is not sexy. Also, the green dial is up 300% in grey mkt pricing! so that’s something.
Around $41,250.00 usd. At patek.com
Rolex GMT Master II -Bruce Wayne-
Sure, we know, an other GMT, but the popularity of this one is well justified. The black and grey combo goes very well with the stainless steel and the allure of it’s nickname is clearly there. This was the only stainless steel release from Rolex during 2024 W&W making it at least a little more special. And it also dresses very well, this GMT definitely gained a place in our list.
Around $10,700.00 usd (retail ref). At rolex.com
Piaget Altiplano Concept Tourbillon
Yes, yes, another Tourbillon, but this one is a special one, it is the Thinnest Tourbillon in the world! To celebrate their 150th anniversary, Piaget presented a record breaking 2 mm thick timepiece, which they’ve done before, but now; they managed to add a Tourbillon to the equation. And besides the achievement, it is also an amazing looking watch.
Around PUR. At piaget.com
Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT
Slowing down a little, an other Tudor makes it into the list, just because Tudor has been consistently good. The Black Bay 58 GMT is the perfect daily sports watch, it is slightly smaller than the pro and it has this revival allure which we love. Details such as the bezel -coke’ish- colors and the subtile -aged- effect in both the bezel and the dial give this piece a very unique look; besides of course, the great great quality Tudor is giving us.
Around $5,050.00 usd. At tudorwatch.com
Cartier Reflection de Cartier
Essentially this is a Cuff/Bangle, that happens to tell time; but we wanted to close our list with this unique piece. The reasons are clear if you know our publications, the innovation and the design are amazing, but most importantly this piece remembers classic Cartier Jewelry designs, with women in mind and what they truly want, thick, chunky gold bracelets with a time telling feature.
Around $43,000.00 usd. At cartier.com
What a year huh? Agreed, it was an amazing year for watchmaking in every level, and of course we are very happy about it. Let’s hope the best looking forward to 2025.
Let us know if you agree with our selection, or which one you would’ve added or take away.
If you want to early discover a great independent watch brand, make sure you check our article on Labails Geneve.
Written by Founder & Head Editor, Anton Fernandez