Watches & Wonders 2024: The Most Wanted Models

by Sofia Brontvein

Watches & Wonders 2024: The Most Wanted Models

11 Apr 2024

Among the thousands of watch aficionados who gathered from around the world for Watches & Wonders 2024 in Geneva is Sofia Brontvein, The Sandy Times' publisher. She will be reporting from there and showcasing the best pieces. This is the first episode.

Rolex GMT-Master II

Almost everyone dreams about Rolex GMT-Master II, especially with a Pepsi bezel, but it seems this year, watch collectors are going to hunt for a brand new colour palette from Rolex. The manufacturer has presented Gris Noir GMT-Master II — as you may guess from the French title, with a grey and black bezel — in a stainless steel case (40 mm diameter). This watch is powered by calibre 3285 with 70 hours of power reserve. The independent jumping hour hand allows you to skip time zones when needed. Gris Noir may not be as bold and bright as the Pepsi or Batman versions, but monochrome makes every watch an amazing art piece for everyday life.

Price: $11 220.

Not limited, but you can never buy Rolex novelties easily.

Rolex GMT-Master II

Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire

The biggest novelty from Hublot this year is definitely the Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire. This manufacturer is well known for its sapphire masterpieces. When it comes to the creation of colourful cases from this material, everyone must admit — Hublot is a recognised guru. This skeleton has a 45 mm glacier ice case. The novelty is equipped with a calibre HUB9011 (manual winding) which has seven series-coupled barrels responsible for an impressive 14 days of power reserve.

Price: $171 000.

Only 50 pieces are available.

Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire

Patek Philippe 5330G World Time

Old school never really gets old. Patek Philippe are the grandmasters of redefining vintage traditions when it comes to premium watches, especially if we are talking about World Timers. The 5330G novelty received a very nice blue-grey dial with a carbon pattern. The calibre 240 HU C (48-hour power reserve) is responsible for 24-hour day/night indication for each time zone, and it also has a unique feature for a World Timer — the date can track the local time. The 40 mm case, accompanied by a grey-blue leather strap, is made from white gold and has classic elegant lugs, which remind of Patek Philippe's heritage.

Price: $ 76 600.

Not limited.

Reflection De Cartier

At first glance, you may think it is a well-crafted cuff from Cartier, but this incredible piece actually has a hidden watch. This year, all the Cartier novelties are inspired by the idea of magic existing in our everyday lives. The Reflection models are available in yellow gold, plain rose gold and in three gem-set on white gold cases and are powered by Quartz movement. The watch is hidden on the opposite side of the cuff's opening, and it is a pretty magic trick. If you are looking for a model with gems, we suggest you go for Paraiba tourmalines with iridescent blue-green lacquer.

Price: to be announced later.

Not limited.

Reflection De Cartier

Vacheron Constantin Overseas

Vacheron Constantin has been constantly growing in the MENA region over the past few years, and it is a very good sign. Usually, the most popular models on the market are the most obvious and even generic. Yes, Patek Philippe Nautilus and Rolex Submariner are great watches, but the industry can suggest so much more. This year in Geneva, we have paid attention to the new Overseas with green dial (this colour has been a real trend for the last three seasons) in an 18k pink gold case. There are different diameters — ladies will admire the 35 mm case with diamond bezel, and gents will love the 42.5 mm chronograph. All the models are equipped with self-winding calibres engraved with the compass rose, which is iconic for the Overseas collection.

Price: to be announced later.

Not limited.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down Limited Edition

The Datograph collection by A. Lange & Söhne was presented in 1999, so this year, the brand is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a new Up/Down Limited Edition. The most definitive design features are a blue dial and a 41 mm white gold case. This novelty, powered by calibre L951.6 (60-hour power reserve), has quite a lot of functions, such as a flyback chronograph, a power reserve indication, and an elapsed minute display. The movement, of course, is mainly made of German silver.

Price: upon request.

Only 125 pieces are available.

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down Limited Edition

TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph

In 2024, TAG Heuer is celebrating 55 years of its squared chronograph, Monaco. To mark this anniversary properly, the manufacturer redefines the iconic racing model showing the Monaco Split-Seconds edition available in red or blue gradient. TAG Heuer designers and engineers inspired by the avant-garde concept have created an open-worked dial showcasing the mechanics of the novelty. The brand had to create a brand new movement for this watch, so they chose to collaborate with the Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier to present the TH81-00 calibre (65 hours with chrono off and 55 hours with chrono on power reserve). The 41 mm case is made of grade-5 titanium, so this chronograph is very light — just 85 grams.

Price: $148 150.

Not limited, but numbered.

TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight

We are not sure if we are ready to go diving wearing this Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight novelty made from pure gold with a green dial and bezel, but we are pretty sure that the MENA region is going to fall in love with this watch. Even sports and professional watches deserve to be pure luxury masterpieces, and the Tudor totally agrees with us. During Watches & Wonders in Geneva the manufacturer presented the new BB58 with a brushed gold 3-link case and bracelet. This novelty perfectly combines functionality (200 meters of water resistance) and aesthetics (this watch is gold but in a very elegant way).

Price: $32 100.

Not limited.

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight

by Sofia Brontvein