Summary The 5 Watches That Stole the Spotlight in 2024

In 2024, many exceptional timepieces were launched, combining innovative designs with exquisite craftsmanship. These watches were not just about telling time; they became symbols of excellence, telling unique stories and setting new trends in the world of horology. From revolutionary designs to advanced technical innovations, these releases sparked extensive discussions among watch enthusiasts. Many expressed great admiration, reflecting the diversity of tastes in this refined world.

The excitement was not limited to new and unconventional designs; the revival of classic editions also garnered significant attention. In this context, the team at "Waqt" magazine has selected five watches that stirred debate and ignited discussions with their distinctiveness and elegance, claiming their place among the year's most prominent releases.

Piaget Polo 79

Piaget celebrated its 150th anniversary by reviving an icon from the past: the Polo 79. This timepiece embodies one of the brand's most famous designs in the world of haute horology. First introduced 45 years ago, the Polo 79 remains true to Piaget's philosophy. Like its initial release in the late 1970s, the watch is crafted entirely from yellow gold. With a diameter of 38mm and a slim profile of 7.45mm, it is designed to fit comfortably on most wrists.

The watch highlights Piaget's craftsmanship, showcasing the gleaming gadroons, decorative edges formed by parallel rounded strips seamlessly integrated into the case, dial, and bracelet. A unique design feature that sets the watch apart.

The Polo 79 is a limited-production timepiece, priced at USD 73,000, approximately AED 270,000. You can read the full article about the watch here.

Anoma A1

The British newcomer Anoma revealed its first timepiece, the A1. This triangular design draws inspiration from bold sculptures of the 1950s, making it stand out in a market dominated by round, square, or rectangular cases.

The A1 takes inspiration from modernist pioneers like Constantin Brâncusi and the architectural designs of Oscar Niemeyer. Crafted from stainless steel, the watch is priced at GBP 1,300, approximately AED 6,000. The full article about the watch here.

Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing

Russian independent watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin set a new record for the world’s thinnest mechanical watch with the ThinKing prototype, measuring an astonishing 1.65mm in thickness. This groundbreaking achievement places Chaykin among prestigious competitors such as Piaget, Bulgari, and Richard Mille.

Achieving such extreme thinness required meticulous engineering. The 40mm case, crafted from a specialized stainless steel alloy for added rigidity, lacks a visible crown. Time is displayed through two separate windows on the dial, part of Chaykin's whimsical "Wristmon" family. The design incorporates the company’s logo and name as a “nose and mouth,” while the hands, gears within the movement are a mere 0.35mm thick. The full article about the watch here.

Patek Philippe Cubitus

After 25 years of anticipation, Patek Philippe unveiled a completely new collection: the Cubitus. This collection features a square case with rounded corners and a signature Patek dial design adorned with horizontal relief embossing.

Patek Philippe introduced the Cubitus collection with three versions: the "Cubitus Instantaneous Grand Date, Day, and Moon Phases" (Reference 5822P-001), a platinum model powered by a new movement with instantaneous displays and six patent applications. The vintage-inspired Cubitus models are available in steel and rose gold, with a blue sunburst dial. The Cubitus Reference in Steel features an olive-green sunburst dial.

Prices start at CHF 35,000 (approximately AED 148,000) for the steel edition. You can read the full article about the Cubitus collection here.

Toledano & Chan B/1

The B/1 marks the debut of the new brand Toledano & Chan, combining the aesthetics of brutalist architecture with 1970s watch design. The watch draws inspiration from two main sources: the Rolex Midas and early 1970s integrated bracelet watches, as well as the work of brutalist architect Marcel Breuer, particularly the window design of his Whitney Museum building in New York.

A standout feature of the B/1 is its lapis lazuli dial. This deep blue stone provides a striking backdrop, free of markers or branding, allowing the natural beauty of the material to take center stage. The watch is produced in a limited edition of 175 numbered pieces and is priced at AED 14,913.

You can read the full article about the watch here.

While these five timepieces represent some of the most buzzworthy releases of the year, they are by no means the only ones that captured the attention of horology enthusiasts. We are certain there are many more that deserve mention, and we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. As we look ahead, one thing is clear: the watch industry is poised to deliver even more groundbreaking creations in the coming year. Stay tuned for what promises to be another exciting chapter in the world of fine timepieces.