Summary Waqt Picks Best 3 Watches with a Minute Repeater for 2024

Some watch collectors gravitate toward sporty or elegant designs, while others chase the excitement of snagging a rare limited edition, those elusive pieces that seem to disappear from boutiques the moment they arrive.

But for the true connoisseurs, the hunt goes beyond exclusivity. It’s about finding the genuinely rare, the kind of watch that tells a story through its extraordinary craftsmanship and rare complications. Among these treasures is the minute repeater, a marvel of watchmaking that dates back to the mid-18th century. Despite its long history, it remains one of the least available  complications in horology.

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on an extraordinary year of innovation and artistry. Waqt has selected three standout minute repeaters that shone brightest this year, timepieces that epitomize beauty, creativity, and rarity in watchmaking.

Patek Philippe Grande and Petite Sonnerie for Only Watch

The Only Watch auction resumed on May 10, 2024, and to mark this occasion, Patek Philippe unveiled the "Only Watch" edition of the Grande & Petite Sonnerie, Reference 6301A-010. This exclusive timepiece, based on the Reference 6301P, is one of the brand’s most intricate watches. The watch is housed in a steel case with a diameter of 44.8mm and a thickness of 12.03mm. 

The dial is a work of art, crafted from 18K gold with a hand-guilloched swirling pattern beneath Grand Feu blue-green enamel. Twelve baguette-cut diamond hour markers and the “only one” inscription further highlight its exclusivity. The manually wound caliber GS 36-750 PS IRM inside includes a Grande and Petite Sonnerie, as well as a Minute Repeater, producing chimes on three gongs. The watch was sold for approximately AED 64 million. 

JC Biver x Bucherer Carillon Tourbillon

Jean-Claude crafted an exclusive watch for Bucherer this year, marking a significant step in his company's journey. This unique timepiece, measuring 43mm in diameter and crafted in white gold, seamlessly blends elegance with innovation. The minute repeater is set with an impressive 294 sapphires in a range of colors, enhancing its aesthetics. The crown is the only element in the case without gemstones, instead bearing JCB engravings. Both the front and back are protected by sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and clarity.

The dial of this remarkable piece features a sodalite center set on a white gold base, with white gold indexes for a refined look. A stunning gradient of 90 blue sapphires, totaling 2.70 carats, encircles the dial, creating a harmonious composition. At 6 o’clock, a tourbillon with a triple hand tracks the seconds, complemented by a white gold bridge. The carillon minute repeater includes three gongs and hammers, and the automatic Caliber JCB.001 A is enhanced by a platinum micro-rotor and a rose gold decorative plate. The timepiece is priced at AED 5,639,500.

Parmigiani Fleurier Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse

Parmigiani Fleurier unveiled a unique creation to commemorate the anniversary of its founder, Michel Parmigiani, with the Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse. This exceptional timepiece combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge acoustic engineering. The stunning minute repeater exemplifies Michel Parmigiani’s deep passion for complicated timepieces and sets a new standard in watchmaking.

Crafted from white gold, the 42mm case of this masterpiece is adorned with pastel green Grand Feu enameling and features intricate guilloché patterns and engravings of a pinecone, symbolizing infinity. The dial is entirely enamel, while the reverse side discreetly reveals the time on a Guatemalan white jade disk. Powered by a manual-winding movement that delivers resonant chimes through cathedral gongs. The case back and sides are hollowed out to amplify the sound, ensuring unparalleled acoustic clarity. The watch is a one-of-a-kind piece, and the price is available upon request.

Each of these selections was chosen for its exceptional use of the minute repeater complication, a feature that remains one of the most revered in watchmaking. However, it is important to acknowledge that this year was vast, with many other remarkable pieces that could easily have earned a spot in this discussion. The diversity of craftsmanship in 2024 has been nothing short of inspiring. As we step into 2025, we remain excited for the next wave of creations that will continue to shape the future of horology, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in watchmaking.