After a fantastic week in Geneva, Watches and Wonders 2024 has come to a close. The event saw 54 brands present new releases and we are delighted to share some of those with you. Every novelty was impressive, however, in this guide, a focus will be placed on new releases from the brands that we stock; Alpina, Baume and Mercier, Frederique Constant and Oris. A wide array of watches to suit a variety of tastes, keep reading to discover our top picks from this year’s event!
Our Top Picks from Watches and Watches 2024
Alpina
Alpina has launched several novelties for this year’s Watches and Wonders. The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic is a testament to the brand’s tradition of creating diver’s watches. Available in three different colour pathways, there is something to suit a variety of tastes. As well as this, it is available with an added GMT function. If automatic movements aren’t quite your thing. Alpina has also released novelties with quartz movements. Whilst remaining stylish and comfortable to wear, Alpiner Extreme Quartz models are tough and robust. They are also available in several colour variations.
Our Alpina Pick: Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT (39mm) Silver Textured Dial / Black Rubber Strap AL-560LG3VE6
A diver’s watch through and through, this Alpina Seastrong is packed with an array of strong and reliable features. Upholding the classic design of an Alpina, this model exhibits a silver dial with a date aperture at 6 o’clock. As well as this, the dial features luminous hands and indices for optimal readability. The GMT hand, with a red triangle tip, is what makes this model so special. Providing the opportunity to read a second time zone, it adds great functionality to the timepiece. Showcasing that high-quality materials have been used, a brushed and polished 39mm stainless steel case frames the dial. The ceramic matte black GMT bidirectional rotating bezel emphasises this further. Overleaf, the case back features an engraving of the iconic Seastrong motif. Concluding the design of this Alpina is a simple black rubber strap with a folding clasp.
An AL-560 automatic movement powers this model. Using 25 jewels and beating at 28’800 vph, it provides the watch with a power reserve of 50 hours. In addition to this, the watch has an impressive water resistance of up to 300 metres. Long-lasting and reliable, this Alpina is sure to be a great success. Hence it is one of our top picks from Watches and Wonders 2024!
Oris
The Aquis is one of Oris’ signature designs and the new collection follows in the footsteps of generations of reliable, robust and high-performing toolwatches. This redesign brings numerous performance benefits to the 21st Century icon to make it even more desirable. Whether it be revised proportions or new additions, the overall look of the new Aquis is easy on the eye and the wrist. To ensure modern versatility, the new Aquis is available with 43.5mm and 41.5mm cases as well as the choice of black, blue and green dial colours. Upcycle editions are also available, so there is truly something for all!
Our Oris Pick: Aquis Date Calibre 400 Automatic (43.5mm) Multicoloured PET Dial / Stainless Steel Bracelet 01 400 7790 4150-07 8 23 02PEB
On the surface this watch looks identical to its familiar models, however, every detail has been carefully reconsidered and upscaled. The new watch has a fluid, slimline 43.5mm case, and yet it is still distinctively Aquis. Polished shield-shaped applied hour markers and bespoke, Alpha-style hands adorn the multicoloured PET dial. Moreover, a date aperture features at 6 o’clock and a double-domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal frames the dial. The refinement process even dips under the dial as the background colour of the date aperture now matches the dial colour. A small but impactful detail, it makes the watch look and feel exquisitely balanced. At its core, the Aquis remains a high-performance watch that can be used in all manner of urban and adventurous scenarios. The case remains water-resistant to 300 metres and the unidirectional rotating bezel continues to offer safe dive time measurements.
The exhibition case back of the new Aquis allows you a glimpse at the intricate movements of the mechanism. For this model, it is Oris’ calibre 400 movement; an automatic movement with a 120-hour power reserve. A stainless steel strap concludes the design of this Aquis Date. Thanks to its Quick Change System, the wearer can easily switch between a collection of interchangeable straps. A beautiful, high-performance watch that perfectly blends form and function, it’s no wonder this Aquis is one of our top picks from Watches and Wonders 2024.
Frederique Constant
For Watches and Wonders 2024, Frederique Constant has expanded its flagship Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture to include three new 40mm variations. Accompanied by either a silver, blue or green dial these models have both a new design and a new movement. As well as this, the Swiss brand has added a brand new movement to its Classic Date Manufacture watches. The ethos of the this new model is all about refinement, so the case size has been considerably slimmed down.
Our Frederique Constant Pick: Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture (40mm) British Racing Green Dial / Green Alligator Leather Strap FC-716GR3H6
Restrained, elegant and contemporary, this Frederique Constant is designed for everyday wear. The contrast between the British Racing Green sunray dial and the blue moonphase date aperture creates a rich look on the wrist; silver diamond-cut baton indices and hands illustrate this further. A 40mm stainless steel case frames the dial, and although the size has expanded, it still stays true to the traditional DNA of this flagship collection. Moreover, the exhibition case back allows the wearer to observe the movement that powers the watch. Developed in-house, this FC-716 movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve and it is based on a 4hz movement originally developed by Frederique Constant almost 10 years ago. In fact, it’s so reliable that its performance is now guaranteed for five years!
A dark green alligator leather strap is the finishing touch to this model. While it oozes luxury it also provides great comfort on the wrist. This Watches and Wonders novelty is ideal for all lovers of Geneva’s watchmaking heritage. Clean and sophisticated it is a simple way to transform any outfit; and this is why it is one of our top picks.
Baume and Mercier
Spoiling us for choice, Baume and Mercier has released several novelties for Watches and Wonders 2024. Each of the new releases evokes one of the many facets of the Rivera, from its natural features to its delightful dolce vita. Whether you’re after a classic chronograph or a statement skeletal piece, there is a Baume and Mercier Watches and Wonders novelty for all.
Our Baume and Mercier Pick: Riviera Diamond Quartz (33mm) Night Blue Dial / Stainless Steel Bracelet M0A10765
Smart, beautiful and simple, this Baume and Mercier is designed for those women seeking a precious watch. The night blue dial, with a transparent wave decor, features Roman numerals and grey dauphine hands. For optimal readability, both the hands and indies are filled with SuperLuminova. As well as this a date aperture also features at 3 o’clock. While all of these features are of importance, the bezel is what makes this model stand out. Set with 44 brilliant-cut, Top Wesselton, VS quality, 0,74ct diamonds, the bezel shines like any other! A 33mm polished and satin-finished stainless steel case frames the dial. Small in size but grand in appearance, its dodecagonal shape enhances the ultra-feminine appeal of the watch. A three-link stainless steel bracelet completes the design of this Riviera.
With a reliable Swiss-made quartz movement and up to 50 metres of water resistance, this Baume and Mercier is as accurate as it is appealing. A symbol of refinement and understated luxury, it is the perfect finishing touch any glamorous ladies’ outfit.
If you’re intrigued to see other releases, click here to view the full selection of Watches and Wonders 2024 novelties on our website.
What did you think of our Watches and Wonders 2024 guide? Will you be adding one of these new releases to your collection? Let us know in the comments!
