A Return To Restraint: Best Timepieces Of The Year

From clever, accessible special editions that tickled our whimsy to attempts to shatter the very horizons of what's possible to place on a wrist, 2024 played with watch lovers' imaginations with a vibrant kaleidoscope of launches in every shape, size, and form

- By Sharan Sanil

If 2024 taught us anything about the watch industry, it's that even luxury has its limits. After the pandemic-era frenzy of bold designs and endless demand, this year saw brands taking a step back—playing it safe, simplifying, and in many cases, quietly recalibrating.

While the flashiest names decided to hold back on their usual fireworks, 2024 wasn't a snooze by any stretch. For collectors, the year brought its perks. Waiting lists finally started to shrink, and the secondary market cooled, making it easier to snag those long-coveted pieces. Meanwhile, smaller, independent makers stepped up with a fresh burst of creativity.

Another notable shift? The revival of brick-and-mortar retail. While e-commerce continues to thrive, luxury watch brands are doubling down on flagship stores to prioritise one-on-one client experiences. From Grand Seiko's expansive new boutique on Madison Avenue to the rise of multi-brand havens like TimeVallée and carefully curated single-brand stores for Breitling, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and IWC Schaffhausen in India, the focus is clearly on reconnecting with buyers. Add in grand openings across cities like Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok for major Swiss brands, and it's clear the human connection to watch-buying is making a strong comeback.

So, what's brewing behind the scenes at watchmaking headquarters worldwide? In a nutshell, a determined return to basics for legacy brands, sharpening their icons to perfection. Meanwhile, a fearless group of newcomers is shaking up the scene, eager to challenge the titans of the industry. Here's a look at the timepieces from both camps that kept us captivated all year long:

While e-commerce continues to thrive, luxury watch brands are doubling down on flagship stores to prioritise one-on-one client experiences

ROLEX PERPETUAL 1908