Take a closer look at our picks for the best luxury watches of the year!
Wearing a luxury watch has long been a symbol of success, sophistication, and refined taste. While many associate these timepieces with formal occasions, the world of haute horology offers so much more. For watch enthusiasts, the charm lies in the versatility, craftsmanship, and intricate mechanics that make each piece unique. From the captivating complexity of a tourbillon to the sleek, minimalist design of a precision tool watch, there’s something to admire in every tick of the second hand. Watches transcend mere fashion accessories—they are examples of milestone engineering, a perfect blend of artistry and functionality for the wrist.
As watch lovers, we know that the right timepiece not only complements our style but also enhances every aspect of life, whether we’re in the office or on a weekend adventure. The duPont REGISTRY 2024 Watch Guide celebrates this diversity, offering a curated collection of exceptional timepieces. Whether you’re drawn to Complex Complications, Timeless Classics, or Precision Tool Watches, our guide helps you find your next horological treasure. Dive into our top picks for the year and elevate your collection with pieces that balance style and performance.
Complex Complications
Wilbur Watch Co. LEO JW1.5CF
The LEO by WILBUR is a bold fusion of space-age inspiration and Swiss precision. Powered by the in-house WILBUR Engine One jump-hour movement, this limited-edition masterpiece pushes the boundaries of watchmaking. Its meticulously crafted, futuristic case and avant-garde dial reveal the mechanical genius within. With striking contours and bold, futuristic design elements, it embodies exploration and adventure. As the award winner of American Brand of the Year by WatchPro, WILBUR stands at the forefront of innovation. The LEO watch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s a technological marvel, ready to ignite your passion for pushing limits. Strap in, and prepare for liftoff.
Price: $39,995
Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon
Breguet’s Classique Double Tourbillon “Quai de l’Horloge” 5345 is a true celebration of horological mastery, honoring the watchmaker’s inception on June 26th, 1801. With its intricate 588N2 movement, composed of 740 components, the timepiece showcases two mesmerizing tourbillons that add both visual intrigue and technical brilliance. Housed in a 46mm rose gold case, the watch features a unique guilloché pattern called radiant flinqué, symbolizing craftsmanship at its finest. The engraving on the back pays homage to Breguet’s origins, with over 100 hours spent crafting its intricate details, making this timepiece a stunning reflection of Breguet’s expertise in both artistry and precision.
Price Upon Request
HYT Hastroid White Neon
The HYT HASTROID White Neon showcases cutting-edge design and innovation with its use of Super-LumiNova® and Tec Light® materials. The carbon fiber and mint green finish of the 48 mm case creates a striking visual effect, while the redesigned dial improves legibility with a bold central hand and sharpened contours. The two sub-counters provide essential functions, displaying small seconds and power reserve. Maintaining the signature proportions of the HASTROID collection, this limited edition of only 15 pieces merges high-tech materials with sleek, modern aesthetics, adding form and function to HYT’s lineup of luxury watches.
Price: CHF79,000 (Excl. Taxes)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer”
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition is the last limited edition equipped with Calibre 5134, bringing down the curtain on a mechanism, whose history began in 1978 with the launch of Calibre 2120/2800, the world’s thinnest selfwinding perpetual calendar movement at the time. At the height of the quartz crisis, this unexpected 3.95mm-thick movement contributed to the revival of other classic complications at Audemars Piguet and throughout the industry. Influential collaborates have and continue to play a significant role in shaping the diverse world of Audemars Piguet over time.
Price Upon Request
Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar
As part of its new 140th Anniversary Collection, Breitling recently debuted the Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary. The Navitimer was the first watch for pilots to combine a chronograph with the brand’s proprietary circular slide rule flight computer. Originally developed in 1952 for members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Navitimer quickly found favor with a broader audience that included celebrities and astronauts—in 1962 it became the first Swiss wristwatch in space. The anniversary edition features the famous slide rule in black on an attention-grabbing 18-carat red-gold dial. The strap is alligator leather with contrasting topstitching and an 18-carat gold folding buckle.
Price: $59,000
Ressence TYPE 3 BB2
Meet the Ressence TYPE 3 BB2, awarded the ‘Best of the Best’ distinction in the Red Dot Design Award 2024 – think of it as the Oscars for product design. This black edition further accentuates the hyper-minimal look of the TYPE 3, as the combination of oil and dark hue makes the thin space between the discs invisible. Whenever the dial gets in motion, wonder occurs. The TYPE 3 Black Black 2 complements the TYPE 3 Black, White and Eucalyptus Green. Ressence embraces a ‘Less is More’ approach, crafting meaningful mechanical watches where every design choice serves a function.
Price: CHF38,200 (Excl. Taxes)
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Tourbillon Cobalt
The Excalibur Double Tourbillon Cobalt Chrome from Roger Dubuis is a striking example of advanced watchmaking. Featuring two flying tourbillons connected by a differential for enhanced precision, the timepiece showcases the intricate RD108SQ calibre with a 72-hour power reserve. The 45mm case is made from durable Cobalt Chrome, known for its scratch and corrosion resistance, along with anti-magnetic properties. With 17 different hand-finishing techniques applied to its 319 components, the watch combines technical brilliance with fine artistry. Limited to just 28 pieces, its bold blue accents and skeletonized design make it a standout in modern horology.
Price: $296,500
Precision Tool Watches
Franck Muller Vanguard Racing Colorado Grand 35th Anniversary
Limited to only 35 pieces worldwide, the Vanguard Racing Colorado Grand 35thAnniversary edition iscrafted in massive 18kt Yellow Gold and incorporates both a chronograph and instantaneous Grand Date in a design inspired by vintage automobile iconography.The racing spirit of retro motorsport manifests with engine turned accents,dashboard-gauge sub-dials, and the visible gears of the timekeeping engine within. Even the rubber strap recalls the linear tread pattern common in cars built in the age of the“gentleman racer. On the reverse side, a curved sapphire windshield is emblazoned with the Rally logo.
Price: $42,000
CVSTOS Challenge Sealiner Chronograph
CVSTOS merges tradition with innovation, redefining Haute Horlogerie with timepieces that embody both Swiss heritage and cutting-edge design. More than just watches, CVSTOS creates experiences of precision and craftsmanship, appealing to those who seek the extraordinary. Each piece is meticulously crafted with state-of-the-art technology and assembled by expert artisans. The Challenge Sealiner Chronograph in 5N red gold exemplifies this philosophy. With nautical-inspired elements like teak wood, a winch-modeled crown, and mooring bollard pushers, it blends maritime elegance with top-tier engineering. Powered by the CVS857 caliber, this timepiece showcases CVSTOS’ relentless pursuit of innovation and luxury.
Price Upon Request
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49 brings together the iconic 1975 design with the modern advantage of Grade 5 titanium. Known for its strength, lightweight feel, and hypoallergenic properties, this alloy makes its debut in the Laureato collection. Its 42 mm case features the signature octagonal bezel, with a blend of polished and brushed finishes that highlight the material’s unique grey hue. The grey dial, adorned with a Clous de Paris pattern, adds depth, while the chronograph functions and date display ensure practicality. Powered by the finely crafted GP03300 movement, the Ti49 embodies Girard-Perregaux’s legacy of ingenuity and artistry.
Price: $19,400
Angelus Instrument de Vitesse
Instrument de Vitesse, a new opus in the La Fabrique collection, revives the golden age of timed races. This mono-pusher chronograph seems to have been plucked from the dashboard of a vintage GT car. It is equipped with a single timing hand – the centre seconds hand – and can time a maximum of one minute. With its sleek and refined retro sports look, Instrument de Vitesse is intended for enthusiasts of watchmaking history and culture. Housed in a 39-mm steel case, its 4.20 mm manually wound Manufacture calibre ensures that the finished timepiece is less than 10 mm thick. Instrument de Vitesse is available with an ivory-white or ebony-black dial in two limited series of 25 timepieces each.
Price: CHF17,100 (Incl. VAT)
Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver
The DEFY Extreme Diver builds on the legacy of Zenith’s 1969 diver models with a sleek, modern twist. The 42.5mm titanium watch is designed to handle extreme conditions, from icy depths to salty seawater. Its robust build includes a helium escape valve, ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel, and a titanium crown-guard for added durability. The angular case is equipped with Super-LumiNova for readability in low light and is water-resistant up to 600 meters. The watch features a geometric dial with bright accents, a high-frequency El Primero 3620-SC movement, and a sapphire display back. It also includes a titanium bracelet and two additional straps, including one made from recycled fishing nets, aligning with Zenith’s sustainability goals.
Price: $11,300
Casio G-SHOCK G-STEEL GM2110D
The new G-SHOCK G-STEEL GM2110D series introduces a stylish upgrade with its metallic octagonal bezel and metal band, adding texture and sophistication. Available in a variety of vibrant dial colors, the watch balances elegance and casual flair, making it a versatile accessory for any occasion. Its durable shock-resistant structure, combined with a stainless steel bezel, ensures both strength and beauty. The colorful dial not only enhances the watch’s aesthetic but also brings a fresh, uplifting energy to your everyday look. Perfect for those seeking both functionality and style in a single timepiece.
Price: $300
Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Chrono
Chopard’s Mille Miglia collection welcomes a new design for the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph model. Its 40.5 mm case in Chopard’s exclusive Lucent Steel™, made with a recycling rate of at least 80%, frames a dial inspired by the black and white checkered flag marking the arrival of a motor-race winner. Symbolizing the competitive spirit, this dial is called ‘La Gara’, the Italian word for race. It is topped by a superb ‘glass box’ crystal ensuring optimal opening onto the dial and hence maximum legibility. Competitive spirit and sense of camaraderie; energy and dynamism; speed and style: such are the attributes epitomizing Italy’s celebrated 1000 Miglia Italian classic car race that Chopard has been annually expressing for the past 36 years through the watches of the Mille Miglia collection.
Price: $9,350
Hublot Big Bang Unico Sailing Team
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sailing Team marks a significant evolution from the brand’s original Subaquaneus, introduced in 2004. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this limited edition watch is crafted in a striking black and yellow design, reflecting the colors of Alan Roura’s IMOCA sailing vessel. With a compact 42 mm diameter, it features a fabric strap coated in ultra-resistant polyurethane, resembling the texture of a sail. The watch prominently displays “HUBLOT,” mirroring the mainsail of Roura’s boat, symbolizing the strong bond between the skipper and the brand. Powered by the HUB1280 self-winding chronograph with a three-day power reserve, this timepiece combines cutting-edge technology with nautical inspiration.
Price: $25,200
TAG Heuer Carrera Chornograph Extreme
The 2024 TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport collection takes inspiration from the legendary Carrera Panamericana road race, reflecting the brand’s devotion to motorsport excellence. With six new models, including four chronographs and two tourbillons, this series enhances its racing DNA with refined design and engineering. Central to the collection is a striking skeleton dial, featuring bold black lines and subtle nods to TAG Heuer’s iconic logo. The standout Chronograph Extreme Sport model in blazing orange captures the adrenaline of the racetrack, combining a rhodium-plated dial, grade-5 titanium crown, and integrated orange rubber strap for a bold yet functional design.
Price: $8,200
Richard Mille RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph
The Richard Mille RM 65-01 Split-Seconds Chronograph combines technical mastery with bold design. Featuring the intricate, in-house RMAC4 automatic movement, composed of over 600 parts, the RM 65-01 ensures chronometric accuracy. The two newest editions join the collection for summer, showcasing pastel blue and dark yellow Quartz TPT® cases. Vibrant hues evoke the energy of the sky and sun, while the robust Quartz TPT® material, developed by NTPT™, provides exceptional durability. With a color-coded dial for enhanced readability and a rapid-winding mechanism, the RM 65-01 offers both innovative functionality and striking aesthetics, delivering a watch designed for peak performance and style.
Price: $380,000
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon
The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon is the hypertwin to Bugatti’s new hypercar, which is also named Tourbillon. The Bugatti Tourbillon features new inventions and complications in a new design that takes after Bugatti’s. These two extreme mechanisms are aesthetically, mechanically and functionally integrated. A total of ten defining design elements are directly drawn from the $4.1 million Bugatti. The Bugatti Tourbillon case shape is the same, with the front grille flanked by two side radiator inlets. The case sides show two large sapphire openings, shaped and tinted like the car’s side windows. The sub-dials are designed like the car’s dashboard and rpm counter. Its movement mirrors the car’s new V16 engine block, down to its exhaust manifolds. Even the winding crown mimics the finishings on the control knobs.
Price: $340,000
Timeless Classics
Vortic Watch Company Military Edition
The Military Edition is Vortic Watch Company’s most sought-after product. It’s available just one day each year: Veterans Day. Inside this watch is a piece of American military history; a pocket watch flown on B-17s and other bomber aircraft in World War II. Called the Master Navigators Watch, and originally manufactured by Hamilton, these antique pocket watch movements, dials, and hands have been meticulously restored and encased in a stone-washed titanium wristwatch housing by Vortic. Don’t miss this opportunity to get one of the 50-piece limited editions available November 11th.
Price Upon Request
A Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down
In 1999, A. Lange & Söhne’s Datograph set a new standard for short-time measurement with its innovative in-house movement and distinct dial design. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the groundbreaking chronograph is now offered as the Datograph Up/Downin 18-carat white gold with a striking blue dial, limited to just 125 pieces worldwide. Powered by the manually wound calibre L951.6, which is composed of 451 meticulously assembled and finely finished parts, the watch continues the legacy of precision and craftsmanship that defines Lange’s timepieces.
Price Upon Request
H.Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit & 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit Set by Studio Underd0g
The recent limited edition release from H. Moser & Cie. and Studio Underd0g brings together two unique timepieces: the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit and the 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit. H. Each watch combines elegant minimalism with technical sophistication, featuring a purple lacquered dial on an 18-carat yellow gold base. Studio Underd0g adds a bold touch, with its amber and royal purple dial powered by a mono-pusher chronograph movement. Both watches, while distinct in style, share a playful energy and innovative design. The limited edition set of 100 pieces celebrates of craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration.
Price: $64,900
IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake
IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special edition watch, the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake. Marking the start of the Year of the Wood Snake on January 29, 2025, this timepiece features a 37mm stainless steel case and a striking burgundy dial, symbolizing the vibrant spirit of the New Year. The moon phase display, accurate to one day over 122 years, complements the gold moon and stars against the rich background. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 32800 calibre, the watch includes a unique snake-shaped oscillating mass visible through the back. It comes with interchangeable black and burgundy calfskin straps for added versatility.
Price: $9,700
Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph
The new Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph is a masterclass in minimalist design. Inspired by classic black-and-white cinema, its “Silver Screen” dial features a galvanic silver finish that highlights bold black hands and Super-LumiNova indexes. The 43.2mm stainless steel case, paired with a sleek black ceramic bezel, offers a refined yet robust aesthetic. Built with a reliable flyback function and 300-meter water resistance, it’s a versatile timepiece for both formal and active settings. With the in-house Calibre 37-23 movement and various strap options, this chronograph effortlessly blends elegance and performance. Available from September 2024, it’s a timeless addition to any collection.
Price: $14,400
Arnold & Son Longitude Titanium
Arnold & Son, a benchmark in classic fine watchmaking, is exploring uncharted territory on the map of horology. Longitude Titanium is a sports-chic COSC-certified chronometer with a 42.5 mm titanium case. The dial of Longitude Titanium is vertical satin-finished in a continuation of the bracelet’s finish, which is subtly intersected by the polished edges of its links. With a power-reserve display at 12 o’clock and an imposing seconds counter at 6 o’clock, Longitude Titanium pays tribute to John Arnold’s marine chronometers, his revolutionary vision and his decisive role in calculating longitude at sea.
Price Upon Request
This article appeared in our November 2024 Issue.
Introducing the November 2024 issue of duPont REGISTRY, #474, starring the new Maserati GT2 Stradale. To get your hands on a copy, either buy a single issue or subscribe.
