As we step into the second half of 2024, we present a curated collection of timepieces showcasing the latest advancements in watch design and technology
Perpetually Blue
Over the last two decades, the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar has established itself as a key pillar of IWC Schaffhausen’s collections. This masterful complication has been continuously improved and perfected over the years, and for 2024, the brand unveiled the completely re-engineered Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 in four versions. Among them, the 18K white gold model with a Horizon Blue dial stands out as the new highlight. The watch is elaborately finished with 15 layers of transparent lacquer and polished to a high gloss, with the dial displaying stunning visual depth. The IWC-manufactured 52616 calibre with a Pellaton winding system and a power reserve of 7 days completes this new watch.
The Versatility of Simplicity
The latest Hermès Cut celebrates simple shapes with a distinctive identity. For one, its clean-cut edges and well-proportioned, polished satin-brushed case highlight its unique character. The crown is especially unique, standing proudly at half past one and adorned with an engraved or lacquered H. The watch’s simplicity further heightened by the embossed lettering. The case of the Hermès Cut comes in stainless-steel and in a two-tone combination of steel and rose gold. These can be paired with an integrated metal bracelet or a rubber strap available in a range of eight colors drawn from the Hermès palette featuring a nifty interchangeability system.
Time to Celebrate
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first Grand Seiko watch powered by the 9R Spring Drive movement series, which now powers all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches. To celebrate this milestone, the Japanese brand created a new Spring Drive Chronograph GMT watch with a new dial-processing technology known as “Optical Multilayer Coating.” On this watch, the dial’s delicate “lion’s mane” pattern—exclusive to this case shape—captures the beauty and strength of the lion in a delicate transition of time as seen through the changing colors of summer mornings in the Hotaka landscape from the Shinshu region, where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive creations are made.
A Remarkable Triumph
Roman jeweler and watchmaker Bulgari has once again broken a world record. This time, the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC sets a new bar in high-end mechanical watchmaking with a thickness of only 1.70mm, making it the thinnest mechanical watch ever produced and the world’s thinnest COSC chronometer to date. Architecture-wise, the caseback serves as the mainplate, upon which the 170 components of the manually wound BVL180 manufacture caliber are assembled. Meanwhile, the watch’s surface area showcases the hour and minute dials, the large barrel and a QR code. The latter provides access to all the data relating to the watch and invites its wearer on a personal journey into the Bvlgari universe.
The Uncharted Depths
After introducing the Montblanc Iced Sea Collection with its frozen dials back in 2022, the German brand pushes the envelope even further this year with the Iced Sea 0 Oxygen Deep 4810. In the spirit of overcoming limits, Montblanc inverts the 4810m height of the Mont Blanc to connect the world of the ocean to the mountain and explore new territories at minus 4810 meters through this new creation. The diving watch—which comes in a 43mm titanium case with a shield protecting the screw-down crown—features Montblanc’s manufacture, COSC-certified automatic MB 29.29 movement. Designed to perform in extreme conditions, it is a reliable companion in harsh underwater environments.
Special Collaboration
As its name suggests, the PRX Damian Lillard Special Edition from Tissot combines the brand’s watchmaking expertise with eight-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard’s signature style. This collaboration blends the well-known features of the PRX Powermatic 80 with unique elements reflecting Lillard’s personality and career. Of particular note, it boasts a distinct black dial embossed with the number “0”—a nod to Lillard’s jersey number—as well as “DAME” and “TIME” adorning the top left and right corners respectively, synonymous with Lillard’s on-court moniker and clutch performances, making it not just a watch but a story on the wrist.