[F]Best Watches of 2024 — Thomas’ Recommendations

As this year is almost coming to an end, it’s time to reflect. We are proud to launch a new series of Fratello favorites, the best watches of 2024. These watches made the biggest impression on me. Are they objectively the best? Of course not. Instead, these are watches that I found interesting, inspiring, or just very well made.

I think 2024 was a year of transition for the watch world. The market was tough and fashion was changing rapidly. It seems that large sports watches are being replaced by smaller, better-designed watches. For me, this year was the year of launching my fledgling watch company. So you probably know what my absolute favorite is this year. However, that’s a bit on the nose, so I’ll omit it. So without further ado, let’s take a look at what I think are the best watches of 2024.

Best Watches of 2024 — Pick #1: Cartier Tortue Monopousoir

After waxing poetic about Tortue so many times, how can we start with other watches? Since we were all obsessed with this one, here’s a list of other Fratello editors’ best watches of 2024 I think this watch will appear in the future.

Cartier has reintroduced the Tortue, as the brand has done sporadically throughout its 100-year history. Cartier chooses to keep this model exclusive, releasing high-end versions in small quantities instead of keeping budget-friendly options in regular production. For me, the yellow gold monopsoir is the pinnacle of the 2024 collection. Among its highlights are a perfectly proportioned case, a truly beautiful caliber, and an iconic Cartier-style dial with stark black print.

With a release price of 46,000 euros and only 200 pieces produced, I don’t think we’ll ever see it again. Still, the experience had a huge impact. This is my number 1 watch of 2024.

Next is Echo/Nutra Rivanera

From here, we will randomly introduce the best watches of 2024. Consider it tied for second place behind the Cartier Tortue. Well, there is a very good chance that Cartier will be on my list of favorites. But when the year started, I didn’t expect to find an Echo/Neutra watch here. In fact, (embarrassingly) this brand was out of my sight, living in a purgatory between “I know about it” and “I don’t really care about it.” That is, until they released Ribanera!

Ribanera struck me with its eerie interpretation of a well-known early 20th century design. Although derivative, its design lends itself well to modern reinterpretation. Dark, matte titanium creates a hard contrast with the elegant shape and proportions.

The real hammer blow came when dealing with Ribanera. Echo/Neutra did a great job. This is a very carefully made watch, with beautiful details and a perfect fit on your wrist. The view from behind the beautifully finished ETA/Peseux 7001 is also stunning. Echo/Neutra offers all this for a very reasonable €1,490.

Best Watches of 2024: Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Chronograph Moon

Next on our list of the best watches of 2024 are luxury watches. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Chronograph really stood out at this year’s Watches and Wonders. I was hooked not because of its technical complexity, but because it was spectacular. After all, the whole concept of the Duometer is to split the watch into two powertrains, one for the time display and one for the complication. This ensures that the chronograph does not affect the accuracy of the main time in any way.

No, my admiration for Duometre comes from the way JLC executed it. It’s hard to describe it in words, and even pictures can’t do this watch justice. The Duometre looks and feels like a pebble in your hand. The case and crystal flow organically and seamlessly. Both the dial and movement are shaped with great taste and artistry. Underneath the domed crystal, it looks like 8K compared to the HD-capable components of regular watches.

The release of Duometre created a desire in me. I wanted to draw the press sample towards me and not let it go. “Could you please give the watch to the other clerk, Mr. Van Straaten?” Oh, then… I’m glad I didn’t have 79,000 euros with me.

unexpected choice

Next up are two watches that are unconventional for me, but still rank among the best watches of 2024 in my book. The first is the Rado Diastar Anatom 40th Anniversary model. I have to admit that I have some sentimentality towards non-circular ceramic Rado watches dating back to my childhood in the 90s. Anatom pushes those sentimental buttons for me. With an ETA 2892-based caliber, a rubber strap and a rectangular case, there’s nothing really special about this watch. But the combination of baguette diamonds and all-black ceramic is just that for me. Don’t tell anyone, okay?

The second odd choice is the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton in white ceramic. I’m not really into high-tech, modern watches, but this watch is very nice. There is no objective reason to justify this other than the fact that the white-on-blue outfit goes well with the watch and looks very fresh. Especially the rubber strap makes this watch perfect for summer.

And last but not least, Audemars Piguet (RE) Master02

We’d like to conclude our list of the best watches of 2024 with a watch that better represents the style transition we’re facing than any other. The Audemars Piguet (RE)Master02 embodies the shift towards dressier shaped watches seen across the market.

This watch is all about design, featuring a “sand gold” Brutalist case, angled sapphire crystal, and segmented brushed dial. It shouldn’t work. It’s too complicated and strange. But somehow this feels very cool to me. If you want to declare your love for mid-century brutalism on your wrist, bring 41,100 Swiss Francs and be done with it.

A roundup of the best watches of 2024

When I think of the best watches of 2024, these are the watches that come to mind. This year is proving to be a very exciting year for watches as things seem to be starting to move. The old ways no longer seem to work, and watch brands need to reinvent themselves to some degree. Old brands are having to try new approaches, and new brands are emerging that are trying to redefine watches. I am proud to be stepping into this field and making my mark.

It’s been a tough year for the watch industry, but maybe that’s a good thing. Heroes don’t rise up in easy situations, so I’m looking forward to seeing which brands will make waves in 2025.

In addition to some unexpected inclusions, there are also some unexpected omissions. Patek Philippe, Rolex, Tudor, and Omega weren’t among my favorites this year. There were no diver’s watches or GADA watches this time, even though these are my favorite genres. Let’s see if they return to next year’s list. Lastly, I would like to mention one prestigious award: Toledano & Chan B/1. I would have included it if I had the chance to try it out. I think this is really fresh, bold and a welcome new entrant in the watch market.

What do you think are the best watches of 2024? Share with us in the comments below!