[F]Best Watches of 2024: Mike’s Choice

Let’s take a look at the best watches of 2024 according to me. This year is long and there are many releases, so compiling these lists can be difficult. However, we’ve managed to narrow it down to seven candidates, so let’s get started.

Choosing the best watch of 2024 was transformative for me. Previously, familiar watches dominated my list. This year seems to bring more affordable watches with updated dials and color changes. Therefore, my list includes more luxury watches than usual.

Best Watches of 2024 — Lederer Triple Certified Observatory Chronometer

Why am I so excited about the Lederer Triple Certified Observatory Chronometer? After all, it’s a 44mm CHF 146,000 stainless steel watch that I can’t afford or wear. Still, I was impressed by their dedication to making the watch pass three separate chronometer tests in a highly clinical package. It’s not necessary, but the need left the station long ago along with the practical need for clocks and derring-do.

Two constant force mechanisms, twin escapements and twin gear trains sum up the in-house hand-wound caliber 9012. Lederer produced only eight of these watches, each with a Besancon, Glashütte and Geneva chronometer certificate. What a masterpiece!

Armin Strom Dual Time GMT Resonance – First Edition

I was tasked with covering the Armin Strom Dual Time GMT Resonance – First Edition. Turns out it wasn’t a hassle at all. One look at this piece and it’s clear why it’s on our list of the best watches of 2024. The twin sky blue grenage dials look stunning inside the 39mm white gold case. By the way, I’m not usually drawn to these futuristic openwork artworks, so this praise is not entirely unwarranted.

The hand-wound in-house caliber ARF22 features a twin adjustment system connected by a resonant clutch spring. Essentially, systems balance each other. At 133,000 euros for just 25 pieces, it’s not for everyone. For those who can afford it, the gift is an exotic watch that looks great and is wearable.

The Min 37.09 Bluefin Diver

There are very few works by Ming that I don’t like. A brand’s aesthetics, attention to detail, innovative dials, and cases usually make for great packaging. Earlier this year, the brand released a new underwater watch following the 18.01 H41 Diver, and for me it easily ranks as one of the best watches of 2024. 37.09 Bluefin uses a more modern 37 series case and adds a crown that controls the internal diving bezel.

Inside, there’s a metalized sapphire dial and plenty of Super-LumiNova X1. I waited 3 months to see this watch in person and it was even better than it looked in the pictures. This watch has a depth rating of 600 meters, which is more than enough for everyone. It also remains comfortable to wear thanks to its 38mm stainless steel case and 12.8mm thickness. Bluefin sold out at CHF 4,950, but Min said more would be added. Let’s hope!

Burnelon Mirage 34

The Berneron Mirage 34 is not only one of the best watches of 2024, but also my favorite. The Mirage 38 follow-up works better for me on so many levels. First, the smaller case means the watch fits my wrist better. Secondly, while I’m not necessarily a fan of stone dials, both the tiger eye and lapis lazuli versions are appealing to me personally. The fact that dial manufacturing has a high failure rate makes them even more special.

Inside is the exclusive hand-wound caliber 215, which fits perfectly into the case. It features an 18K gold mainplate and bridge and has a 72-hour power reserve. Scheduled for production in 2026 and priced at CHF 51,000, these watches are divisive. Some see it as a derivative of the Cartier Clash. This is a commonplace comment due to the Berneron Mirage’s asymmetrical case shape. Enjoy viewing in person or online.

The Atelier Wen Perception Titanium Millésime Mù

Purple is here to stay as the “it” color of 2024. Atelier Wen Perception Titanium Millesime Mu is a perfect example of this trend. Perception is a Fratello favorite, and we’ve been lucky enough to get hands-on with many of their releases. I brought the lightweight purple watch for testing in October, and it arrived in London a month later.

The hand-guilloché dial is housed in a beautiful case with a bracelet finished to a high standard. Inside is a Dandong SL1588A automatic watch with a 41-hour power reserve. While the specs may not be all that appealing, reliability along with an extensive service network is very important to allay your concerns about Chinese watches. Unfortunately, this model, voted one of the best watches of 2024, is currently sold out, but it will likely be available second-hand. When the order period opened, this watch sold for $3,588 USD, which was a fair price considering the level of finish on these watches.

Moritz Grossmann Benu 37 Arabia Vintage

I had never written about Moritz Grossmann watches until I covered the Benu 37 Arabian Vintage. I read about the brand, its attention to detail, and its commitment to traditional manufacturing techniques. The Arabian Vintage struck me as an outstanding example, with its striking German silver dial with matte black surface and raised numerals. The 37mm stainless steel case is also my favorite!

Of course, the Moritz Grossmann movement is one of the reasons why this piece is on my list of best watches of 2024. The hand-wound caliber 102.1 has all the characteristics of a finely crafted Glashütte movement. This includes the two-thirds plate and the engraved balance cock. Other great features are the gold chatons and unique asymmetrical arm escapement. This is a work of art and therefore the price of this watch is 39,700 euros. Yes, it’s expensive for a stainless steel dress watch, but what a unique and beautiful watch it is.

The Oak & Oscar Atwood

My final choice for the best watch of 2024 may come as a surprise, but the Oak & Oscar Atwood is worth it. In these days of soaring prices, it’s nice to pay homage to affordable chronographs. Plus, I have a lot of time for Chase Fancher, one of the “OGs” of the small independent brand subgenre. In May of this year, Atwood debuted its hand-wound top-of-the-line model, the Sellita AMT5100M. The movement incorporates a column wheel and has a flyback function.

Additionally, Oak & Oscar makes one of the nicest bracelets at any price point. The 39mm Atwood is available in white, charcoal, or navy and retails for just $2,450 on the strap and $2,650 on the bracelet. This is an attractive offer for an incredibly versatile watch.

Best Watches of 2024

This year has been a tough year for the watch industry, but there have been a lot of great releases. As I mentioned earlier, I found satisfaction in products from smaller brands. Yes, many were expensive, but there were some gems that were easy to come by. As always, please let me know your thoughts on my choices. We look forward to working with you in 2025!