Watches & Wonders 2024: The Best Elegant Models

by Sofia Brontvein

Watches & Wonders 2024: The Best Elegant Models

13 Apr 2024

Every respectable man's wardrobe should have at least three watch models — a functional GMT or daily calendar, a sports diver or chronograph, and a sleek, elegant version. Our Publisher, Sofia Brontvein, has selected the best models in each category at Watches & Wonders in Geneva and is sharing the novelties.

Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind

Cartier consistently excels at creating elegant and dressy watches. However, this year, the brand's designers, inspired by magic, have also developed a tricky novelty where time runs backwards — the Santos-Dumont Rewind. The time indicators on the red dial are arranged in reverse. To create such a watch, engineers had to reassemble the Caliber 430 MC completely. This novelty features a platinum case and a leather strap.

Price: $38 400.

Only 200 pieces are available.

Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind

Chopard L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25

Chopard regularly updates the L.U.C collection, introducing new limited edition models. The fresh release, Quattro Spirit 25, with a jumping hour function, features a 40 mm white gold case and a beautiful, minimalist black enamel dial. The impressive 8-day power reserve is provided by the in-house Caliber L.U.C 98-06-L. Chopard is one of the best manufacturers when it comes to elegant and dressy models. Their watches always pair exceptionally well with tuxedos and suits.

Price: $50 200.

Only 100 pieces are available.

Chopard L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25

Rolex Perpetual 1908

Rolex introduced the Perpetual 1908 last year—an entirely new collection of dress watches that replaced Cellini. In 2024, the manufacturer updated the lineup by presenting a watch in a platinum case with a turquoise dial adorned with a rice-grain guilloché pattern. The novelty is equipped with Caliber 7140 and with a 66-hour power reserve.

Price: $30 900.

Not limited.

Rolex Perpetual 1908

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony

The Patrimony collection is the best choice from Vacheron Constantin's portfolio if you need a dressy watch. This line celebrates its 20th year in 2024, so it is logical that the manufacturer has updated Patrimony with three new releases — two classic time-only models and a moon phase with a retrograde date. We recommend taking a look at the 39 mm time-only version in the white gold case on a green leather strap. The movement is powered by the in-house Caliber 1440 with manual winding.

Price: TBD.

Probably, not limited.

Grand Seiko SLGW002

This year in Geneva, Grand Seiko unquestionably showcased their best dressy watch. The manufacturer presented two novelties — SLGW002 (in an 18k gold case) and SLGW003 (in a titanium case). We still believe that precious metals are the best choice for elegant and dressy watches, so we insist on the SLGW002 model. The watch is equipped with an amazing new Caliber 9SA4 — with manual winding and an 80-hour power reserve. This high-frequency mechanism very accurately measures time.

Price: $45 000.

Only 80 pieces are available.

Grand Seiko SLGW002

by Sofia Brontvein