Wonderland.

KEEP WATCH – HOT SPOTS OF 2024

Discover the latest watch releases this year to add to your grail radar, whether you’re a newbie, novice or total watch nerd.

Courtesy of Lowri Cooper

Courtesy of Lowri Cooper

Are you looking to kickstart your watch collection? Or add the umpteenth to your horological hoardings? Well if vintage watches aren’t quite your forte and you want something hot off the press, then look no further as we bring you a rolling list of this year’s most modish models to get your hands on.

From dress watches, to sports watches to one-off WTF models, discover 2024’s rising stars so far to add to your grail list. Piggy banks at the ready people.

Courtesy of Lowri Cooper

Girard Perregaux Free Bridge Meteorite

Which camp are you in? Symmetrical or its antidote? If you’re the former, then the legendary creation at the hands of Girard Perregaux might just be your calling. But let’s rewind a second, there’s a small history lesson to share. Regarded as the oldest signature within the field of Haute Horlogerie (Haute Couture of watchmaking) are the famous Bridges, dating back to the 1860s. Cast your eyes at the image of the watch and you’ll notice suspended dainty detailing with a central bridge at the bottom of the watch. Encased in a sapphire crystal box that drinks in light, textures ripple across the dial in an action-packed feat of fine watchmaking.

Available here.

Courtesy of Lowri Cooper

Omega Constellation Meteorite

In a world that craves exclusivity, stone dials answer the prayers of those in pursuit of daring to be different. Using precious materials often means that no two watches are the same. Such is the case for the all-new Omega Constellation Meteorite that summons inspiration from the stars. Utilising Muonionalusta meteorite (don’t worry, we didn’t know what it was either at first), that is considered possibly the oldest known meteorite on Earth, at a whopping 4.5 million years old, this ancient space material has been faceted onto the dial in numerous colour treatments. With 20 models to choose from in various sizes and shades from bolder 41mm models to dainty 25mm, take your pick from yellow golds to icy blues and know that the next time you describe something as “out of this world,” know that with the Omega Constellation Meteorite, it’s kinda true.

Available here.

Courtesy of Lowri Cooper

Frederique Constant x /seconde/seconde

If your Instagram feed isn’t littered with a million watches every second like mine (guilty), then chances are you missed this EPIC collaboration between Frederique Constant and guerrilla artist, Romaric André, this past week. Typically, watch dials are clean and immaculate, but every now and then, something provocative slips through the radar and we’re teased with a rebellion. A revolt is what you’ll find here on the Swiss watchmaker’s latest offering, roughing up the dial with André’s signature avant-garde style. You’ll find the indices that mark the hour scattered across the dial, and a sans-serif scribbled approach to writing the brand name. It’s unadulterated fun and we want it now.

Available here.

Courtesy of Lowri Cooper

Tissot PR516

I’ve always had a soft-spot for two tone watches. At their style peak in the 60s and 70s, the merging of two precious metals somehow feels timeless, and speaks to the clash of gold and silver jewellery I like to wear. Which is why the news of Tissot’s latest PR516 collection spoke to me for its adherence to vintage codes. With sporty undertones in a 40mm setting, it’s a bold statement on the wrist, of which I’m here for. The perfect entry-level model, the quartz movement, means that reliability sits at the forefront, and whether you take it off on Tuesday evening and pick it up on Saturday afternoon, she’ll still be guiding you through good times.

Available here.

Courtesy of Orient Star

Courtesy of Orient Star

Orient Star M34 F7 Semi-Skeleton

For those in the know with all things astrological, and vigilant in checking your horoscope on the reg, then Orient Star’s M34 F7 is for you. Taking inspiration from the star cluster Perseus, a constellation in the northern sky that lends its name from the Greek mythological hero and slayer of monsters, consider this otherworldly timepiece the ultimate way to slay with your wrist. Mimicking the colours of the aurora, save yourself (and your wallet) a trip to the Northern Lights and enjoy the visual homage on your watch dial instead.

Available here.

Courtesy of Frederique Constant

Courtesy of Frederique Constant

Frederique Constant Slimline Perpetual Calendar

If you’re looking for something that feels a little more ‘Best of British,’ then Frederique Constant’s latest collaborative efforts with British watchmaker, Peter Speake, fits the bill. On the larger scale – but we veto any gender and sizing debates over here – it sits at a bold 42mm with an openworked design. To translate, think of Thom Browne’s typical tailoring that exposes the composition as to how a garment is made, with panelling, pockets and stitching on full display. Well, in the watch world, we call that skeletonised or an open-worked dial, meaning you can see the beauty of the watch’s inner workings for all its worth. Run don’t walk for this one though, there’s only 135 to get your hands on.

Available here.

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

Bell & Ross BR 03 Cyber Ceramic

In the mood of transparency, Bell & Ross opens up the dial for all eyes to ogle in even further with their latest offering: BR 03 Cyber Ceramic. While the watch industry is, by all accounts, a true testimony of craftsmanship as much as the world of fashion or design, it’s often accused of sitting too much in the past. Bell & Ross, however, gives the middle finger to antiquity, looking to the future with three dimensional design. The faceted design – like the angular grooves you see on a diamond – take cues from digital imagery and notions with the idea of pixels on a screen. Should we consider it a satirical jab at the market of smartwatches out there? Perhaps.

Available here.

Courtesy of Dior

Courtesy of Dior

Dior Chiffre Rouge

At Wonderland, major comebacks mean the most. Almost as much as when King Kylie removed herself from the world only to return with the news that there’s a Mini Jenner in tow. It’s iconic, and in the world of constant noise we live in, an unexpected renaissance is duly welcomed. Which is why when Dior recently announced the return of the Chiffre Rouge collection – Dior’s watchline for men – we had to dig out our wish lists (again) and add another grail. If you know your Saddle Bag from your Lady Dior, you’ll recognise the padded cannage leather pattern on the case, the perfect technique to blur the boundaries between fashion and horology. But it’s the historical pops of red on the crown, push buttons that really adds some joie de vivre to the Maison’s latest offering. And lest we forget the number 8 date circle, Monsieur Dior’s lucky number. Rest assured, Dior really ate this up.