We've selected five noteworthy dress watches from the new models coming out in 2024. They range from time-honored classics to classic yet modern pieces, as well as modern and elegant pieces. Each model is sure to add a touch of chic elegance to any formal occasion.
Text by Shinichi Sato
[Article published on January 21, 2024]
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface
Manual winding (Cal. 822). 19 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (40.1mm x 24.4mm, 7.56mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 1,399,200 yen (tax included).
The Reverso, one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's iconic timepieces, has a wide lineup. Among them, we'll focus on the new Reverso Tribute Monoface, which retains the charm of the original model. This model is a new size with proportions very close to those of the original model released by the company in 1931.
At 40.1mm long, 24.4mm wide, and 7.56mm thick, it's considered a compact model by modern standards. Over the past few years, manufacturers have expanded their lineups of compact models, likely due to factors such as a rebound from the trend toward larger models, a more diverse range of fashion styles, and an increase in female customers. The addition of this watch to the lineup is likely a result of these factors, and its size, which fits any wrist, will likely be widely welcomed.
The watch's functions are based on the original, with an hour and minute display on one side. The dial, consisting only of the logo, indexes, and minute track, is essential, and its compact size contributes to a classic and elegant finish. It is equipped with the Cal. 822, a masterpiece of the classic square movement. This combination of design and movement is sure to be one of the reasons why you'll want to choose this watch. The watch is available in the opaline-finished silver model introduced here, and a sunray-finished blue lacquer model.
Rolex Perpetual 1908
Automatic winding (Cal. 7140). 38 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 66 hours. Pt case (diameter 39 mm, thickness 9.50 mm). Water resistant to 50 m.
Rolex has added a new platinum case to the Perpetual 1908, an all-new dress watch collection announced for 2023. The Perpetual 1908 is named after one of Rolex's greatest inventions, the perpetual (automatic winding), and the year the brand was born, 1908. With no date display, hour and minute hands, and a small second hand, it is a classic dress watch design, and it still garnered much attention when it was announced.
This model features a platinum case and an ice blue dial, which is only available on platinum Rolex models. The dial is guilloched with a rice grain motif, further enhancing its classic design. The fluted bezel and case back are characteristic of Rolex, and the uneven surface adds a touch of sparkle and elegance.
The movement is the automatic Cal. 7140, which was released in conjunction with the Perpetual 1908. It uses a silicon Syloxi hairspring and has a power reserve of approximately 66 hours, making it a modern and highly practical movement.
Patek Philippe "Golden Ellipse"
Automatic winding (Cal. 240). 27 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. 18KRG case (39.5mm x 34.5mm, 5.9mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. 951 million yen (tax included).
Patek Philippe excels at incorporating cutting-edge technology into classic designs. The company is also known for its diverse lineup of dress watches. This time, we'll be looking at the Golden Ellipse bracelet model.
This is the first bracelet model to be added to the Ref. 5738, which has a large case among the Golden Ellipse models. As the name "Golden Ellipse" suggests, the elliptical case measures 39.5mm long x 34.5mm wide and 5.9mm thick when finished, and the simple hour and minute hand configuration are iconic Golden Ellipse models. It has a simple and elegant appearance. This silhouette is made possible by the thin Cal. 240 movement.
The bracelet that comes with it is a completely new design. While the appearance is Milanese-style, the structure is different, and the fact that the length can be adjusted is a hot topic. While it has a sense of rigidity, its smooth texture is particularly noteworthy, and combined with its thin construction, you can expect an excellent wearing comfort.
Chopard "LUC Qualite Fleurier"
Automatic movement (Cal. LUC 96.09-L). 29 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 65 hours. Lucent Steel™ (diameter 39mm, thickness 8.92mm). Water resistant to 30m. Price: 3,003,000 yen (tax included).
It has long been accepted that thin dress watches are delicate and require the user to exercise due care when using them. Chopard's "LUC Qualité Fleurier," released in 2005, made a big impact on this trend. This is the latest model.
"Qualite Fleurier" is a watch quality standard jointly established by Chopard, Parmigiani Fleurier, and others. Its contents are extremely strict, and it specifies not only simple accuracy but also a variety of certification tests such as shock resistance, magnetic resistance, and temperature and humidity cycling tests. The LUC Qualite Fleurier, despite its classic dress watch format with a round case, hour and minute hands, and small seconds, is a model that meets these quality standards.
The new LUC Qualité Fleurier model is inspired by the design of the first model and features a "sector" dial with two concentric circles separated by a radial line, allowing the hour and minute indications to be distinguished. The chapter ring also features a circular satin finish, and the small seconds dial has a delicate snailed finish.
The movement combined with this design is Cal.LUC 96.09-L, which is 3.3mm thick but has a micro-rotor automatic winding mechanism and a stacked double barrel for a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. In addition, the finishing applied to the movement is of extremely high quality and is highly acclaimed.
OMEGA "Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition"
Manual winding (Cal. 8926). 29 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Bronze gold case (diameter 39mm, thickness 11.7mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. 1,848,000 yen (tax included). Sold out on the official website.
Omega is the official timekeeper of the international sporting event, the Olympic Games, and has released models related to the event. The "Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition" was announced to coincide with this year's Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The design is inspired by an Omega wristwatch manufactured in 1939. This coincides with the time when Omega began contributing to the field of sports timing, and this watch was conceived with this in mind. What sets this watch apart is the materials used for the case and dial. The 39mm case is made of Omega's proprietary bronze gold alloy, the dial is Ag925 silver with 1% germanium added to make it tarnish-resistant, and the hour, minute, and second hands are made of Omega's proprietary 18K Sedna gold alloy with a bronze gold PVD finish. In other words, the watch uses gold, silver, and copper, the precious metals used in Olympic medals.
Since the model that inspired it was equipped with a manual winding movement, this model is also equipped with the manual winding Master Chronometer certified movement, Cal. 8926. The appeal of this watch is unique to Omega, as it combines a vintage feel with the highest level of practicality by modern standards.
