Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Of 2024 — Daan’s Picks From Hermès, Ressence, Holthinrichs, And More
Last weekend, Thomas kicked off this year-end series about our “best” watches of 2024. I’m glad I’m the second one in line because that means there are still many watches to choose from. Some of Thomas’s picks were quite complicated and on the more expensive side of the spectrum. My picks are all under €10,000, except for one, which, unfortunately, is my overall favorite. All right, let’s dive in.
In preparation for this article, I made a long list of my favorite watches of 2024. I indeed ended up with quite a long list because there were many great releases this year. As Thomas already said, it’s hard to make a list of the “best” watches. I simply jotted down personal favorites of this year. They’re all watches I’d seriously consider buying. That’s why I was so surprised I ended up with such a long list. I’ll first go over some honorable mentions and then work my way up to my absolute favorite.
Where to start?
With such a long list, it’s hard to choose a starting point, but maybe the only digital watch on there is a good one. The quirky Casio G-Shock GD-B500 models came out of nowhere, and I’m still trying to get my hands on the gray limited edition with orange buttons. Another quartz favorite was the Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase. If I had to choose, I’d go for the silver one, but all three look great with the coin edge on the dial.
Nomos also surprised me with its gold-dial 34mm version of the Club Sport. Oris provided another great update to its lineup with the more sophisticated Divers Date. I also quite like the King Seiko SJE109 with its C-shaped case, bright silver dial, and original bracelet. Of course, there was the Cartier Santos de Cartier Dual Time; however, it was a bit bigger than I’d ideally like. A watch I’d also love to try on is the elegant and asymmetrical Anoma A1.
All right, there are a lot more watches on the list, but let me finish with Thomas’s fabulous debut. The VPC Type 37HW is everything he promised it would be and more. Make sure to check it out if you haven’t already.
Hermès Cut
I’ve already exalted the Hermès Cut many times this year, and I’ll do it again right now. Its 36mm cushion-shaped case is elegant and playful at the same time, especially with the crown at 1:30. In addition, the perfectly executed stainless steel bracelet gives it a sporty edge, just like the characteristic numerals on the dial. I know this is a watch that’s mainly marketed toward women. However, I’d be very happy to wear the all-steel model and maybe even the two-tone version.
Perhaps because it was designed with women in mind, it has a friendlier character than most steel sports watches. That becomes even more apparent when you attach one of the colorful rubber straps to it. I’m sure Hermès is not the first brand you’d look at when searching for a new watch. That said, I can assure you it’s worth your time when you consider the high level of finishing, the Vaucher movement, and user-friendly features like the proprietary quick-release system on the bracelet, especially for the watch’s €5,900 price.
Serica 1174 Parade
I know I said in my review of the new Serica 1174 Parade that I wasn’t completely convinced about its dial. While that is true, it’s still one of my favorite releases of this year as I truly appreciate its original design. But I also like how it’s still very recognizable as a Serica watch. That signature polished and vertically brushed bezel is what I liked on the brand’s field watches, but it somehow also works great on the dressier Parade.
Furthermore, I appreciate how capable this dress watch is. Put it on a rubber strap, and you can take it for a swim. It’s also very convenient that there’s an automatic movement inside. I know it only just came out, but for the price of €1,490, I already can’t wait to see the next iteration of the Parade. Like any Serica watch, it will be even better than the first version. Until then, however, I’d be very happy to wear the current Parade over the Christmas holidays during all those family dinners.
Holthinrichs Signature Ornament
At the end of last year, I visited the Holthinrichs atelier in Delft with Morgan, our photographer at the time. We were there to shoot pictures of the brand’s impressive Deconstructed models with dials made of meteorite and aventurine. It was great to finally see these watches in person, including the original Deconstructed model with the skeletonized dial. But I also enjoyed the discussions we had with the team and hearing about where the brand would be heading in the future.
Then and there, Michiel Holthinrichs showed us some sketches and early three-dimensional models of the new Signature Ornament. It promised to be a very elegant watch with its sweeping lugs that look almost like the perfect mustache from the side. He launched the production version just before summer, and I love what the final watch looks like. It’s so different from other watches out there, and I’m not just referring to its case. The frosted metal dial with a sapphire overlay carrying the Holthinrichs logo and the hour markers is also a beautiful piece of architecture. Also, at €3,500, I think it’s one of the most original watch designs out there for the money. The Delft Blue Edition pictured above will set you back €3,750 (both excluding VAT).
Ressence Type 9 in Warm Gray
But my favorite watch release of 2024 is the recently unveiled Ressence Type 9. I think this is a watch a lot of enthusiasts were waiting for. I’ve enjoyed Benoît Mintiens’s watches from afar for a while now, but apart from the fact that they’re quite expensive, they were also always a bit big. Well, the Type 9 completely solves that latter issue. The 39mm titanium case sits great on my 17cm wrist. It has a very organic shape, making it feel quite slender as well.
The bezel helps make it look even smaller than it is. As with the Type 8, there are only two “hands” on the dial. I love that minimalist look in combination with the original way Ressence watches display the time. The only downside is that its price of €15,000 (including taxes) means I’ll probably have to save up for longer than usual. But I feel like that’s something I’m willing to do if it means I’ll have a Ressence Type 9 on the wrist at the end of the ride.
The Warm Gray colorway is my favorite for now. I’d love to see more versions of the Type 9 coming out in the future. A Multicolour version, like that of the Type 1°, for example, would be amazing.
Best wishes
So, there you have it — my picks for the “best” watches of 2024. I hope you’ve enjoyed them. As we’re approaching the end of the year, I’d like to personally thank you for reading Fratello and for leaving your comments. It’s great to see so many people enjoying the magazine we’re working so hard on every day. I wish you all the best for 2025, and please enjoy the company of your friends and family this holiday season.
