Forget functionality and ditch dimensions for a minute: If a watch’s face doesn’t have the wow factor, then performance and wearability can count for nothing. With that in mind, here are five timepieces from Watches & Wonders 2024 that really stood out thanks to their dazzling dials.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date
The Fleurier-based brand didn’t just make the dial of its hit integrated-bracelet sports watch purer by removing the date window at 6 o’clock, but it also elevated its face further by endowing it with a stunning Golden Siena tone.
This lovely biscotti shade is rich and warm, plus its lightness helps to bring out the fine detail of the company’s emblematic barleycorn guilloche pattern. You can read our full review of the new "No Date" here.
Chopard Alpine Eagle XP TT
Following last year’s launch of the ultra-thin Alpine Eagle XPS with Monte Rosa Pink dial, this year’s fair saw Chopard unveil another equally slender 8mm-thin AE, this time boasting a lightweight titanium case and pared-back dial.
The new 41mm Alpine Eagle XP TT – where XP denotes “extra plat” or ultra thin, and TT stands for “tech titanium” – is a neat twist on the skeleton watch.
The dial features a careful configuration of concentric cut-outs to reveal some of the L.U.C 96.17-S automatic movement. This considered design and the accompanying low-key decoration mean the face of the watch has a cool technical feel to it, but at the same time it’s not overly busy.
Virtually the same dial was deployed on Chopard’s L.U.C XP Skeletec from 2021, but we think the new Alpine Eagle XP TT is the perfect platform for it.
Ulysse by Beauregard x Vianney Halter
Canadian stone artisan Alexandre Beauregard’s collaboration with independent watchmaking ace Vianney Halter – dubbed “Ulysse” – is simply breathtaking.
Beauregard’s dial features 68 aquamarine stones as part of a gilded latticework, beneath which a reflective mother-of-pearl disc helps bring the whole ensemble to life with a play of light.
Having already launched his own line of high-end jewellery watches aimed at women – including the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève-nominated Lili Bouton – Beauregard chose to partner with his friend Halter to create Ulysse, Beauregard’s first men’s watch.
Known for his Antiqua perpetual calendar and Deep Space Tourbillon, Halter worked on the finely-finished automatic movement with mystery rotor that powers this 10-piece limited edition’s hour and minute indications.
H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Centre Seconds Concept Citrus Green
Two different types of green to finish with: Supplying a whole lot of zing and zest to the show was H. Moser & Cie’s Pioneer Centre Seconds Concept Citrus Green with a funky lime-coloured fumé dial.
Behind the boldness of this watch’s minimalist dial are a number of subtle details such as a distinct gradient that changes from a deep green at the dial edge to a lighter, almost yellow hue in the centre.
Emanating from the centre is a radial sunburst decoration that neatly catches the eye and the light. And framing the ensemble is a bright white flange composed of the same Super-LumiNova with which the leaf-shaped hour and minute hands are treated.
You can read our hands-on description of the head-turning Pioneer Centre Seconds Concept Citrus Green here.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas with Green Sunburst Dial
Finally, it would be remiss of us if we didn’t include Vacheron Constantin’s new Overseas with sunbrushed dials that bear a deep understated green that’s perfectly complemented by 18k rose-gold cases.
Overseas chronograph, dual-time, self-winding and diamond-set self-winding references were the models lucky enough to be presented with this intensely verdant dial tone.
That’s our list of dazzling dials from Watches & Wonders 2024. Which ones caught your eye at the show?
