Best Releases for Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024

At the 2024 Shanghai Watches and Wonders event, some of the world's most prestigious watchmakers unveiled their latest creations, showcasing a blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless design. This year's lineup features an array of stunning new timepieces that push the boundaries of watchmaking artistry, from intricate skeletonized models to elegant chronographs and exclusive limited editions.

Among the standout releases are IWC Schaffhausen's refined Portofino Chronograph 39, Vacheron Constantin's artistic tribute to the Chinese Zodiac, and Piaget's innovative use of ceramic in the Polo Skeleton collection. Each watch highlights the unique heritage and expertise of its brand, promising to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Keep reading to unveil the latest and greatest novelties showcased at Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024…

As is tradition, the first of IWC Schaffhausen’s novelties celebrates the Lunar New Year with the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake (Ref. IW459604). Marking the Year of the Wood Snake on January 19, 2025, this special edition features a 37mm stainless steel case and a burgundy dial, symbolizing the vibrant color of fire which is used to welcome the Lunar New Year in China. Featuring a highly precise moon phase display at 12 o’clock, deviating by just one day every 122 years, the golden moon, stars, and gold-plated hands contrast beautifully with the burgundy dial. Equipped with the IWC 32800 calibre with automatic winding and a five-day power reserve, the watch also has a gold-plated snake-shaped oscillating mass on the back, honoring the Lunar New Year.

Since 1984, the Portofino collection has been a cornerstone of IWC Schaffhausen, known for its clean lines and minimalist design. At Watches and Wonders Shanghai, IWC introduces the Portofino Chronograph 39 (Ref. IW391503), which combines the classic Portofino aesthetic with a sporty chronograph complication. This 39mm watch features a polished stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, and rhodium-plated hands, giving it a refined appearance. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, the watch has a precise column-wheel chronograph movement, visible through a sapphire glass case back, and offers a 46-hour power reserve.

For the first time, the Maison introduces ceramic to its watchmaking craft, marking a significant evolution for the Piaget Polo Skeleton collection. In Piaget's expert hands, ceramic takes on a new level of elegance and distinction, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to innovation and excellence. After three years of development, the Piaget Polo Skeleton combines ceramic with the art of skeletonization. Its sleek jet-black finish and ultra-thin, second-skin design invite wearers to look beyond the surface, bringing a bold modernity to Piaget’s most iconic collection. Equipped with the Manufacture 1200S1 ultra-thin self-winding calibre, the Polo Skeleton Ceramic achieves a thickness of just 7.5mm and arrives on one of Piaget’s innovative SingleTouch interchangeable straps.

The Fiftysix collection is inspired by the elegance of 1950s round timepieces, particularly Vacheron Constantin’s Reference 6073 from 1956. This model holds a special place in the brand's history as one of its first to feature a self-winding movement, when most watches were still hand-wound. The Fiftysix blends technical precision with retro elegance, borrowing its streamlined design from the original, including lugs inspired by the Maltese cross and a box-type crystal. The dial reflects the 1950s style with a sector layout and a mix of Arabic numerals and baton hour markers.

To honor its historic connection with China, Vacheron Constantin is introducing a new Métiers d'Art collection called "The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac," celebrating the Year of the Snake. This series features two limited editions of 25 pieces each, available in pink gold or platinum. The watch design combines the art of engraving and miniature enameling, powered by the Calibre 2460 G4, which uses a disc-type display to showcase the artistic craftsmanship of the Maison’s artisans.

The PAM01483 features a 44mm black ceramic case paired with a green sun-brushed sandwich dial and white SuperLumiNova®. It has a titanium DLC open case back and Luminor’s signature crown-protecting device, giving it a bold, scratch-resistant design. Inspired by early 2000s models, the dial includes a linear power reserve display and a vibrant orange GMT arrow with AM/PM indicators, blending modern and classic styles. The small seconds hand resets to zero when the crown is pulled out, ensuring precise time setting. A sapphire crystal dome enhances the dial's visibility and depth, crafted from corundum, a material almost as hard as a diamond.

Amongst a busy line-up of Roger Dubuis novelties, first comes a rare and exclusive monotourbillon watch that seamlessly blends contemporary design with rich historical elements. Limited to just eight pieces worldwide and available only through select boutiques, this 45mm pink gold timepiece is adorned with 72 baguette-cut diamonds. The watch features a unique duality in its design, with a modern aesthetic on the face and dial contrasted by a baroque-inspired case back. The open sapphire crystal case back reveals intricately crafted details reminiscent of early Roger Dubuis creations, including cut-out bridges and round lines, and the reference has been certified by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève.

This remarkable timepiece pays tribute to Roger Dubuis' iconic skeleton double flying tourbillon, showcasing the brand's dedication to avant-garde craftsmanship. Limited to just 28 pieces worldwide and available exclusively through boutiques, this 45mm watch features a striking cobalt chrome case with a blue CVD-coated flange. Once again certified by the Poinçon de Genève, it represents a true blend of innovation and tradition.

The first of two Monotourbillon references released in honour of Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024, namely the ‘Blue Hour’ timepiece, features a Pink Gold bezel set with 50 baguette-cut blue sapphires and 10 diamonds. Presented with Monotourbillon positioned at 7 o’clock, the boutique exclusive is limited to 28 pieces worldwide and is housed in a 42mm pink gold case.

Finally, the last release by Roger Dubuis is the white gold variation of their Monotourbillon which is presented in a striking 42mm white gold case paved with 60 diamonds. This reference is limited to 88 pieces worldwide and maintains the Monotourbillon positioned at 7 o’clock as well as Poinçon de Genève certification.