Our Favourite Releases from LVMH Watch Week 2024
With LVMH Watch Week 2024 in Miami kicking off the new watch season, a plethora of dazzling timepieces were unveiled from some of the most esteemed brands in the industry, like Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot, Zenith and Louis Vuitton. Among the standout releases were several iconic models that captured the essence of horological innovation and timeless design, and we must say we were pretty impressed by what was on show. Here, we take a closer look at some of our favourite watches from 2024’s first watch industry event and what draws us to them.
1. Bulgari Bulgari Revival
There is no doubt that Bulgari's watchmaking legacy is deeply intertwined with the Bulgari Bulgari, a watch that has earned its place as an icon in their horological history. Originally launched in 1977, this timepiece exudes Italian heritage, timeless elegance and Bulgari’s design DNA. The distinctive ancient Roman coin-inspired bezel and minimalist dial design pay homage to its roots.
At this year’s LVMH Watch Week, Bulgari unveiled the all-new 38mm Bulgari Bulgari, celebrating the essence of the original design with a contemporary twist. Available in yellow gold with a brown leather strap, reminiscent of its 1970s origins, this watch embodies understated luxury and sophistication. With its minimalist dial and double branding on the bezel, the new Bulgari Bulgari exudes effortless style and understated charm – a delicate balance to strike for any watchmaker, no less a watchmaker who is primarily a jeweller known for creating eccentric jewellery.
Powered by the BVL 191 Automatic movement, this watch offers precision timekeeping and a 42-hour power reserve. Water-resistant up to 50m, it strikes the perfect balance between form and function. Priced at $13,200, the Bulgari Bulgari is set to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless appeal and rich heritage, and we’re glad to see Bulgari revive this collection with such a faithful homage to the original.
2. Zenith Chronomaster Sport Green
In what will surprise no one, Zenith continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking with its Chronomaster Sport range, offering high-beat chronographs that combine precision and performance. At LVMH Watch Week 2024, Zenith introduced two new models that epitomize the brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
The Chronomaster Sport Green and Chronomaster Sport Rose Gold with a meteorite dial showcase Zenith's dedication to excellence. With a high-beat El Primero cal. 3600 movement, these timepieces offer 1/10th of a second resolution, ensuring unparalleled accuracy. The green-toned model exudes a sporty and casual style not too dissimilar to the limited edition Aaron Rodgers El Primero that Zenith launched last year. At the same time, the gem-set rose gold variant adds an abundance of luxury and sophistication that also plays on the popularity of unique dials made of exotic materials.
Featuring a 41mm case, Super-Luminova indexes, and water resistance up to 100 meters, these watches are as functional as they are stylish. Still, we can’t help but be drawn to the stainless steel version with its gorgeous green-on-green dial and bezel combination. Priced at $11,300 in steel and $98,600 for the precious metal version, the Chronomaster Sport range offers exceptional value for discerning collectors seeking uncompromising quality, performance and some visual pizazz.
3. TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph "Dato" Glassbox
Continuing a rather impressive event, TAG Heuer have paid homage to its heritage with the Carrera Chronograph "Dato," a contemporary reinterpretation of a beloved classic. Featuring a teal green dial with concentric brushed finishing and a nine o'clock date aperture, this watch exudes vintage charm with a modern twist and some unique design choices that allow it to stand out amongst the flock of chronographs that have come to market in recent years.
Powered by the cal. TH20-07 movement, the Carrera Chronograph "Dato", offers precision timekeeping and a remarkable 80-hour power reserve that stands as quite an impressive movement, showcasing how TAG wish to step their watchmaking up from where it was ten or so years ago. With its stainless steel case retaining the Carrera’s signature shape and domed crystal that earns its collection the “glassbox” nickname, it combines elegance with durability, making it suitable for any occasion.
Priced at $6,550, this timepiece offers exceptional value for collectors looking for a modern classic with a unique aesthetic. Whether worn casually or formally, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph "Dato" is sure to turn heads and make a statement, and we couldn’t help but include it on this list with its stunning dial.
4. Bulgari Octo Finissimo in 18K Yellow Gold
While we may have already mentioned them, the fact is that Bulgari continues to redefine luxury watchmaking with the Octo Finissimo collection, a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship that merges jewellery-making with watchmaking. At LVMH Watch Week 2024, Bulgari has unveiled the Octo Finissimo Yellow Gold, featuring a stunning combination of 18kt yellow gold and a deep blue sunray-finished lacquered dial that steals the show.
With the Octo’s famed ultra-thin profile, sophisticated and angular octagonal case design, and hand-finished movement, the Octo Finissimo epitomizes elegance and sophistication. Powered by the BVL 138 cal. movement, it offers precision timekeeping and a 60-hour power reserve. Priced at $45,500, the Octo Finissimo Yellow Gold embodies the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship. With its bold design and impeccable attention to detail, it stands as a testament to Bulgari's commitment to excellence and innovation. While the steel option with its copper dial is cool, this variant takes the biscuit as it shows what Bulgari is all about: opulence with no expense spared.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LVMH Watch Week 2024 showcased a stunning array of timepieces that captivated enthusiasts, collectors and us alike. From revived classics to new and innovative designs, these watches represent the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship from the LVMH group, and we could have added plenty of more releases to this list as a result. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of Bulgari or the cutting-edge innovation of Zenith, there's a timepiece to suit every style, preference and function. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly obvious that watchmaking is going to become an even bigger focus for the luxury conglomerate for years to come, so if you are Richemont, Swatch or any other big watchmaking powerhouse, you better be on your toes, as LVMH is coming after you.