As we enter the midpoint of 2024, it’s hard to believe how swiftly time passes. With six months behind us and six more to go, we’re halfway to 2025 already! And this makes us feel a bit melancholic. But before we run out of time, let’s look at what these months have given us – the best watches that have landed on the market in 2024 (so far).

To distinguish the exceptional from the ordinary, we have rigorously reviewed the market and curated this list of the best watches for men.

No comprehensive guide is complete without the big names like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and Breitling, so we covered them all. But there are other brands that deserve equal attention, and regardless of how much time passes, they’ll always be a valuable addition to your collection. Without further ado, let’s find out!

Set New Trends With These 6 Best Watches For Men

1. Patek Philippe 5330G

Talking about a modern take on old-school complication – no one, we say, no one does it better than Patek Philippe. Patek Philippe’s World Time watches embrace a timeless charm, and the new Reference 5330G is a quintessential Patek Philippe in several ways. It has a complication presented cleverly yet beautifully in a slim case. The overall aesthetic appears modern but is clearly vintage-inspired.

How it looks:

• Presented in a refined and polished 40mm 18ct white gold case with a stepped bezel.

• The opaline blue-grey dial has a carbon pattern at the centre, and the date is displayed on the flange by a red-tipped central glass hand. It features white gold faceted baton hour markers with a white luminescent coating.

• Paired with a blue-grey calfskin strap with a denim pattern.

2. Rolex GMT-Master II

Rolex updates an icon without losing its essence with the newly launched GMT-Master II Ref: 126710GRNR. The GMT-Master has had no significant changes in its appearance since it hit the shelves in the 20th century. This time, Rolex gave away a surprising makeover to it with a grey and black bezel that immediately became a hit. The monochromatic vibe on this true traveller’s watch makes it perfect for everyday hustle.

How it looks:

• This sports watch has a 40-mm maxi case, which makes it look and feel chunky on the wrist.

• The grey and black GMT bezel showcasing the day/night looks subtle and almost blends into the watch.

• The green accents on the black dial, including the green text and the green GMT hand, give a nice touch to the monochromatic look.

• It comes with a choice of Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. While the Oyster bracelet appears sporty, the Jubilee bracelet is a dressier option.

3. Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8

Omega released the Speedmaster ‘Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8’ to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1968 mission, where astronauts saw the other side of the Moon for the first time. In 2024, the watch gets an update, and we love it! It not only features a new Calibre (3869) and Master Chronometer Certification but also stands out with the design detailing. The moment you set your eyes on the black and yellow edition, it will be a love-at-first-sight affair.

How it looks:

• The 44.25mm black ceramic case has a new shape and measures 50mm from lug to lug. Flip the case back to find the black-on-black quote, “We’ll see you on the other side”, by Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell.

• The ceramic bezel has the tachymeter scale in white enamel (Grand Feu).

• The semi-skeletonised dial resembles the jagged surface of the Moon, allowing you to see through the multiple layers from the yellow chronograph hand down to the hour markers, sub-dials and then to the Omega logo. It also gives a gorgeous view of the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3869.

• The most spectacular aspect of this new release is the Saturn V hand. The small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock in grade 5 titanium looks like NASA’s Saturn V rocket. It celebrates NASA’s iconic Apollo launch vehicle.

• The watch is presented on a black and yellow perforated strap entirely made of rubber.

4. Breitling Navitimeter Automatic GMT

Breitling is one of the most popular watches on the market for anyone travelling frequently or on the road. If you cannot decide on a GMT or a Navitimer, the Breitling Navitimeter GMT Ref. A32310251B1A1 is the one—a truly unique version of their most recognised timepiece. It marries the classic with the contemporary and is tailored for watch connoisseurs and style-conscious folks.

How it looks:

• It features a 41mm case and retains the classic Navitimer style but with a cleaner look without the sub-dials.

• The notched bezel on the outside presents a contemporary touch and showcases a dynamic play of light. It works as a manual calculator for various flight parameters.

• The watch nestles a balanced dial unaffected by the presence of a date display at 6 o’clock. The central positioning of the 24-hour scale on the GMT and the watch’s clean face ensure that the intricate slide rule remains prominent.

• Choose between an alligator leather strap and the distinctive Navitimer stainless steel bracelet with links set at an angle.

5. Cartier Santos de Cartier Dual Time

This recent iteration of the Cartier Santos de Cartier maintains the class and elegance the brand is famous for. The Ref. WSSA0076 is a travel-friendly companion and entails everything we love in a Santos. What’s new is a dual-time complication, which feels like a perfectly natural move for the Santos, given its roots in aviation. The Santos is the best-selling Cartier model and also one of the best-looking.

How it looks:

• It features a distinctive 40.2mm x 47.5mm stainless steel square case with curved edges.

• The stainless steel bezel features exposed screws, exuding a blend of sportiness and sophistication.

• The Santos de Cartier Dual Time sports a beautiful sunray grey dial with applied Roman hour markers, a white Chemin de fer—railway—minute track, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a dual-time sub-dial with a circular day and night indicator tucked at 6 o’clock. The subdial indicates both time zones in a 12-hour format. This complication adds function to the model and versatility to the Santos collection.

• The integrated stainless steel bracelet ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist and is a handy choice for formal occasions and everyday life.

6. Vacheron Constantin Overseas

Swathed in 18ct pink gold, the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ref. 7920V/210R-B965 is a stellar release and one of our favourite releases this year. While Vacheron frequently experiments with the Overseas collection, this new variant is better than ever. The eccentric combination of gold and green dial makes an unparalleled wrist presence. Overall, it is a standout choice for those seeking a luxury sports watch with a touch of elegance.

How it looks:

• Featuring a 41mm case crafted from 18ct 5N pink gold, this watch incorporates a soft iron casing ring to provide anti-magnetic protection.

• The dial has an intense-green lacquered finish, complemented by a sunburst satin texture and a green velvet-finished flange. The gold hour markers and hands ensure a striking contrast with this new intense green colour.

• Delivered on an 18ct 5N pink gold bracelet with half Maltese cross-shaped links.

Bottom Line

As we wrap up, it’s clear that this year has brought us an impressive array of timepieces. The watches are a toast to men who appreciate heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge trending innovation.

Whether you like the refined precision of Patek Philippe or the bold statements of Rolex, this year’s selection offers something extraordinary for every discerning gentleman in terms of personal achievement, taste and style.

So, take your time, savour the details and pick the watch that resonates with you.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.