My thoughts on releases from Watches and Wonders 2024

I posted two of these earlier in the week, so I’ll include them here again for completeness. Overall these are the watches that captured my attention, not necessarily watches I’ll ever buy, but ones that I think are beautiful and worth noting. I’ll get this out of the way, yes I’m a huge Grand Seiko fan, and I have 3 pictured here, but hear me on those first. It goes without saying that I think the SLGW003 is stunning. But the main focus should be on the new 9SA4 movement. And the monstrosity that is the SBGC275  (Yes I said it) with new 9R96. Let that sink in. Two new 9S movements from Grand Seiko were just released. And the 9SA4 isn’t just a manual wind version of the 9SA5, almost all components were re-worked to accomplish the task of thinning the movement and reducing the wind ratio by 15%.  How many other brands have done that this week? In regards to movement development, GS is truly way ahead of the pack. And the Kodo, I mean cmon. OK I’m off my soap box now. The Tag Heuer just continues the glassbox models with another stunner, on a metal bracelet this time, with a relatively reasonable price point (for brands of this caliber). Next is the Frederique Constant  Classic Date Manufacture  in Salmon (looks more copper to me). I’m not really a dress watch guy (I know, 4 of the 6 here are dress watches…. What can I say), but I think FC really is an underappreciated brand and has some incredible values out there in the $3k-$4k range, this being just another example. With a new in house FC-706 movement and 72 hour power reserve.  Unfortunately I think this will get overlooked. And finally the Rolex 1908. I can’t stress enough how NOT a Rolex guy I am. I think they make great watches, just none of the popular references speak to me. This 1908 with the guilloché  dial on the other hand, from a dress watch perspective, this is just exquisite. If they ever release this in a steel model, which I would doubt, I might have to consider it.  Would love to hear what others thought of the various releases, and what interested you.