7 timepiece highlights in September and October 2024: from Patek Philippe’s new entry-level model, to new collector Mark Zuckerberg, and Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève finalists visiting Hong Kong

Nov 4 , 2024

Among the timepiece highlights you might have missed in autumn 2024 are – from left – Dubai Watch Week bringing the Horology Forum to Hong Kong; Patek Philippe releasing its first new collection in 25 years; and Mark Zuckerberg getting collecting with F.P. Journe and De Bethune, among others. Photos: Handout, Patek Philippe, AP

Dubai Watch Week came to Hong Kong; Hodinkee was acquired by Watches of Switzerland; Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin had new drops; and justice was served to a fraudster

The world of high horology came alive in September and October as the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) and Dubai Watch Week made their way to Hong Kong, three independent brands teamed up for exciting new projects, major brands revealed huge releases, and Watches and Wonders continued to expand. Meanwhile, justice was served as a Californian watch consignor pleaded guilty to fraud; Mark Zuckerberg started collecting; and a demon judge on the small screen sported a killer piece with, appropriately, two balance wheels.

Here are our favourite moments of haute horlogerie from September and October.

1. Hong Kong hosts high horology

The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève brought its nominated watches to Christie’s Hong Kong at The Henderson. Photo: Handout

Christie’s played host to two pivotal watch events – quite a housewarming for the auction house’s new location at the Henderson. GPHG brought its nominated pieces – six each across 15 categories – from September 28 to 30, the first stop on a tour that included Ho Chi Minh City and New York, before returning to Geneva for the winners announcement in mid-November.

Dubai Watch Week CEO Hind Seddiqi addresses the Horology Forum 2024 at Christie’s Hong Kong at The Henderson. Photo: Handout

A few weeks later, Dubai Watch Week brought the 10th edition of the Horology Forum to Hong Kong, a first for the city. The October 22 forum had panels that discussed topics including the rise of the region in high horology, the future of mechanical innovation in the field, and collecting vintage pieces.

2. The big “AHA” moment

Founders of the Alternative Horological Alliance (from left) Joshua Shapiro, Ming Thein and Thomas Fleming. Photo: Handout

Collaborations abound in the world of high horology, but three independent watchmakers made headlines in September for joining hands. Horologer Ming from Malaysia teamed up with American brands Fleming (which launched its Series 1 this year) and J.N. Shapiro (known for his made-in-USA Resurgence) to form the Alternative Horological Alliance (AHA), in a mission to promote independent watchmaking.

The Alternative Horological Alliance has designed a tantalum bracelet to fit pieces from founders (from left) Fleming, J.N. Shapiro and Horologer Ming. Photo: Handout

The alliance’s first project is a tantalum bracelet designed to fit pieces from all three brands. Newcomer Fleming’s Series 1 from this year had a version in tantalum, a notoriously challenging metal to machine and work with.

7 timepiece highlights in September and October 2024: from Patek Philippe’s new entry-level model, to new collector Mark Zuckerberg, and Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève finalists visiting Hong Kong

Dubai Watch Week came to Hong Kong; Hodinkee was acquired by Watches of Switzerland; Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin had new drops; and justice was served to a fraudster

1. Hong Kong hosts high horology

2. The big “AHA” moment

3. Big brands, bigger novelties