In 2024, the luxury watch market balanced innovation and heritage, delivering timepieces that not only redefined the collector’s landscape but also set new benchmarks for the future.
This year saw marquee brands explore bold materials, refined aesthetics and intricate engineering. Six standout releases showcased the industry’s ingenuity and hinted at the revolutionary paths the luxury watch sector might tread in 2025.
Richard Mille RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon
Richard Mille pushed the limits of engineering with the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon, crafted for tennis great Rafael Nadal. Built from TPT carbon, this featherlight watch, which weighs 30g (11.5g without its strap), is designed to withstand a g-force of 14,000 – an engineering feat unprecedented in horology. The flying tourbillon complication, often reserved for collectors of the most refined tastes, is encased in a futuristic aerodynamic design. Collectors prize this watch not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ground-breaking material science. It’s not just a timepiece, it’s a statement of technological ambition, perfectly blending performance and prestige.
Omega Speedmaster FOIS 2024 Edition
The Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space (FOIS) 2024 Edition pays homage to the brand’s historic relationship with space exploration. While it retains the timeless aesthetic of the 1962 model – polished steel case, vintage-inspired hands and a striking black dial – it incorporates cutting-edge upgrades, including anti-magnetic materials and enhanced movement efficiency.
This model bridges the past and the future, making it a must-have for collectors who appreciate historical authenticity coupled with modern functionality. For purists and innovators alike, the FOIS 2024 Edition stands as a timeless connection to Omega’s spacefaring legacy.
Rolex Day-Date 40 in Everose Gold
Rolex continues to redefine luxury with the Day-Date 40 in Everose Gold, now featuring a mesmerising ombre dial that transitions from deep black at its centre to soft grey at the edges. Paired with the President bracelet, this design represents the perfect synthesis of modern artistry and timeless elegance.
Collectors and professionals alike are drawn to this edition for its blend of power and sophistication. The ombre dial signals a new direction in dial craftsmanship, proving once again why the Day-Date remains the ultimate symbol of status and taste.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic redefines travel-ready timepieces. Housed in a 42mm stainless steel case, its world timer complication, dual time zone display and power reserve indicator are laid out on a gradient blue dial that exudes contemporary elegance.
Unlike traditional travel watches, the Polaris Geographic merges technical utility with aesthetic appeal, making it the go-to companion for globetrotters who refuse to compromise on style. Jaeger-LeCoultre once again cements its reputation for delivering understated brilliance.
Patek Philippe Cubitus
Patek Philippe broke tradition in 2024 with the bold introduction of the Cubitus, a 45mm model featuring sharp angular lines and a two-tone case. The minimalist blue dial, punctuated by rose gold accents, creates an architectural elegance that redefines contemporary watch design.
For collectors seeking innovation without sacrificing the timeless precision of Patek Philippe, the Cubitus is a revelation. It challenges conventions, embodying the spirit of modernity while honouring the brand’s rich heritage.
Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02
The Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02 seamlessly blends the elegance of 1930s Art Deco with modern horological advancements. Its 41mm rose gold case features a minimalist dial punctuated by geometric accents, while the automatic movement ensures practicality for daily wear. Limited to just 250 pieces, this watch epitomizes exclusivity and craftsmanship.
Collectors will appreciate the [RE]Master02 as a timepiece that celebrates both heritage and forward-thinking design, making it a definitive statement of timelessness.
Looking to 2025 and the future of luxury watches
The innovations of the year have set the stage for a transformative 2025, where we can anticipate bold experimentation will dominate. Expect sharper geometries, vibrant colour palettes and the ingenious use of multi-material constructions, blending metals, ceramics, and advanced composites. Sustainability should emerge as a cornerstone, with circular manufacturing and eco-certified designs reshaping perceptions of luxury.
Younger collectors, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, will play a part in driving demand for exclusivity and individuality, encouraging brands to pivot toward smaller, highly curated collections. The growing influence of advanced materials, such as silicon components and anti-magnetic nanomaterials, will quietly enhance precision and durability.
Luxury watches are no longer mere instruments of timekeeping – they are evolving into symbols of identity, artistry, and technological mastery. As we step into 2025, these innovations promise to redefine not just what we wear on our wrists, but the very essence of modern craftsmanship.
Ballon d’Or shortlists
Men
Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool), Sergio Aguero (Aregentina/Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (Netherlans/Barcelona), Hugo Lloris (France/Tottenham), Dusan Tadic (Serbia/Ajax), Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England/Liverpool), Donny van de Beek (Netherlands/Ajax), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Arsenal), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Juventus), Alisson (Brazil/Liverpool), Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands/Juventus), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands/Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands/Liverpool), Bernardo Silva (Portugal/Manchester City), Son Heung-min (South Korea/Tottenham), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich), Roberto Firmino (Brazil/Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria/Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal/Napoli), Antoine Griezmann (France/Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Eden Hazard (BEL/Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Brazil/Paris-SG), Raheem Sterling (Eengland/Manchester City), Joao Félix(Portugal/Atletico Madrid)
Women
Sam Kerr (Austria/Chelsea), Ellen White (England/Manchester City), Nilla Fischer (Sweden/Linkopings), Amandine Henry (France/Lyon), Lucy Bronze(England/Lyon), Alex Morgan (USA/Orlando Pride), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands/Arsenal), Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany/Lyon), Pernille Harder (Denmark/Wolfsburg), Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Lyon), Megan Rapinoe (USA/Reign FC), Lieke Martens (Netherlands/Barcelona), Sari van Veenendal (Netherlands/Atletico Madrid), Wendie Renard (France/Lyon), Rose Lavelle(USA/Washington Spirit), Marta (Brazil/Orlando Pride), Ada Hegerberg (Norway/Lyon), Kosovare Asllani (Sweden/CD Tacon), Sofia Jakobsson (Sweden/CD Tacon), Tobin Heath (USA/Portland Thorns)
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The biog
Birthday: February 22, 1956
Born: Madahha near Chittagong, Bangladesh
Arrived in UAE: 1978
Exercise: At least one hour a day on the Corniche, from 5.30-6am and 7pm to 8pm.
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi? “Everywhere. Wherever you go, you can relax.”
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
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Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
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Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Six tips to secure your smart home
Most smart home devices are controlled via the owner's smartphone. Therefore, if you are using public wi-fi on your phone, always use a VPN (virtual private network) that offers strong security features and anonymises your internet connection.
Keep your smart home devices’ software up-to-date. Device makers often send regular updates - follow them without fail as they could provide protection from a new security risk.
Use two-factor authentication so that in addition to a password, your identity is authenticated by a second sign-in step like a code sent to your mobile number.
Set up a separate guest network for acquaintances and visitors to ensure the privacy of your IoT devices’ network.
Change the default privacy and security settings of your IoT devices to take extra steps to secure yourself and your home.
Always give your router a unique name, replacing the one generated by the manufacturer, to ensure a hacker cannot ascertain its make or model number.
UJDA CHAMAN
Produced: Panorama Studios International
Directed: Abhishek Pathak
Cast: Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Grusha Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla
Rating: 3.5 /5 stars
Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
