Well, I thought that my self-proclamation of being a NAUGHTY NAUGHTY boy would enable me to skip writing this but apparently, our Editor in Chief, Peter thinks otherwise. So here’s my top pick for this year’s Christmas, wishing the burly old man in red suit would squeeze through my imaginary chimney with these 3 watches.
Dear Santa: Stanley makes his Christmas Wishlist for 2024
This year marks my first year attending Watches and Wonders and it is certainly an interesting experience where I managed to have many hands-on opportunities with the latest and the most exclusive watches on the market. It is certainly an eye opening experience for me and one that I would encourage every watch enthusiast to experience at least once in their life. This experience shaped my Christmas wishlist for this year.

Granted that I wasn’t a very obedient boy this year, my list is somewhat a dream for me (with exception of one watch). I don’t think Santa will be sliding down my imaginary chimney anytime soon with my favourite watches. But, with that being said, one can always dream! Without further ado, here’s my list of watches!
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon
Let’s kick start the post with one of the marvels that I have encountered at Watches and Wonders 2024. The Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon (AUCT).

This year, Piaget is back. Back with a vengeance to revisit their heritage. They released a 41.55mm diameter. At 2mm thick tourbillon watch during Watches and Wonders, making it one of the thinnest tourbillon watch in the world. The manual winding caliber is certainly a marvel, the tourbillon cage is replaced with a ceramic ball bearing system arranged in around the tourbillon cage which gives an impression that it is levitating on its own and does a revolution in a minute.

When the piece was adorn on my wrist, a magical feeling ignited. The blue PVD treated cobalt alloy case feels almost weightless but sturdy. It is quite a surreal experience, where the watch has a vibe that it is ready for any boardroom aggression in the day and down for a boozy night. Shall we order a “Vodka martini, shaken not stirred.”?
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante
The second watch that is in my wish list and the most attainable for me at the current juncture is the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante. For those collector’s who have been attending events with me or met me in person, I cannot and will not shut up about Parmigiani Fleurier (PF). I was so intrigued on how the founding family of Novartis fame gave Michel Parmigiani the seed money from their family foundation and eventually grew to the operation that it is now.
During Watches and Wonders this year, I have the pleasure of being able to visit their factory and it certainly blew me away. The visit showed me what being truly independent is. They have the full capability to make almost the entire watch in their own facilities. The other factor that really lured me to the brand is the prestigious association with aristocrats and royalties such as King Charles. It is a brand that is associated with the Old Money crowd just like how Loro Piana was before it shot to fame.

Amongst the range of watches that PF offers, the PF Tonda GMT Rattrapante is one of my dream watches. Released in 2023, it is a discreet yet can make a statement. The lack of a date on the dial is certainly an appealing factor for me. Um, date was never right (no pun intended). The GMT hand will only appear when summoned by the gold pusher on the crown. And it will show you the other timezone that your girlfriend’s at while quickly stowing away with just another click when your wife gets in the room. It oozes that sex appeal. It is there when you need it, but stows away and be a secret when you don’t. Everything about the brand and the watch is a subtle form of loud. Those who know, will know.
Patek Philippe 5396G-017
The third and final watch in my wish list is somewhat less niche and slightly more mainstream. It is the Patek Philippe 5396G-017. Patek Philippe as a watch manufacturer needs no introduction, they are a family owned brand that now appeals to both old money crowd and the nouveau riche. Even their recent release of the Cubitus make waves in the industry, and has the world talking about them. But let’s not go there.

Today we focus on the amazing 5396G-017. The 5396G was released years ago around 2006 but this latest iteration is like a breath of fresh air to the range. The annual calendar movement is still relevant till this day and age, it only requires one manual adjustment per year to keep it accurate (should the watch be constantly winded) and the finishing of the movement is so well done that you cannot stop staring at it. That’s just for the technical part which is amazing but the aesthetics of the watch… It is my favourite.

I really enjoy the subtle white gold case that many a layman might have mistake for a well polished stainless steel piece. The pièce de résistance of the watch, in my opinion is the invisible diamond setting baguette indices. So subtle that it could be mistaken for a normal indices. The aesthetics of the watch is simple just amazing.
Concluding Thoughts
Well, the above are the wishlist of this naughty boy. The world is our oyster, believe the unbelievable and always trust the process. I strongly believe in working smart and working hard to enjoy the fruits of our labour. Though with that being said and Mr Jerome Powell’s optimistic outlook of the market (during his December 2024 FOMC meeting), we should always remember to exercise prudence and admire what we have as well.
Wishing everyone here a Blessed Christmas and Wonderful New Year!.