Looking back at 2024 in Hindsight

In 2024, the watch industry continued to evolve, blending tradition with modern trends. Luxury timepieces stayed in demand, especially in emerging markets, while independent brands pushed creative boundaries. Sustainability took the spotlight, with more focus on recycled materials and ethical practices. Digital platforms and social media kept collectors engaged, with limited-edition drops and collaborations creating buzz. Despite challenges, the industry remained resilient, adapting to trends and keeping the passion for watches alive.

In depth collection at Gnomon Watches Boutique

Looking back, my first year in the world of watches has been nothing short of transformative. You might have started seeing my name pop up on social media and in articles around January 2024—that’s when I officially joined the marketing team at Gnomon Watches. Balancing this role with my studies, which seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye, has been an incredible journey. So, what have I been up to? Honestly, just embracing my inner watch nerd while soaking up a wealth of new knowledge along the way. My role at Gnomon has been all about creating fresh and exciting content to connect with our audience and strengthen the bond within our community.

Link and Tag Taiwan Watch event celebration

The year brought countless highlights, from reviewing exclusive timepieces to meeting some of the brilliant minds behind their craftsmanship. One of the most unforgettable moments was traveling overseas to represent Gnomon Watches at the Link and Tag Watch event in Taiwan. It’s been an amazing ride, and I’m excited for what’s to come as I continue to grow in this incredible world of watchmaking.

Hitori Habuka 39 Snow White

The watch that truly encapsulates my year has to be the Hitori Habuka 39 Snow White. Though it wasn’t released in 2024, it first caught my eye during my early days at Gnomon. As I browsed through the catalog of past releases to familiarize myself with the brands we carry, this particular piece stood out. Unfortunately, it had been released before I joined, so I never had the chance to see it in person—until our Gnomon Watches trip to Taiwan. At the Link and Tag Watch event, my colleague Dennis was wearing piece 001, and no it is not a squid game reference. He handed it to me, and from that moment, I was hooked. It quickly became my go-to everyday watch, a piece I’ve worn almost every single day since. What makes the Habuka 39 Snow White so special isn’t just its design but the story it tells. Through this watch, you can trace Hitori’s evolution and improvements over the years, yet for me, its true value lies in what it represents. As the saying goes, the worth of a watch is defined by its owner—and that’s what makes watch collecting so uniquely personal and endlessly fascinating.

Hitori Meguro GMT Fuyu White

This brings me to my very first watch from Gnomon Watches—the Hitori Meguro GMT Fuyu White—which sealed the realization that I might just be a sucker for white textured dials. What better way to wrap up the year than with a watch I had been eagerly anticipating for so long? From the moment I received it from Samuel, it practically glued itself to my wrist.

Harbin Bingxue World

The Meguro GMT accompanied me on an unforgettable journey to the freezing cold of Harbin, China, where temperatures plunged to a bone-chilling -30 degrees Celsius. Along the way, I inevitably added a few heart-felt scratches to my new watch, but those marks now tell a story of incredible experiences and cherished memories. Exploring Harbin’s icy wonders was surreal—interacting with massive blocks of ice, sliding down long frozen chutes, and admiring intricate sculptures that seemed to dissolve with the mere warmth of a touch. It was the perfect adventure for my latest addition, marking the start of a beautiful journey with a watch that’s already filled with stories to tell.

Evant Polestar Classique

Transforming my passion for watches into a career completely reshaped the way I view the world of timepieces. It didn’t take long to realize that the features that make enthusiasts like me geek out often don’t align with what flies off the shelves. I had to step outside my own bubble and immerse myself in the diverse tastes of others—people whose preferences couldn’t be more different from mine. What seems like an obvious win in the watch community, whether it’s the perfect case size, a subtle date window, or a daring design choice, doesn’t always translate to strong sales. Our collectors come from every walk of life, each with their own unique perspective and desires. The biggest revelation for me? A watch doesn’t need to speak to my soul to be extraordinary. Its magic lies in being exactly what someone else has been searching for.

Steinhart Ocean 39

Does this mean the design elements or even the quality of a watch don’t matter? Not at all. In my experience at Gnomon Watches, I’ve seen collectors who dive deep into the smallest details, scrutinizing every cut, polish, and imperfection. On the flip side, there are those who simply follow their instincts, picking whatever catches their eye in the moment. It’s a question that straddles the line—both perspectives hold merit. A watch should be something you genuinely love while also reflecting impeccable quality.

Thankfully, we’re always confident in the standard of quality behind the watches we carry, which gives us peace of mind about their performance. But beyond that, there’s the lingering thought: do all the painstaking efforts—superior polishing, perfect sizing, and intricate craftsmanship—get lost in the cacophony of options and fleeting trends? It’s a question that continues to intrigue me.

Alpina Casing Fine Brushed lines

When it comes to quality, I took a deep dive to truly understand what makes a watch exceptional. My initial perspective was limited to materials and basic finishing, but everything changed after learning from seasoned watch experts like Anders and Samuel, each with over a decade of experience. Their boundless knowledge spans execution, heritage, design choices, and craftsmanship, from spotting extraordinary finishes like Zaratsu polishing to appreciating subtle details like fine brushed lines and perfect dimensions. Every day with them feels like a masterclass, and every watch brings a fresh perspective. Even after writing extensively on the topic, I know I’ve only scratched the surface. The world of watches is a never-ending journey of discovery, and the passion for uncovering these details continues to grow.

Christmas Celebration with Gnomonwatches at Long Beach

We wrapped up the year with an unforgettable Christmas celebration at Long Beach, indulging in a feast of incredible seafood dishes. Let’s just say I probably ate enough to fuel me for the next month! We even brought along a portable chiller to keep our champagnes perfectly chilled, popping bottles in the spirit of the season. The gift exchange was a highlight, with everyone receiving something special from their wish lists, making the experience truly personal and joyful.

Hitori x Kolahon Meguro GMT Pale Planet 

But the grand finale stole the show—each of us was surprised with a mystery watch from the company. I was thrilled to unwrap the latest limited edition Hitori X Kolahon Meguro GMT Pale Planet! It’s the perfect companion piece to my Fuyu White, a buy-one-get-one-free pairing in spirit. As we reflected on our journey at Gnomon Watches, we celebrated how far we’ve come, navigating challenges and uncertainties in the watch industry together. It was the perfect way to close out the year—filled with gratitude, growth, and great memories.

Hitori Launch Event Meguro Series

My time as a content curator at Gnomon Watches has been nothing short of amazing. Engaging with the vibrant watch community has been a true privilege. Seeing our viewers recognize and appreciate the effort behind each video and article gives so much meaning to the hard work that goes into creating them. It’s truly inspiring to witness people from all walks of life come together, united by their love for watchmaking. Whether they’re sharing their collections, thoughts, or personal stories, it’s a beautiful reminder of how watches can bring us closer. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss attending a Gnomon event. It’s an experience you won’t regret—one that’s filled with passion, connection, and a shared appreciation for the art of timekeeping.

Angles Watches coming out strong

The consensus was clear—2024 was a year of uncertainty for the watch industry. Many big names opted for quieter, safer design choices, which raised some concerns. Yet, amidst the caution, other brands took bold strides, seizing the moment to break through and showcase their creativity and vision. For us, it was a year of exciting opportunities. We proudly secured several exclusive pieces from our cherished brands and introduced some truly unique propositions to our portfolio. As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re gearing up for what 2025 has in store, ready to embrace new challenges, innovations, and opportunities. The future of watchmaking awaits, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.