The ability to evolve over time: the secrets of fine watchmaking in the new 24Hours

There are objects from the past which, thanks to their design, remain modern even today, in an era characterised by constant change and influenced by digital technology. Mechanical watches are among them. There are models whose style has stood the test of time, spanning decades; thanks to the necessary technical and material developments introduced over the years, they are now a staple on the wrists of millions of people and feature prominently in brand collections. The new issue of 24 Hours, on newsstands from Friday 11 September, features some of them. 

We begin with the Cover Story, featuring the King Seiko Vanac Limited Edition HKF004J1, one of the timepieces produced by Seiko to mark the 145th anniversary of its history. Next up are the Rolex Oyster and the Patek Philippe Nautilus, two industry milestones marking significant anniversaries with special editions. And more: Vacheron Constantin’s Ultra-Thin Automatic Overseas, which introduces a new, ultra-thin calibre to one of the Geneva-based maison’s iconic collections; Bulgari’s even more contemporary reinterpretation of the Serpenti, unveiled in a brand-new capsule collection featuring studs on the bracelet; the revival of the historic Minerva manufacture and its sophisticated timepieces; the eagerly awaited return, after a few years’ absence, of Roadster, Cartier’s line inspired by sports cars. Even more versatile than its predecessor, here is Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Tech professional diver’s watch; three brand-new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronographs with coloured inserts; and the new Chronomaster Solo Sport collection, with which Zenith introduces time-only versions to its flagship range. Rounding off this overview is a gallery of new models from Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Grand Seiko, Tudor, Bell & Ross and Hamilton. Next, we present a series of watches where creativity and craftsmanship intertwine. Chanel plays with the Mademoiselle icon in the Coco Game line, the masterpiece of which is a one-off piece: a chessboard where each piece references the fashion house’s universe. Louis Vuitton breathes new life into its iconic Tambour watch with the colourful and intricate Taiko Arty Automata variant. Van Cleef & Arpels introduces a new variation of its Ludo Secret. 

Among the stars of September’s 24 Hours feature are the world’s fastest man, athletics legend, Usain Bolt, who has created a bespoke watch in collaboration with Hublot, and Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh, Tag Heuer’s brand ambassador, who, through her victories and records, is redefining the boundaries of her sport. Finally, a tour of Pisa 1940’s new service, refurbishment and restoration workshop (and much more besides) in Milan, and a look at bespoke tailoring.