Time+Tide Watches contributor Borna Bošnjak selected five independent-brand watches associated with 2024: the Ōtsuka Lōtec No. 6, Holthinrichs Signature, Kallinich Claeys Einser Zentralsekunde, Berneron Mirage 34 and Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante EWT. The list, published on 6 January 2025, is a personal selection—not a comprehensive survey, objective ranking or account of comparative testing.
How to read the five picks
Bošnjak’s choices span very different ideas of independent watchmaking: a retrograde display with a futuristic, industrial look; a 3D-printed case shaped by hand finishing; a classically styled watch whose movement is the focus; a stone dial with a carved sub-dial; and a compact high-complication chronograph. The reported prices below are figures in the Time+Tide article, not current quotes or verified present-day availability.
The five watches
Ōtsuka Lōtec No. 6
At ¥440,000 (approximately US$2,800), the No. 6 was Bošnjak’s pick for watch of the year. He singled out its brutalist, steampunk character and a retrograde module built on a Miyota 9000 base; the article also notes its GPHG award. His enthusiasm is captured in a deliberately personal aside: “I solemnly swear that this will be the last time I write about this watch until I actually buy it.”
Holthinrichs Signature
The article lists the Signature Ornament at €3,500 (approximately US$3,600) and the Signature Lab at about US$6,300. It discusses the use of 3D printing alongside hand finishing, and says the Ornament shared the Lab’s SW300 modifications. The Lab’s first series had sold out by the article’s publication; that is a historical availability note, not an indication of current stock.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
Kallinich Claeys Einser Zentralsekunde
Listed at €24,950 (approximately US$26,000), the Einser Zentralsekunde pairs a traditional exterior with movement finishing that Bošnjak emphasizes. The article identifies its makers as Johannes Kallinich and Thibault Claeys, both formerly at Lange.
Berneron Mirage 34
The Mirage 34 was listed at CHF 48,000 (approximately US$53,000). Bošnjak’s preferred detail is its stone dial, including a sub-dial carved into the stone. He sets the 34 mm model against the Mirage 38, which the article says was first released at the end of 2023.
Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante EWT
The article gives a price of CHF 465,000 (approximately US$512,000) and dimensions of 37.9 mm across by 10.49 mm thick. Its complication set combines foudroyante seconds linked to the tourbillon cage with a flyback chronograph. The stated power reserve is 24 hours with the chronograph running—a qualification that matters when considering the watch’s functions together.
At a glance
| Watch | Reported price in the 6 January 2025 article | Distinctive point highlighted |
|---|---|---|
| Ōtsuka Lōtec No. 6 | ¥440,000 (approximately US$2,800) | Brutalist, steampunk design; retrograde module based on Miyota 9000 |
| Holthinrichs Signature | Ornament: €3,500 (approximately US$3,600); Lab: approximately US$6,300 | 3D printing and hand finishing; Ornament shares the Lab’s SW300 modifications |
| Kallinich Claeys Einser Zentralsekunde | €24,950 (approximately US$26,000) | Classical appearance and movement finishing; made by Johannes Kallinich and Thibault Claeys |
| Berneron Mirage 34 | CHF 48,000 (approximately US$53,000) | Stone dial with a sub-dial carved into the stone |
| Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante EWT | CHF 465,000 (approximately US$512,000) | 37.9 mm case, 10.49 mm thick; foudroyante seconds and flyback chronograph |
Prices and conversions in the table are reported by Time+Tide on 6 January 2025; they should not be read as current retail prices. Read Bošnjak’s original selection at Time+Tide Watches.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Other watches mentioned, but not among the five
The roundup also mentions Simon Brette’s black-dial Chronomètre Artisans, which Bošnjak left out because he did not consider it a new watch for this list. Other contextual mentions are Konstantin Chaykin’s ThinKing prototype, Bovet’s Récital 28, described in the article as calculating daylight saving time, and Qin Gan’s Pastorale II. They are not additional picks in the five-watch selection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the selection says about independent watchmaking
The five choices are useful as contrasting examples, not as a definitive measure of an entire market. The No. 6 leans into an unconventional display and assertive design; the Einser takes a more classical route and draws attention to finishing; the Mirage makes its stone dial central to its identity; Holthinrichs foregrounds case-making and hand work; and Greubel Forsey combines several complications in the smallest stated dimensions of its entry. Bošnjak’s preferences shape the selection, so the article does not establish that one is objectively better than another.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ICONIC RETRO STYLE WITH A MODERN TWIST The legendary Casio Vintage design paired with a sophisticated gold-tone digital display creates a distinctive look that blends classic 1980s style with modern everyday fashion. Perfect for casual, business, or streetwear.
- EVERYDAY DIGITAL ESSENTIALS Stay on schedule with practical features including a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto calendar, LED backlight, and selectable 12/24-hour time display—everything you need in a reliable everyday digital watch.
- BUILT TO LAST Powered by a dependable quartz movement with an approximate 7-year battery life, the A158WEA-9 delivers reliable timekeeping and exceptional value with minimal maintenance required.
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT Designed for all-day wear, the slim 45g construction and adjustable stainless steel bracelet provide a secure, comfortable fit for a wide range of wrist sizes. The classic fold-over clasp makes adjustments simple and secure.
- TRUSTED CASIO QUALITY Featuring a durable resin case, stainless steel bracelet, water resistance for daily use, bright LED illumination, and quartz accuracy of approximately ±30 seconds per month, this watch delivers the dependable performance Casio is known for.
Rank #4
- Bold and race-inspired, the Tommy Hilfiger men’s watch blends sport with iconic style. It features perforated silicone straps, a red aluminum pusher guard, semi-matte dial, polished numbers, CD-textured sub-eyes, and an iconic stripe detail.
- Men's Tommy Hilfiger, Ionic Plated Black Steel & Multicolor Aluminum Case, Black Dial, with Black Strap.
- Quartz Chronograph Movement: Battery-powered timepiece combining stopwatch functionality with a regular time display. Features an independent sweep second hand that can be started, stopped, and reset to zero with successive presses of the crown.
- Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM.
- Caring for your timepiece: Your Tommy Hilfiger watch has been developed with meticulous attention to quality, function and detail. A maintenance interval of 3 to 5 years is recommended, in addition to any required battery replacement. Never open the watch yourself.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
