As the world twists and folds in new ways to accommodate a more open view of the heritage-rich industries of watches and jewellery, Men’s Folio takes this opportunity to reinvent its annual Blue Ribbon issue special — traditionally a watches-only awards feature — and expand it into a thematic curation of the season’s best watches and jewellery.

Speaking to the demand for freedom, versatility and inclusivity, the first edition of the new Men’s Folio Blue Ribbon spotlights the season’s most gender-forward pieces, tying in the craftsmanship and innovation that yields the ever exciting forefront of luxury with the new generation’s keen eye for quality, timelessness, and bold, expandable identity.

A total of 13 creations are shortlisted and sectioned into three groups — Subtle, Statement and Embellished — to reflect three distinct intentions that come with the adornment of watches and jewellery. As a whole, the Men’s Folio Blue Ribbon 2024 edition tells the story of an era of luxury that looks to both the past and future to inform the present — an era where timepieces and jewels are considered time capsules for all, regardless of gender.

Counting pieces by Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany and Co., Piaget and Vacheron Constantin, the Subtle category looks to warmth, conviviality, and play as the chosen mood.

Cartier Clash de Cartier Mini Earrings

Clash de Cartier’s studs and clou carrés are loved for their eccentric dare and supple flow found in their rows of repetition and the delicate curve of their coil. The line’s Mini Earrings in white gold are the kind of everyday jewellery pieces that become one with your presence while effortlessly asserting both your masculine and feminine charms. They are a sharp yet gentle clashing of attitudes that are at once whimsical, singular, and neo-classical.

Chanel COCO CRUSH Mini Bracelet

An immovable grace lives within Chanel because Gabrielle Chanel’s ideal version of a woman is today’s epitome of luxury — simple yet rich, soft yet rigorous, without ever needing to be loud about it. Just like the rotating and invisible COCO TWIST clasp, this alignment of values becomes even more seamless when you observe the natural, universal and beige gold pieces of the emblematic COCO CRUSH line — particularly on the Mini Bracelet. Just as Gabrielle was fascinated by wet sand on the beaches of Deauville, the allure of COCO CRUSH’s quilted motif is inexplicable in this versatile, stackable, gender-fluid bangle form.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Manual-Winding

 

The timeless elegance of Vacheron Constantin shines through in the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Manual-Winding. With superfluous details removed, the watch captures the essence of 1950s classical watchmaking with a tonal approach that pairs the 18K 5N pink gold case with a similarly hued dial. Subtle touches such as Vacheron Constantin’s attention to the watch’s proportions and fine detailing allowed the watch to transcend trends across eras.

Piaget Black Tie Vintage

With a case shape firmly rooted in the 1970s and a personal favourite of Andy Warhol, nothing quite exemplifies the spirit of that era like the Piaget Black Tie Vintage. Piaget’s latest take on the watch sees fossilised wood bedeck the dial to lend a unique vintage vibe. Baguette-cut emerald encrusted in the yellow gold case further captures the essence of that era, with the colours pairing harmoniously with each other. Its 45mm by 43mm diameter does not overpower the wrist, making it an ideal option for his or her wrist.

Tiffany HardWear Small Single Wrap Bracelet

To be timeless is to be infinite and to embody the admirable genderless qualities of transformative strength and spirit. In the world of jewellery icons, the creation that best emulates this is the Tiffany HardWear Small Single Wrap Bracelet in Yellow Gold. Mirroring the foremost piece of the collection — made in 1962 — the bold chain and signature gauge links of the house continue to serve as powerful statements that can both stand alone and highlight the versatility of both his and her jewellery collections.