The Kennedy ‘Brownlow Medal’ Of Luxury Watches For 2024

Written by Ben Esden
DMARGE Sports and Entertainment Editor

The Best and Fairest Watches in 2024. 

The AFL is an Australian institution. Since its inception in 1896, Aussie Rules has been a cornerstone of the nation’s culture, embodying values of camaraderie, tradition and sportsmanship. Much like the artistry displayed at the annual Watches & Wonders in Geneva, an annual horological gathering of the world’s top watch brands and enthusiasts, the AFL is a symbol of craft and excellence in Australia. 

This year’s Watches & Wonders ignited the luxury market, revealing novel innovations, groundbreaking movements and refined design.

To celebrate luxury retailer Kennedy’s continued partnership with the AFL, we’ve curated our standout pieces from 2024 – watch novelties that stood above the rest, deserving the prestigious AFL Brownlow Medal for the Best and Fairest Watches of the Year.

Let’s get into this, shall we?

Patrick Cripps
Hublot Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic 42mm

Bold, resilient, and undeniably impactful—much like Carlton’s Patrick Cripps in 2024. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic boasts the Swiss Luxury brand’s signature expressive colourways, revealing a striking design and a fiery orange hue reminiscent of the Carlton stalwart’s aggressive style of play and leadership on the field. 

Hublot’s impressive ceramic case reflects Cripp’s rugged approach and tough-as-nails resilience he brings to every game. It’s a statement piece built for those who want to stand out and make a lasting impression; a showstopper worthy of Cripps’ powerhouse performances in Melbourne, the Hublot Big Bang fuses strength with effortless style, making it a top pick for 2024.

Caleb Serong
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic 42

Refined precision defines both the IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser and Caleb Serong’s 2024 AFL season. Serong’s tactical brilliance and clean execution are mirrored in the watch’s minimalist, classic design, beautifully paired with the manufacture’s precise engineering. Just as Serong controls the midfield with sharp decision-making, the Portugieser boasts impeccable timekeeping, powered by the IWC-manufactured automatic self-winding movement, the 52011 Calibre, with a power reserve of 168 hours.

This year’s release is a contemporary classic, blending elegance with reliability, a perfect fit for Serong’s balance of finesse and consistency. Like Serong, this watch thrives under pressure, proving that precision is the ultimate power.

Lachie Neale
Cartier Santos-Dumont

Lachie Neale’s timeless playstyle and ability to read the game are perfectly matched by the Cartier Santos-Dumont. This watch is a collectors’ dream; an iconic release from one of the world’s biggest luxury watch brands that mirrors Neale’s enduring innovation and leadership for Brisbane. 

The Queenslander is an efficient operator on the field, so it’s only fitting we find him a watch to match. With its sophisticated yet minimalist design, the Santos-Dumont reflects Neale’s cerebral approach to the game—always thoughtful and never rushed. Whether he’s winning a clearance or finding space, Neale embodies Cartier’s tradition of elegance, ensuring every move counts with graceful precision.

Zak Butters
Zenith Defy Revival

Much like Zak Butters’ explosive rise in 2024, the Zenith Defy Revival is bold and unconventional, pushing the limits of innovation. Butters is a game-changer, boasting dynamic versatility and unpredictable moments that expertly mirror the Defy Revival’s daring design and cutting-edge features. 

At first glance, this piece’s angular case and retro-modern look defies expectation; a futuristic vision that encapsulates the energy and audacity that Butters brings to every game, reflecting a player who’s unafraid to make an instant impact.

Zach Merrett
Raymond Weil Freelancer Olive Green

Zach Merrett’s work ethic and steady performance in the 2024 AFL season find their parallel in the Raymond Weil Freelancer Olive Green. Like Merrett’s knack for consistently delivering results for his team, the Freelancer is a no-nonsense blend of form and function.

Bringing in a DMARGE favourite olive-green dial, this piece is a refined sporty pick for any enthusiast and represents Merrett’s steady resolve and ‘cool, calm and collected’ approach to high-pressure plays. It’s a versatile release with a classic aesthetic and speaks to Merrett’s balanced approach to both offensive and defensive footy.