Overlooked is your weekly horological treasure hunt — where we dig through the vaults of European Watch Company to spotlight a few quietly brilliant pieces hiding in plain sight. It’s the sleeper hit, the underdog, the “wait, how is this still available?” watch you didn’t know you needed… until now.

Special occasions abound this time of year - holiday parties, family gatherings, catching up with old friends over cocktails by candlelight. It’s a time for celebration, and we’ve found four timepieces that are worthy of celebration in their own right.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990 Blue Dial Tiffany & Co

A Patek Philippe Nautilus is a special watch, with design ties to the famed and prolific watch designer Gerald Genta and high demand from collectors. This Nautilus Travel Time 5990 is no standard Nautilus, however - it has both chronograph and dual time complications and a day/night indicator, for all of your on-the-go timekeeping needs. But that’s not all! It also has the elusive and coveted Tiffany & Co stamp on the dial, and in unworn condition with box & papers from 2024, this one is a true rarity.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Alacrite 602 Skeleton Dial

The Royal Oak is another iconic classic in the Genta design oeuvre. Originally introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch to be made in steel, and became a legendary and sought after timepiece. The Concept collection allowed Audemars Piguet to be a little more experimental with the line, and this version, introduced in 2002 for the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak is emblematic of that exploration, with a chunkier, almost futuristic-looking case made of alacrite, a cobalt-based alloy that is non-magnetic, has high surface hardness, and is resistant to corrosion. The partially skeletonized dial displays a tourbillon at the nine o’clock position, a departure from the typical placement at six o’clock. It also has a power reserve indicator, a function selector display, and a rarely seen dynamograph display that shows the quality of the torque in the mainspring, an especially technical touch for the dedicated watch enthusiast.

Patek Philippe World Time 5130/1R 18K Rose Gold Chocolate Dial

The holiday season often means a lot of travel, which is exactly what this World Time example by Patek Philippe is made for. Patek is known for its high quality complications, and this very practical one is presented here with a gorgeous chocolate brown sunburst guilloche dial, accentuated by a white outer dial displaying 24 time zones and rose gold hands, indices, case, and bracelet. Complete with an exhibition caseback showing the decorated micro-rotor movement, and in like new condition with box and papers, this is the travel gift that keeps on giving.

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 18k White Gold / Blue Fume Dial

You know what they say - two tourbillions in one article are better than one. This example from Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 collection has the signature design details that make the 11.59 so interesting, such as its unique sapphire crystal, round outer case, octagonal midcase, and curved lugs. The real eye-catcher here is the saturated cobalt blue fume dial with a flying tourbillon at the 6 o’clock position, powered by the in-house automatic caliber 2950 movement that’s visible through the sapphire caseback. The case, hands, applied dial markers, and deployant buckle white gold, providing a bright contrast against the deep black lacquer on the outer bezel. The dial and the flying tourbillon alone are sure to keep you staring at your wrist.

These watches are all eye-catching for very different reasons: a visible tourbillon, a beautifully finished dial, an unexpected complication. Whether you’re wearing one to a holiday celebration or simply enjoying a quiet evening, you may find yourself glancing at your wrist not only to tell the time, but to enjoy the beauty and rarity of these distinctive timepieces.