The Best Watches of Watches & Wonders 2025 – What You Need to Know
Watches & Wonders 2025, held from April 1st to 7th in Geneva, Switzerland, showcased the latest innovations and timepieces from the world's most prestigious watch brands. This year's event was particularly notable for the inclusion of BVLGARI and six independent brands—Christiaan van der Klaauw, Genus, Kross Studio, MeisterSinger, Armin Strom, and HYT—highlighting the fair's commitment to both established maisons and emerging talents. Hodinkee+1Forbes Australia+1Fratello Watches+1Watches and Wonders+1
Rolex Unveils the Land-Dweller
Among the most anticipated releases was Rolex's introduction of the Land-Dweller. This model features an integrated bracelet design, marking a departure from Rolex's traditional aesthetics. The Land-Dweller's design has drawn comparisons to the Tissot PRX and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, blending modern style with Rolex's renowned craftsmanship. Notably, tennis legend and Rolex ambassador Roger Federer was spotted wearing the Land-Dweller during a skiing trip in the Alps, adding to the excitement surrounding this release.
TAG Heuer Revives the Formula 1 Series
TAG Heuer made headlines by reintroducing its beloved Formula 1 watches. This revival includes nine new models, with three joining the brand's core collection and the others as limited editions. Enhancements feature a solar-powered movement, a 38mm case diameter, and new high-end elements like applied blocks of Super-LumiNova and redesigned hands. Materials such as steel and the lightweight TH-Polylight ensure durability and a variety of colors. The Calibre TH50-00 Solargraph movement offers impressive solar charging capabilities with a 15-year battery lifespan. Prices start around $2,000, maintaining the accessibility of the original lineup. GQ
Pragma Introduces the P1 – Perseverance
Newcomer Pragma unveiled its inaugural watch, the P1 – Perseverance, designed by co-founder Christopher Wegener and product designer Ken Lui. Inspired by the geometric precision of Swiss architects like Mario Botta and Peter Zumthor, the P1 stands out with its dual-part indices and subdials displaying the date and seconds via rotating discs instead of hands. Notably, the P1 lacks any logo on the dial, emphasizing minimalist design. Pragma prides itself on being 100% Swiss and utilizing 82.7% recycled materials, contributing to its higher price point of approximately £22,000 for the steel version. Wegener aims to increase the recycled content to between 90% and 95% by 2026. wallpaper.com
Breitling's Top Time B31 Campaign Featuring Austin Butler
Breitling launched a new campaign for its Top Time B31, featuring actor Austin Butler. Known for his affinity for motorcycles and vintage fashion, Butler is a fitting choice to promote this modern reinterpretation of Breitling's 1964 vintage models. The Top Time B31 offers simpler time and date functions and is available in white, navy, and green dials. Butler favors the green dial with a steel bracelet, reflecting his personal taste for timeless and versatile pieces. Priced at $5,600 on a leather band and $5,900 on a bracelet, the Top Time B31 combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. GQ
Bianchet's B 1.618 UltraFino
Swiss luxury watchmaker Bianchet introduced the B 1.618 UltraFino, a tonneau-shaped timepiece with an integrated titanium bracelet. This model represents an evolution in integrated sport tonneau watches, featuring an 8.9mm slim case with a curvature of 1.2mm. Available in both skeleton and dial versions, the UltraFino is powered by Bianchet's first automatic tourbillon movement crafted from titanium—the ultra-thin caliber UT01 measuring 3.85mm in height with a tourbillon cage of 2.66mm. Both the watch and movement are designed using the mathematical principles of the Golden Ratio (1.618), aiming for aesthetic harmony. Wikipedia
Conclusion
Watches & Wonders 2025 has once again set the stage for groundbreaking horological innovations, blending tradition with modernity. From Rolex's Land-Dweller to TAG Heuer's revived Formula 1 series, the event highlighted the industry's dynamic evolution. As these timepieces make their way to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, they continue to embody the artistry and craftsmanship that define the world of haute horology.
