Another year, another whirlwind of horological marvels. As the dust settles on Watches and Wonders 2025, we’re left with the lingering glow of timepieces that transcended mere function and became wearable art. Here’s our unfiltered, passion-driven selection—no rules, just raw horological lust.
Why? Because it’s the whispered sonnet of dress watches. Patek’s latest iteration of their classic reference, now in a 38mm platinum case, is like finding a first-edition Hemingway in a thrift store—unexpectedly bold yet timeless. The rose-gold opaline dial, paired with anthracite markers, is a love letter to purists, though it sparked heated debates among our team. At 9.3mm thin, it’s a feat of engineering, housing a modern movement with a 65-hour power reserve. A masterclass in restraint.
Why? The Quattro movement isn’t just a mechanism; it’s a four-act horological opera. Chopard’s 25th-anniversary edition, cased in platinum, is a symphony of texture and light. The grained blue dial, streamlined markers, and hidden power reserve (a cheeky surprise) make it a modern dandy’s dream. It’s the watch equivalent of a perfectly tailored midnight-blue tuxedo—understated until it winks at you.
Why? The VC Solaria isn’t just complicated; it’s the horological equivalent of a NASA control panel. With 41 complications and 1,521 components, it’s a mic drop in platinum. Yet, against all odds, it’s legible—like a star chart rendered by a poet. Six time zones, a split-seconds chronograph, and a chiming function that could wake the gods. A universe on the wrist.
Why? Because Rolex just reinvented the wheel—literally. The new Settimo bracelet is a supple, vintage-inspired marvel, paired with the 1908 Perpetual. Straight end-links and a concealed clasp give it a Gay Frères-era swagger. Available only in yellow gold (for now), it’s a flex that even minimalists might secretly crave.
In the end, these watches weren’t just tools for telling time—they were conversation starters, heart-stoppers, and occasionally, bank-account emptiers. Until next year, keep your wrists interesting.
