It's A Wrap : The Hour Markers Team’s Top Picks Of Watches And Wonders 2025
7 min read
Watches and Wonders Geneva set a new record, drawing over 55,000 visitors throughout the week! Amongst the attendees were Simone Ashley, Usain Bolt, Roger Federer, Carl Lewis, and Hans Zimmer. Their presence, along with the engagement from exhibiting brands and journalists generated a huge buzz on social media. The incredible new releases and activities on display were a true testament to the energy and innovation within the Swiss watchmaking industry.
“Watches and Wonders has firmly established itself not just as a key inter-professional event but also as a platform for the watchmaking Maisons to express themselves. The event offers each of them the chance to showcase their unique worlds, display beautiful creations, and share a common passion. It’s the perfect blend of media, medium, and mediator.”
Cyrille Vigneron, President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation
Some brands celebrated their heritage, while others focused on their iconic collections. Women’s watches took center stage, especially in the jewelry watch segment, where smaller sizes provided new opportunities for differentiation through unique dial textures and colors. The growing popularity of skeleton watches also highlighted the enduring appeal of precision engineering, with several world records and premieres to boot.
This year’s groundbreaking launches were nothing short of remarkable—from the revolutionary Land Dweller to the world’s most complicated Vacheron Constantin, and even the thinnest tourbillon ever made. These are just a few of the highlights that pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, showcasing cutting-edge technology and exceptional craftsmanship.
With so many remarkable pieces to choose from, here are a few that really caught the eye of The Hour Markers Team:
Karishma Karer
My pick has to be the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Geographic. The watch isn't just about aesthetics—it's packed with impressive technical features. The World Time complication, with a rotating 24-hour ring, is a game changer, offering far better clarity and ease of use compared to conventional world timers. A hidden pusher at the top of the case allows for quick, intuitive time zone adjustments, making it as functional as it is elegant. The patented Grande Date display, with stacked discs for enhanced legibility, adds to the watch’s visual appeal and precision. Powered by the fully integrated Calibre 834 movement, the Reverso Tribute Geographic also boasts a 42-hour power reserve, perfectly balancing performance with practicality. The steel model in cool blue is on my wish list.
Punit Mehta
Undoubtedly the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moon Phases Ref. 4946R. As someone who appreciates smaller cases, the new Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moon Phases Ref. 4946R really stands out for me. At 38mm, it strikes a perfect balance—neither too bold nor too delicate—making it an ideal fit for my wrist. The warm, radiant rose gold case, measuring 38mm wide and 11mm thick, exudes quiet sophistication. What I love most about this piece is its elegance and simplicity. While its more complex perpetual calendar cousins can be a bit overwhelming, the annual calendar complication here keeps things refined while still showcasing Patek Philippe’s trademark technical brilliance. And let's face it, it’s a Patek..
Palak Jain
For me, it was all about the shapes! Piaget’s Sixtie isn’t just a relaunch—it’s a bold statement. The watch really taps into Piaget’s daring spirit, pulling from the radical designs of the late ‘60s and giving them a fresh, modern twist for today’s collector. The trapeze case, sculpted in gold and detailed with intricate gadroons, just oozes effortless glamour. This is definitely not a watch that fades into the background; it's all about making a statement. The bezel, with its finely chiselled gadroons, brings Piaget's rich heritage into the mix, recalling iconic pieces that were favorites of figures like Andy Warhol. And the dial—it's just perfect, with golden hour markers, baton hands, and Roman numerals all coming together in a beautiful balance.
Sanjana Parikh
It’s probably obvious, but the crown rules for me once again. The Land-Dweller instantly grabs my attention as a watch made for those who are grounded, carving their own paths and seeing opportunities in every moment. Available in 36mm and 40mm, this addition to the Rolex family perfectly embodies the brand’s legendary craftsmanship, built to perform at the highest level in any condition. What really makes the Land-Dweller stand out is its technical innovation. With 32 patents—18 of them exclusive to this model—Rolex has truly pushed the limits of horology. The design of the new Flat Jubilee bracelet, which blends seamlessly with the Oyster case, is a game-changer for integrated bracelets. For me, the 40mm version in white Rolesor is the one that stands out. The mix of Oystersteel and white gold, the fluted bezel, and that striking white dial with a honeycomb motif is just perfect.
Ghulam Gows
I’d pick the Cartier Privé Tank à Guichets for its perfect mix of heritage and modern refinement. This 2025 release stays true to the original 1928 design while giving it a fresh, sculptural twist. Powered by the hand-wound 9755 MC calibre, it keeps the unique jumping hours and dragging minutes complication—making telling time feel almost theatrical and mechanical in the best way. The brushed metal face framed by polished brancards creates this amazing visual contrast that just enhances the whole look. I love the symmetry of the hour aperture at 12 o'clock and the minute aperture at 6 o'clock, and the fact that it does away with numerals and hands makes it even more elegant and pure. It’s the kind of watch that really makes you slow down, engage with time differently, and appreciate every moment—a quality I truly value in a timepiece.
Darshini Gondane
Honey, I’d definitely pick the Odysseus Honeygold for its perfect mix of sporty elegance and practical design. The large date and day-of-week displays make it super functional, while the bold contrasts in the case—rounded yet angular, with those tapered pushers—add this amazing visual depth that I really love. The craftsmanship is on another level, with both the case and bracelet made from 750 Honeygold. The five-row bracelet design feels refined but never too flashy, which I really appreciate. Plus, the precision-adjustable clasp gives me the perfect fit every time. At 40.5mm, the case feels just right—big enough to make a statement, but not too bulky. The legibility is spot on, with luminous hands and hour markers that make reading the time effortless. And then there’s the embossed grooves and that signature red number 60 on the minute scale—such a subtle but dynamic touch that makes this watch stand out. It’s versatile enough to wear daily, yet bold enough to be a statement piece, and that’s exactly what draws me to it.
In Conclusion
While there were countless exciting and innovative launches this year, these picks from our team truly stand out. From Bvlgari’s latest iteration of the Serpenti, which once again pushes the boundaries to the thinnest tourbillon yet and the most complicated Solaria by Vacheron Constantin, each release showcased the relentless creativity and technical mastery of the industry’s finest. Panerai's all-new Jupiterium, a planetarium clock honoring Galileo Galilei was undeniably a showstopper, while Roger Dubuis took it back to basics with their striking Excalibur Grande Complication. With so much to choose from, these selections represent a diverse and thrilling snapshot of the year’s most notable horological achievements, each offering a unique blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and design. The future of watchmaking is undeniably bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
In the midst of all the excitement, Trump's decision to impose a 31% tariff on Swiss watches sent shockwaves through the industry, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the global market. The move has undoubtedly created uncertainty and could have long-term repercussions, particularly for luxury brands that rely heavily on international trade. However, despite the turbulence, the spirit of the watchmaking industry remains undeterred. Brands continue to innovate and push boundaries, proving that their resilience and passion for horology are far from shaken. While the full impact of this decision remains to be seen, it’s clear that the industry will adapt and persevere, as it always has in the face of challenges.
