Watches & Wonders 2025 delivered its share of surprises, standouts, and special moments. We asked nine industry insiders and watch media personalities to share their biggest takeaways—from favorite releases to unforgettable encounters.
For all the hype around new releases and headline-grabbing novelties, the real magic of Watches & Wonders lies in the moments between appointments—the spontaneous conversations, the chance encounters, the feeling of being immersed in the beating heart of modern watchmaking. To capture that spirit, we tapped a few familiar names in the world of watch media and collecting, asking them to share their biggest takeaways from this year’s fair. From standout timepieces to unforgettable memories, here’s how nine industry insiders experienced Watches & Wonders 2025.
“My favorite release this year was the Hublot Big Bang ‘One Click’ 33mm in colored ceramic—a rich navy and a punchy turquoise that kind of scream Gatorade chic. I know Hublot can be polarizing, but they never try to be anything they’re not, and honestly, that’s hot. It’s the Big Bang’s 20th anniversary—Jean-Claude Biver’s bold baby—and I love how they’ve reimagined it for smaller wrists without skimping on movement (in-house, automatic) or material (in-house ceramic).”
“One moment I’ll never forget happened at the Panerai stand. I was chatting with Auro Montanari (John Goldberger) for the first time in person—someone who had actually just helped me via DMs with a Ralph Lauren Slim Classique. Next thing I know, he’s joining me for a photo shoot in a tiny, pitch-black studio room with 10 of us crammed in, trying to get the shot. Here’s a guy who’s seen it all in this world, still genuinely excited to see new watches and swap thoughts. That energy is everything.”
“Seeing the Hermès Maillon Libre brooch watch in person was a moment. It’s tiny, mirrored, sculptural—and totally reframes how and where a watch can live on the body. It’s not just a timepiece—it’s a Birkin-era trophy charm.”
“There was a shared vibe across brands this year: smaller, more wearable case sizes, deep muted tones, lots of gold and integrated bracelets. I’m calling it ‘opulent simplicity’—a phrase I stole from Pantone. It’s classic luxury, a little nostalgic, and while some might call it boring, I’m all in.”
“This year’s Watches & Wonders was the breaking of the trends. It felt like brands stopped chasing ‘firsts’ or some big universal theme. Instead, they leaned into their DNA and gave the masses what they actually wanted—and did it on their own terms.”
“There was plenty to admire this year, but for me, Ulysse Nardin stood out as the clear winner. Their booth was part high-fashion atelier, part futuristic lab—with a content studio, a DJ booth, and a whole vibe. They seamlessly blended media, culture, and haute horology, perfectly complementing the debut of their new Diver Air.”
“Half the fun is the people. Reconnecting with watch friends from around the world is always a highlight. That said, I loved what IWC, Chopard, and Zenith brought to the table—but my favorite piece wasn’t even at the fair. It was the Fam Al Hut Mark 1, a microbrand from Asia. Loved it so much I ordered one. Costly trip.”
“My favorite release was the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton in slate green. I didn’t expect to love it, but it really hit. It was actually the second watch I handled at the show. Honestly, just being there was a dream—I’ve wanted to attend for years, and to now be doing this for work? That’s the dream.”
“This year was hectic—in the best way. I wouldn’t say there was a single release that blew me away (okay, maybe the BVLGARI Ultra Tourbillon), but overall, it felt like a really grounded, market-savvy year. My pick? The Parmigiani Fleurier Toric QP. It might be the best-looking perpetual calendar of the modern era. The new TAG Heuer F1 and Frederique Constant drops were also standouts. But the top moment? Hosting over 300 people at my Casa Event at Beau Rivage. That, and the late-night press room chats—that’s what makes W&W the best week of the year.”
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