This year may have seemed like a quiet year for releases, with new launches focused mostly on slight shifts in design, but there were a handful of hits that generated significant buzz. So with the year winding down to an end, there’s no better time to take a look back at some of these releases and see which of those stood out the most. Here are five of the best watches from 2025 ranging from more accessible to very high end.
Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer
In terms of price, the Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer is the most accessible watch on this list, but it also might be the most talked about watch of the year. When Nomos released their newest worldtimer at Watches and Wonders in April of this year, they had an immediate hit on their hands. The first set released featured two mainstays of the collection, with blue and silver dials, and a handful of colorways that were limited to 175 pieces each, all powered by the brand’s new DUW 3202 movement. The limited editions sold out almost immediately, and the brand released two more limited edition sets that also sold out just as fast.
Tudor Black Bay 58 Burgundy
The subtle changes that come together in the form of Tudor’s Black Bay 58 Burgundy were more than enough to catch the eye of enthusiasts this year. It wasn’t the first time Tudor experimented with burgundy, but this is the first Black Bay with a burgundy bezel and dial. Combining this design with their five link bracelet—including an adjustable T-fit clasp—and managing to keep the chronometer certified watch under 12mm in thickness proved to be a winning formula, and the watch was perhaps the most popular release of the year for Tudor.
Grand Seiko SLGB003
It should come as no surprise that Grand Seiko’s SLGB003 is the most accurate watch on this list. The SLGB003 comes with the manufacture’s newest Spring Drive movement, the 9RB2, and boasts an incredible accuracy of +/-20 seconds per year. In addition to the technically impressive movement, the SLGB003 features a titanium case and bracelet with a micro-adjust clasp, which Grand Seiko fans have wanted for years. Like other Grand Seiko watches, the dial color and texture takes inspiration from nature, with this model’s frosty blue taking its cues from Japan’s ice forests.
Rolex 1908
Without a doubt, the most talked about Rolex of the year was the Land-Dweller. But Rolex also delivered a hit that largely flew under the radar because of the noise generated by their newest model. The Rolex 1908 isn’t the same leap forward as the new Land-Dweller, but this year’s 1908 model is the first offered on a Settimo bracelet, which earned immediate acclaim from enthusiasts. Pairing the bracelet with a modern 39mm case size and a thin, domed and fluted bezel added to the watch’s classy feel, and the whole package comes together in true Rolex form, quietly perfecting their simple-yet-elegant style.
Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie
The Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie is one of the most technically impressive watches of 2025. Not only does the watch feature chimes to tell time, but its chimes can be set to two different melodies with the press of a button. The Grande Double Sonnerie is the result of 8 years of development and houses 1,053 individual components. Designed, produced, decorated and assembled completely in-house, the Grande Double can only be assembled by two artisans in the world, and it requires 12 months to assemble.
Compared to last year, this year’s watch releases felt a little more conservative, but that didn’t stop the industry from improving on already successful formulas and even pushing boundaries in a few areas. With market uncertainty at the forefront of many minds, it’s no surprise that this year was slightly reserved. Still, the watch industry continues to grow, and this year was no exception. Happy New Year!
