Watches & Wonders 2025: The Pinnacle of Horological Excellence
Watches & Wonders 2025, held from April 1-7 at Geneva’s Palexpo Exhibition Centre, has made its position as the world’s most important watchmaking event. This year’s edition shattered previous attendance records by welcoming over 55,000 visitors throughout the week-long celebration of watchmaking. The exhibition brought together 60 participating brands, from the well-established ones to even independent artisans pushing the boundaries of innovation.
While most of the attention was at the Rolex booth, the other brands also did not lag behind. Each brand had something special to showcase. Let’s run down through each one of the special pieces showcased by different brands at the event.
Rolex
Rolex made the most significant statement at Watches & Wonders 2025 with the introduction of the new Land-Dweller. Sitting right between the Datejust and the Day-Date lineup, this watch brings everything that you would expect from a 2025 release. From an integrated bracelet to a open case back, this Rolex offers it all.
Land Dweller
Available in Stainless Steel, Rose Gold and Platinum, the watch features a honeycomb effect on the dial. It just shows the time and has a date window, bringing the most practical experience. While the Stainless Steel option is most likely going to be the more popular choice, I can see people drooling over the Platinum version as well.
The Land Dweller has been released in two sizes – 40mm and 36mm. Just like the Datejust and Day-Date lineup, we will expect the larger variant to carry the most premium over the retail price in the secondary market.
Other Rolex releases
While the most attention is towards the Land Dweller, Rolex also released a couple of other variations for its current watch lineup. Starting from the Oyster Perptual, it received 3 new dials out of which the Pistachio one is hands down my favorite one. For the GMT Master II enthusiasts, you now get a new Tiger Iron dial on the Full Rose Gold Rootbeer. The Sprite now comes in White Gold with a Green Dial on it.
Yellow Gold Daytona with the Oysterflex strap now gets a new Tiffany blue strap. Though not really my taste, I can see some people paying way over retail just to get their hands on one. The Sky-Dweller now gets a new bright Green Dial for the full yellow gold version and I just love the contrast this dial is able to create with the yellow gold all around.
Last but not least, there is a new Yellow Gold bracelet option available for the rather new addition to the Rolex family – the Rolex 1908. This yellow gold bracelet takes this dress watch to a whole different level.
Patek Philippe
With an event as big as the Watches & Wonders, Patek Philippe did not want to lose on the chance to show off their watchmaking skills. The centerpiece of their 2025 collection is undoubtedly the Calatrava 5328G-001, an exceptional watch featuring an eight-day power reserve. It features a sophisticated blue dial housed in a white gold case, with a power reserve indicator elegantly integrated into the dial layout. The extended power reserve just shows us that how committed Patek is towards offering mechanical watches that people can rely on.
Alongside the 5238G, the Swiss watchmaker also released the 5308G Quadruple Complication. Offered in a White Gold case, this watch features a nice Ice Blue dial. They also released a new Nautilus 5811 variant covered with 1400 diamonds.
Last year, Patek Philippe released the new Cubitus serials, and at this event, the company brought a new 40mm version of the same watch. Initially, the Cubitus was released in 45mm, which was quite big on the wrist of many people. Now, the 40mm should make more people happier.
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet released a total of 3 new models at the event, two of which featured ceramic cases. These AP watches feature the all-new Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 ceramic case and the dials are made in the same color. These watches are in a shade of Midnight Blue and I have to say these look very impressive at least in the pictures. I am very excited to check these out in person.
The new material has been used on a Royal Oak Openworked Double Balance Wheel, which looks out of this world. There is also a Royal Oak Offshore made of Ceramic this time, which means it is one of those Offshores that is going to wear relatively lighter on the wrist. Lastly, there is another Offshore model made of Steel with the new Midnight Blue Ceramic bezel on it.
