2025: The Year of Watch Anniversaries and Big Predictions
As we gear up for 2025, the watch world is buzzing with anticipation. Why? Because this year marks milestone anniversaries for some of the most iconic brands and collections in horology. From groundbreaking innovations to timeless designs, anniversaries in the watch world are always celebrated with releases that tug at the heartstrings of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What might these brands have in store for us? Let’s explore the most exciting possibilities—and why they make perfect sense.
AP
Audemars Piguet: 150 Years of Watchmaking Excellence
Predicted Releases:
• Ultra-Thin Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in Titanium or Gold
• Royal Oak Concept Anniversary Edition with Cutting-Edge Mechanics
Why?
Audemars Piguet has a history of using anniversaries to showcase their ability to blend heritage with innovation. For their 50th anniversary, the Royal Oak featured an updated movement and subtle design tweaks. For 2025, expect them to go bolder.
A limited-edition Royal Oak with a skeletonized dial and ultra-thin perpetual calendar movement would honor both their technical mastery and the enduring appeal of the Royal Oak. Meanwhile, a Concept watch could push the boundaries of material science and mechanics, perhaps incorporating advanced alloys or a brand-new complication. After all, what better way to celebrate 150 years than by looking to the future?
Omega
Omega and Bond: 30 Years of Seamaster Spycraft
Predicted Releases:
• Seamaster Diver 300M “GoldenEye Tribute”
• Limited Edition with Modern Upgrades (Ceramic, Titanium)
Why?
The partnership between Omega and James Bond is one of the most iconic in pop culture and horology. Omega has a track record of marking Bond anniversaries with standout models, like the Seamaster 300M for Bond’s 60th.
For 2025, Omega could revisit the model that started it all in GoldenEye: the blue wave dial Seamaster Diver 300M. But Omega doesn’t just reissue—they elevate. Expect modern materials like ceramic or titanium, possibly paired with a helium escape valve and playful Bond details, like lume in the shape of 007’s logo or a hidden laser-etched Bond motif on the crystal.
Omega’s releases will appeal to Bond fans and collectors alike—nostalgia meets modern performance.
Rolex
Rolex: 70 Years of the GMT-Master
Predicted Releases:
• Green-and-Gold Bezel GMT-Master II
• Two-Tone Jubilee Bracelet “Pepsi” Edition
Why?
Rolex celebrates milestones subtly but meaningfully. For the Submariner’s 50th anniversary, they introduced the green “Kermit” bezel. For the GMT-Master’s 70th, we anticipate a return to vintage-inspired roots with bold yet timeless updates.
A green-and-gold bezel would nod to the increasing popularity of green in luxury watches while still feeling distinctly “Rolex.” Alternatively, Rolex might introduce a two-tone Jubilee bracelet for their beloved Pepsi bezel GMT-Master II, giving collectors a perfect blend of classic design and modern flair.
Breguet
Breguet: 250 Years of Horological Legacy
Predicted Releases:
• Platinum Tourbillon with Enamel Dial
• Marine Équation Marchante Limited Edition
Why?
Breguet is synonymous with horological firsts. They invented the tourbillon, and it remains their signature complication. For their 250th, a platinum tourbillon with an enamel dial would honor the artistry and technical prowess of Abraham-Louis Breguet himself.
The Marine collection, inspired by Breguet’s historical ties to navigation, could feature an Équation Marchante complication, showcasing their ability to craft watches that are both technically complex and visually stunning.
Zenith: 160 Years of El Primero and More
Predicted Releases:
• El Primero Revival A386 “160th Anniversary”
• Chronomaster Sport with Gradient Dial or New Bezel Colors
Why?
Zenith loves to celebrate its heritage, particularly with the iconic El Primero movement. A revival of the A386 in modern materials like carbon fiber or ceramic would appeal to collectors who crave both nostalgia and innovation.
The Chronomaster Sport, a recent hit, is another likely candidate for an anniversary edition. Expect bold updates like gradient dials or unique bezel colorways, designed to make the Chronomaster stand out even more in the competitive sports chronograph market.
Blancpain
Blancpain: 290 Years of Diving and Dress Elegance
Predicted Releases:
• Fifty Fathoms with Faux Radium Lume
• Villeret Grande Date Anniversary Edition
Why?
Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms is legendary in the world of dive watches. A special edition featuring vintage-inspired faux radium lume would honor their pioneering 1950s models while incorporating modern safety standards.
On the dress watch side, Blancpain’s Villeret collection could see an elegant Grande Date model, perfect for collectors who favor traditional watchmaking.
Vacheron Constantin: 270 Years of Timeless Elegance
Predicted Releases:
• Patrimony Perpetual Calendar Skeleton
• Historiques Collection Revival
Why?
Vacheron Constantin’s anniversary releases often focus on complexity and artistry. A skeletonized Patrimony perpetual calendar would highlight their expertise in ultra-thin watchmaking and appeal to collectors seeking a true masterpiece.
Meanwhile, the Historiques collection offers the perfect canvas for a vintage revival, celebrating the brand’s storied past while catering to today’s trend of heritage-inspired pieces.
Why Do These Predictions Matter?
Anniversary releases are about more than just marking a date—they’re a statement of a brand’s legacy, innovation, and future. These pieces are often highly collectible, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern trends.
In 2025, we’ll see brands balance nostalgia with innovation, giving collectors a chance to own a piece of history while showcasing how far horology has come. From the cutting-edge to the classically inspired, there’s something for everyone.
What Are You Excited About?
The possibilities for 2025 are endless, and these predictions are just the beginning. Which release are you most excited for? Will AP’s 150th steal the show, or will Omega’s Bond tribute win the day?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—and get ready, because 2025 is going to be a big year for watches.
