WATCH REPORT

Bold colours, innovative, sustainable materials and heritage tributes tied to brand milestones: 2025 has proven that horology can be deeply personal, ethically aware, visually expressive and technically brilliant—all at the same time. Here's a round-up of the blockbuster timepieces from this year's crop of watchmaking novelties.

- BY PARTH CHARAN ILLUSTRATIONS BY DEEPRAJ SURVE

The 30 Best Watches of 2025

1. Hublot

Big Bang Unico Water

Blue Sapphire

With the latest addition to its flagship Big Bang line, Hublot has once again proved its material innovation prowess. Limited to 50 pieces, it is crafted entirely from water-blue sapphire crystal, capturing light like liquid glass. Beneath its crystalline skin beats the Unico automatic chronograph movement. Bold, avant-garde and utterly hypnotic, this Big Bang leaves an indelible impression.

2. Audemars Piguet

2025 Royal Oak

Perpetual Calendar

To celebrate its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet went big with an all-new perpetual calendar movement, doing away with correctors and replacing them with an all-in-one crown. Available in stainless steel and sand-gold versions, the watch represents a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Royal Oak—one that is streamlined, modernised and ready for action.

3. Rolex

Oyster Perpetual

Land-Dweller

The Land-Dweller is the latest addition to the Oyster Perpetual family, carrying all the hallmarks of a classic Rolex built for everyday durability. At its core is the ultra-slim calibre 7135, boasting 16 patent applications and visible through a sapphire caseback, an uncommon feature for the brand. While flashier and more complex watches may debut elsewhere, an entirely new Rolex model is a rare event that naturally commands attention.

4. IWC Schaffhausen

Ingenieur Automatic 42