Watch trends 2025 - more diverse and innovative than ever before
Admittedly, at first glance, a wristwatch offers limited opportunities for designers and engineers to express their creativity. This makes it all the more impressive how creative minds have managed to conceive a diverse watchmaking year par excellence.
Color Playground Frecliner watches Vintage France Smart & Co. Sports watches Dress watches
Colors – here to stay
Sometime in the last five years, the stalemate finally broke, and colors—regardless of their hue and connotation—found their way onto the dials of the watch world. Whether plain or brightly colored—anything goes.
„Tsuyosa“: color, automatic, vintage design and in-house automatic caliber:
These ingredients in the usual CitizenThe Japanese watch manufacturer combines high quality with an attractive price-performance ratio – now also with a 37-millimeter diameter (RRP €299).
The new „29er Big Small Second“ models from Mill-Glassworks shine with either a Classic Blue or Stone White dial with petrol-colored accents.
Worn casually on canvas straps, these 42.4-millimeter automatic watches are perfect for sailing trips and summer relaxation at the marina. (RRP €1,800)
The new „FORM Women” version of Junghans opts for a summery, light look with orange-red and beige on the bowl-shaped, matte white dial and the two-layer leather strap.
Despite its compact dimensions—34.1 millimeters in diameter—the quartz watch subtly draws attention to itself. (RRP €490)
The „S05” from Elka Watch The leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, the filigree second hand and the understated logo allow the deep burgundy red to take center stage on the sunburst dial.
The G100 automatic movement from La Joux-Perret ensures precision.
The „Lumatik“ is the first Sternglas model with two Luminova colors on the dial.
In contrast, the rich green of the satin-finished dial and the dark green strap made of recycled Seaqual nylon of the automatic watch with a 38-millimeter stainless steel case in PVD bronze.
The „Lady Sky“ from Tutima Glashütte features a soft green tone with sage on the structured dial.
The stainless steel watch is also rather understated in size, measuring 34 millimeters. It offers ample space for the Tutima 330 automatic caliber, featuring a rhodium-plated rotor with an 18-karat gold seal. (RRP €2,200)
The dial as a playground
Just a few centimeters of space are enough for the watch designers to immerse themselves in a very unique world with a glance: whether in the colorful underwater world, in Tolkien's Middle Earth, the art of guilloché work or in the design philosophy of Alain Silberstein.
A look at the „Flensi“ model from Alexander Shorokhoff, lovingly named after its geographical inspiration, Flensburg, transports you to the fascinating underwater world with all its inhabitants that frolic on the mother-of-pearl dial.
The stainless steel case, water-resistant to 10 bar, houses either the ETA 2824 or the Sellita SW200 movement. (RRP €2,700)
A clock for peace – so called Elka Watch The "Timepeace" model refers to the date February 22nd, which in numerology represents balance and harmony. The watch bears a poetic inscription in English in Elvish calligraphy: "From the mountains to the oceans, may the language of peace resonate in every soul."„
In addition to this mission, the "Timepeace" also displays the time, powered by the G100 automatic movement from La Joux Perret. (RRP €1,745.10)
The dials of the new automatic ladies„ watches “Friedrichshafen Automatic Open Heart” by Zeppelin with a diameter of 36 millimeters, they feature a radial guilloche pattern in the center, surrounded by a silver ring.
Finely coordinated leather straps with a crocodile pattern complete the look. (RRP €399)
This limited edition of 500 copies was clearly Yema-Edition designed by the French watchmaker and modernist Alain Silberstein.
Housed in a DLC-coated 40-millimeter titanium case, the CMM.20 features a micro-rotor, ensuring precision on the colorful dial. (RRP €3,900)
Timepiece for high flights
Robust, reliable, and easy-to-read wristwatches have enjoyed unwavering popularity among ground crews since their invention to assist pilots in navigation. The first watch of this type is considered to be the "Santos" from 1906, which Cartier developed for the Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont. Other manufacturers followed suit and continue to delight aviators and non-aviators alike.
Original aircraft sheet metal, which is proven to originate from the production of the Messerschmitt ME 262, is used in the „ME262-42Extrema“ limited to 262 units by Aristo as a dial, each of which has its own unique patina.
Sellita's proven SW200 automatic movement ensures precision. (RRP €650)
„Promaster Sky“ is Citizen for the pilot watch category, which has now been expanded to include a trio.
With a diameter of 40 millimeters, they are among the most compact models in this line, are equipped with the in-house Eco-Drive movement 8b6209, and offer a choice of green, white, and copper.
A functional eye-catcher is the slide rule bezel for determining fuel consumption or fuel level. (RRP €399)
The „Eurofighter“ version of the Pointtec brand bauhaus is published in its fifth edition this year and is named after one of the most modern combat aircraft: Typhoon.
This source of inspiration is reflected in two mechanical and one quartz models. All feature a polished stainless steel case with a coin-shaped bezel, a retro pilot's crown, and large, framed hands generously coated with Superluminova.
At Aviator The name says it all. Furthermore, the Swiss brand is very close to the aircraft itself. The research and development facilities are located in the control tower of the regional Swiss airport in Jura.
The current result of these efforts is the „Heritage Chronograph Trimeter,“ limited to 250 pieces. It is inspired by the history of medical aviation and combines three essential instruments for flying doctors on the dial: tachymeter, telemeter, and pulsometer.
Source of inspiration: past & true classics
Was everything better in the past? Yes and no! But especially when it comes to design, there are true icons that deserve a modernized homage and that continue to win over lovers of good design. But the stories surrounding watchmaking technologies or individual models and brands also continually inspire the creativity of watch designers.
Eberhard & Co. At INHORGENTA, presented, among other things, the „Chronographe 1887 Édition Limitée“, a hand-wound chronograph limited to 250 pieces, as well as the „Chronographe 1887 Automatique“, a chronograph with an automatic movement.
These timepieces expand the „1887“ line, launched in 2019 to celebrate the Maison’s founding year.
These new G-SHOCK-Models feature a metal bezel and the Tough Silicone Band, which promises high wearing comfort and improved abrasion resistance.
The „GM-5600YM“ and „GM-5600YMG“ take up the legendary shape of the first G-SHOCK, the „DW-5000C,“ while the „GM-2100YM“ and „GM-2100YMG“ offer a modern, minimalist look with their octagonal bezel.
Sigmund Jähn was the first German in space on the Soyuz 31 mission in 1978. He wore a wristwatch made in Ruhla specifically for this mission.
The new „Space Control Automatic“ from the watch brand Ruhla Like its historical predecessor, this watch features an integrated steel bracelet. Unlike its original, however, it features the modern Miyota caliber 8215 automatic movement.
A version with the Miyota 82S5 and "Open Heart" is also available. (RRP €399)
The „Tachymeter 2.0“ from Star glass is a homage to the racing aesthetic of the 1970s. It is available in either timeless black and silver with fiery red accents or a maritime dark blue and silver with bright yellow accents.
With its 44-millimeter stainless steel case, it is currently the largest timepiece in the Hamburg-based brand's range. It houses the Seiko TMI VK63 mecha-quartz chronograph caliber.
Chic & Horlogerie à la Française
Baguette, croissant, and bonjour – as wonderfully melodious as the French language sounds to many, the fashion of the Grande Nation is just as carefree and elegant. This naturally also applies to the watch design, which was on display for the third time in the French Pavilion at INHORGENTA 2025.
Timeless vintage elements meet in the new „Clubmaster Legend Diver“ from Briston on modern technology. Its 40 x 40 millimeter case, water-resistant to 20 bar, is made either from cotton resin with a unique character or from 316L stainless steel.
It houses the Japanese automatic caliber Miyota 8315 with a 60-hour power reserve. (RRP €850)
This YemaThe integrated bracelet model returns in a slimmer version (9 mm). The timepiece is equipped with the in-house micro-rotor caliber CMM.20, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Added to this is a striped dial with raised hour markers and faceted hands. It's surrounded by a new bezel, inspired by a Yema Sous Marine model from the 1980s.
Between tradition and modernity, the French brand founded in 1975 translates Poiray their vision of luxury in timeless classics.
Watches have been part of the portfolio since 1987, and the first timepiece – „Ma Première“ – is still the inspirational basis for all new models.
The three-hand automatic watch from the „Cap Camarat“ line by Herbelin is the perfect timepiece for anyone looking for strong design and functionality.
Water-resistant to 10 bar, the square 39-millimeter stainless steel case houses an SW200-1 movement that ensures reliable precision on the green French Navy dial. (RRP €949)
The watch brand Pierre Lannier Founded in 1977 by Béatrice and Jean-Paul Burgun, the company is now managed by their son, Pierre Burgun. Through its commitment to French craftsmanship and manufacturing in France, Pierre Lannier is one of the market leaders in the sub-€500 watch segment in France.
An example is this automatic watch 317B151 with a burgundy, open-hearted dial (RRP 229 €)
Liabilities – Smart, GPS and Radio
When the first "real" watches that could be connected to smartphones emerged, there was considerable uncertainty and even outright rejection in the watch community. Radio-controlled watches were already established, and GPS watches were already adorning wrists with the blessing of the watch industry. And the original "antichrists," the connected watch and smartwatch, have long since found their universally accepted place in the watch world.
With its integrated GPS, over 30 sports apps and comprehensive health features, the „Lily 2 Active“ is much more than „just“ a stylish accessory.
As the smallest GPS smartwatch from Garmin, equipped with a 38-millimeter aluminum case, it can be easily integrated into any situation and any look.
The hidden touch display can be activated by simply tapping the patterned dial or by turning your wrist. (RRP €349.99)
The „ICE smart junior“ collection from Ice Watch was specially developed for the needs and expectations of young adventurers.
They include connected features that allow children to stay in touch with their parents and participate in interactive activities, while also promoting an active lifestyle.
With the „ICE Junior“ app, you can connect the watch to an iPhone or Android smartphone.
The smart hybrid watch „Smarty“ from Pointtec is an analog watch that has an astonishingly wide range of functions thanks to sensors, a connection to a mobile phone and a small screen.
Numerous sports can be recorded, and tracking for calorie consumption, sleep, steps, and so on is also included.
It also allows you to receive and display notifications from your smartphone. (RRP €249)
Citizen introduces two titanium models of the „Attesa“ series with the Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS function, which are equipped for the first time with a ceramic bezel.
The Japanese watch manufacturer also uses its most advanced in-house caliber for satellite-controlled GPS watches, the F950.
The RRP is €1,295 or €1,395 for the black version (DLC).
The multi-frequency radio solar movement J604.90 of the „Mega Futura” from Junghans receives signals from Europe, Japan and the USA and offers functions such as large date, weekday display, calendar week, 12/24-hour display as well as a light function and contrast adjustment.
The case, made of pure stainless steel or black PVD-coated, measures 38.5 x 44.0 millimeters and features a vapor-coated glass caseback. (RRP €490 or €590, respectively)
Always works: sporty & robust
Timekeeping, watches, and sports – this is and remains a never-ending relationship. This applies even to those less active and those with even more sporty-looking watches. Not to be forgotten is the functionality, which some diligently use, while others wear it on their wrists as a possible backup in case of a sudden urge to exercise. The dynamic look of these watches is transferred to the wearer, which explains their enduring popularity.
The „1972 Chronoscope Sports Edition 2025″ from Junghans is a stately 43.3-millimeter quartz watch limited to 200 pieces with a sporty design and versatile features.
It features a date, small seconds, and 24-hour display. The chronograph offers a 1/5 stop second and a 60-minute counter. (RRP €890)
The 39-millimeter diving watches „SUB 200T Diamonds“ from Doxa At first glance, you cannot tell that it is absolutely suitable for depths up to 20 bar.
Here, the Swiss brand combines its signature case shape, robustness, and vibrantly colored dials with 107 diamonds and 13 brilliant-cut gemstones. (RRP €9,400)
The newly presented „M2 Seven Seas S“ from Tutima is equipped with a robust 40.2-millimeter stainless steel case and a 2.5-millimeter thick sapphire crystal.
The Tutima 330 automatic caliber ensures the necessary precision both on water and in the air. Worn on an FKM rubber strap, comfort is also guaranteed. (RRP €1,830)
The new „Eco-Drive Professional Diver 300 m“ duo, water resistant to 30 bar, from Citizen-Brand Promaster with 46 millimeters diameter is also suitable for saturation diving with helium valve.
The light-powered in-house caliber E365 with a power reserve of 365 days ensures smooth movement.
A secure fit is ensured by a Benebiol™ strap (including a strap extension for use over a wetsuit), which is hydrolysis-resistant in moisture and thus has a lower environmental impact. (RRP €499)
Dress for Success
Watches make the man. That's right! Even though you don't really need a wristwatch. You can tell the correct time from your cell phone or other readily available digital displays. And yet—or perhaps precisely because of this—so-called dress watches are currently enjoying immense popularity. Simple elegance persists unwaveringly in a world of luminous displays—at least on the wrist.
With its velvet brown dial with a soft color gradient, the new, flat „29er Casual“ offers sporty elegance and everyday comfort at the same time.
For the tidy look, Mill-Glassworks The bezel, which usually adorns the "29" models, is omitted. Inside, the flat SW 300-1 automatic movement works in a heavily modified version by Mühle-Glashütte.
It has a low height of 3.6 millimeters, allowing it to slip comfortably under any blouse or shirt cuff. (RRP €1,890)
This award-winning Star glass-Classic is available in sizes 38 and 42 millimeters, so every watch lover can find the right model for their wrist.
Made of robust 316L stainless steel with a color-resistant PVD bronze coating, the „Naos Automatic alabaster bronze“ is extremely durable.
The timepiece is powered by the proven Miyota 8215 automatic movement. (RRP €429)
With its 39-millimeter case made of brushed/polished steel and domed sapphire crystal, the „Grand Prix“ from Vulcain Real dress watch quality with references to past decades.
Beneath the sunburst dial is the Swiss Landeron L24 automatic movement. (RRP €1,290)
