Watches and Wonders is one of our favorite times of the year. There are dozens of brands looking to show out and show off everything they have worked on for the last year in preparation for the biggest event of the year in horology. Of course, standouts and newcomers always surprise us, but it can sometimes be challenging to know the big moments, the big takeaways, and what the watch world will implement into the industry moving forward.
For that, I reached out to a friend of mine, Perri Dash, horology expert and founder of the acclaimed Wrist Check Podcast. Not only is he the go-to brain when it comes to watches, but he was boots on the ground and ready to share what the big moments and takeaways were for Watches and Wonders 2025. Check out our Watches and Wonders insights that we gained through Dash.
The independents that took center stage
Independent watch companies have always been one of the draws to Watches and Wonders. While the event began as a trade show, it has evolved into much more over the years and has become a cultural phenomenon. Making your debut or making a splash as a smaller brand when up against the likes of the big boys like Rolex and Patek Philippe can put you on the map. Last year, we saw Parmigiani Fleuerier return its 20-year-old Toric watches and steal the show. This year, Dash tells us who we should be keeping our eyes on.
“The independents really came to play. H. Moser & Cie and Ulysse Nardin went all in — with immersive booths and bold releases. Moser’s pop art-inspired Endeavour dials were next-level in person. And Ulysse Nardin’s Diver Air pushes the limits of lightweight design — it’s a performance piece that doubles as high fashion. Their DJ booth setup? One of the best vibes at the show.”
The trends leading the way in 2025
If you’re looking at new trends for the menswear world, you look at New York Men’s Day to see what the designers and stylists are doing. They have their fingers on the pulse of what consumers want and what people will be wearing for the next year. Watches and Wonders has become that very thing for the watch world.
While it may seem a little less involved to the untrained eye, everything from the size of the watch (can we all say a collective thank you for losing the love for the giant watches on your wrists?) to the metal you wear begins at this show. Just like we saw some things that changed the industry before in the form of smaller-sized watches and new complications, there is a cultural love at play this year.
“Popular culture at large is influencing the growth of the watch market. There was a celebrity presence at Watches and Wonders this year with cameos from hip-hop artist and collector Nore rocking a yellow gold Vacheron 222, as well as NBA athlete Derrick Rose wearing a rose gold JLC Reverso. You’re starting to see these more notable figures wearing watches outside of what you’d typically expect.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t technical aspects that also lead the way. This year, a definite standout theme seemed to take its lead from the biggest name in the industry.
“Rose gold is clearly having a moment — from Rolex’s new Land-Dweller in Everose to IWC’s full Ingenieur execution. But what’s refreshing is that there’s no single trend dominating. Brands are leaning into their own identities and making bold, unapologetic statements. This year is about self-definition.”
How can you style what we found at Watches and Wonders 2025
If you are a collector, then watches mean a lot to you. Everything from the history and the story told to the status and place the watch holds within the industry matters. If you aren’t a collector and you’re just a guy looking to wear a great watch every day, then a lot of this may seem like it doesn’t apply. That is fair; you can often watch New York Fashion Week shows and think there’s no way you would wear any of them.
But the point is that there are pieces you can pick up that are great from a style perspective, and Watches and Wonders offers the same. Dash gives his advice on what to wear and what is the easiest to style from the show in 2025.
“Precious metal will always be the easiest to style and there was lots of it. Rolex’s new 1908 on bracelet was a heater. JLC’s Reverso on the Milanese bracelet is insane. Cartier brought a ton of style as well with a number of pieces, but the winner for me was the new Tank à Guichets in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. These are all watches you can dress up and down easily, from blue jeans to black tie.”
Watches and Wonders is one of the premier events of the year in any sector of the fashion industry. That is why we keep our eyes out for anything that crosses our desk. That is also why we connect with people like Dash and his podcast to stay up to date on anything and everything watches. The year 2025 had some fantastic debuts, launches, and surprises; we now have to wait 12 months to see our favorite brands do it again.
