An irresistible lineup of the most captivating new timepieces from Watches & Wonders 2025
The most illustrious names in modern watchmaking flex their creative prowess in no uncertain terms at Watches & Wonders 2025. In the final of our three-part series of top picks from the much-anticipated exposition, we shine the spotlight on brands who go bold with ornamentation and experimentation. For more editors’ picks, here is part one and two.
Hublot Big Bang 20th Anniversary ‘Materials And High Complications’ Unique Set
What do you love about the Hublot Big Bang? Its audacious material experimentation? Its mind-boggling complications? Or its unique machismo with a touch of futurism? If your answer is “all of the above”, you have come to the right place with this curated, one-of-a-kind edition.
The Big Bang 20th Anniversary ‘Materials and High Complications’ Unique Set comprises five models, each showcasing Hublot’s mastery in material innovation and technical watchmaking. The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Sapphire, and Big Bang Tourbillon Chronograph in Water Blue Sapphire, for instance, underscore the brand’s pioneering use—and command—of sapphire crystal components.
Meanwhile, the striking Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic housed in red ceramic—a material that featured prominently in the early Big Bang era—pays tribute to the collection’s origins. Last but not least, the chiming multi-complications in the set—the Big Bang Tourbillon Chronograph Cathedral Minute Repeater in black frosted carbon fibre, and the Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater in Blue Texalium—crown the collection by spotlighting Hublot’s distinctive amalgamation of intricate haute horlogerie with a flair for unexpected materials such as frosted carbon fibre and Texalium. Consider this a greatest hits compilation from Hublot’s most iconic collection.
Hermès Le Temps Suspendu
If we could only pause time, even for just a fleeting moment, we would gladly take that opportunity. In 2011, Le temps suspendu made its debut, and in 2025, Hermès reinterpreted this complication for the Arceau collection and, for the very first time, introduced it in the Hermès Cut collection.
The Arceau Le temps suspendu presents a reimagined version of the original model, showcasing a fresh aesthetic. Its slender 42 mm case elegantly frames an openworked dial that reveals the exclusive “Time Suspended” module, powered by the Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement, which can be admired through the transparent case back.
Unveiled in 2024, the Hermès Cut collection captivates with its geometric shapes and colours that exude sophistication, an area in which Hermès excels. This year, the Cut collection incorporates the Time Suspended module, driven by the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement. This unexpected pairing highlights versatility through its striking appeal and the very essence of time suspension.
Cartier
The magic of Cartier continues to captivate, presenting over 60 novelties with a focus on five distinct collections: Manifesto, Tank Louis Cartier, Cartier Privé: Tank à Guichets, Tressage, and the Panthère Jewellery watch. The Manifesto timepiece is a blend of alchemy, where metal and gemstones unite to evoke emotions of desire.
History is revisited through the Tank Louis Cartier, which has evolved from its original 1922 design. This iteration boasts a larger profile and features a next-generation mechanical Manufacture movement with automatic winding.
The Tank à Guichets from the Cartier Privé collection offers a fresh interpretation of the iconic design first launched in 1928. Retained design elements include the hour aperture at 12 o’clock and the minute aperture at 6 o’clock, just like the original, with the winding crown also elegantly positioned at 12 o’clock.
In a delightful twist of creativity, Tressage (French for braiding) showcases a stunning interplay of gold, diamonds, and gemstones intertwined in flamboyant creations that remain true to the Maison’s design codes.
Lastly, the Panthère Jewellery watch from the Maison stands out with its exquisite craftsmanship, particularly on the dial, which is adorned with 145 brilliant-cut diamonds, showcasing the artistry that defines Cartier.
Vacheron Constantin
There is much to celebrate for the Maison as it turns 270 years old, and with any significant milestone, several timepieces have been created to pay homage. Let’s take a closer look at the Traditionnelle collection, featuring the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding model. This piece showcases dials adorned with a geometric motif specifically designed for the anniversary, enhanced by a ‘côte unique’ finish and engraved with the anniversary emblem.
Another standout piece in the collection is the Traditionnelle Moon Phase, which tracks the lunar cycle with remarkable accuracy, accumulating only one day of discrepancy over 122 years. The mother-of-pearl dial, embellished with the 270th anniversary motif, features a moon-phase complication, complemented by small seconds at 6 o’clock and a 38-hour power reserve display.
The Traditionnelle Tourbillon Retrograde Date Openface watch is powered by the self-winding Calibre 2162 R31/270, a 242-component manufacture movement with a 72-hour power reserve. It features a tourbillon at 6 o’clock and a retrograde date. As the name suggests, the intricate inner workings can be viewed through the upper part of the openworked dial.
