The annual highlight of the watchmaking world, Watches & Wonders, is set to kick off in Geneva in April 2025. Marking Rolex’s 120th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of the GMT-Master series, alongside brands like Patek Philippe and Cartier actively preparing new releases, the industry is already buzzing with major news. What headline-worthy creations will the top brands unveil this year? ZTYLEZMAN has gathered market insights to give you an exclusive preview of six key upcoming releases.
Rolex Double Celebration: Is the Coke Bezel GMT Making a Comeback?
Rolex celebrates its 120th anniversary alongside the 70th anniversary of the GMT-Master series, sparking widespread speculation about the potential re-release of the long-discontinued 《Coke》 (black and red bezel) GMT-Master II. Market sources suggest that the highly popular 《Pepsi》 (blue and red bezel) may face gradual discontinuation due to production capacity issues, potentially making room for the reintroduction of the Coca-Cola bezel configuration. Additionally, rumors swirl that the brand might launch a white gold limited edition, a 38mm 《Sleeveless》 commemorative model, and even consider reviving the legendary Serti Dial adorned with gemstone designs. If these rumors prove true, they are certain to ignite a frenzy among collectors once again.
Patek Philippe Cubitus Collection New Release Unveiled?
Since the discontinuation of the Nautilus stainless steel model, Patek Philippe has drawn significant attention regarding its next moves. The Cubitus collection, positioned as the brand’s new generation of sports watches, sparked widespread discussion when it debuted last year. This year, the brand is rumored to be introducing rose gold and yellow gold versions of the Cubitus series, with the potential launch of a stainless steel model featuring moon phase and calendar complications—exciting news for Nautilus enthusiasts. Additionally, the brand might unveil a fresh green dial version of the 5712 model, continuing the classic appeal of stainless steel while setting off a new wave of market buzz and a frenzy of acquisitions.
Cartier Tank Jumping Hour Watch Makes a Comeback to the Market
In recent years, Cartier has achieved great success by reissuing its classic timepieces, a trend that could reach new heights this year. Market predictions suggest that Cartier may revive the iconic 1920s Tank à Guichets jumping hour watch, blending modern watchmaking techniques with the timeless charm of classic design. This move is expected to offer collectors even more exciting options. Moreover, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Cartier’s Pasha collection. The brand is anticipated to release more special editions, such as smaller-sized versions at 28mm or 38mm, and even limited-edition designs featuring stone dials, catering to the diverse tastes of its clientele.
Stone dials and new alloy materials are setting a fresh trend.
In recent years, rare stone dials have taken the watch market by storm. For instance, Rolex introduced special editions of the Datejust adorned with malachite and tiger’s eye dials, earning high praise from collectors. Likewise, Patek Philippe and Cartier often craft luxurious watch dials using lapis lazuli and onyx. Beyond stones, brands have also been innovating with new alloy materials. A. Lange & Söhne, for example, employed Honeygold to launch limited edition collections. These groundbreaking materials not only add a visually striking flair to timepieces but also enhance their collectability and investment appeal.
The rise of independent watchmaking brands sparks an investment frenzy
In recent years, independent watchmaking brands have been stealing the spotlight in the watch market, with four standout names—Romain Gauthier, Armin Strom, Urwerk, and De Bethune—capturing the attention of collectors thanks to their avant-garde designs and intricate functionalities. For instance, Romain Gauthier’s C Series skeletonized movement watch has drawn admiration from high-end collectors with its distinctive design style. Meanwhile, Urwerk has made its mark with innovative satellite-style time displays. The limited-edition and unique timepieces launched by these brands are highly scarce in the market, boasting considerable potential for value appreciation, making them a must-watch for investors and watch enthusiasts alike.
Bringing together the latest market insights, this year’s Watches and Wonders is undoubtedly creating quite the buzz. From the iconic Rolex Cola Circle GMT-Master, Patek Philippe’s revamped Cubitus edition, Cartier’s revival of the jumping hour watch, to groundbreaking innovations from independent watchmaking brands, there’s so much to look forward to. The ZTYLEZMAN team will be on-site in Geneva to deliver firsthand updates and live coverage of the latest releases. For those eager to stay on top of the hottest trends in the watch industry, make sure to catch our exclusive reports!
