Watches and Wonders 2025: The Slender Wrist’s Big Predictions

What we hope, expect, and prophesize the Watches and Wonders 2025 event will bring to the table next month.

It’s that time of year again. The Watches and Wonders date is confirmed, and the event is due to commence at the beginning of April. And for those who may not know, this is the world’s biggest luxury watch trading event—the most prestigious and highly anticipated of all. Fifty-four brands filled the Palexpo exhibition center last year, unveiling their larger-than-life designs at the fair. And it gets better. Fans and experts expect this year’s event to be the biggest one yet, with 60 brands due to attend. 

Here at The Slender Wrist, we’re listing our Watches and Wonders 2025 predictions, big and small. But first, a little on what to expect of the event itself. 

When Is Watches and Wonders 2025?

The Watches and Wonders 2025 dates are from 1st April to 7th April, and general admission tickets are now available to purchase. The organizing body for the event is the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation Board. This year, it welcomes Chanel, Hermès, and the LVMH group on board for additional support. This news comes as independent newcomers Genus, Kross Studio, Meistersinger, and Christiaan van der Klaauw confirm their debut attendance. 

Another change to the event is the launch of its VIP ticket. This pass eradicates waiting times upon entrance and grants you complimentary food and refreshments throughout your visit. Whether you splash out on the VIP pass or not, you’re still guaranteed a great day at the exhibition. I speak from experience on that note, having attended the Basel fair on several occasions in the past. I can confidently attest to this kind of Swiss watch event’s magical atmosphere and exhilarating climate. 

Last Year’s Watches and Wonders Predictions

Ok, ok! So, I took a stab in the dark at some Watches and Wonders predictions last year. Not many of them came to fruition. I predicted the return of the Rolex Turn-O-Graph and Milgauss, but neither happened. What actually happened was a Sea-Dweller. Clad in an all-gold case, it debuted an all-gold Jubilee bracelet. The Ice-Blue and Platinum Perpetual 1908 was another nice release. I also predicted TUDOR would bring back the Heritage Chronograph. Yes, I was wrong again! But what surprised me most of all was the brand’s hot pink Black Bay. The model takes inspiration from David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF kit and perpetuates Jay Chou’s love affair with the color. 

Anyhow, what’s done is done. And with 2024 well and truly in the rear-view mirror, everyone is looking at what’s to come this year. Watches and Wonder 2025 predictions are the talk on everyone’s lips, with very few leaks or clues to go by this year. So, at risk of being wrong again, here’s what I hope to see my favorite brands release this April. 

Watches and Wonders New Releases

Everyone wants to know what the new releases of Watches and Wonders will be this year. The truth is, we know very little at this point, but it hasn’t stopped us from hypothesizing. Here’s a rundown of what my crystal ball is telling me, based on 2025 Watches & Wonders news and hype. Let’s look at what April could look like for some of the biggest luxury watch brands in the world. 

My Rolex Watches and Wonders Predictions

Rolex can be a hard egg to crack when predicting its releases each year. We all have an idea of what we’d really love to see the brand do next. Rolex knows this and dangles the odd carrot but prefers to keep its fans hanging. Watch enthusiasts send themselves into a frenzy, hypothesizing what may be. Indeed, it’s easy to dream up some of the most elaborate grails, but they seldom happen. Rolex, after all, has built a portfolio of world-coveted timepieces and rarely deviates from it. While frustrating, it fosters a strong relationship with the brand’s consumer base. Collectors have a clear image of what a Rolex watch should look like and can pick one out from a crowded room.

Watches and Wonders Rolex releases could be pretty exciting this year. Or things could play out as in previous years. Fans hypothesize the most incredible collectibles – the stuff of dreams – and Rolex delivers nothing of the sort. But one unavoidable side note is that it’s the 70th anniversary of Rolex’s GMT-Master watch this year. The mother of all air travel watches. Because of this special milestone, you can bet the Crown brand is doing something in honor of it. 

How does this sound; a platinum GMT-Master II? Yes, you heard it here first. The material doesn’t yet exist in the form of a GMT-Master watch, old or new. And it’s possible because Rolex did, after all, release a platinum Daytona. That iteration marked the model’s 50th anniversary. But what color would the platinum GMT-Master II be? Well, I kind of like the idea of a “Blueberry” iteration on a Jubilee bracelet. Failing that, something even more avant-garde, like a meteorite dial. 

My next prediction is not new but one I also mentioned last year. In fact, it’s what fans have been envisioning for years: a “Coke” GMT-Master II watch in white gold. The collection’s 70th birthday would be the perfect occasion for it, too. Ideally, it would follow the design language of the rest of the collection. A 40mm model to house the Calibre 3285 and a stylish Oyster bracelet. What’s not to love? 

The Rolex Sea-Dweller is long overdue for an update. Rolex last modified it in 2019, when the brand equipped it with a Rolesor case. And yes, a smaller version would be nice. However, the large 43mm case separates the Sea-Dweller from the Sub in many ways. Perhaps a RLX Titanium case would be a good move? If anything, it would put the Sea-Dweller in a complete category of its own in terms of ergonomics and practicality. 

Lastly, could Rolex take a leaf out of its sibling’s book? Could it downsize the Sub just like TUDOR did with the Black Bay 54 watch? If it did, it would certainly support the new trend for smaller wristwatches. A 37mm Sub, for example, would appeal to ladies looking for a manageable watch that isn’t festooned with diamonds. Being a non-girly girl, this watch would undoubtedly appeal to me. Its slender presence would also make for a nice instrument-oriented watch for men with less endowed wrists.  

My Grand Seiko Watches and Wonders Predictions

Grand Seiko has already treated us to some new releases prior to the Watches and Wonders 2025 showcase. There are no prizes for guessing what type of dials they have, either! Grand Seiko is a master at perfecting the textured dial, as seen in the famous Snowflake. First is a street-lit snow-inspired Spring Drive limited edition available only in Tokyo’s Ginza-based stores. Then, there’s a new textured jade green dial Heritage watch equipped with a manual-winding movement. This model takes inspiration from sunlight hitting a solemn Kasumi cherry tree. 

Alongside these new releases are two Ever-Brilliant Steel 62GS models: the SBGH353 “Shūbun” with a deep blue dial and the SBGH351 “Rikka” in green. These models share the same case design as the two ladies’ references. One is a 30mm non-Hi-Beat version of last year’s former 40mm cherry blossom-inspired SBGH341. The other is a silver dial equivalent. Additionally, Grand Seiko has released a light golden-colored Shunbun dial with a power reserve indicator and date complication.

Last but not least is the new Mt. Iwate watch. This special dial texture arrived in 2006. Now, it receives Evolution 9 updates in an ice-blue color. 

Had it not been for information recently leaked, I’d have predicted that Grand Seiko would release a micro-adjustment bracelet. That now looks set to be the case, with a newly designed bracelet due to launch this April. If that’s the case, it will be a game changer, especially for the brand’s robust and sporty adventure watches. 

Grand Seiko’s CEO has already hinted that the pace of new colorways and special editions will slow down this year. Perhaps this will make way for new Hi-Beat models and work towards a more focused lineup. I’m sure there will also be some discontinuations. And given the lack of Grand Seiko quartz watches, it could also be a make-or-break year on that front. 

My Cartier Watches and Wonders Predictions

Watches and Wonders Cartier releases are particularly hard to predict thanks to the brand’s deep lexicon of designs. Of course, super low production will be a given; it always is. Some of Cartier’s releases only run for a single year before they become elusive. Others are as rare in design as they are in quantity. Cartier’s oscillating skeleton weight was a whimsical release, as was the skeletonized Santos. But the engineering of the Santos-Dumont Rewind, displaying the time in reverse, was entirely left field.  

In recent years, we’ve seen a growth in trends for the brand’s mini models. The Panthere, Tank, and Baignoire are good examples of models Cartier shrinks down to slender wrist ideals. Maybe Cartier will reinvent the Santos as a mini. Even better, the brand could squeeze the lemon a touch more with a mini Pasha, complete with the protective grill. Either way, the Santos is sure to stay precisely where it is, serving as the company’s core sports watch. 

One particular 2024 release that sticks in my mind is the Cartier Tortue. Cartier revitalized this incredibly old case shape in the form of the Prive last year, celebrating its 1920s barrel shape. It would be big news if Cartier put the tortoise-inspired Tortue back into its core lineup. This would make sense market-wise for the brand since its social media presence has blown up over recent years. When fans unearth niche shapes from the brand’s archives, prices for these skyrocket on the pre-owned market. With the desirability and financial interest already there for these watches, only one thing makes sense. Cartier should strike while the iron is hot and look to bring some of these old classics back to its current lineup.

My TUDOR Watches and Wonders Predictions

In recent years, TUDOR has been playing the role of the more daring, rebellious, and playful younger sibling to Rolex. From experimenting with sterling silver cases to its first solid gold case, it’s been the brand to pay attention to. I think these kind of needle-shifting releases will continue. 

In 2023, TUDOR developed a new watch for the Only Watch Auction. The brand then postponed the Prince Chronograph One watch to 2024 but later shelved it altogether. The brand nicknamed this modern take on the 7000 series Oysterdate Chronograph the “Big Block.” This was due to its hefty, solid 18k yellow gold case. All that wasted effort on research and development for nothing, you wonder? I reckon not. I’m convinced the brand will officially launch it as a series production this year. Watch this space. 

Cast your mind back to 2024. TUDOR released a Black Bay Ceramic Blue, marking the watchmaker’s return to motorsport. The watch was the sportiest in the brand’s collection, riffing on the livery of the Visa Cash App Racing Red Bulls F1 team. The black ceramic case and blue dial combination were nothing short of exceptional. However, I can’t help but think a white ceramic edition would make more sense. If this prediction is true, it could become the brand’s flashiest sports watch.  

Anyone who follows TUDOR knows the Black Bay 54 is a bit of a cult classic, harkening back to the true proportions of yesteryear. But the collection is crying out for some updates. Expanding the line could come in the form of more dial colors or cool bezel combinations. Black Bay “Hulk,” anyone? And how about something new for the Black Bay Pro? As a homage to Rolex’s Explorer II, fans would surely love to see this model with a polar white dial. 

However, one of the most realistic and achievable predictions has to be something new for the Black Bay 58 GMT. The model offers a Goldilocks size of 39mm, a steel case, and a ceramic bezel. However, there’s so much potential to play around with different colors on the bezel, be that two-toned or block color. Maybe a “Root Beer” or “Blueberry” look on this watch would further ramp up its appeal. 

With so much focus on the Black Bay and Pelagos, models like the Royal slip under the radar. But how off the wall would it be for the brand to create a truly regal gold Royal? We know the brand has the appetite to develop all-gold watches, and the Royal has a lot to offer. Its slim case and integrated bracelet would be a real niche offering. 

My Omega Watches and Wonders Predictions

Omega has had a quiet couple of years, which should only mean one thing. Watches and Wonders Omega releases should be more impressive than ever. But who knows? After all, last year, we got a white dial Speedmaster and new Seamaster 300Ms. They were surface-level adjustments. But by doing relatively little, Omega garnered a lot of attention. The brand also teased these new releases on the wrists of brand ambassadors beforehand. We expect to see more of this same marketing strategy. But I hope Omega’s 2025 releases will be a little more titivating. We’re heading towards the 2026 Winter Olympics, that’s for sure, so expect some Omega releases tied into that. 

The year 2025 also marks the 20th anniversary of the popular Planet Ocean. So, Omega has the chance to take this in a really cool direction. At the very minimum, we should expect to see some more dial variations. (I mean, the brand only currently advertises 58 designs online as it stands!) But how cool would it be for Omega to create a new proprietary alloy to join the series? The brand has already mastered Moonshine, Sedna Gold, and Omegasteel. Maybe Omega could give IWC a run for its money and show off its powers of alchemy with its own ceramic case.

Also, if you follow Omega closely, you’ll know the brand recently treated us to a special Seamaster Diver 300M. It marked 60 years since the first Bond movie. Nine movies later, the brand is now reaching the 30th anniversary of the Bond x Omega connection. For that reason alone, I’ll expect something special from the brand to celebrate this milestone. 

My IWC Watches and Wonders Predictions 

This year is also the 70th anniversary of the IWC Ingenieur – the watch for scientists! The model dates back to 1955. But since it’s a special occasion, we could hope for more re-editions of the inaugural Genta-penned timepiece. While we’re on the topic, it’s also the brand’s 40th anniversary of the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar. This watch has historical significance to the brand. It marked a sensational re-entrance back into mechanical watchmaking after the quartz crisis. A comeback of the Da Vinci Perpetual would be incredible, don’t you think?

2025 Watch Trends

One aspect that will greatly determine the landscape of horology throughout 2025 and into 2026 is watch trends. 

Technical Innovation

I expect to see brands flaunt more of their watchmaking prowess this year. We saw a lot of innovation come in the wake of the smartwatch a few years back. The advent of this wrist-worn technology highlighted that, as clever and convenient as these were, they weren’t proper watches. Thus, brands near and far began showcasing the best of their technological capabilities. Skeletonised dials, ultra-accurate perpetual calendars, and flying tourbillons arrived. Some of these are redundant to us as modern-day collectors. That won’t stop brands competing for the most technically advanced timepiece title in this space. 

Collaborations 

Massena Lab, Label Noir, and Seconde Seconde are just a few establishments that regularly collaborate with prestigious watchmakers. The ultimate collaborator, of course, is watchmaker Louis Erard. As with every Watches and Wonders event, collaborative efforts always feature somewhere. So do ambassador special editions. As brands continue to collaborate with professional sportsmen and world-leading athletes, durability and ergonomics become a core focus. I’m sure Titanium will continue to dominate sports watches, especially for brands like Breitling, TAG Heuer, and Hublot. As such, expect to see some key ambassadors for these brands sporting many lightweight titanium sports watches.

Dial Colours

Dial colors are always a hot topic, especially regarding luxury watch trends. Pink will reign supreme in 2025, while earthy tones are popular for understated dress watches. In that same vein, I expect to see more stone dials this year. Last year, materials like Lapiz Lazuli, Malachite, and Aventurine proved incredibly popular. Personally, I’d like to see more black onyx and amber on some big brand dials this year. 

It’s also worth noting that some big brands are celebrating equally significant milestones this year. 2025 marks the 250 and 270-year anniversaries of Breguet and Vacheron Constantin, respectively, while the Hublot Big Bang turns 20. Audemars Piguet will undoubtedly mark a century and a half of watchmaking. Meanwhile, Girard Perregaux will celebrate 50 years of its iconic Laureato watch. Rolex, as mentioned, welcomes 70 years of the GMT-Master. It’s safe to say these brands will be marking these horological feats in one way or another this year. Rolex watches, of course, will be one of the most anticipated of the lot. 

It’s Women’s Hour

What does Watches & Wonders have in store for women this year? Well, there aren’t that many clues circulating at the moment. But with Bvlgari making its first-ever appearance at the event, we can expect something glitzy and opulent from this watchmaker. Chopard also sent women’s hearts a flutter last year with its miniature movement, designed for the petite ladies’ wrists. Hopefully, its commitment to creating imaginative women’s watches is here to stay. Could the Swiss brand plan to launch more female-focussed designs to carry the teeny tiny Calibre 10.01-C?

Circling back to Bvlgari for a moment. This brand has a penchant for crafting small automatic movements. The brand already released the new automatic Serpenti at this year’s LVMH Watch Week. It would be great to see more brands like Bvlgari creating influential female-led designs rather than playing it safe with unisex watches. TUDOR’s Black Bay 54 collection and the Oris ProPilot X already suggest a subtle shift towards more feminine designs. Even TUDOR’s recent Flamingo Blue and Hot Pink models seem to embrace a more playful feminine side.  

Watches and Wonders 2025 – Will It Be the Best Year Yet?

Well, the event isn’t called Geneva Watch Week for nothing. While big names will showcase their new releases at the Palexpo Exhibition Centre, other smaller events will be running. Some brands are likely to host their own smaller events in the city of Geneva. They may take place in the President Wilson Hotels, the Beau Rivage, or in the form of smaller exhibition spaces. Suffice it to say more brands will have the opportunity to show the world what they have in store for 2025.

Complications, collaborations, proprietary materials, and anniversary editions — you name it, we’ll probably see it this year. Watches and Wonders 2025 is set to be as enthralling and exciting as it has been in previous years. All that’s left to do now is wait and see. 

What release do you most anticipate this year? Leave your Watches & Wonders predictions below and discuss what you expect to see with other like-minded enthusiasts. We’d love to hear from you!