[Top 5 Watches Released in 2023] From "Luxury Sports" to the Hot Topic Solid Gold G-SHOCK! 5 Watches That Will Make You Feel Positive

In this project, prominent journalists from Japan and around the world were asked to choose their top five watches released in 2023. This time, watch journalist Tetsuo Shinoda chose IWC and Grand Seiko as watches that make him feel positive.

1nd Place: IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40

　It has been updated with modern technology, inheriting the spirit of designer Gérald Genta. It is significantly thinner, further enhancing the ergonomic design that he favored. I purchased the black version, but the aqua version is very beautiful, and I can see why it is so popular.

2st Place: Grand Seiko "Evolution 9 Collection Tentagraph SLGC001"

　The strategy of using the Cal. 9SA5 as the base movement was also designed with maintenance in mind, giving the impression of Grand Seiko's stability as it looks firmly to the future. The watch features a standard, unconventional design, making it a perfect choice for someone looking for their first GS.

3rd place: G-SHOCK “G-D001”

　The winning bid of US$400,050 was surprising, but the structural and design methods used to create the watch were also novel: 40 years of G-SHOCK development data was fed into a custom AI for optimization, and then designers and engineers made adjustments based on that data. This avant-garde approach is what makes G-SHOCK unique.

4th place: Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition

　The number "1" on the calendar disc is the face of Kermit, a popular character from the Disney Muppets, symbolizing the idea of ​​starting the month with a smile. The vibrant green dial also catches the eye.

5th place: Biver "Carillon Tourbillon Biver"

　Jean-Claude Biver, a big name in the Swiss watch industry, started the watch brand Biver as his final challenge. It is a very small family brand started by his wife and sons, but the watches themselves are "ultra-high-complementary." It is a watch brand whose future direction is intriguing.

General comment

　The year 2023 has been quite depressing. But life goes on. That's why we want the moment we look at a clock and the time it ticks to be positive. With that in mind, we've selected some watches that are sure to put you in a positive mood.

　The first place goes to the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40. This is a watch I actually got, and it finally completed my long-awaited "Genta Rag Sports Trilogy." The watch itself is also very well made.

　Coming in second place is the Grand Seiko "Evolution 9 Collection Tentagraph SLGC001." As someone who works in the watch industry, the rapid growth of Japanese watch brands makes me proud and gives me positive energy. The arrival of the long-awaited mechanical chronograph is truly a welcome topic this year.

　The third place was also taken by a Japanese brand. The unique G-D001, a watch marking the 40th anniversary of G-SHOCK, was sold at a Phillips auction for approximately 58 million yen. It was unprecedented for a casual sports watch to be auctioned. This is proof that G-SHOCK has become a global brand.

　Coming in fourth place is the Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition. With Kermit appearing in the calendar window on the first of every month, this watch is perfect for anyone who wants to live a positive life.

　Finally, in fifth place is the Biver Carillon Tourbillon Biver. I had the opportunity to interview Jean-Claude Biver for the first time in a while, and his positive energy is still alive and well. This watch, which embodies his passion, is just as appealing as ever.

　Watches are something that enrich the moments in our lives. If you want to feel positive, start by looking at the watch on your wrist.

Selector Profile

Tetsuo Shinoda

Born in 1975, he worked in the editorial department of Kodansha's Hot Dog Press before going independent. He writes a wide range of watch articles, from serious to casual, for a variety of publications, including watch magazines, fashion magazines, business magazines, newspapers, and the web. In addition to his work, he is also attending the Watch Course (Career School Watchmaker Course) at Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College, a watchmaking school, where he is learning about watch theory, structure, and disassembly and assembly techniques. He is a regular judge for the Top 10 Rankings published by Chronos Japan. In 2020, he published "Choosing a Watch as a Cultural Education" (Kobunsha Shinsho).