This is an annual end-of-year project in which experts select the top five watches from among the new models released in 2025. This time, RY, a watch-related YouTuber who runs the "Life with Watches Channel," has picked five watches that he can imagine himself using. The unwavering reasons behind his selection based on these criteria are also a must-read.
1st Place: Breguet Classique 5177
Looking back at the new releases for 2025, I honestly thought, "Breguet was the face of the year." While many noteworthy pieces were released one after another, fitting for the 250th anniversary of the company's founding, this watch appeared rather quietly. Yet its level of perfection was astounding. The black Grand Feu enamel dial, considered more difficult to produce, boasts the unique luster of enamel against the deep black, with rose gold Breguet hands gently circling above it. While not flashy, its beauty is captivating and breathtaking. At first glance, it appears extremely simple. Yet, the details reveal the tradition and pride that Breguet has built up over the years. It is truly a quiet and rich watch.
Automatic movement (Cal. 7775). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 18KRG case (diameter 38mm, thickness 8.8mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. 4,224,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Breguet Boutique Ginza Tel. 03-6254-7211
2nd Place: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatic, Reference 5007 1130 B64A
How many people around the world have been eagerly awaiting the release of this model? It's a small-diameter version of the legendary diver's watch that will make you exclaim, "We've been waiting for this!" The case diameter is 38.2mm. While modest for a diver's watch, it's truly exquisite. While the diver's watch genre tends to have a rugged and bulky impression, this model's curved, flowing form is somehow elegant. The breathable rubber strap is comfortable to wear, making it versatile enough to be worn comfortably in both active settings and around town. Tradition, practicality, and a classic size combine to create a highly refined watch.
Automatic winding (Cal. 1150). 28 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 100 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 38.2 mm, thickness 12 mm). Water resistant to 30 bar. 2,530,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Blancpain Boutique Ginza Tel. 03-6254-7233
3rd Place: Bell & Ross BR-05 36MM Ref. BR05A-S-GR-ST/SST
With such refined proportions, it's no exaggeration to call this a "dress watch with a metal bracelet." While a 36mm case diameter is not uncommon, there are surprisingly few models with a metal bracelet that are 8.5mm thick and water resistant to 10 bar. The reason for its outstanding level of perfection lies in its sense of balance, which goes beyond the numbers. The gray steel dial, in particular, blends beautifully with the carefully finished exterior, emanating a modest yet undeniable presence. While it has a basic three-hand, no-date design, it offers excellent overall value, including beautiful appearance, a light and comfortable fit, practical specifications, and even its price point.
Automatic movement (BR-CAL.329). 28,800 vibrations per hour. Power reserve: approximately 54 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 36mm, thickness 8.5mm). Water resistant to 100m. 649,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Bell & Ross Ginza Boutique Tel. 03-6264-3989
4. Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer Silver
Traveling abroad with a world timer on my wrist has long been a dream of mine. However, in reality, there are surprisingly few practical options when you consider factors such as price, size, thickness, and water resistance. This watch emerged in the midst of all this. With a case diameter of 40mm, a thickness of 9.9mm, and water resistance to 10 bar, it's pretty close to ideal. The push button at 2 o'clock that controls the city ring has a satisfying click, satisfying the desire to own it every time you operate it. The accent colors on the clear silver dial also stir up feelings of travel. This is a watch that makes you feel like a world timer that can finally be used for traveling has been born.
Automatic (Cal. DUW 3202). 37 jewels. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 9.9mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 772,200 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Osawa Shokai Tel. 03-3527-2682
5. A. Lange & Söhne "1815" Ref. 220.037
A new 34mm case model has been added to mark the 30th anniversary of the birth of the "1815." At just 6.4mm thick, it boasts extremely classic proportions. Rather than simply downsizing the previous 38.5mm model, the overall balance has been meticulously redesigned, a design characteristic of Lange. The brand has always been known for its exceptionally well-balanced designs, and this watch fully demonstrates this. The Caliber L152.1, which is installed in this watch, was surprisingly developed 10 years ago. Not only has the watch been downsized, but the power reserve has also been improved to approximately 72 hours, which is impressive. The combination of blue and white gold is refreshing, making this an excellent model for a share watch suitable for both men and women.
Manual winding (Cal. L152.1). 21 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. 18KWG case (diameter 34.0 mm, thickness 6.4 mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price enquiries required. (Inquiries) A. Lange & Söhne Tel. 0120-23-1845
General comment
As in previous years, this year I selected my top five watches based on the models that I truly wanted. My personal keywords for 2025 are "thin, small, light, and beautiful." True to these words, this year I was strongly drawn to models that combine ease of everyday use in terms of size, weight, and fit with a high level of beauty as a watch.
I still feel a sense of romance in complicated mechanisms. But what ultimately captured my heart was a simple watch that I naturally wanted to wear on my wrist in my daily life. As a result, all of the top five models in this list passed the realistic test of whether they were actually worth purchasing.
I also feel that 2025 was a particularly productive year for the mid-range watch category. Many watches were released that offered more satisfaction than they cost, including the Sinn 104 Classic 12, the Longines Legend Diver with a white dial, the Raymond Weil Millésime "Editor-in-Chief Hirota Special," and the Toccata.
Looking further up the price range, Omega's fourth-generation Seamaster Planet Ocean, Grand Seiko's Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive UFA, and Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso Tribute Duo Small Seconds (black and silver dial) also really impressed me.
In the end, it wasn't just the price, specs, or artistic quality that mattered, but also whether or not you could actually imagine using it. This was the deciding factor in whether or not a watch made it into the top five. I'm already looking forward to seeing what kind of watches will be released next year.
Selector Profile
Life with a watch RY
Born in 1990, Fukuda's main occupation is the captain of a foreign ship. He became obsessed with the charm of watches after purchasing his first mechanical watch. In order to increase the number of watch lovers, he started the blog "A Life with Watches" in 2019. In 20, he launched the YouTube "A Life with Watches Channel." He also contributes impression articles to webChronos and appears in Forza Stayle's popular video series "Rock Fukuda's Watch Spirit."
