Top 5 New Watches of 2020 Selected by Masaharu Nabata, Japan's Leading Watch Journalist

Nahata politics

He is the editor-in-chief of Gressive, a website introducing authorized retailers of brand-name watches, and a leading watch journalist in Japan. He has been covering large-scale watch exhibitions in Switzerland since 1994. He is the co-author of "The Story of Cartier Watches."

2020: A year that exposed the watch industry's problems but also brought unexpected benefits
　There is a strong sense that 2020 began and will end with COVID-19. Due to the impact of COVID-19, all Swiss watch fairs were canceled, and we in the press had to stay in Japan and write reviews of new products relying on the internet and individual small-scale new product launch events.

　Furthermore, the cancellation of the trade fair has exposed problems facing the watch industry that had been put off for many years, and an unexpected side effect of COVID-19 has been that the very reason for the existence of watch fairs and the way they are held have had to change.

　However, the quality of the new releases was not just as good as usual, but even better than usual. The editorial team asked me to choose my top five watches of 2020, but there were so many candidates that it was difficult to choose. I narrowed it down to these five models. While each one is equally talked-about for 2020, I think this lineup demonstrates the popularity of authentic reissues and sporty steel models. While it's sad that I can't travel to Switzerland, I was able to interview CEOs of overseas brands remotely, and a new product launch event was held online. This unexpected opportunity opened up new possibilities for interviews and new product launches. Still, a watch's true value lies in its touch. I can't help but hope that the day will soon come when we can actually hold a watch in our hands and convey the immersive experience of wearing it on our wrist.

Masaharu Nabata's Top 5 New Watches for 2020

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel

The Cal. 321 was revived in 2019, and a limited edition platinum model was announced first. While it seemed like a stainless steel model was still a long way off, it was unexpectedly announced early in 2020. It's not an easy price to buy, but it's a model that gives you something to dream about.

Longines Heritage Classic Tuxedo

In recent years, Longines' Heritage Collection has been reissued to an extraordinary degree. This model is a good example of this. Even though it is an automatic watch, the fact that it does not include the word "AUTOMATIC" in order to enhance the vintage feel is a testament to the company's passion. The price is also reasonable, which is a good thing.

Hamilton PSR

I also love LED digital watches. I've always admired the Hamilton Pulsar in particular. It's irresistible that it's been reborn with the same style and a hybrid display that lets you read the time without pressing any buttons. It's a shame that it can't be called by its original name.

H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic Funky Blue

It may seem like a luxury sports model, but it is an ambitious piece, with Agenor's movement designed in accordance with H. Moser's methodology of "simple yet multifunctional." The smooth lines of the case and bracelet are also beautiful.

Breitling Chronomat B01 42

There had been little news about the Chronomat recently, but it was a surprise when it suddenly underwent a dramatic redesign with the Rouleaux bracelet. This is a representative model of 2020 that combines a sense of solidity and style reminiscent of the classic models.