What kind of watches would a watch professional rank the top five new releases released in 2022? Tetsuo Shinoda, a luxury goods writer active in a wide range of media, from specialist magazines to general publications, chose models that are surprising and unique, such as Rolex's Deepsea Challenge and Grand Seiko's Kodo, which also offer a glimpse into the lifestyle behind the watch.
1st Place: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge
It is amazing that they were able to release such a high-spec watch, which is waterproof to 11,000m, the highest level for a mechanical model. The case diameter is quite large at 50mm, but the case and bracelet are made of titanium, so it is also practical.
Automatic (Cal. 3230). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. RLX titanium case (50mm diameter). Water resistant to 11,000m. Price: 3,093,200 yen (tax included).
2nd Place: Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
This legendary watch in the world of luxury sports watches has finally been reissued. Everything about it, including the rich feel of the full gold case and the small size of the 37mm case, really appeals to me. It's no wonder it's so hard to find.
Automatic movement (Cal. 2455/2). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. 18K yellow gold case (37mm diameter, 7.95mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Exclusively available in boutiques. 9,768,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Vacheron Constantin Tel. 0120-63-1755
3rd Place: Grand Seiko "Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT003"
Grand Seiko's first mechanical high complication watch was stunningly beautiful and well-made. Its visuals are impressive, but the concept of letting you hear the sound (heartbeat) of the mechanism is also intriguing. It's no surprise that it won the Chronometry Award at the 2022 Grand Seiko Grand Prix.
Manual winding (Cal. 9ST1). 44 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours (constant force operation time approximately 50 hours). Pt950 x brilliant hard titanium case (diameter 43.8 mm, thickness 12.9 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 20 pieces worldwide. 44 million yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Seiko Watch Customer Service Tel. 0120-061-012
4st Place: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante
In 2022, with the trend toward the post-COVID era, travel watches were in the spotlight. The sleek usability and expressiveness of this GMT watch are truly outstanding. It will be useful not only for extraordinary travel experiences, but also as an everyday watch.
Automatic winding (Cal. PF051). 31 jewels. 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. SS x Pt case (diameter 40 mm, thickness 10.7 mm). 60m water resistant. 3,289,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Parmigiani Fleurier pfd.japan@parmigiani.com
5th place: Swatch "Moon Swatch"
Speaking of news in the watch industry that has attracted the attention of ordinary people, this watch is the only one. This unique collaboration between Swatch and Omega is also noteworthy for its bioceramic case and its strategy of not using e-commerce.
Quartz chronograph. Bio-ceramic case (42mm diameter, 13.25mm thick). Water resistant to 30m. 33,550 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Swatch Call Tel. 0570-004-007
