A watch professional selects the top 5 new watches of 2022. The host of the popular YouTube channel "Watch Passion Supporters" chose the ultra-complex Ulysse Nardin Freak S as his No. 1 pick. Each of the five watches listed here is a model that first drew the host into the deep world of watches.
1st place: Ulysse Nardin "Freak S"
A collaboration between geniuses, this is the culmination of Ulysse Nardin's technology. The design, which combines a double oscillator with a differential mechanism, is an extremely complex mechanism. However, in terms of function, all we can tell is the hours and minutes. And that's what's good about it. It visualizes the invisible flow of time. It's a piece to enjoy while pondering the question, "What is time?"
Automatic winding (Cal. UN-251). 18,000 vibrations per hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Ceramic x Ti x 18KRG case (45mm diameter). Water resistant to 50m. Limited to 75 pieces worldwide. Price upon request. (Inquiries) Sowind Japan Tel. 03-5211-1791
2st Place: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante
This watch features a minimalist GMT mechanism that allows you to switch between displaying and hiding a second time zone with the push of a button, housed in a modest and minimalist "luxury sport" (a strange expression, I know). The guilloched dial is beautiful, but without being overly flashy, which is wonderful. This is a watch that allows you to enjoy Parmigiani Fleurier's unwavering aesthetic.
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
3rd place: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date Green
The new color of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris is a mysterious color that can be seen as green, bronze, or brown. The strong sunray in the center of the dial is particularly beautiful. It looks plain and modest when displayed in the showcase, but transforms the moment you pick it up. Originally a brand with a reputation for its mechanical watches, the evolution of the exterior and dial design has been incredible in recent years.
Automatic winding (Cal. 899AB). 32 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42 mm, thickness 13.92 mm). Water resistant to 20 bar. 1,248,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Jaeger-LeCoultre Tel. 0120-79-1833
4. Tudor Pelagos 39
Aside from its performance, what's most impressive is how comfortable it feels on the wrist. The design is both practical and fun, taking advantage of the rugged look of grade 2 titanium. Like last year's FXD, the gap between the crystal and dial is kept small, and the case thickness is kept to under 12mm. This urban tool watch is one you'll want to wear every day.
Automatic winding (Cal. MT5400). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Ti case (diameter 39mm). 200m water resistant. 537,900 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Rolex Japan / Tudor Tel: 03-3216-5671
5. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Complete Calendar
Does a diver's watch really need a full calendar? (laughs) A red gold case with a bold canvas strap. A symmetrical, neat dial with a funny-looking moon phase. A piece that brings together a variety of unbalanced combinations into one neat and tidy piece. It's incredibly interesting. A wonderful fusion of tradition and heresy.
Automatic (cal. 6654.P). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. 18KRG (diameter 43mm, thickness 13.4mm). Sapphire case back. Water resistant to 300m. 3,696,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Blancpain Boutique Ginza Tel. 03-6254-7233
