When it comes to celebrating milestone birthdays, people tend to fall into one of two camps. There are those who embrace it and celebrate it, who just want to have a big party. After all, age is just a number. Then there is the camp that hides and shuns. If they don't recognize it, it might not happen.
Anniversaries for watches are firmly in the number one camp. When big birthdays approach, watches enjoy the full red carpet treatment. With updates in precious metals, gifts in new colours, open cases and limited editions to mark the occasion.
Looking ahead, there are some big watch anniversaries you'll want to know about in 2025. And that raises the possibility of some new and excellent watches. But no doubt you wouldn't mind an invitation to these birthday parties.
150th anniversary of Audemars Piguet.
Starting with perhaps the biggest of all, 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Audemars Piguet. In 1875, north of Geneva, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet started what would become one of the industry's biggest players.
In the early days AP was well known for producing complex watches. As they produced alongside chronographs and astronomical components.
So today they still keep complicated watches as part of the collection. However the most sought after are usually the sporty, Genta designed, Royal Oaks only time pieces.
In the past, AP has made a concerted effort to mark the anniversaries of its watches. For the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak in 2022, AP released a variety of new models in different metals, dial colours and accessories. All models for the 50th anniversary featured a gold rotor. It was marked «50th Years» in the center, and marked them as truly collectible pieces.
Even on the 5th anniversary of the Code 11.59 collection, seven(!) new rose gold models were added to the catalogue.
2025 is a big year in AP history, as very few brands can boast 150 years. And past anniversaries show that AP likes to mark milestone occasions. How and when it will mark this occasion will be the subject of much speculation. However, if they choose to take inspiration from their founders, we could see some pieces of high complexity. So celebrate the 150th anniversary of Audemars Piguet.
More details in the Audemars Piguet.
Omega and James Bond celebrate 30 years of collaboration.
Is James Bond a Rolex or Omega guy? Since 1995 he was well and truly an Omega man. From Pierce Bronsnan's first appearance as 007 in GoldenEye, Bond has been synonymous with the Omega Seamaster collection. The launch of the partnership came at a very difficult time for Omega. The Swiss watch industry was in the throes of the quartz crisis. Many attribute the collaboration with Bond as one of the reasons why Omega survived.
In 2025, Omega and Bond will celebrate 30 years of collaboration.
The 25th anniversary of the partnership was a bit problematic. As it coincided with the pandemic and eventually the delayed release of the film No Time to Die. However, Omega marked the new film and the 25th anniversary with the No Time to Die Seamaster release. There was also a special edition for the 60th anniversary of James Bond in 2022. Although this had nothing to do with the partnership, Omega released a new Seamaster with an animated case back.
What is to come in 2025 from Omega is unknown. But one thing we do know is that there won't be a Bond movie in 2025. And that may affect Omega's decision to celebrate the anniversary. I wonder if they'll save any new releases for the next film and a new Bond.
If they decide to honor the occasion, the place to look is Danial Craig's wrist. In recent years, Omega's launch plan has included giving Daniel Craig exclusive watches to wear. And then watch the internet to watch him make his own - including the recent upgrade of the Seamaster Diver 300M.
More details in the Omega.
The 70th anniversary of the Rolex GMT-Master II
In 1955 Pan American Airlines pilots faced the problem of being able to tell time while crossing multiple time zones. Rolex moved forward with the GMT-Master II and the now iconic multi-colored bezel. 70 years later and the GMT-Master II has evolved beyond its original use case. Over the years it has been upgraded with gold metal variants and ceramic bezels. But also a left-handed version and additional colour options to create a complete sports watch.
When Rolex does make watch anniversaries they often come in the form of model upgrades rather than special editions. Also, you won't find many Rolexes with «50» or «25» written anywhere on them. For the 50th birthday of the GMT-Master II, Rolex released a yellow gold version with a green dial. This was in production for 14 years until 2019. Big watch anniversaries tend to be an opportunity for Rolex to update an existing range with new flagship models.
Every year there are rumours about GMT. Especially around the future of «Pepsi» or the possible reintroduction of the «coke» crown. In 2025 these rumours will surely circulate again. So the 70th anniversary will be a valid excuse for Rolex to make some changes. However, to temper expectations, the Submariner's 70th anniversary was in 2023 and Rolex barely acknowledged it.
More details at Rolex.
250th anniversary of Breguet.
Breguet, as the oldest watch brand in the world, will become the first watch brand to celebrate 250 years since its foundation. Their contribution to the industry is undeniable and Abraham Louis Breguet is a true legend. He is credited with several firsts, including the invention of the tourbillon. Interestingly, Breguet will start its 250th year with a new CEO. Gregory Kissling, at the helm. Kissling took over in October this year. So as he is new to the role, the way Breguet will approach such a milestone year is far from certain.
The last major milestone for Breguet was the 225th anniversary in 2000. This anniversary was commemorated with a limited edition 1775 model (225 pieces). In true Breguet style it was a classic dress watch. With an open case back and the dates of the anniversary engraved on the rotor. Breguet also does not hesitate to release limited editions and novelties around special occasions. In the recent past, boutique-only models and special editions have been presented on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.
Recent releases show that Breguet is pushing the boundaries with some of its innovations and really turning to high end compositions. The latest Marine model included a tourbillon, perpetual calendar and equation marchante timing. For a brand synonymous with both classic dress watches and fine watchmaking, one can't guess how Breguet might decide to celebrate.
More details at Breguet.
Source: oracleoftime.com
