2025 Luxury Watch Anniversaries: What new releases to expect

Introduction

2025 is shaping up to be monumental for the watch industry, with many iconic brands celebrating milestone anniversaries. From Rolex to Blancpain, each brand is expected to honor its legacy through innovative releases. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon, complemented by a reflection on their historical achievements in anniversary celebrations.

This page will update regularly as new releases are officially announced. 

Rolex: 120th Anniversary

Rolex’s timepieces are known as workhorses and have become a symbol of status and excellence. The brand has made industry-defining contributions to horology because of its elite manufacturing and craftsmanship traditions. Rolex was the first watchmaker to get a certified chronometer from the Swiss awarding body and has also made pioneering contributions to waterproof and dustproof watchmaking.

Rolex, which is turning 120, is known for its subtle yet impactful updates. For example, in 2005, the 50th anniversary of the GMT-Master saw the introduction of the reference 116718LN, a solid 18k yellow gold model with a green dial and black ceramic bezel that became a collector’s favorite.

The GMT-Master II is remarkable for being one of the many Rolex releases that significantly impacted the timepiece landscape when it was released. It helped airline pilots solve the challenging problem of telling times in different time zones. Rolex rarely releases a new watch during their new anniversary. Instead, we should expect updates in color variations or tweaks, much like we saw out of the 2024 Watches and Wonders announcements.

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Rolex GMT-Master II 116718LN, introduced for the 50th anniversary.

In 2025, the GMT-Master II is expected to feature new color variations or movement tweaks because it is celebrating its 70th birthday. As we all know, the brand rarely makes new releases during its anniversaries. Fans will be watching closely, as even small changes from Rolex have historically sparked massive interest.

Omega: 30 Years of James Bond Partnership

Omega’s James Bond partnership is among the most legendary between the cinema and luxury watchmaking. It connects fans from both sides of the curve and is a luxury symbol for the iconic character.

The three-decade partnership has produced legendary timepieces. In 2002, for the 50th anniversary of Bond, Omega launched a limited-edition Seamaster with a ‘007’ motif on the dial. In 2015, the Spectre film brought another special Seamaster 300 model.

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Omega Seamaster 300 'Spectre' Limited Edition. 

Speculation for 2025 includes a Seamaster release aligned with the next Bond actor’s announcement, continuing this iconic collaboration.

Breguet: 250th Anniversary

Breguet’s legacy is unparalleled, with milestones like the invention of the tourbillon and the first wristwatch. In 2025, we should look for a contemporary model that blends modernity and tradition; possibly a sporty addition to its Marine collection.

In 1975, Breguet celebrated its 200th anniversary by showcasing exceptional timepieces that highlighted its rich heritage and craftsmanship. While specific details about the commemorative pieces from that year are limited, it’s noteworthy that Breguet has a tradition of marking significant milestones with special editions.

For instance, in 1995, the Breguet watch anniversary produced the “Jubilée 1775-1995” Ref. 3517, a limited edition of only 75 examples to celebrate its 220th year.

Additionally, in 2015, Breguet commemorated the 200th anniversary of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s appointment as chronometer-maker to the French Royal Navy by introducing the Marine Chronographe Reference 5823, limited to 200 pieces.

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Marine Chronographe Reference 5823, limited to 200 pieces.

These commemorative editions demonstrate Breguet’s practice of celebrating significant anniversaries with exceptional timepieces. Therefore, fans should be excited about what’s coming for the brand’s 250th anniversary.

Audemars Piguet: 150th Anniversary

Audemars Piguet’s 150 years at the helm of luxury watchmaking is remarkable. What’s more impressive is that it remains a family-owned business, one of the few luxury watch companies that can boast of this profile. Its technical mastery, innovative design, and commitment to excellence set it apart from competitors.

The brand’s 1972 Royal Oak is the first steel luxury watch. It revolutionized the watchmaking industry and became the face of the brand. The Code 11.59 and Millenary are other collector’s favorites from the brand.

Audemars Piguet has a history of pushing boundaries for anniversaries. In 2022, the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak featured innovative rotor engravings and unique materials that celebrated its legendary status.

Read More: Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks

We anticipate some new high-complication Royal Oak editions in 2025. Over the years, AP has introduced increasingly avant-garde designs, especially collaboration models such as the Alyx 1017 9SM x AP Collab, Travis Scott in 2023, and Kaws x AP Collab in 2024.

Vacheron Constantin: 270 Years

January 2025 Update: Vacheron has officially released the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel to celebrate 270 years of watchmaking. This watch is 8mm thick and quick-set date. 

The Vacheron Historiques 222 4200H/222A-B934 — 37 mm Steel Case

Vacheron Constantin is not only one of the oldest watchmaking brands in the world, but it has also made significant technological contributions that influenced horology as we know it now.

Vacheron created the world’s first complication in a watch and developed one of the first engine-turned dials. This innovative distinction drives Vacheron Constantin, making it a major player in the world’s luxury watches scene. It is known for its high-level clientele, artistic design, and exquisite craftsmanship.

Vacheron Constantin has consistently celebrated its history with groundbreaking releases. Its 260th anniversary in 2015 included the Reference 57260, the most complicated watch ever created, featuring 57 complications.

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Vacheron Constantin Reference 57260, a masterpiece of watchmaking.

For 2025, collectors expect a blend of high-complication timepieces and possibly a green-dial steel Overseas model, perfectly marrying tradition with contemporary style.

Blancpain: 290 Years

Blancpain’s 290th anniversary comfortably makes it one of the world’s oldest watchmaking brands. Its commitment to its core values has driven it over the years, making it one of the world’s most prominent luxury watch brands. The brand is committed to its no-quartz manufacturing ethos.

Its watches are handmade by experts with decades of experience prioritizing attention to detail. Blancpain exclusivity also contributes to making it a desired item among collectors globally. The brand has commemorated previous anniversaries with a release of incredible timepieces, and indications suggest that this year’s celebrations won’t be different.

Blancpain’s 275th anniversary saw the release of refined Villeret models, emphasizing classical elegance. For 2025, the focus may shift to the Fifty Fathoms collection, with sleek, sporty dive watches aimed at younger audiences. The large, blocky hands with luminescent application make for a great diving watch with easy legibility. 

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Blancpain Fifty Fathoms — a hallmark of dive watch excellence. 

Zenith: 160 Years

Zenith’s contributions to chronographic development cannot be overemphasized. In 1969, it developed El Primero, an automatic chronograph movement that could measure time in 1/10th of a second. The movement became a core of the brand’s identity, and Zenith built on it only.

Zenith’s innovative designs are another aspect that stands out from the brand. It combines contemporary concepts with luxurious aesthetics, and its timepieces are popular among collectors of all ages.

With a combination of expertise and experience, the LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton)- owned brand will remain a major player for years to come. It has a record of producing quality limited-edition watches on major anniversaries, and collectors are optimistic about 2025, especially because it marks the brand’s 160th anniversary.

Zenith’s innovation is legendary, as exemplified by the 50th anniversary edition of its El Primero chronograph in 2019. In 2025, the Chronomaster Sport line may expand with vibrant colorways, enhancing Zenith’s reputation for modernity and precision.

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Zenith Chronomaster Sport, blending precision and modernity. 

Tag Heuer and Panerai: 165 Years

Panerai was founded in Italy by Giovani Panerai, and Tag Heuer was established by Edouard in Switzerland. Both brands have different histories and philosophies in horology. However, they were founded in the same year and celebrate their 165th anniversary in 2025.

Tag Heuer is famous for its chronographs and precision timekeeping. These attributes make it a suitable partner for race sports in which timing and precision are integral. Panerai is more concerned with producing watches that combine Italian and Swiss designs. Its designs are bold, minimalistic, and rugged, making them fit for heavy-duty usage. Both companies have a history of releasing incredible models during their anniversaries, and 2025 should be no different.

For its 150th anniversary in 2010, Tag Heuer introduced the Monaco V4, a groundbreaking model with belt-driven mechanics. Panerai has celebrated its history through bold, limited-edition watch releases like the Radiomir 1940. For 2025, Tag Heuer may emphasize COSC-certified movements, while Panerai could continue focusing on oversized Luminor and Submersible designs.

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Tag Heuer Monaco V4, a mechanical marvel.

Grand Seiko: 65 Years

The first grand Seiko watch, released in 1960, was an instant hit in Japan. Its precision rivaled Swiss watches, and it was one of the first Japanese movies to do so. The watch’s aesthetics and cultural significance make it incredibly popular.

The manufacturer capitalized and released many other versions over the years, helping cement its status as a legendary timepiece. It soared in popularity in the 2010s when it was made a standalone brand with separate manufacturing and distribution. Since then, every anniversary has been a global celebration, and collectors have been treated to special improvements.

Grand Seiko’s Elegance special edition collection has been a highlight of past anniversaries, such as the 60th in 2020, featuring stunning dials and Spring Drive movements. The Next Grand Seiko watch anniversary is expected to birth a limited-edition watch in 2025, refining their GMT and Elegance lines with sleeker designs and exclusive materials.

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Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition. 

A. Lange & Söhne and Glashütte Original: 180 Years

It has been 180 years since Ferdinand Adolph Lange established his watchmaking workshop in Glashütte, Germany. The establishment marked the start of luxury watchmaking in Germany. Soon after, the Glashutte company was founded, and they contributed to centuries of luxury watchmaking history from that small town in Germany. Both watchmakers represent a different approach to craftsmanship, but their shared heritage makes them remarkable.

These German titans have celebrated their heritage through innovation. In 1994, A. Lange & Söhne reintroduced itself with the iconic Lange 1, setting a new standard in haute horology. For 2025, expect high-complication releases from Lange and bold updates to Glashütte’s CQ line, with colorful, modern twists appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike. 

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The 55th Anniversary of the Apollo 13 and the Silver Snoopy Award

The first moon landing is one of the most remarkable feats in human history, and the Omega Speedmaster was the watch worn during this iconic mission. However, the limited-edition watch would prove more important in the infamous Apollo 13 Mission that came later. It averted what could’ve been a disaster and saved the crews’ lives thanks to its precision.

This feat made the watch receive the Silver Snoopy Award, which NASA awards for outstanding contractors or employees who made significant safety contributions or contributed to mission success. Omega capitalized on this historic achievement and has released various versions of the Apollo 13 Speedmaster.

The brand released the 45th anniversary edition in 2015 and another remarkable release for the 50th anniversary. It is unsure precisely what Omega has in stock for its upcoming 55-year jubilee, but fans might get an iconic timepiece.

50th Anniversary of Girard-Perregeaux Laurato

Girard-Perregeux was an instant success when it was released in 1975 because of its easy wearability and slim, ultra-precise quartz movement. The raised octagonal bezel adds to its aesthetics and brand identity. It withstood decades of watchmaking evolution and trends and is still an incredible timepiece. This is due to Girard-Perregeaux’s ingenuity in making the proper modifications and improvements at the right time.

In 2015, to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Girard-Perregeaux released limited-edition models that blended modern modifications with Laurato’s style. As GP celebrates half a century of success, there’s reason to be optimistic that GP will release modifications or new timepieces for this 50th anniversary.

G.P. Laureato Skeleton for sale at WatchesOff5th — $30,000.

Seiko x Shohei Ohtani Limited Edition Prospex GMT Divers

2025 will witness the emergence of different special edition watches. Seiko also joined the conversation after announcing a pair of limited-edition Prospex watches to be done in collaboration with Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani. This collaboration will include two 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT (SBEJ023 and SBEJ025), which were released in 2023. However, both will be coming back in the iconic Dodger Blue colorway. The SBEJ023 will feature a blue bezel with a black dial, while the SBEJ025 will have a blue bezel with a white dial. Visit the official website for more details. Source

First Omega Watch Release 2025

The first Omega watch released in 2025 is the full platinum Speedmaster Caliber 321 in platinum. The new release will be a continuation of the popular Caliber 321 movement that was revived in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. This event led to the release of Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Platinum. However, the full platinum Speedmaster Caliber 321 will experience some upgrades as there is a complete swap of leather bracelets for a full platinum bracelet with a fold-over clasp. Additionally, meteorite-dial moon phase variations are coming up on the horizon.

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Meteorite-dial moon phase variations are coming up on the horizon. 

Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025

Watches and Wonders announced their watch fair date and brand list for Geneva 2025. According to the organizers, it is the “largest watchmaking salon ever held in Geneva.” It is a luxury watch event.

It will feature many well-known luxury watch brands. This event, a watch tradeshow, will take place in the watch capital of the world, Geneva.

Brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, TAG Heuer, and Zenith will join together. They will showcase their latest timepieces from April 1 to 7.

The watch fair will feature both well-known and independent brands. They will showcase their limited-edition watches and welcome new participants. Source

Conclusion

2025 promises to be a landmark year for watch enthusiasts, with anniversaries that honor the illustrious years of watchmaking. Major anniversaries come with modifications, updates, or new releases from top manufacturers. Therefore, collectors have strong reasons to be excited for what’s to come!