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Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Handwinding: A New Mechanical Classic

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The New Classics Moneta Handwinding

The Classics Moneta collection has swiftly established itself as the new benchmark of Frederique Constant’s offering. The Manufacture has chosen to give the collection a new mechanical, vintage-inspired charm. The new Classics Moneta Handwinding introduces a 38.5 mm case and is powered by a hand-wound movement developed by La Joux-Perret, delivering an impressive 63-hour power reserve. Its smoked salmon gradient dial is paired with a vintage-style alligator leather strap featuring a small-scale pattern, creating an elegant and distinctly neo-retro aesthetic. Produced in a limited edition of just 999 pieces, this new model is available for under €2,000.

The Classics Moneta: A Distinctive Case Design

No one can predict what will make a collection successful. Yet one thing is certain: since its launch in 2024, the Classics Moneta has made a striking impression. Its greatest strength lies in the geometry of its case. A watch case is typically distinguished by its shape or finishing. Here, the secret lies in the inner rehaut, whose profile is subtly sculpted with fluting reminiscent of the edge of a coin – the detail that inspired its name. The aesthetic is both familiar and distinctive, showcasing a traditional hallmark of fine watchmaking in an unexpected location on the case, creating a striking sense of originality.

The same balance defines this first mechanical edition, limited to just 999 pieces: a carefully judged harmony between the finest elements of contemporary watchmaking and the inspiration of the great classics of the last century.

The First Mechanical Movement

The first notable development is the introduction of the collection’s first mechanical movement. Produced by La Joux-Perret in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and customised exclusively for Frederique Constant, it is a finely crafted hand-wound calibre. As La Joux-Perret and Frédérique Constant are both part of the Citizen Group, it can truly be considered an in-group movement.

Côtes de Genève Decoration and 63-Hour Power Reserve

Visible through the sapphire case back, the movement is adorned with Côtes de Genève decoration, a fitting tribute to Frederique Constant’s Genevan heritage. At its centre is the coat of arms that the brand has proudly displayed since 1988. On the opposite side of the movement sits the escapement, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) to ensure excellent chronometric stability. At the other end, part of the generously sized barrel is visible, providing the new Moneta with an impressive 63-hour power reserve. The choice of a hand-wound calibre not only allows its finishing to be fully appreciated, unobstructed by an oscillating weight, but also helps preserve the watch’s slim profile and neo-retro character, remaining true to the charm of the 1950s.

A Vintage-Inspired Smoked Salmon Dial

Among the watch’s vintage-inspired features, the new dial stands out most prominently. It showcases a subtle smoked salmon gradient, transitioning to deep black around the edges. This darker outer ring allows the applied, mirror-polished hour markers to stand out more clearly, ensuring excellent legibility. In keeping with its distinctly neo-retro character, the Moneta features two central dauphine hands, complemented by a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. Together, they follow the classic design codes of 1950s watchmaking, combining simplicity with timeless vintage elegance.

A Vintage-Style Alligator Leather Strap

Finally, Frederique Constant has taken this aesthetic exercise to its conclusion with a new black alligator leather strap featuring small-scale patterning, offering both superior suppleness and a patinated look. The result is a well-balanced composition that gives contemporary watchmaking a piece imbued with a delightfully vintage refinement and strong added value.

Blancpain Lady B: A Mechanical Jewel Reimagining the Ladybird Legacy

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What happens when 70 years of watchmaking history is condensed into a 19mm mechanical jewel?

Blancpain answers with the Lady B, a distinctly contemporary interpretation of the idea that gave birth to the Ladybird collection in 1956.

Created under the leadership of Betty Fiechter, the first woman to lead a Swiss watch manufacture, the original Ladybird Bullet was built around an extraordinary ambition: create a remarkably small yet robust mechanical movement. Its R52/R55 calibre measured just 11.85mm in diameter and became the world’s smallest round mechanical movement produced in series, according to Blancpain’s historical account.

Seven decades later, Blancpain isn’t simply bringing that watch back.

It is rethinking the idea behind it.

From Ladybird Bullet to Lady B

The new Blancpain Lady B is explicitly described as a contemporary reinterpretation rather than a reissue of the 1956 Ladybird Bullet. Its design takes the original watch’s philosophy of miniaturisation and translates it into an entirely new architecture.

Its most immediately striking feature is its spherical case.

Measuring only 19mm in diameter, the case has a thickness of 13.20mm and a volume of just 2.9cm³. Rather than treating the watch as a flat object defined primarily by its diameter, Blancpain conceived Lady B in three dimensions.

The result is closer to a polished mechanical pebble or jewel than a conventional round wristwatch.

And that is precisely the point.

A Mechanical Heart in a Tiny Space

Inside the spherical case is Blancpain’s Manufacture Calibre 615, an automatic movement measuring 15.70mm in diameter and 3.90mm thick.

It contains 180 components and 29 rubies, operates at 3Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour, and delivers a 38-hour power reserve. Its plates are finished with Côtes de Genève, while a silicon balance spring is part of its evolution.

The movement’s compact architecture wasn’t simply placed inside an existing case.

The entire watch was developed around it.

Blancpain says the spherical case, sapphire crystal, polished rehaut, integrated strap passage and water resistance were developed in parallel to accommodate Calibre 615.

That makes the Lady B’s small dimensions more than an aesthetic exercise. They are the consequence of designing the watch around its mechanical core.

No Lugs. No Conventional Case Architecture.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of Lady B is what it leaves out.

There are no traditional lugs.

Instead, the calf leather strap passes directly through an opening machined into the case. The passage measures just 10 × 1.6mm, and Blancpain describes the interior as micro-blasted so the leather can glide through it. The edges and knurling are finished by hand.

This creates a continuous visual relationship between the spherical case and the strap.

The watch doesn’t look as though a strap has been attached to it.

The strap appears to emerge from it.

Minimalism Is Doing the Heavy Lifting

The dial takes an equally restrained approach.

The warm beige opaline dial is identical across the stainless-steel and 18K red-gold versions. There is no gem-setting, allowing the dial surface, gold indices and reflections from the polished rehaut to define the visual character.

The applied stick indices are made from gold and measure only 1.82 × 0.39mm.

The hands remain deliberately simple, displaying only the hours and minutes.

This restraint is important because the case is already doing most of the visual talking. The polished spherical architecture creates changing reflections across its surface, while the clean dial prevents the watch from becoming visually busy.

Seven Straps, One Tiny Wrist Presence

The Lady B arrives on a double-tour calf leather strap, reinforcing its jewellery-like character.

There are seven colour options:

  • White
  • Beige
  • Mocha
  • Burgundy
  • Blue
  • Coral
  • Purple

The strap fits through the rear of the watch and can be changed easily.

The double-tour construction also changes how the 19mm case sits visually on the wrist. Instead of functioning simply as a tiny watch, the strap becomes an integral part of the design language.

Betty Fiechter: The Woman Behind the Original Vision

The Lady B story becomes considerably more interesting when you look back at Betty Fiechter.

Fiechter entered Blancpain’s workshop in Villeret as a 16-year-old apprentice in 1912. By 1933, she had become co-owner of the Manufacture, and she ultimately became the first woman to own and lead a Swiss watch manufacture.

Her contribution wasn’t limited to keeping the company operating through difficult economic and historical circumstances.

She also recognised the importance of mechanical watches for women.

Blancpain’s historical account notes that Fiechter believed women’s watches deserved the same ingenuity and mechanical integrity as other timepieces, making this area one of Blancpain’s defining strengths.

In 1956, the Ladybird emerged from this philosophy.

The Lady B now connects that history to Blancpain’s contemporary approach to mechanical miniaturisation.

The 1956 Technical Miracle

The original Ladybird Bullet’s R52/R55 calibre was only 11.85mm in diameter.

Its compact architecture incorporated a fifth wheel into the gear train and shock protection for the balance, allowing Blancpain to pursue extreme miniaturisation without abandoning robustness. The movement contained 133 individually machined components and operated at 3Hz.

The movement’s influence extended beyond Blancpain, with the press release noting that houses including Omega and Longines subsequently adopted it for their own creations. Its tiny footprint also enabled a wide variety of jewellery watches, bracelets, bangles, rings and pendants.

That history explains why the Ladybird is more than simply an old model in Blancpain’s archive.

Miniaturisation became a creative platform.

Lady B continues that idea in a radically different form.

Stainless Steel or 18K Red Gold?

Blancpain offers the Lady B in two case materials:

Stainless Steel

  • 19mm diameter
  • 13.20mm thickness
  • 30m water resistance
  • CHF 9,500

18K Red Gold

  • 19mm diameter
  • 13.20mm thickness
  • 30m water resistance
  • CHF 14,500

The watch is not a limited edition and is available through Blancpain boutiques and authorised retailers from 17 September 2026.

A New Chapter, Rather Than a Reissue

The Blancpain Lady B succeeds by resisting the obvious route.

It doesn’t attempt to reproduce the Ladybird Bullet line for line. Instead, it takes the central idea behind that watch, mechanical watchmaking on an extraordinarily small scale, and pushes it into a new design language.

A spherical 19mm case.

A tiny automatic movement.

An integrated double-tour strap.

A deliberately quiet opaline dial.

And a direct connection to Betty Fiechter and the Ladybird’s history.

Seventy years after the Ladybird first appeared, Blancpain’s smallest statement may also be one of its most conceptually interesting.

The Lady B is tiny in dimensions.

Its mechanical ambition is anything but.

Frederique Constant Reinvents the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture with a New In-House FC-719 Calibre

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For more than a decade, the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has been one of the brand’s defining creations. Introduced in 2012, it combined an elegant world time complication with an accessible Swiss Manufacture movement, making high-end watchmaking more attainable for collectors. In a market where world time watches often command premium prices, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture carved out a reputation for offering exceptional value without compromising on craftsmanship.

Now, Frederique Constant has given one of its most celebrated watches its most significant update yet. The latest generation introduces the brand-new Manufacture FC-719 calibre, a refined 40mm case, cleaner date-free dials, a longer 72-hour power reserve, fresh colourways, an interchangeable steel bracelet, and a dazzling gem-set limited edition.

Rather than reinventing an icon, Frederique Constant has carefully refined every aspect of it.

A Modern Evolution of a Horological Favourite

The Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has always stood apart for its elegant simplicity. It delivered one of horology’s most useful complications in an intuitive package, allowing wearers to read all 24 global time zones at a glance.

The newest version remains faithful to that philosophy while introducing meaningful upgrades that improve both aesthetics and everyday usability.

The redesigned collection now features:

  • New in-house FC-719 Manufacture movement
  • Extended 72-hour power reserve
  • Slimmer 40mm case
  • Streamlined date-free dial
  • New dial colours
  • New interchangeable five-link steel bracelet
  • Limited edition gem-set version with just 88 individually numbered pieces

Each update has been carefully considered, ensuring the watch feels contemporary without losing the timeless appeal that made it a cornerstone of Frederique Constant’s collection.

Introducing the New FC-719 Manufacture Calibre

At the heart of the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture lies Frederique Constant’s 35th in-house Manufacture movement, the FC-719.

Developed entirely within the Maison’s Geneva workshops, the movement builds upon the reliability of its predecessor while introducing significant technical improvements.

The biggest advancement is its 72-hour power reserve, nearly doubling the previous 38-hour autonomy. This impressive increase comes from a longer mainspring and an optimised alloy composition, all while maintaining a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) for excellent timekeeping performance.

Remarkably, despite housing a larger mainspring, the movement fits inside a more compact 40mm case, showcasing the engineering efficiency behind its redesign.

World Time Made Beautifully Simple

World time complications can often appear intimidating, but Frederique Constant has long believed they should be intuitive enough for everyday use.

The Classic Worldtimer Manufacture simultaneously displays the time across all 24 global time zones, with a two-tone city ring allowing wearers to instantly distinguish between daytime and nighttime regions.

One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the date display.

Without the date aperture interrupting the dial, the layout feels cleaner, more balanced and significantly easier to read. The result is a dial that highlights the world time complication rather than competing with it.

Whether travelling across continents or simply appreciating the artistry of mechanical watchmaking, the display remains elegant and remarkably practical.

One Crown Controls Everything

One of the defining characteristics of the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture is its incredibly user-friendly operation.

Unlike many complicated watches requiring recessed pushers or correction tools, every function is adjusted through a single crown.

This approach offers several practical advantages:

  • Faster and simpler adjustments
  • Fewer mechanical components susceptible to wear
  • Improved reliability
  • Enhanced water resistance of 5 ATM
  • Cleaner case proportions without additional correctors

Sometimes good engineering is less about adding more parts and more about having the restraint to remove them.

Handcrafted Finishing Through and Through

Turning the watch over reveals the FC-719 movement beneath a sapphire crystal caseback.

Frederique Constant continues its commitment to traditional Swiss finishing with decorative techniques that elevate the movement beyond pure functionality.

Highlights include:

  • Sunburst Côtes de Genève decoration
  • Circular graining on the bridges
  • Snailing on the atin-finished oscillating weight
  • Hand-assembled and individually regulated movement

Every calibre undergoes careful assembly within the Manufacture, where each component is pre-assembled before final adjustment. Precision tasks such as balance spring centring and regulation require microscopic accuracy, ensuring every movement leaves the workshop performing to exacting standards.

A Refined Exterior with Contemporary Appeal

The new generation also introduces a more compact 40mm stainless steel case, offering improved proportions and enhanced wrist comfort.

Its redesigned five-link stainless steel bracelet alternates satin-brushed and polished surfaces, delivering a refined look while remaining suitable for daily wear. The interchangeable system also gives owners additional flexibility to personalise the watch.

Frederique Constant has also refreshed the collection with new dial colours that complement the cleaner, date-free layout while maintaining the Classic Worldtimer’s unmistakable identity.

For collectors seeking something even more exclusive, the Maison introduces a spectacular gem-set edition limited to 88 individually numbered pieces, adding a luxurious interpretation to one of its most recognisable creations.

Swiss Manufacture Watchmaking at Exceptional Value

Frederique Constant has spent nearly four decades pursuing a mission that remains surprisingly rare in modern watchmaking: creating true Swiss Manufacture timepieces while keeping them accessible to enthusiasts.

The new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture embodies that philosophy perfectly.

From the newly developed FC-719 movement and extended power reserve to its simplified operation, refined proportions and elegant finishing, every improvement reflects thoughtful engineering rather than unnecessary complexity.

For seasoned travellers, frequent flyers and collectors alike, it remains one of the most compelling world time watches available today, proving that genuine Manufacture craftsmanship doesn’t always have to come with an unreachable price tag.

Technical Specifications

Movement: Manufacture FC-719 Automatic
Functions: Hours, Minutes, World Time (24 Time Zones)
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vph)
Case Size: 40mm
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Bracelet: Interchangeable Five-Link Stainless Steel Bracelet
Caseback: Sapphire Crystal Exhibition
Special Edition: Gem-set Limited Edition (88 Pieces)

Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue: A New Shade of Innovation in Sapphire Watchmaking

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Hublot continues to redefine transparent watchmaking with the launch of the limited-edition Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue, pairing its signature sapphire expertise with the impressive Meca-10 manufacture movement.

There are watches that tell time, and then there are watches that make a statement before you even glance at the dial. The Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue belongs firmly in the latter category. Limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, this latest creation showcases everything Hublot has become synonymous with over the past decade: innovative materials, bold engineering and contemporary design.

Hublot’s Mastery of Sapphire Continues

Working with sapphire is no simple feat. Renowned for its exceptional hardness and transparency, sapphire is one of the most demanding materials in watchmaking. While many brands have experimented with it, Hublot has consistently expanded its possibilities, introducing coloured sapphire cases that combine technical complexity with striking aesthetics.

The Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue captures the calm brilliance of a summer sky through its fully polished 44mm sapphire crystal case. Its transparent construction allows light to flow through every angle of the watch, giving it a presence that constantly changes depending on its surroundings. Titanium H-shaped screws secure the sapphire bezel, while a structured sky-blue rubber strap completes the distinctive monochromatic look.

The Meca-10 Movement Takes Centre Stage

Inside the transparent case is one of Hublot’s most celebrated in-house calibres: the HUB1201 Meca-10.

Originally introduced in 2016, the Meca-10 broke away from conventional movement architecture. Rather than hiding the mechanics beneath the dial, Hublot designed the movement to become the visual centrepiece of the watch. Inspired by mechanical construction systems, its fully skeletonised architecture reveals every functional component.

The manually wound movement consists of 223 components, delivers an exceptional 10-day (240-hour) power reserve, and uses two parallel mainspring barrels to maintain consistent energy delivery. One of its most distinctive features is the innovative rack-and-pinion power reserve display that moves horizontally across the movement, reinforcing the industrial aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Meca-10 collection.

Transparency That Reveals Every Detail

The appeal of the Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue extends beyond its sapphire case. Its matte sky-blue skeleton dial, matching movement bridges and sapphire case-back ensure that the watch remains visually captivating from every angle.

Instead of concealing its mechanics, the watch celebrates them. Every gear, bridge and wheel becomes part of the overall design, creating a fascinating interplay between engineering and aesthetics. It is a reminder that modern haute horlogerie is as much about visual storytelling as it is about precision.

Built with Confidence

The Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue is more than an exercise in design. It also reflects Hublot’s confidence in its manufacturing capabilities.

Eligible models purchased from 1 January 2026 benefit from Hublot’s 5+5 warranty programme, providing a five-year standard warranty with the possibility of extending coverage to ten years through the Hublotista programme. It is among the most comprehensive warranty offerings in contemporary luxury watchmaking and reinforces the brand’s trust in its products.

Limited to Just 100 Pieces

Exclusivity remains central to the appeal of this release.

The Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue is limited to 100 pieces worldwide and will be available through selected Hublot boutiques, authorised retailers and the brand’s official online store. The watch is priced at USD 84,300, reflecting both the complexity of its sapphire construction and the sophistication of its in-house movement.

Final Thoughts

Few brands have embraced sapphire as confidently as Hublot. Over the years, the manufacture has transformed what was once considered an experimental material into one of its defining signatures. The Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue continues that journey, combining a transparent sky-blue sapphire case with the technically impressive Meca-10 movement in a package that is both futuristic and unmistakably Hublot.

For collectors who appreciate avant-garde watchmaking, architectural movements and limited-edition craftsmanship, this latest Big Bang demonstrates exactly why Hublot remains one of the industry’s most daring innovators.

ELKA x Ace “Essence” MD09: When Less Truly Becomes More

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In a world where luxury watches often compete through complex complications and increasingly elaborate dials, the ELKA x Ace “Essence” MD09 takes the opposite approach. It strips away everything that isn’t essential, proving that true elegance often lies in restraint. Inspired by ELKA Watch Co.’s philosophy of “Form Follows Feeling,” the MD09 is a watch designed to be experienced rather than simply read.

A Collaboration Rooted in Minimalism

Created in collaboration with Ace Jewelers, the Serie D “The 36” Essence is a celebration of pure design. Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, the watch removes traditional hour markers and numerals, allowing the dial itself to become the focal point. Instead of measuring time with visual precision, the MD09 invites the wearer to appreciate time through emotion and simplicity.

The Beauty of an Uninterrupted Blue Dial

The first thing that captures your attention is the stunning sunray blue dial.

Free from indices and numerals, the uninterrupted surface allows light to move effortlessly across the dial, creating changing shades of deep navy and electric blue depending on the viewing angle. The absence of visual clutter gives the watch a calming, almost meditative presence that is increasingly rare in modern watchmaking.

Designed to Feel Natural

Housed in ELKA’s signature 36mm pebble-shaped case, the MD09 reflects the brand’s focus on comfort and organic design. Its smooth contours recall vintage pocket watches, while the compact proportions make it equally suited to both contemporary and classic wrists.

Completing the design is ELKA’s distinctive Chevé-box sapphire crystal, whose generous curvature evokes the charm of vintage acrylic crystals while delivering the scratch resistance expected from modern sapphire.

Less Design. More Emotion.

The MD09 isn’t about displaying technical complexity. It’s about creating an emotional connection with the wearer.

By removing every unnecessary element, ELKA allows the dial, proportions and light to become the watch’s defining features. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most memorable designs are those confident enough to leave space for simplicity.

EyesOnTime’s Take

The ELKA x Ace “Essence” MD09 Blue Minimalist is a refreshing reminder that minimalism doesn’t have to feel empty. Every design choice has a purpose, from the uninterrupted blue dial to the perfectly balanced 36mm case.

For collectors who appreciate independent watchmaking, understated elegance and thoughtful design, the MD09 offers something increasingly rare in today’s market: a watch that whispers instead of shouting.

ZENITH DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II: When Nature Meets High-Frequency Watchmaking

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Luxury watchmaking often celebrates either technical innovation or artistic beauty. With the new ZENITH DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II, the Swiss manufacture proves that the two can coexist beautifully.

Limited to just 25 pieces worldwide, this latest edition of the DEFY Extreme brings together one of the most advanced mechanical chronograph movements in production with one of nature’s most captivating gemstones. The result is a watch that feels equally at home in a collector’s showcase or on the wrist of someone who appreciates cutting-edge engineering.

A Study in Contrasts

At first glance, the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II is impossible to ignore.

Its bold 45mm case combines forged carbon with titanium, creating a lightweight yet incredibly robust construction. Unlike polished metals that reflect light, the matte texture of forged carbon absorbs it, giving the watch a stealth-like presence that perfectly suits the aggressive architecture of the DEFY collection.

Against this dark backdrop, the lapis lazuli chronograph counters become the undeniable focal point.

Every slice of lapis lazuli is naturally unique, with tiny pyrite inclusions shimmering like stars across a deep blue sky. No two watches will ever display exactly the same pattern, making each piece subtly individual.

Powered by the Legendary El Primero 9004

Beneath the openworked dial sits one of ZENITH’s most impressive achievements: the El Primero 9004.

The movement features two completely independent escapements, each designed for a specific purpose.

One escapement beats at 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) to keep precise time, while the second operates at an extraordinary 50 Hz (360,000 vibrations per hour) exclusively for the chronograph.

This innovative architecture enables the central chronograph hand to complete one full rotation every second, allowing elapsed time to be measured with remarkable precision to 1/100th of a second.

It’s a mechanical spectacle that remains one of the defining features of the DEFY Extreme collection.

Built for Performance, Designed for Everyday Wear

While the movement is undeniably technical, the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II has also been designed with versatility in mind.

The watch is supplied with a black rubber strap featuring a folding clasp, alongside a black high-performance Velcro strap. Thanks to ZENITH’s integrated quick-change strap system, switching between the two requires no tools, making it easy to adapt the watch for different occasions.

The carbon and titanium construction also keeps the substantial 45mm case surprisingly lightweight, while its 20 ATM water resistance ensures it’s ready for active everyday use.

A Collector’s Edition

The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II isn’t simply another colour variation.

By pairing forged carbon, titanium and natural lapis lazuli with one of the world’s most technically advanced mechanical chronographs, ZENITH has created a watch that celebrates both innovation and individuality.

With only 25 examples available worldwide, this is a timepiece destined for collectors who appreciate rare materials, exceptional engineering and distinctive design.

Technical Specifications

  • Reference: 10.9102.9004/51.I200
  • Limited Edition: 25 pieces
  • Case: 45mm Carbon & Titanium
  • Movement: El Primero 9004
  • Chronograph Accuracy: 1/100th of a second
  • Frequency: 5 Hz timekeeping / 50 Hz chronograph
  • Power Reserve: 50 hours
  • Water Resistance: 20 ATM
  • Dial: Openworked with natural lapis lazuli counters
  • Straps: Black rubber strap and black Velcro strap with interchangeable system

Final Thoughts

The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II demonstrates that modern watchmaking isn’t only about improving performance. It’s also about creating emotion through materials, craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

Its forged carbon case speaks to contemporary engineering, while the natural beauty of lapis lazuli adds warmth and individuality. Combined with the remarkable El Primero 9004 movement capable of measuring time to 1/100th of a second, this limited edition showcases exactly what makes ZENITH one of the industry’s most innovative watchmakers.

For collectors seeking something that blends mechanical excellence with unmistakable character, the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II stands out as one of the most compelling releases of the year.

GPHG 2025 Winners: A Complete Look at This Year’s Finest in Watchmaking

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The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) once again delivered a night filled with craftsmanship, innovation and emotion — and the 2025 edition might just be one of the most diverse lineups we’ve seen in years. From ultra-thin record-breakers to artistic métiers d’art creations and bold independents rewriting the rulebook, this year’s winners represent the very best of watchmaking today.

Here’s a complete breakdown of every winning timepiece from GPHG 2025.

Aiguille d’Or Grand Prix — Breguet

Classique Souscription 2025
Breguet took home the top honour with the Classique Souscription 2025 — a tribute to purity, precision, and the maison’s unmistakable signature aesthetics. Slim, elegant, and rooted deeply in its history, this piece captures the true spirit of high horology.

Chronometry Prize — Zenith

G.F.J. Calibre 135
Zenith impressed with a masterclass in accuracy. The Calibre 135 remains a benchmark in chronometry, and its modern interpretation bridges heritage with contemporary execution in a remarkably refined package.

Horological Revelation Prize — Anton Suhanov

St. Petersburg Easter Egg Tourbillon Clock
Anton Suhanov delivered one of the most poetic creations of the night. His tourbillon clock, shaped like a jewelled Easter egg, blends mechanical virtuosity with Russian artistic heritage. A stunning triumph for independent creators.

Audacity Prize — Fam Al Hut

Möbius
Bold, futuristic and mathematically inspired, the Möbius by Fam Al Hut challenges traditional watchmaking norms. A fluid sculpture for the wrist, it stands out as one of the most daring designs of 2025.

Iconic Watch Prize — Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
Audemars Piguet reinforces its legendary status with a Perpetual Calendar that redefines the Royal Oak’s identity. Technical finesse meets architectural beauty in this modern icon.

Mechanical Exception Prize — Greubel Forsey

Nano Foudroyante
Greubel Forsey continues to push boundaries. The Nano Foudroyante integrates cutting-edge mechanisms in a breathtakingly complex layout — a true testament to their pursuit of perfection.

Chronograph Prize — Angelus

Chronographe Télémètre Yellow Gold
Angelus returned to its roots with a stunning yellow-gold chronograph featuring a vintage telemeter scale. A beautiful fusion of heritage and contemporary detailing.

Tourbillon Prize — Bvlgari

Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon
Bvlgari extends its dominance in ultra-thin watchmaking. The Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon pushes the limits of engineering with a paper-thin architecture and bold modern design.

Sports Watch Prize — Chopard

Alpine Eagle 41 SL Cadence 8HF
Chopard’s high-frequency Alpine Eagle brings performance, lightness and aesthetics together. The textured dial and 8 Hz movement give this piece a competitive edge.

Men’s Complication Prize — Bovet 1822

Récital 30
The Récital 30 is a sculptural timepiece showcasing Bovet’s layered architecture. It balances elegance, mechanics, and creativity — all in true Bovet style.

Men’s Watch Prize — Urban Jürgensen

UJ-2 Double Wheel Natural Escapement
Urban Jürgensen impressed with an intricate natural escapement system, beautifully integrated into a refined, classical case. A victory for traditional craftsmanship.

Time-Only Watch Prize — Daniel Roth

Extra Plat Rose Gold
A masterclass in minimalism. Daniel Roth’s Extra Plat is slim, warm, and beautifully pure — a watch for those who appreciate understatement done exceptionally well.

Jewellery Watch Prize — Dior Montres

La D de Dior Buisson Couture
Dior delivered a gem-set wonder inspired by haute couture embroidery. A piece designed not just as a watch, but as wearable jewellery art.

Artistic Crafts Prize — Voutilainen

28GML SOUYOU
Voutilainen continues to celebrate artisanal craftsmanship with a piece showcasing exceptional guilloché, finishing, and rich contrasting tones. A connoisseur’s delight.

Ladies’ Complication Prize — Chopard

Imperiale Four Seasons
Chopard’s Imperiale Four Seasons captures the beauty of nature through four poetic interpretations — a feminine masterpiece imbued with symbolism and precision.

Ladies’ Watch Prize — Gérald Genta

Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal
A sculptural creation set with vibrant fire opal, Gérald Genta’s Gentissima Oursin is bold, radiant, and exceptional in form. A standout in women’s watchmaking.

Petite Aiguille Prize — M.A.D. Editions

M.A.D.2 Green
Max Büsser’s M.A.D.2 Green brings fun, bold character and futuristic design — perfectly capturing the spirit of accessible independent watchmaking.

Challenge Watch Prize — Dennison

Natural Stone Tiger Eye In Gold
Dennison offers a warm, organic take on luxury with a rich tiger-eye dial set in gold. Simple, striking, and beautifully executed.

Mechanical Clock Prize — L’Épée 1839 × MB&F

Albatross L’Épée 1839 × MB&F
Part sculpture, part machine — the Albatross showcases L’Épée’s mechanical mastery paired with MB&F’s artistic imagination. A kinetic artwork worthy of a spotlight.

Final Thoughts

GPHG 2025 showcased a brilliant mix of heritage maisons, bold independents and artistic explorations that pushed horology to new heights. Whether through extreme thinness, imaginative architecture or the revival of ancient crafts, this year’s winners prove that watchmaking is more alive, creative and emotional than ever.