
Published:
Readtime: 11 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
Happy New Year, gents. As we usher in 2025 and say goodbye to 2024, it’s a beautiful time to reflect on the year that was. Plenty of ups and downs coincided with what I personally thought was one of the most eventful years in the watch industry for a very, very long time. Importantly, 2025 is already gearing up to be a wild ride, with most of the major names in the watch game already dropping some serious bangers.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen IWC release a Mercedes-AMG Petronas special edition, MB&F celebrate 20 years with two new masterpieces, OMEGA drop an out-of-this-world duo and Vacheron Constantin make waves with a new take on the historic 222. That’s just to name a few. Enjoy this first edition of The Wind Up for 2025 and I hope you all have a happy and prosperous new year.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
- Brand: Vacheron Constantin
- Model: Historiques 222 Stainless Steel
- Reference: Ref. 4200H/222A-B934
- Diameter: 37mm
- Thickness: 7.95mm
- Movement: Calibre 2455/2 mechanical, self-winding
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Water-Resistance: 50 metres
- Price: CHF 32,000 (AUD$56,500)
First, it was in gold, and now, in its latest (and most accessible guise), the 222 heralds in a new era of wearability. Clad in stainless steel and featuring a blue dial, the latest Historiques 222 is a welcomed, albeit unsurprising expansion of the famed model. Like its predecessors, the stainless steel iteration comes in celebration of an important milestone, marking the first acknowledgement of Vacheron Constantin’s remarkable 270th brand anniversary.
Design-wise, the maison has kept things relatively familiar, with the bottle cap bezel, Maltese cross and Vacheron-stylised bracelet rounding off what is a very restrained aesthetic that will undoubtedly speak to many enthusiasts. What few updates have been made are entirely subtle, with the integrated bracelet featuring reworked joints and triple-blade rather than twin-blade clasps. Additionally, the date window on the dial has been moved towards the centre to give the minutes track a little more room to breathe—while the vintage font of the “AUTOMATIC” inscription is a fitting nod to the collection’s past.
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Stainless Steel is priced at CHF 32,000 (AUD$56,500) and will be available exclusively via Vacheron Constantin boutiques. It is presented on an integrated stainless steel bracelet featuring the maison’s traditional Maltese cross-shaped buckle.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
- Brand: IWC
- Model: Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
- Reference Number: 4200H/222A-B934
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 10.68mm
- Movement: Calibre 32111
- Power Reserve: 120 hours
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Price: AUD$9,800 (USD$6,100)
IWC has continued expanding its partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team with the unveiling of a new Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Boasting a familiar livery, the 40mm Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team comes complete with a titanium case and a green rubber strap that evokes the high-octane nature of the world’s greatest motorsport spectacle.
From a technical perspective, the timepiece does boast a few handy additions designed to capture the eye. The caseback is adorned with an engraving of small hexagons and the wordmark for “Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team”, while the hours, minutes and seconds have been coated with Super-LumiNova in a tonal Petronas green. Inside, the new IWC timepiece is powered by the in-house calibre 32111 automatic movement, which boasts a seriously impressive 120 hours of power reserve.
While this isn’t a limited edition per se, its specific nature likely means not many will be made—so let’s call it a special edition. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team wears many hats. It’s a capable daily wearer, a sports watch, a decent collection opener and a fun piece to buy and wear as you please.

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite
- Brand: OMEGA
- Model: Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite
- Reference: Ref. 304.30.43.52.06.001 / Ref. 304.30.43.52.01.001
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 13.6mm
- Movement: Calibre 9914 Co-Axial Master Chronometer
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Water-Resistance: 50 metres
- Price: AUD$28,400
After closing out 2024 with a string of hits (not the least of which being the stunning Speedmaster Pilot), it feels entirely unsurprising that OMEGA has started 2025 with a bang. The perennial favourite’s first new timepiece for the year continued a legacy of innovation and design that is as intrinsically linked to the industry as it is to our nearest celestial bodies.
Two new Speedmaster references, arriving under the aptly named Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite moniker, feature a rather interesting dial in the form of a lunar meteorite. Finished in either grey or black with a moon phase sporting two moons also made from meteorite, both models are a clear indication of OMEGA’s want to push the Speedy to new heights.
The double moon is a nifty complication—it shows the moon’s age in both the northern and southern hemispheres. In order to make this function work, OMEGA created an entirely new hand-wound movement, dubbed calibre 9914, that offers 60 hours of power reserve and an accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day. To add to this level of showmanship, OMEGA has also replicated the night sky when Apollo 11 landed on the moon way back in 1969 on the moon phase disc. In either guise, the Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite is a very cool reference that pays tribute to the piece’s lunar and space-faring significance.

Panerai Luminor Perpetual Calendar PAM01688
- Brand: Panerai
- Model: Luminor Perpetual Calendar
- Reference: Ref. PAM01688
- Diameter: 44mm
- Movement: Calibre P.4100 automatic
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water-Resistance: 50 metres
- Availability: Limited to 100 pieces
- Price: AUD$78,000
Florentine watchmaker Panerai is ushering in the Lunar New Year with a suite of new releases, but none more impressive than the Luminor Perpetual Calendar PAM01688. The 44mm limited edition timepiece arrives with a stunning burgundy dial contrasted against the brand’s proprietary Goldtech material—a combination that feels innately and fittingly luxurious. It’s a bold aesthetic change on an otherwise familiar silhouette, but it isn’t the only Year of the Snake upgrade.
In a first for the brand, Panerai has introduced Chinese characters for the day and date indicators, with the rotating disc specifically personalised for this timepiece. Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué described this decision as a tribute to the brand’s global community.
“With the Luminor Perpetual Calendar, we pay tribute to the rich cultural significance of the Chinese New Year,” Pontroué said. “For the first time ever, we have personalised the dial with Chinese characters which embodies our commitment to crafting timepieces that resonate with our global audience, celebrating their unique heritage and values.”
Interestingly, the month, year, and leap year functions are only visible through the sapphire open case back, which provides a brief glimpse at the highly complex P.4100 movement powering the watch. With a three-day power reserve, perpetual calendar function and a GMT complication, calibre P.4100 is among Panerai’s most important developments and it feels like a fitting addition to the new limited edition. Even the reference number is a subtle play on the Zodiac, with the numerical ’88’ ending symbolising good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. Priced at AUD$78,000, the Panerai Luminor Perpetual Calendar PAM01688 is limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, available exclusively at Panerai boutiques.

MB&F Celebrates 20 Years With Legacy Machine Longhorn Editions
MB&F has paved the way for many budding creative would-be watchmakers to forge their own success, and in its 20th year of operation, the independent maison has unveiled two anniversary models. Feast your eyes on the remarkable Legacy Machine Perpetual Longhorn and Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn, two watches that arrive with distinctly elongated lugs—ala horns.
Both timepieces measure 44mm in diameter, with the LM Perpetual measuring 17.5mm thick and the Sequential Flyback slightly wider at 18.2mm thick. What makes these two timepieces incredible, outside of the Stephen McDonnell-design multi-function movements, is the unique black lacquered dials. NB&F has managed to capture a refreshing contrast between the skeletonised dial layout on the subdial sections, giving the watch an entirely unique aesthetic—particularly when paired with the aforementioned ‘Longhorn’ lugs.
The Legacy Machine Perpetual Longhorn and Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn are uniquely brilliant creations that exhibit some of the finest movement architecture and finishing the industry has seen this decade. Only 20 of these models are available, and they will cost CHF168,000 (excluding taxes).

MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual
- Brand: MB&F
- Model: LM Perpetual
- Diameter: 44mm
- Thickness: 17.5mm
- Movement: Integrated manual-winding perpetual calendar
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Availability: 20 pieces worldwide
- Price: CHF 168,000

MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback
- Brand: MB&F
- Model: LM Sequential Flyback
- Diameter: 44mm
- Thickness: 18.2mm
- Movement: Integrated manual-winding dual chronograph flyback system
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Availability: 20 pieces worldwide
- Price: CHF 168,000

Longines Heads West with New Perth Boutique
- Brand: Longines
- Address: Corner William Street and Murray Street, Perth WA 6000
At long last, Swiss watchmaker Longines has opened its first boutique in Perth. Located on the corner of William Street and Murray Street in the Western Australian capital’s central business district, the new Longines boutique offers locals an immersive look at the Winged Hourglass’ history, heritage and horological mastery.
Representing the brand’s sixth Australian retail store, the Perth boutique comes just months after the opening of the flagship Sydney boutique and features many of the same design codes. Longines’ core values of elegance, tradition and performance flow throughout the space, from the dazzling corner facade to the refined interior aesthetic.
Most notably, the boutique houses a concierge bar that Longines revealed was inspired by aviation design. The subtle curved edge of the bar is reminscent of a plane wing, while the illusion of striped brushed metal is a contemporary take on the pioneering aircraft that have underpinned our aviation history.
According to Longines CEO Matthias Breschan, the latest Perth boutique marks an important chapter in the brand’s evolution. The head of the Swiss watchmaker explained that growing the domestic presence was pivotal to ensuring that customer experience remains as ‘unforgettable’ as possible.
“Our new Perth boutique illustrates our commitment to innovation and represents an important milestone in the brand’s development, marking our first corporate boutique in Western Australia,” Breschan said. “We are proud to offer our Australian customers the opportunity to discover the unique and elegant world of Longines, the brand’s rich heritage and its vast range of timepieces in a tailor-made space staffed by qualified advisors. We place great importance on creating a bespoke environment to ensure that each visit is an unforgettable experience.”
The latest Longines Perth boutique is located on William Street and Murray Street in the Perth CBD and is currently open to the public.

Alex de Minaur Spotted with a Jaeger-LeCoultre at Australian Open
- Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Model: Reverso Tribute Chronograph
- Reference: Ref. Q389848J
- Diameter: (L x W): 49.4 x 29.9 mm
- Thickness: 11.14mm
- Movement: Calibre 860
- Power Reserve: 52 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Price: AUD$40,200
Australia’s top-ranked tennis player, Alex de Minaur, has shown he’s got style both on and off the court this week, with the world No.8 spotted wearing a Jaeger-LeCoultre classic. In his second-round match of the 2025 Australian Open, de Minaur was seen wearing a striking Reverso Tribute Chronograph in stainless steel.
The rectangular-shaped chronograph features a grey-blue sunray dial, complete with applied hour markers and a minute track floating above the movement, along with blue chronograph hands and bevelled bridges. Inside, you’ll find the manufacture calibre 860 movement, a manual-winding development that dishes up 52 hours of power reserve and 292 individual components.
Best of all, this iteration of the iconic Reverso not only indicates the hours and minutes on both sides but also reinvents the chronograph’s display. As per the watchmaker, the release has been adapted to the rectangular case, with the chronograph offering an unexpected retrograde 30-minute counter and a large central second for the utmost legibility.