Our list of the best watch releases of 2022 includes the following.

While there were a number of great watches unveiled this year, one glitzy and glamourous release caught our eye and it hasn’t yet let up. At Watches & Wonders 2022, Swiss horological icon Vacheron Constantin took a look back through the archives, revealing a completely new variation of its unique 222 timepiece. A watch more than 45 years in the making, the Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222 arrived with an integrated bracelet, flawless calibre 2455/2 movement and of course, a stunning 18-carat yellow gold aesthetic that looks straight out the 1980s.

Over the past few years, major watch manufacturers had certainly prescribed to the mantra that bigger is better, however, in 2022, things took a turn. In a surprising move that few saw coming, perennial fan favourite Tudor unveil a 39mm Pelagos this year. According to the brand, the slimmed-down version of its best-selling diver sat “between the world of technical diving and urban sophistication”. Looking at it (even now, months after it dropped), it’s hard to argue with that description.

Swiss watchmaker Tissot started off strong in 2022, unveiling what many have described as the best value watch of the year. The revamped PRX Automatic Chronograph took the lessons learned from last year’s revival and applied them to an entirely new product, albeit one with a familiar silhouette. The results were outstanding.

One the other end of the spectrum, Grand Seiko delivered a timepiece that was out of this world. Taking the concept of fine horology to the very extreme, the Japanese watchmaker unveiled the Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon, a remarkable feat of craftsmanship and prowess.

Picking up right where 2019’s Majove Desert left off, IWC’s TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” delivered a knockout blow in 2022. Taking inspiration from the border region between California and Nevada, where TOP GUN pilots perform various training exercises, the timepiece exudes strength and endurance.

While Vacheron Constantin and Tudor were willing to go smaller with their releases in 2022, Rolex decided to do the exact opposite, unveiling an absolute monster 50mm Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge. While we’re pretty certain the astronomical proportions weren’t for aesthetic purposes, the weight and heft of this release cannot be ignored. So too, it must be said, for its ridiculous capabilities.

An interesting subplot that emerged during 2022 was the strange battle of the bulge, or more accurately, lack thereof. Taking the fight directly to Piaget and Bulgari, Richar Mille unveiled the Ferrari RM UP-01, a record-breaking timepiece that measures a remarkable 1.75mm thick, slimmer than a 10c coin.

For a brief period of time, the Tiffany Blue Patek Philippe was pretty much all you would hear about in the watch world. The limited-edition watch, which was designed to speak to the illustrious relationship between Patek Phillipe and American retailer Tiffany & Co., exploded onto the scene this time last year. Described by many as a ‘grail watch’, the release quickly spread through horological circles and it wasn’t long before it had made its way onto the wrists of the world’s biggest celebrities.

When Jaeger-LeCoultre releases its novelties, the whole world takes note and it’s a good thing they did. The Grand Maison unveiled the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 this year, a stunning interpretation of its Grande Complication Calibre 945. The unique reimagining was released in two highly limited editions, showcasing either a pink-on-grey combination or the brand’s classic blue celestial theme, each absolutely insane.

An unexpected winner for the Man of Many team this year, the Ultra Chron from Longines punches well above its weight. Inspired by the 1968 model, which was water-resistant to 200 metres and adorned with a striking red minute hand to match its bold ethos, the 2022 edition took things to new depths.

Watch fans love an anniversary and 2022 marked a big one. Fifty years since the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was released, the Swiss independent debuted a modern version littered with an array of incredible features. The “Jumbo” model specifically pays tribute to the original Royal Oak 5402 from 1972, complete with a body of hand-finished steel.

Some would argue this should be far higher, but we have our reasons. While the MoonSwatch was undoubtedly the biggest and most insane watch collection unveiled in the past 12 months, the actual timepiece itself was lacking in many aspects. On the wrist, the pieces feel a little lighter and cheaper than you would hope, but there were a lot of positives to outweigh it.

In 2022, Casio upped its game again and finally delivered the G-SHOCK watch we’d been begging for. This new release retains the same sleek profile and iconic ‘CasiOak’ octagonal shape but adds a bucket-load of new features and most importantly, a stunning stainless steel case.

It’s no surprise that TAG Heuer was one of the most prolific watchmakers this year, dropping impressive collection after impressive collection, but it peaked early for us. The 45mm Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver arrived wrapped in grade 5 titanium and a familiar silhouette that TAG fans have come to love.

Rounding out our list of the best watches of 2022 is the new Navitimer collection from Breitling. Unveiled in honour of the collection’s contentious 70th anniversary, the new Navitimers offered 13 dial options across its refined circular slide rule, baton indexes, trio of chronograph counters and notched bezel.

To arrive at this list of products, the Man of Many team went through hours and rigorous testing, implementation and analysis before culling it down to the very best. Over the last 12 months, we’ve worked on curated products that push boundaries and pioneer new fronts, across the automotive, fashion, lifestyle and technology verticals. Sure, we love getting the latest piece of kit in our hands, but being able to point out the benefits and shortfalls objectively is at the heart of what we do.