Horological Milestones: The Significant Watch Anniversaries of 2025
Celebrating the watches and watchmakers that have defined horology through decades and centuries.
The year 2025 marks numerous significant anniversaries in the world of fine watchmaking, with several maisons celebrating milestones that highlight their heritage, innovation, and enduring contributions to horology. Let’s get into it:
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. First introduced in 1975, this distinctive timepiece with its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet has evolved to become one of the most recognizable luxury sport watches in the world. The anniversary represents half a century of the Laureato's elegant geometry and precision engineering.
Hublot's Big Bang reaches its 20th anniversary, marking two decades since this revolutionary model transformed the luxury watch industry with its fusion concept, combining unexpected materials and traditional craftsmanship. Since its 2005 introduction, the Big Bang has exemplified Hublot's Art of Fusion philosophy.
The Cartier Pasha turns 40 this year. This distinctive round timepiece, originally designed in 1985, has maintained its bold character with its distinctive square minute track within a circular dial, protective crown cap, and unique aesthetic that bridges sporty functionality with elegant sophistication.
Omega is celebrating dual anniversaries: 30 years with James Bond, commemorating the iconic partnership that began in 1995 with GoldenEye, and 20 years of the Planet Ocean line, which has become synonymous with professional diving watches since its introduction in 2005.
Rolex marks its 120th anniversary since its founding by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905. Simultaneously, the company celebrates the GMT-Master's 70th anniversary, honoring seven decades since the introduction of this pioneering dual time zone watch originally designed for Pan Am pilots in 1955.
Grand Seiko's 65th anniversary commemorates the Japanese brand's dedication to precision and artistry since 1960. From its origins as Seiko's luxury line to its current status as an independent brand, Grand Seiko has maintained its philosophy of creating the "ideal" timepiece.
Panerai celebrates their 165th anniversary, dating back to the opening of the first Panerai shop in Florence in 1860. Concurrently, the brand honors 25 years of paneristi with the Luminor Venticinque ref. PAM02025, a special edition recognizing the passionate collector community that has supported the brand since 2000.
Tag Heuer's 165th anniversary marks over a century and a half of chronographic innovation since Edouard Heuer founded his workshop in Saint-Imier, Switzerland in 1860. The brand's contributions to precision timing have revolutionized both competitive sports and everyday timekeeping.
A. Lange & Shöne's 180th anniversary celebrates the Saxon watchmaker's journey since Ferdinand Adolph Lange established his workshop in Glashütte in 1845. Despite interruptions during East Germany's communist period, the brand's 1990 rebirth and subsequent achievements in haute horlogerie have cemented its prestigious status.
Blancpain's 290th anniversary represents nearly three centuries of uninterrupted watchmaking heritage since Jehan-Jacques Blancpain established the company in 1735, making it the oldest watchmaking brand still in operation.
Breguet's 250th anniversary commemorates two and a half centuries since Abraham-Louis Breguet opened his Paris workshop in 1775. Breguet's innovations — including the Tourbillon Perpetual (automatic) watches, and the distinctive Breguet hands and numerals — continue to influence modern watchmaking.
Audemars Piguet's 150th anniversary marks a century and a half since Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet founded their company in the Vallée de Joux in 1875. From complex pocket watches to the revolutionary Royal Oak introduced in 1972, AP has consistently pushed the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking.
Patek Philippe's ref.3940 Perpetual Claendar turns 40, celebrating four decades since the introduction of this influential model in 1985. Though discontinued, the Ref.3940 set new standards for perpetual calendar design with its balanced dial layout and ultra-thin movement, remaining highly sought after by collectors.
