As the countdown to Watches & Wonders 2025 begins, excitement is building around the potential releases from top luxury watch brands. We sat down with Felix Scholz, a leading watch expert, to dive into some bold predictions for what we might see this year from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, and Omega.
Will Rolex Bring Back the GMT-Master II ‘Coke’?
When it comes to Rolex, speculation is always rampant. The brand’s notorious secrecy keeps enthusiasts guessing, as they did with last year’s unexpected emoji-themed release. For 2025, one of the most anticipated possibilities is the return of the replica Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Coke,’ characterized by its black-and-red bezel. This popular design was last seen in 2007, and many are hoping for its revival. Rolex has reportedly encountered issues perfecting the ceramic bezels for the blue-and-red ‘Pepsi’ GMT, which has fueled rumors that the ‘Coke’ could replace it.
Patek Philippe’s Game-Changing Collection
Thierry Stern, CEO of Patek Philippe, has hinted at a brand-new collection for 2025 – a rare event for the prestigious watchmaker. This is especially significant, as Patek Philippe has introduced only two new lines in the past 25 years: the Aquanaut in 1997 and the Twenty~4 in 2018. With the hype surrounding their iconic Nautilus and the discontinuation of the steel Ref 5711, many predict that Patek’s new collection will focus on precious metals and intricate complications, catering to the brand’s upscale market strategy.
What’s Next for Audemars Piguet?
The 2025 lineup will be the first under new CEO Iliara Resta, marking a shift for Audemars Piguet. While many expect the usual expansion of the Royal Oak line, more adventurous predictions include the introduction of new materials. AP’s use of ‘frosted gold’ and ceramic watches has set them apart, but what if they combine these innovations? A ‘frosted ceramic’ model could make waves in the luxury watch market. Additionally, with the fifth anniversary of the Code 11.59, it’s likely that we’ll see updates to this polarizing collection, possibly with enhanced dials and designs.
Cartier’s Classic Creations
Cartier has consistently focused on refining its signature designs, and 2025 is expected to continue this trend. With celebrities like Timothee Chalamet and Emma Chamberlain flaunting Cartier’s unique pieces, the brand has captured the spotlight. Watch enthusiasts can look forward to seeing new additions to the Tank Française and Pasha lines – two collections that have been gaining traction recently.
Omega’s Olympic Moment
After a challenging year in 2025, marked by an auction scandal involving a vintage Speedmaster, Omega is looking to rebound. The Paris 2025 Olympics present the perfect opportunity for the brand to introduce sporty, Paris-inspired models. On top of that, with a new James Bond actor expected to be announced, Omega’s Seamaster is likely to gain renewed attention, driving fresh interest in this iconic model.