WATCHES AND WONDERS HIGHLIGHTS - APRIL 2025 NEWS

Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025 offered more than just the unveiling of the year’s most exciting novelties - it was a week immersed in the beating heart of haute horlogerie.

For Senior Sales Executive Sharon Kwok, it was her first time attending the world’s most prestigious watch fair, while for seasoned attendees Julian Farren-Price and Erik Hallstrom, it was a moment to reconnect with the magic, innovation, and emotion that define fine watchmaking. Together, the trio returned with renewed inspiration, and a few favourites to share.

A World of Wonder

Held at Geneva’s Palexpo, Watches & Wonders transforms the city into a watchmaking dreamscape. 

(Image Source: Time and Watches)

“From the moment we arrived in Geneva, I could feel the city humming with the spirit of Watches and Wonders,” Sharon shared. “The atmosphere inside was exactly what I imagined - luxurious, polished, and filled with quiet excitement.”

(Image Source: WWGF/KEYSTONE/Cyril Zingaro)

Inside the fair, a sense of craftsmanship and storytelling permeated each brand presentation. “This Watches and Wonders was one of the best in many years. It was also a lot bigger and spacious which made it feel a lot less crowded,” said Erik. Private appointments offered immersive experiences, complete with cappuccinos and curated displays, and every brand had something unique to share.

The Trends: Smaller Sizes, Colour, and Stone Dials

Across the board, the J Farren-Price team noted a strong trend towards smaller, more wearable case sizes. Julian noted a clear shift toward timepieces under 40mm, with dimensions that reflect classicism, enhanced wearability, and timeless design. 

Among the standouts was the Chopard L.U.C Quattro Mark IV in a beautifully balanced 39mm case, and Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB003, which showcased an elegant 37mm size. Also embracing this return to classic sizing, Vacheron Constantin introduced new Traditionnelle Manual-Winding models at 38mm, reaffirming their mastery of timeless, understated watchmaking.

Colour was also a clear theme across this year's novelties. Muted, matte, and Morandi-inspired tones were everywhere. Rolex embraced this subtlety with their Oyster Perpetual lineup in warm sandy beige, fresh pistachio, and a delicate muted lavender - each one striking in its simplicity.

Patek Philippe remained true to its refined palette with elegant new blue dials gracing the latest white gold Nautilus 7010 models, while Chopard made a vibrant statement with the Alpine Eagle Frozen Rainbow, showcasing a rainbow sapphire bezel.

Parmigiani Fleurier's refined new releases also captured attention with luminous blue, Verzasca green, and ‘Golden Hour’ dials - each understated yet rich in texture and tone.

Another key theme? The captivating beauty of natural stone dials. "Rolex has long been a leader in this area, and this year they introduced a new Tiger Iron dial – a form of Tiger’s Eye, Red Jasper and Haematite. This dial is sourced from Australia,” said Erik.

H. Moser & Cie. also impressed with its limited-edition Pop Collection, featuring vibrant stone dials crafted from coral, jade, chrysoprase, opal, and lapis lazuli. Each dial was one-of-a-kind, celebrating the natural beauty and individuality of the materials in true Moser fashion.

One of Sharon's personal favourites, the Chopard L’Heure du Diamant with a round pink opal dial in 26mm, also showcased this trend towards colourful stone dials. She described it as a delicate, elegant creation that radiates timeless femininity.

Ultimately, Julian, Erik, and Sharon all reflected on the irreplaceable experience of encountering timepieces in real life, where nuances in light, proportion, and craftsmanship come alive in ways no screen can capture. The Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT, with its rich burgundy bezel and perfectly balanced 39mm case, was particularly striking in person - revealing a depth and vibrancy that truly stood out on the wrist.

Exceptional Works of Art

Among the standout pieces at the fair, Julian noted that Rolex drew attention with its new Land-Dweller collection. There were also a number of other extraordinary creations this year that deserve a special mention among the highlights.

Vacheron Constantin unveiled the Les Cabinotiers ‘The Berkley Grand Complication – Soleria’, a remarkable creation boasting 41 complications, the result of eight years of development, 13 patents, and 1,521 components - a true masterpiece of haute horlogerie.

Patek Philippe also captivated with its 31-Day Desk Clock, a tribute to legendary collectors James Ward Packard and Henry Graves Jr. Seven years in the making and safeguarded by nine patents. This extraordinary creation reflects the brand’s commitment to both heritage and horological innovation.

High-Frequency Movements and Innovation

In a remarkable display of technical mastery, several brands unveiled novelties featuring high-frequency movements - a testament to the ongoing pursuit of precision and performance.

Rolex's new Land-Dweller collection was equipped with a groundbreaking 5 Hz (36,000 vph) movement and was developed through 16 patented innovations. Its consistent timekeeping capabilities reflect a new standard in Rolex’s already impressive mechanical lineage.

Parmigiani Fleurier also joined this momentum with the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet, housing the PF070-CSND movement - a 5 Hz engine offering a generous 65-hour power reserve within two bold new references.

Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive calibre 9RB2, featured in the Ice Forest SLGB003, earned particular praise from Erik for its extraordinary accuracy: “The daily tolerance is +/- 0.3 seconds per day, +/- 3 seconds per month, and an astonishing +/- 20 seconds per year. This will be sure to excite both new and existing Grand Seiko clients.”

The Art of Protection

No visit to Geneva is complete without stepping into the world of Buben & Zorweg. Julian, Erik, and Sharon explored the brand’s exclusive showroom with Christian Zorweg and CEO Florian vom Bruch, where they previewed the latest innovations - most notably the new SPECTRON and SPHERO collections.

(Pictured From Left: Jill Shao, Christian Zorweg, Julian Farren-Price, Erik Hallstrom, Sharon Kwok, and CEO Florian vom Bruch)

The standout was the SPECTRON high-security safe, which blends sculptural elegance with cutting-edge protection. Its concealed keypad and handle give it a sleek, architectural presence that integrates beautifully into modern interiors.

Erik noted how the design elevated the safe beyond function, and he was particularly impressed by the new leather finishes introduced this year - especially Nappa Twilight Grey and Nappa Cider Grey - for their refined, contemporary appeal.

Together, the latest creations reaffirm Buben & Zorweg’s unique ability to combine security, technology, and visual artistry.

After-Hours Magic

The brands didn’t stop at watches - they brought their identities to life through extraordinary events. H. Moser & Cie.'s co-owners, Edouard and Bertrand Meylan, hosted a Pop Art–inspired party at the Beau-Rivage, complete with neon lights, arcade games, and an irreverent sense of fun.

Just like the brand itself, the party felt fresh, full of life, and completely unafraid to push boundaries. Moser has carved out a unique identity in the watch world - one that blends innovation, humor, and artistry in a way no other brand quite does. Their Pop Art Collection has been a standout success, proving that haute horlogerie can be both playful and deeply refined.

Meanwhile, Patek Philippe’s dinner atop their newly built manufacture was a masterclass in elegance. Designed like an alpine ski lodge, complete with wood panelling and warm lighting, it was as memorable as the watches themselves.

Another special moment for Julian, Erik, and Sharon was meeting Michel Parmigiani and CEO Guido Terreni. Michel’s roots as a master restorer have shaped the brand’s deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, while Guido’s refined vision of “private luxury” has guided its elegant evolution. Together, they embody Parmigiani Fleurier’s quiet mastery in fine watchmaking.

(Pictured From Left: Sharon Kwok, CEO Guido Terreni, Julian Farren-Price, Founder Michel Parmigiani, Erik Hallstrom)

A New Year in Horology

Watches & Wonders 2025 was a masterclass in progress and tradition - an event where every piece told a story. From Patek Philippe’s classic elegance to Moser’s groundbreaking creativity, the horological world continues to innovate in ways both bold and nuanced.

J Farren-Price is proud to share this journey with you and to represent such extraordinary watch brands in our Sydney boutique. For those who appreciate excellence, this year’s novelties will not disappoint. Continue reading through our newsletter to explore more from each brand.