At the beginning of April, horology fans from around the world gathered in Geneva, Switzerland for the Watches and Wonders 2025 event. This 7-day event is the highlight of the year for watch enthusiasts like myself, as industry-leading brands like Rolex, Hublot and IWC gather to display their latest releases, limited edition pieces, and other exciting announcements.
As proud stockists of many of these iconic brands, we wanted to share our insights on the standout releases and innovations presented during the event. From revived Cartier classics steeped in heritage to bold new interpretations of TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 collection, Watches and Wonders 2025 offered an exciting showcase of craftsmanship, design, and innovation.
Tag Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph
One model that truly captivated my attention was a watch model that has been around since the 80s. Whilst this event can be about displaying new innovations and unique designs, it can also be about paying homage to the heritage of these luxury watch brands, such is the case for the Tag Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph. The Formula 1 was first introduced in 1986 as a nod to the brand’s association with auto racing and has since become a staple watch family within the world of Tag Heuer. At Watches and Wonders, they revealed a brand-new Solargraph version of the timepiece, which is fuelled by solar power.
The Solargraph collection will be a blend of limited-edition pieces and models that are here to stay, incorporating a bold 38mm case size and a sporty, refined design for the modern watch-wearer. The first of the ‘core’ watches will release in early May, with the rest following throughout the rest of the year. The core watches incorporate something for everyone, such as a clean and simplistic stainless steel bracelet variation, or alternatively a striking red watch with a bio-polyamide case.
For the limited-edition range, these are set to release in accordance with the Formula 1 calendar, with models inspired by the races of Barcelona, Silverstone, Miami, Mexico, Singapore, and Monza. Each watch in this new line is a modern reimagination of the 80s classic, built with the latest technologies and design features.
The Tag Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph collection is available to purchase at Banks Lyon, so be sure to contact us to arrange a viewing of these watches in person.
IWC Ingenieur
It wouldn’t be a luxury watch event without the mention of IWC Schaffhausen, and this time, they’ve brought notable upgrades to the Ingenieur line. As a watch that dates back to 1955, this watch has a legacy and fanbase that makes an integral model amongst IWC’s range. The new Ingenieur lineup includes a 42mm black ceramic model with a bold, matte finish, first sported by Ed Sheeran prior to its release. IWC have combined the integrated bracelet design with a full ceramic case and bracelet to create a refined timepiece that any collector will want in their collection.
Alongside the sleek matte black edition, IWC unveiled a striking gold 40mm Ingenieur crafted from 18-carat 5N gold, elevating the design to be more elegant and decadent. The contrast between the gold bracelet and the deep black dial creates a modern, luxurious, and fashion-forward statement. If you’re an avid IWC enthusiast like me, you may recall the Ingenieur spotted on Brad Pitt’s wrist ahead of the upcoming F1 film, featuring a silver bracelet paired with a captivating green dial. Although IWC has yet to confirm if this version will be available to the public, they hinted that more details will be coming soon.
These variations expand the Ingenieur collection with luxury materials and design features, whilst still retaining that robust, simplistic look that many appreciate.
In addition to the Ingenieur, IWC have introduced a new Pilot’s Watch to celebrate the F1 movie, branded to the film’s fictional racing team, APXGP. Available in both 41mm and 43mm stainless steel cases, this chronograph model blends iconic IWC watchmaking with the sleek colour palette of APXGP. These timepieces feature a black dial accented with white numerals and gold-plated hands, which are filled with white Super-LumiNova ® for legibility even in harsh conditions. Both models feature the APXGP team logo on the transparent case back, a distinctive detail that not only connects the watch to the word of Formula 1 but also marks it as a rare crossover between motorsport and cinema. In my opinion, this watch is a must-have for collectors who value exclusivity and storytelling within their watches.
Hublot Big Bang Anniversary
To mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic Big Bang model, Hublot has unveiled a bold new collection that honours the spirit of the original while pushing the boundaries of innovative design. This lineup includes standout limited editions like the striking Red Magic (limited to just 100 pieces) as well as reimagined classics in titanium, king gold, full magic gold and all-black ceramic.
These watches are powered by Hublot’s in-house Unico calibre with a 72-hour power reserve, with features like the patented One Click strap system. The pinnacle of the collection was the ‘Materials & High Complications’ five-piece set of Big Bang watches that sold for $1.1 million on the first day of the event. For fans of this bold, iconic design, the 20th anniversary collection is definitely one to keep an eye out for.
In addition to the special 20th anniversary models, Hublot also announced the Big Bang One Click, which gets its name from the convenient fastening system that allows wearers to changes watch straps seamlessly. In shades such as Mint Green, Sky Blue, Pink, and Apple Green, these timepieces are colourful, bold, and customisable to different occasions. The bezel of these watches are adorned with 36 gemstones, including blue topaz, pink sapphire, tsavorite and diamond, for a sparkling look that complements the bright colours of the straps. For a unique and feminine watch, I think the Big Bang One Click stands out.
These are just a few of my personal highlights from this year’s event - there are of course other brands and models that stole the show at Watches and Wonders. If any of these standout timepieces have caught your eye, we invite you to visit us at Banks Lyon. Our expert team is on hand to guide you through our curated selection of luxury watches, including iconic timepieces from brands like IWC, Tag Heuer and Hublot. Ready to discover your next watch? Get in touch or visit us in-store today.