The year 2025 brings a wave of milestone celebrations in the watchmaking world, with legendary models from prestigious brands commemorating significant anniversaries. These timepieces, ranging from Rolex’s enduring Datejust to Omega’s robust Planet Ocean, showcase decades of innovation and timeless design.
Patek Philippe Ref. 97975 – A Century of Perpetual Calendar Mastery
Patek Philippe’s Ref. 97975 marks an extraordinary 100-year anniversary as the world’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch. Originally introduced in 1925, its origins trace back even further to 1898 when the movement was first crafted for a women’s pendant watch. The wristwatch version featured a 34.4 mm yellow gold case, hunter caseback, and an exquisite enamel dial with moon phase, small seconds, and day-date displays.
Rolex Datejust – 80 Years of Timeless Elegance
Debuting in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust remains one of the brand’s most enduring collections. The original Reference 4467 introduced the Jubilee bracelet and a 36 mm gold Oyster case, housing the groundbreaking Caliber 710 with a date function. Eight decades later, its design remains largely unchanged—proof of its flawless execution.
Rolex GMT Master – 70 Years of Global Travel
A decade after the Datejust, Rolex launched the GMT Master in 1955, inspired by the rise of international air travel. The Reference 6542 set the standard with its two-tone bezel, red GMT hand, and Mercedes hour markers. Over 70 years, its core design has persisted, with modern iterations like the “Pepsi” and “Batman” bezels becoming collector favorites.
IWC Ingenieur – Seven Decades of Engineering Brilliance
Also celebrating 70 years, the Ingenieur debuted in 1955 as a rugged tool watch with anti-magnetic properties. Its evolution took a dramatic turn in the 1970s when Gérald Genta redesigned it with an integrated bracelet and screw-down bezel, transforming it into a luxury sports icon.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato – 50 Years of Sporty Sophistication
Born in 1975 during the luxury sports watch boom, the Laureato features an octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, echoing Genta’s influence. Its latest Aston Martin collaboration showcases an iridescent dial crafted from car paint, signaling a bold future for the collection.
Cartier Pasha – 40 Years of Bold Design
Though officially launched in 1985, the Pasha traces its roots to a 1930s commission for the Pasha of Marrakesh. Genta’s reinterpretation blended sporty elements—like a screw-down crown—with Cartier’s signature elegance, creating a distinctive round case in a sea of square designs.
Hublot Big Bang – Two Decades of Disruptive Innovation
Turning 20, the Big Bang revolutionized watchmaking in 2005 with its bold “fusion” concept. Recent updates, like the 42 mm King Gold Meca-10, refine its design while retaining its avant-garde spirit.
Omega Planet Ocean – 20 Years of Diving Excellence
Introduced in 2005, the Planet Ocean set a new standard with 600 meters of water resistance and a robust 42 mm case. Recent models have softened its utilitarian edge, making it a versatile choice for both diving and daily wear.
As Watches & Wonders 2025 approaches, enthusiasts eagerly await potential anniversary editions that could redefine these legendary collections once again.
