Some great things happened in Watch World in 2018 — brands finally began shrinking some of the oversized wrist behemoths of the past 20 years down to more wearable sizes, we saw some incredible advances in smart technology, and the auction scene surrounding vintage watches continued to turn out some fascinating pieces. All this is to say that there were a lot of potential bucket list watches that came out this year, some of which are accessible, and some of which are clearly the stuff of dreams (for most of us, anyway).
Could This Timepiece Signal the Future of Mechanical Watchmaking?
Ressence's new concept uses electronic augmentation of a traditional mechanical movement to keep accurate time.
Baume & Mercier’s New Watch Might Be the Most Advanced Timepiece in Its (Low) Price Range
It features COSC-rated accuracy, supreme magnetic resistance and a massive power reserve.
This Royal Oak Is the Thinnest Perpetual Calendar Ever Made — There’s Just One Problem
Pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking. For what?
Alpina Debuts a Handsome, Entry-Level Pilot’s Chronograph
A great everyday watch option.
Omega Invokes the Classic Seamaster With a Collection of Olympic Watches
Featuring a selection of gold cases, an enamel dial and one hell of a movement.
Bell & Ross’s Iconic Square Watch Gets a New All-Black Colorway
It suits it well.
Feast Your Eyes on 3 Ultra-Rare Rolex Daytonas Selling at Auction This Spring
Think of them as the vintage Ferraris of the watch world.
TAG Heuer’s ’90s Icon Now Comes in Chronograph Form
This comfortable and distinct timepiece could be a great everyday watch.
This Watch Combines a Mechanical Movement With Smartwatch Features
Now you can have an automatic movement and fitness tracking on one watch.
This GMT Watch Is Built for the One of the World’s Harshest Environments
Bremont worked with explorer Ben Saunders to create a watch tough enough to withstand the unforgiving environment of Antarctica.
IWC Gave Its Classic Pilot’s Watch a Beautiful Blue Dial and a Ceramic Case
An upgrade on an iconic for a good cause. What's not to like?
This GMT Features Some of the Best Graphic Design in the Watch Industry
The beautifully-designed Slim d'Hermès now comes with a GMT movement, as well as a case made from super-rare palladium.
This Little-Known Brand Made One of the Most Difficult Complications in Watchmaking
It's also surprisingly well-priced.
Chopard’s Racing Chronograph Gets a New Range of Colorful Dials
The brand is celebrating its partnership with the Mille Miglia road race in the best way possible.
Doxa Is Reissuing a Rare Dive Watch and You Can Get a $500 Discount Right Now
You can get this heavy-hitting, (very) limited divers watch for under $2,000.
This Mechanical World Time Diver Is Just an Absurd Amount of Watch for $1,149
Another under-the-radar hit from Ball.
We Finally Have a Look at Tom Ford’s First Watch Collection
The dressy rectangle looks like an ode to vintage dress watches from the early 20th century.
One of Our Favorite Chronographs Just Got the Panda-Dial Treatment
One of our favorite watches gets one of our favorite colorways.
You Can Only Buy IWC’s New Vintage-Style Chronograph Online
It's reminiscent of classic chronograph the brand made during the 1990s.
This New Travel Watch Blends Fine Watchmaking and Rugged Utility
Apparently, it's made for "men of action." Whatever that means.
Now’s Your Chance to Buy This Omega Prototype Made Specially for NASA
It's one of three such watches to exist.
This Swedish Watch Company Is Bringing Back A Forgotten Pilot’s Chronograph
And it's very well-priced.
Bell & Ross Perfects Its Vintage-Inspired GMT
A few small touches can make a big impact.
Breitling and Mr Porter Team Up to Create This Beautiful Vintage-Style Chronograph
A limited edition watch with a handsome panda-colored dial.
This New Collaboration Brings Back an Extremely Rare Chronograph Design
It's based on the Heuer Autavia "Orange Boy." Fewer than 30 originals are known to exist.
Steve McQueen’s Rolex Submariner Is Going Up for Auction This Year
The 1964 Submariner was owned and worn by the Hollywood legend, then gifted to his longtime friend and stunt double.
A Group Of Watch Nerds Worked With Oris to Make a Beautiful Dive Watch for Charity
A deep gradient red dial isn't the only reason to love this limited edition.
Bremont’s Latest Watch Is a Handsome GMT Diver
It also supports a good cause.
One of the World’s Best Camera Makers Is Getting Into the Watch Business
Leica has just announced two new mechanically-driven timepieces.
IWC Might Have Made the Perfect Summer Chronograph
A big case, blue dial and rubber strap create the ultimate warm-weather trifecta.
This Titanium Chronograph Celebrates 70 Years of an Iconic Carmaker
It'll be super limited, though, with just 70 pieces coming to the US.
Omega’s New Chronograph Has a Movement That’s 105 Years Old
As in, it was actually made 105 years ago.
A Bold, Sea-Worthy Chronograph From the 1960s Returns
Yema's new limited edition is a (mostly) faithful recreation of the 1960s original.
Omega’s Speedmaster Ultraman Is Rad But Infuriatingly Limited
It's based on a rare reference from 1968.
Panerai’s Blacked-Out Luminor Is One of Its Best Releases This Year
Featuring a pared-down dial, a titanium case and a super-long power reserve.
Panerai Introduces Another Entry-Level Watch with an In-House Movement
It comes with an in-house movement, a classic design and a relatively low asking price.
This Dive Watch Proves Bronze Cases and Blue Dials Belong Together
A handsome, well-finished watch that's still water-resistant to 300 meters.
Zodiac’s Super Sea Wolf 68 Is A Celebration Of Dive Watch Heritage
This new watch from Zodiac brings a classic 1960s diver firmly into the 21st century.
A Fan-Favorite DOXA Dive Watch Makes a Return and You Can Get It at a Discount
DOXA's fast-selling Aqua-Lung reissue is making a return with an understated dial color. Get in on the pre-order and you can save $400.
Omega Releases Five Japan-Only Speedmasters in Anticipation of the 2020 Olympics
It's apparently never too early to launch a limited edition watch.
A New Take on Omega’s Underrated Field Watch Is Inspired By Your Pants
Featuring a dial and strap inspired by the texture of denim.
The New Ochs und Junior Day/Night Is Mesmerizing
This beautiful, complicated watch measures the length of day and nighttime for a selected location (plus much more).
This Chronometer Watch Is a Literal Piece of Art That Was Rigorously Tested for Accuracy
Featuring hand-finishing and a super reliable movement.
This Tough GMT Can Be Had for a Great Price Right Now
Pre-order pricing puts this handsome, durable travel watch at around the $2,000 mark right now.
Just like that, 2018 has come and gone. Take a look back at the best of what the past 365 days had to offer in This Year in Gear
