2025: The Year My Watch Collection Defied Expectations
2025 was a year of surprising twists and turns for my watch collection. While I found myself drawn to more vintage timepieces than ever before, only one made it into my top three most-worn watches. Conversely, I reviewed more new watches than ever, yet didn’t add a single one to my personal collection. Is my taste evolving, or am I simply paralyzed by the endless options?
My top three watches of 2025 embodied the classic adage: something old, something new, and something borrowed (though sadly, no blue – that’s a gap I’ll aim to fill in 2026!).
1. Tudor Black Bay Pro – My Timeless Companion
While technically released in 2022, my Tudor Black Bay Pro feels like an old friend. After being overshadowed by my Grand Seiko SBGE257 in 2024, it reclaimed its rightful place on my wrist in 2025. As a self-proclaimed GMT watch enthusiast, I’ve found a unique solution to owning two: one set to London time, the other to New York, a nod to our Time+Tide studios and a way to keep tabs on my colleagues, Zach and Russell.
The Black Bay Pro’s comfort on my 19cm wrist is unparalleled. The T-fit bracelet, adjustable for driving or lounging, is a game-changer. And its chronometric accuracy? Astonishingly consistent at +/- 0.1 seconds a day. It’s no wonder fellow Time+Tide writers Andrew O’Connor and Jason Lee share my love for this modern classic, though I’m partial to the OG black dial. Is the Black Bay Pro the ultimate GMT watch? Let’s debate in the comments!
2. Furlan Marri x Time+Tide Outback Elegy – My Sophisticated Newcomer
This collaboration piece, born from our 10th anniversary celebrations, quickly became my go-to ‘nice watch’ in 2025. From date nights to black-tie events, its sultry ochre-red dial with a subtle gold shimmer never failed to impress. The 68-hour power reserve ensures it’s as practical as it is elegant. Furlan Marri’s cult status is well-deserved, but is the Outback Elegy their masterpiece?
3. Eterna Airforce II – My Sentimental Borrowed Treasure
This watch holds a special place in my heart. My dad’s Eterna Airforce II, a neo-vintage piece from the 90s, sparked my lifelong fascination with watches. Wearing it as an adult feels like reconnecting with my childhood. Its timeless field watch design and comfortable beads-of-rice bracelet (now paired with an Artem Loop-less Hydroflex strap) make it a joy to wear. Sadly, it’s currently out of commission after a trip to Watches and Wonders, a reminder of the fragility of these mechanical marvels. Do you have a watch with a similar sentimental value? Share your story below!
2025 was a year of rediscovery, appreciation, and unexpected favorites. While my collection may have defied my predictions, it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of watches – both old and new – and the stories they tell.
