Watches and Wonders 2025 starts tomorrow: We zoom in on the most anticipated trends

With a record-breaking 60 brands confirmed to participate, including seven new additions, the 2025 edition of Watches and Wonders Geneva (WWG) promises to be a landmark event in the world of horology. From April 1 to 7, the show will turn the halls of Palexpo Geneve into a global hub of innovation, craftsmanship, and artistry.

This year’s show is not just about numbers; it’s about diversity and evolution. The inclusion of Bvlgari, a brand synonymous with bold design and technical mastery, alongside six independent brands like Christiaan van der Klaauw and Kross Studio, signals a shift towards a more inclusive and experimental approach to watchmaking.

As the industry continues to rebound from the challenges of recent years, WWG 2025 is poised to showcase the resilience and creativity of watchmakers.

Against this backdrop, we predict five major trends that will dominate the novelties and conversations at WWG 2025. From the rise of ladies’ watches to the resurgence of vintage designs, here’s what to expect from this year’s offerings.

Trend 1: Ladies First

The watch industry has long been accused of catering predominantly to male collectors, but 2025 marks a turning point. Brands are doubling down on their efforts to create timepieces that appeal to women, both in design and functionality. Case sizes that are sub-40mm and way smaller; intricate bejewelled designs; and dainty movements are expected to grow in presence.

Trend 2: Compact Sizes

In a world where bigger isn’t always better, brands seem to be rethinking their approach to case dimensions. And smaller, more wearable watches aren’t just catered to women, but a new generation of enthusiasts seeking timepieces that can seamlessly transition from the boardroom to a weekend getaway. Technical, masculine men’s models could get scaled down to appeal to a broader audience — just like what we saw at Hublot.

Trend 3: Vintage Allure

Nostalgia is a powerful force, and watchmakers are tapping into it like never before. In 2025, expect to see a wave of reissues and heritage-inspired designs as brands delve into their archives for inspiration. Piaget set the tone last year with the successful revival of the Polo 79, and other brands could be following suit. The appeal of such watches lies in their timeless aesthetics updated with leading-edge mechanisms.

Trend 4: Material World

Innovation in materials continues to be a driving force in the watch industry. In 2025, brands are pushing the envelope with bold and unconventional choices. Recently, we’ve seen various new iterations of gold alloys, salvaged bronze, recycled titanium, and composites on carbon fibre, ceramic, quartz, sapphire, and so on. As brands continue to explore new frontiers, the possibilities are endless.

Trend 5: Dial It Up

If 2024 was the year of green and blue dials, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of dial diversity. Brands are embracing other bold colours, new decorative patterns, and avant-garde designs. Word is that versatile blue will continue to be a mainstay, while pinks and purples are going to take over the mantle from last year’s ladies-friendly shade, burgundy.