The Weekly Watch Report
Welcome to the first edition of Weekly Watch Report— Think of this as your quick hit of all things horological. Your go-to, one-stop shop for the highlights, the hot takes, and the juicy bits of watch news from the week that truly matter.
This isn’t an exhaustive catalog of every release or announcement. Instead, we’re distilling the best of the best watch news. Basically, it’s the Skimm of watch journalism, served with a dash of irreverence.
For a deeper dive into all things watches, plus exclusive 1916 Company content, be sure to subscribe to The 1916 Company Newsletter.
Big News on the Block
Horology’s hottest headlines. (Daddy, there goes that guy again with his clever alliteration).
Tag Heuer Stands at the Finish Line of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix
This past week, Formula 1 announced that Tag Heuer will serve as the title partner for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. If this news feels less like a plot twist and more like a natural progression, it’s because LVMH (Tag Heuer’s parent company) already teased us back in October with a massive 10-year global partnership with Formula 1. So, while this announcement doesn’t exactly set off the shock-and-awe sirens, it does come with an exciting first.
Tag Heuer will be the first-ever Title Partner in the Monaco Grand Prix’s storied history, dating all the way back to its inaugural race in 1950. That’s a big deal, and it signals that LVMH has massive ambitions for this partnership. If their track record is any indication, we can expect a flood of motorsport-inspired timepieces over the next year—and that’s a finish line worth crossing.
The Return of the Master of Chronographs: Gallet
Back in September I wrote an article diving into the vintage watch trend and made the statement that they are poised to become a permanent part of the collecting landscape. In that article, I presented my hot take: if I had the power to revive defunct watch brands, Gallet would be at the top of my list. Well, guess what? I’m taking credit for this one because Gallet is officially making a comeback.
The storied chronograph brand is being revived under the stewardship of Breitling and Georges Kern, the mastermind behind the most exciting vintage watch revival of the modern era. Breitling made headlines last year when they acquired Universal Genève and delivered jaw-dropping reissues of the Polerouter. They didn’t just honor the legacy—they elevated it by employing some of the biggest names in UG collecting to consult on the project.
Now, with Gallet’s revival, expectations are sky-high. Kern and his team have already proven they can blend historical authenticity with modern innovation, and the return of a legendary chronograph brand like Gallet is as good as it gets.
As vintage watches continue to dominate the pre-owned market, this move reflects a fascinating trend: big-box brands are reaching deep into the archives to resurrect designs that resonate with today’s collectors—pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Gallet’s comeback could be the next chapter in this story, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
However this does raise some concerns and questions for collectors and the community as a whole — as Chris Hall in his Substack stated, “But I suppose these are the worries of a purist; given that most people don’t know what Universal Geneve was really famous for, let alone Gallet, Kern et al have free rein to remake those brands in whatever form they need them to be. (To some, that might raise the question of why you need to acquire heritage names rather than just starting new companies, but all Swiss watchmaking is about heritage, even if you are going to cross most of it out with a permanent marker – you’ve still got an established name).”
To note: Breitling isn’t the only one reviving gems from the past. LVMH under their La Fabrique du Temps recently revived Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth. As well, we are still waiting on Urban Jurgensen’s relaunch under Kari Voutilanien’s guidance. It seems everyone is getting in on the action.
Release Radar
The latest launches you should care about.
Sarpaneva Moomin 80
Sarpaneva has never shied away from bringing light to their creations…literally. The Finnish masters of the lume are back at it again and in a playful way. To celebrate the Moomins’ 80th anniversary, Sarpaneva has released two special edition timepieces, capturing their whimsical magic through artistic use of lume. This isn’t the first time they’ve featured the hippo-shaped fairytale characters of Finnish author Tove Jansson on a watch dial. Previously, they brought these beloved figures to life, with the most recent release being the X Moomin in 2021.
Their latest creation brings a storybook scene from Comet in Moominland to life, using ten different Super-LumiNova colors. The hours are indicated by a rotating disk at 12 o’clock, evoking the image of a comet streaking through the night sky, while a single hand tracks the minutes.
If you are someone bored with lume — this is the watch for you.
Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture
I’ve got a soft spot for Frederique Constant as it was my first luxury watch. In my opinion, if you’re looking for affordable complications—think perpetual calendars, world timers, tourbillons, and a personal favorite, the monolithic oscillator with a malachite dial—paired with in-house movements (although, let’s be honest, the term “in-house” is about as loosely defined as “cage-free” eggs), they’re the brand for you. Over the past few years, they’ve consistently delivered incredible value propositions.
And they’ve done it again, this time partnering with crowdfunding specialist Watch Angels to reimagine their Worldtimer. At 40mm, it’s a more compact size compared to their previous Worldtimer models. They’ve also removed the map from the dial, resulting in a cleaner, more minimalist design that will undoubtedly appeal to a wider audience.
My favorite aspect of this beauty has to be the addition of a spherical, polished gold sun emblem to represent the daytime hours, paired with a sandblasted silver moon for nighttime. It gives off a subtle De Bethune vibe—and I’m here for it.
MB&F x Bulgari
Not much I can add here about the watch itself that Jack hasn’t already covered in his review, other than the fact this embargo had more leaks than 320 Sycamore (Wawa gift card for anyone who gets the reference).
What I do want to highlight, though, is that this collaboration brings together two of the nicest humans in the watch world—Max Büsser and Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani. You’ve got to love seeing that kind of synergy in action.
These two decided to jump on the Year of the Snake bandwagon that everyone seems to be feeling the bite of. To say this design was unexpected would be like calling the Luka Dončić trade a mild surprise. The result? A fascinating amalgamation of MB&F’s HM10 Bulldog aesthetic and Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti.
This watch lets you make all the sharp-toothed puns (I had to Jack) you want, while also being a horological masterpiece. What’s not to love?
Grand Seiko Cherry Blossom
It’s been one hell of a winter—cold, snowy, windy—and for someone who’s never been okay with an indoor sedentary life, I’m beyond ready for Spring. I can’t wait to feel the fresh air on my face and have the smell of cherry blossoms waft into my nose. That said, Grand Seiko, renowned for their nature-inspired dials, has just dropped an absolute stunner: the Sakura. This time, it’s housed in a new rose gold case. Think about it—roses and cherry blossoms. The romantic in me wants to recite Keats and take a stroll through the English countryside. (“A thing of beauty is a joy forever” … I know there is someone out there who will appreciate this reference).
This new release marks the first non-limited edition 18K rose gold watch in the iconic 62GS case. If you’re unaware, the 62GS debuted in 1967 as Grand Seiko’s first watch featuring an automatic movement. The multi-sided case is celebrated for its bezel-free construction and signature Zaratsu polishing, which gives it that mirror-like finish Grand Seiko fans love.
Sure, this watch comes with a hefty price tag of $31,200 USD, but it’s undeniably gorgeous. And, because Jack would give me grief if I didn’t mention it, it’s powered by the Caliber 9S85 Hi-Beat, running at a remarkable 36,000 vph.
Wrist Check Spotlight
This past Sunday, the world collectively cheered as the insufferable Chiefs and the entire Mahomes clan fell to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Meanwhile, the watch world had its own reason to celebrate, as our screens lit up with an array of incredible wrist candy while we indulged in buffalo chicken dip.
It seemed like everyone who appeared on TV that night was bringing some serious heat—Miles Teller sporting an IWC Top Gun Chronograph, Pete Davidson rocking a yellow gold Day-Date, and Bert Kreischer flashing a yellow gold Deepsea. And that was just the beginning.
Here are a few of my other favorites from the night:
Tom Brady: I am a Patriots fan (I was born in Boston, so don’t judge me) — But the GOAT made the most headlines with his Jacob & Co. Caviar Tourbillon in Yellow Sapphires, valued at $740,000. The watch features 371 yellow sapphires across its case, dial, and crown. It was not a quiet watch.
Saquon Barkley: The Super Bowl champion sported a Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar Zodiac. This timepiece displays planets crafted from precious gemstones, with the entire watch rotating counterclockwise to mimic the solar system’s motion.
Michael Strahan: The former NFL player and current broadcaster wore a Rolex Daytona “Rainbow.” Although — if you were watching some of the pregame coverage he was also rocking a De Bethune (model unclear — potentially the “Steel Wheels”). The guy knows and loves watches and we love that.
Serena Williams: The tennis legend, anti-Drake advocate, and C-walk extraordinaire donned an Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Tourbillon Openworked. She has worn many AP’s throughout her career and after her halftime cameo it is safe to say I have become an even bigger Serena fan.
Jalen Hurts: The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Super Bowl Champ and Super Bowl MVP was seen with a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712R. The champ wore a watch worthy of being a champ. Game recognize game.
Diving Not-So Deep Into This Week Of Watches
If you’ve made it this far, I applaud you. In the future, we’ll be switching things up with different sections as news unfolds, ranging from market analysis to watch events, under-the-radar brands, and even watch memes. Essentially, anything I find interesting, amusing, or that shakes my bacon and rocks my boat will earn its spot.
But before I go, I feel compelled to preach a little about watches in 2025—and especially about what’s coming next. My hope for the year of our Lord 2025 is that we don’t forget to have fun with horology. Yes, it’s a serious business, with serious numbers, and serious technical expertise and knowledge, and if you’re someone with the pockets to bid on a steel Patek Philippe ref. 1518, this sentiment may not be for you. But what I’ve learned over the past few years in this business, and in covering watches, is that watches are more than just timekeepers. They’re a beautiful medium through which we connect with one another—a medium that shares history, storytelling, a medium that is fun and reminds us we’re all human, fighting against the one thing none of us can control: time.
It’s easy, and I’m certainly guilty of it, to wax poetic about savoring life, loving time, and appreciating the moments we’re alive. But amidst all that, I hope we don’t forget to kick off our shoes, dig our toes in the sand, and just love these machines for what they are.
Recently, I had a conversation with a microbrand founder, and something they said really stuck with me. In response to me explaining why I love these so-called “unnecessary machines,” they said, “I hope we can shift that narrative. These are necessary.” Watches, they argued, are one of the few ways today we can subtly—or not so subtly—show the world something about ourselves. And I thought that was a beautiful perspective.
As we find joy in a detail-oriented, sometimes outdated world, maybe we should also shift the lens through which we view watchmaking. It’s not just an antiquated practice of yesteryear—it’s a modern art form, practicing centuries-old traditions. By enjoying it, we’re keeping the story of people, of humanity, alive.
We hope you enjoy this quick dive into the weekly happenings of the watch world. See you next week, you horological hedonists.