The watch releases this summer ranged from minor updates to major new models. Some watchmakers, such as Vacheron Constantin, dropped dazzling timepieces at the pinnacle of haute horlogerie. The one-of-one Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface—it’s a mouthful, we know—brings together a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph, and a tourbillon regulator in one spectacular pink gold case. Meanwhile, Breguet unveiled its first flying tourbillon, with the new complication housed in a gorgeous gold limited edition.
Other watchmakers unveiled new riffs on old classics. Blancpain released a smaller 38mm Fifty Fathoms Automatique; Breitling dropped a fresh lot of Superocean Heritage watches; and Jaeger-LeCoultre gave the Polaris Chronograph a new grey dial. Still other watchmakers reimagined existing models with trusted partners: Ulysse Nardin teamed up with One More Wave on a new Diver [X Skeleton]; Chopard joined forces with the Mille Miglia on a pair of special editions; and Richard Mille released its 10th watch celebrating the Le Mans Classic.
Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255
Breguet’s 250th anniversary celebrations continued this summer, with the Swiss watchmaker releasing a fourth watch to mark the milestone. Breguet specifically unveiled the new Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 on 26 June in homage to an Abraham-Louis Breguet creation. The Swiss-French horologist obtained a patent for his invention of the iconic tourbillon on 26 June 1801. Breguet has obviously expanded on the invention since then, creating different riffs on the traditional complication. Surprisingly, the new watch is equipped with the house’s first flying tourbillon. The newcomer is elegant, too, with a 38mm gold case and a sparkling new dial crafted from aventurine enamel. The commemorative piece is limited to 50 pieces and priced at RM974,100.
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface
The Vacheron Constantin “Les Cabinotiers” department, which is responsible for crafting exceptional, one-of-a-kind timepieces, like the Les Cabinotiers Solaria that Robb Report crowned Watch of the Year, gave us another horological masterpiece in June. The new Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface combines a minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph, and a tourbillon with a spherical hairspring in a 45mm, 18-karat pink gold case in a true feat of micro-engineering. “The combination is very rare in wristwatches, essentially for reasons of volume and precision,” Christian Selmoni, director of style and heritage at Vacheron Constantin, said in a statement. Price upon request, obviously.
Franck Muller Vanguard Beach Limited Edition
It’s right there in the name: the Franck Muller Vanguard Beach is made for warm-weather frolicking, especially in these three new colours with their own seaside-themed motifs on the dial. Returning also is the brand’s cheeky collaboration with Japanese streetwear brand #FR2, and its iconic, provocative pair of rabbits. Equipped with glass fibre composite cases in green, red, or blue, this timepiece is 41mm wide and 51mm long, and is limited to 300 pieces per colour. It is equipped with a leather-lined nylon strap with a hook-and-loop closure—the most convenient format for dealing with sandy encounters.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph Ocean Grey
Changing a dial might seem like a simple update, but it can make a huge difference in watches and, at Jaeger-LeCoultre, it’s more complicated than meets the eye. The Swiss watchmaker released a new Polaris this month, with a handsome ocean grey dial that was handcrafted via a complex process involving 35 layers of lacquer, three different finishes, and meticulous polishing. The result is a two-tone gradient dial that elegantly complements the 42mm steel case and orange details. Priced at RM63,000, the Polaris Chronograph Ocean Grey comes with two interchangeable straps in either blue-grey canvas or textured black rubber.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique
Blancpain dropped a smaller Fifty Fathoms Automatique, to the delight of slim-wristed horophiles everywhere. Since it launched in 2007, the model has only been offered with two oversized cases measuring 42mm and 45mm, respectively. The 38mm “genderless” newcomer is available in three different colourways and metals. The first showcases a classic stainless-steel case and a black dial (starting at RM69,400); the second features a titanium case and a striking blue dial (RM74,300); and the third sports a blingy 18-karat red-gold case and a contrasting blue dial, as well as a matching blue bezel (RM126,800). The choice is yours.
Richard Mille RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic
Richard Mille has dropped another racy watch in honour of the 12th edition of the Le Mans Classic. The Swiss watchmaker has been a principal partner of the legendary 24-hour race since 2002. It has also developed commemorative timepieces for every edition of the Le Mans Classic since 2008, resulting in 10 special editions in total. The latest limited edition is a riff on the RM 30-01 that showcases a green and white livery inspired by the Le Mans Classic corporate colours. Other race-inspired touches include a checkered flag on the dial, the race logo on the sapphire crystal caseback, and a racing-vented rubber strap. It is limited to 150 examples.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gold Enamel
Ulysse Nardin let its freak flag fly again in June. The watchmaker added another striking model to its Freak collection. The 43mm newcomer is the first in the Freak X line to feature a guilloche-flinqué rotating disc, which is made from 22-karat gold, coated in a deep-blue enamel, and finished with a sunray pattern. It adds even more pizzazz to Ulysse Nardin’s flying carousel complication. The aptly named Freak X Gold Enamel is limited to 120, with each piece priced at RM221,400. Ulysse Nardin also dropped a new rainbow Blast, in case you need another reason to stand out in a crowd.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph
Coming off a starring role in F1, one of the highest-profile summer blockbusters, IWC Schaffhausen continues its black-and-gold theme in this rather handsome rendition of a high complication Portugieser. This 43.5mm expression has a case crafted from the brand’s Armor Gold, which is more scratch-resistant than regular gold alloys. It is paired with a black dial that involves 15 layers of transparent lacquer to give it an unusual visual depth, and is completed by gold-plated hands and solid gold appliqué markers and numerals. The IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre boasts a state-of-the-art flying tourbillon, as well as a flyback chronograph function. A retrograde date display sits at 9 o’clock.
Chopard 2025 Mille Miglia Editions
Chopard returned as world sponsor and official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia this June, releasing two new racing-themed timepieces to mark the occasion. The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Tribute to Sir Stirling Moss celebrates its namesake British racing driver and his memorable victory at the Mille Miglia. The 40.5mm steel timepiece features a silvered opaline dial (pictured) inspired by Moss’s winning Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR and a self-winding chronograph movement. Meanwhile, the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control—2025 Race Edition showcases a 43mm steel case and a striking salmon-colored dial with a satin finish that evokes “historical aluminum bodywork and painted metal dashboards”.
Breitling Superocean Heritage
Breitling gave us some bold new Superocean Heritages, releasing no fewer than six contemporary takes on the classic sport watch. The newcomers are based on the 1957 original, but showcase a more modern design, fresh dials, new case sizes, and updated movements. The drop includes a 42mm chronograph with the in-house Caliber 01, three automatic models of 44mm, 42mm, and 40mm with the newly launched B31 movement, and a 38mm model with the Caliber 10. The watchmaker also unveiled a limited-edition Superocean Heritage 40 designed with pro surfer Kelly Slater. “Breitling has been with me for years,” Slater said in a statement. “This watch reflects everything I love—the ocean, nature, and the easygoing style I’ve always connected with.” The Slater edition (pictured) will set you back RM27,200, or RM28,500 for one on a stainless steel mesh bracelet.
Panerai x Luna Rossa Luminors
Panerai made a splash in June, unveiling not one but two new watches in collaboration with Luna Rossa ahead of the 38th America’s Cup. The Swiss watchmaker, which joined Prada and Pirelli as a sponsor of the Italian racing team in 2019, has released a few cool Luna Rossa references over the years. The new Luminor Luna Rossa (PAM01653) and Luminor Chrono Flyback Luna Rossa (PAM01654) again combine advanced materials and technical innovations with elegant aesthetics. Both pieces come in 44mm cases, Luna Rossa-branded straps, and the team logo on a matte grey dial. The simple steel PAM01653 watch retails for RM28,200, while the more complex titanium PAM01654 chronograph (pictured) costs RM66,800 and is limited to 150 pieces.
This story was previously published on Robb Report USA, with additional reporting by Wei-Yu Wang.
