1. Small Is the New Bold

Oversized watches are losing their dominance. Collectors and brands alike are returning to refined, wearable proportions between 36 and 39 millimeters, inspired by the timeless elegance of mid-century design.

Watches to watch:

• Rolex Perpetual 1908 (39 mm): a modern interpretation of classical refinement.

• Tudor Black Bay 36: 36 mm steel case, elegant model with a sporty touch.

• TAG Heuer Carrera Date 36 mm: sporty yet elegant — perfectly balanced.

The new message of luxury: it should be felt, not shouted.

2. A Splash of Color

Color remains one of the strongest design statements in 2025 but the palette has become more nuanced and sophisticated. Green tones are now established, while new shades such as copper, champagne, and icy blue take center stage.

Watches to watch:

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 in Pistachio Green: cool elegance with a modern twist.

• Tudor Black Bay S&G in Champagne: sporty, bold, unmistakably iconic.

• Chopard L.U.C XPS Forest Green: elegant, nature-related look.

Color is no longer a risk, it’s a refined form of self-expression.

3. Sustainability Becomes the New Luxury

Sustainability has evolved from a marketing claim into a true mark of prestige. Leading brands now focus on recycled materials, ethical sourcing, and long-lasting craftsmanship.

Watches to watch:

• Oris Aquis Date Upcycle: every dial is unique, crafted from recycled ocean plastic.

• Chopard Alpine Eagle: made from Fairmined gold — ethical elegance at its finest.

• Tudor Pelagos FXD: built from titanium and designed for durability — sustainability through endurance.

In 2025, awareness equals exclusivity: consciousness is the new luxury.

4. Heritage and Re-Editions

Nostalgia continues to inspire modern watchmaking. Brands increasingly turn to their archives to re-imagine beloved classics, blending vintage charm with today’s precision.

Watches to watch:

• Breitling AVI 1953 Edition: a 1950s design reinterpreted for the present.

• Grand Seiko Heritage: a heritage icon brought back to life.

• Tudor Ranger: inspired by the exploration watches of the 1950s — simple, strong, timeless.

Collectors love these re-editions because they tell stories, ones that still tick.

5. Gender Neutral, Unmistakably Personal

The old distinctions between “men’s” and “women’s” watches are fading fast. Today, design, personality, and comfort take precedence over categories. A watch should suit the person, not the label.

Watches to watch:

• Tudor Black Bay 36: versatile, elegant, and universally wearable.

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36: clean lines, vibrant colors, unisex appeal.

• Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automic 39mm: for every wrist.

The new era of watchmaking celebrates individuality, and freedom from definition.

Conclusion: Time as a Mirror of Our Age

The watch trends of 2025 show that luxury is being redefined: quieter, more conscious, and deeply personal. Mechanical timepieces remain cultural symbols, but their value today is measured less by material and more by meaning.

Classic or contemporary, sustainable or bold: the right time is now.

Der Beitrag Zeitgeist 2025: The Defining Trends in Luxury Watchmaking erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.

Anyone who buys a quartz watch expects above all reliability, precision and a long battery life. To guarantee top quality standards in the electronic segment, many watch brands have themselves supplied by Ronda. Our article explains who this manufacturer is, why a Ronda movement offers great advantages and which brands value the manufacturer’s expertise.

Who is Ronda?

Ronda AG is a Swiss movement manufacturer with a focus on high-quality quartz movements. From Bruno Söhnle to Tag Heuer, the family-owned company supplies renowned industry giants with precise calibers in various price ranges. While an upscale Ronda movement is in many cases “Swiss Made,” more affordable models in the range are assembled in Far Eastern countries such as Thailand. Founded in 1946, Ronda initially focused on mechanical movements before specializing in the then-new quartz technology in the early 1970s. The company develops into a pioneer of the battery-powered segment, discontinues its mechanical division at the end of the 1980s and establishes a first-class reputation. Today, one of the company’s movements stands for reliable longevity and ticks away in various premium watches, from the elegant Bruno Söhnle Lago to the sporty Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph 43mm.

Why are Ronda quartz movements so popular?

In addition to their technical stability, Ronda calibers score with a variety of technical achievements that can be attributed to the company’s specialization. Watch brands have to invest vast sums to set up completely in-house quartz watches, which is possible with correspondingly high sales prices and thus only in the luxury segment (e.g. Breitling). In short, buying in a Ronda movement is the cheaper yet higher quality option for brands in the entry and mid-range segments. In addition, the increasing popularity of manufacture calibers almost exclusively concerns mechanical timepieces, which is why supplied quartz movements do not mean any significant loss of image. On the contrary: over ten years of battery life in the “normtech 700 & 6000” movement series, technical refinements ranging from a variety of complications to the perceptible chronograph pusher click, as well as simple handling, should convince even the last watch wearer of the Swiss movements.

Overview: Important quartz calibers from Ronda

The individual lines of the Ronda product range pursue different focuses. At the upper end of the spectrum are the collections of the “Quartz Specials” series, whose startech and mastertech lines offer a special variety of functions. The chronograph movements in particular offer manufacturers a high degree of individuality: the number of totalizers (1 to 3) can be varied, as can their position, the calendar system (day, date, month, retrograde) and the size of the quartz calibers. The startech 4000 line stands out, with complications ranging from big date and alarm to second time zone and tides. More down-to-earth are the lines of the “Quartz Essentials” collection, whose varieties range from the popular xtratech and the flat slimtech to the enduring normtech and the particularly powerful powertech series.

To make the variety of the Ronda assortment more vivid, we demonstrate a number of particularly popular quartz watches that draw their power from the Swiss supplier’s drives:

1.) Bruno Söhnle Pesaro II: Ronda 7004.P BS

A particularly high-class caliber ticks in the Bruno Söhnle Pesaro II (Ref. PL113070) and realizes the typical Glashütte look with its panorama date at 1 o’clock, retrograde weekday display and small seconds. Designed for the generous 43 millimeter diameter of the elegant men’s model, the Ronda movement caliber 7004.P BS (“BS” stands for an individual Bruno Söhnle version) scores with 48 months of battery life and a quick change of the big date from day 31 to day 1. What Bruno Söhnle saves in the efficient purchase of the caliber, the manufacture invests in excellent quality standards: 100 meter water resistance, sapphire crystal and the valuable haptics are not a matter of course in this price range. The Bruno Söhnle Lago (Ref. PL114320) also uses a caliber from the mastertech 7000 line.

2.) Bruno Söhnle Allegro: Ronda 1062 BS

Small ladies’ watches like the Bruno Söhnle Allegro (Ref. PLX500095) benefit from a quartz movement from the extra-thin slimline 1000 series: the caliber 1062 BS, again in a special Bruno Söhnle modification, is a breathtaking 1.9 millimeters thin and guarantees a proud six years of battery life. The next trip to the watchmaker? A long way off. Good to know: As a two-hand movement (hour, minute), the Ronda 1062 BS has no EOL (“End of Life”) indicator and no power-saving mechanism; both features are reserved for movements with additional seconds.

3.) Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide: Ronda 515

One of the coolest watches of the past year also relies on Ronda power: with its integrated strap, six-fold double-striker bezel and cheerful color collection, but also its sustainable construction from recycled ocean plastic, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon #tide is right on trend. Its power is generated by the Ronda 515 from the particularly powerful Powertech 500 caliber series. A very strong stepping motor, coupled with 45 months of standard battery life and an energy-saving function when the stem is pulled, make the caliber 515 a cream of the crop among modern quartz movements.

4.) Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph 43mm: Ronda 5040.D

Black, powerful, masculine: Tag Heuer Formula 1 (Ref. ) works a quartz chronograph movement from the startech 5000 series. The Ronda 5040.D combines various time stop functions under the cloak of ease of use: small seconds, 30-minute counter and a lightning-fast tenths of a second counter are housed on three totalizers, paired with ADD and SPLIT functions and 54 months of battery life. Protecting the Ref. CAZ1010.FT8024 from outside influences is its 200 meter water resistance. Aesthetically exciting, the huge tachymeter scale on the bezel creates a progressive, racing look.

5.) U-Boat Darkmoon: Ronda 712.3

In the exotic U-Boat Darkmoon, the Swiss-Made 712.3 quartz movement has to master a special challenge: together with the other internal parts of the watch, the drive floats in a special oil that creates the illusion of missing glass on the dial and enables extreme black levels that maximize legibility. A whopping 60 months of battery life characterize the two-hand watch, as well as an energy-saving function and reparability of the metal movement. The latter feature is an important characteristic of all Ronda movements presented here and differentiates the high-quality drives from questionable cheap movements that are automatically ready for scrap in case of a malfunction.

Mechanics and smartwatches: diverse range

In addition to dozens of different quartz movements, Ronda now has a mechanical caliber in its lineup again: The R150 seriously competes with the established ETA 2824 with excellent rates, smooth running and a reduced overall height, but has not yet found comparable use in the industry. Also, the service-friendly construction, good workmanship and affordable price could make the R150 an exciting ETA alternative in the entry-level segment in the future. In addition, Ronda produces central components for hybrid smartwatches with its “gearboxes.

Der Beitrag Ronda movement erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.

Elegance meets understatement: what makes simple men’s watches so attractive

Whether at a business lunch with the boss, on a first date or at the next coffee round with the in-laws: Even if you love flashy wristwatches, such as a colorful Hublot or oversized U-Boat, neat restraint is the better choice in some situations. Let’s face it: wristwatches cause other people to draw conclusions about our character. In this visual “quick assessment,” the wearer of a gold Rolex Submariner is sometimes labeled a show-off, while a discreet watch speaks to likeable modesty, a sense of elegance and, in some eyes, even higher intelligence.

Thus, for strategic reasons alone, plain men’s watches can be a smart move. However, a large number of enthusiastic watch wearers prefer the noble understatement out of their own conviction: Harmonious shapes, noble details and timeless beauty independent of any fashion make the dress watch an evergreen on the male wrist. Legendary gentlemen like Sean Connery, Humphrey Bogart or Marlon Brando cannot be wrong.

Maurice Lacroix Eliros Date 25th Anniversary

For the 25th anniversary of its beautifully designed Eliros collection, Maurice Lacroix spices up the classic with refined details. Two versions of the 40-millimeter stainless steel watch are available, of which the white dial (Ref. EL1118-SS00E-120-C) has a greater understatement factor. Those looking for perfectly plain watches for men might already find the design too exciting: Modern, elongated numerals and an alternating green-blue minute track give the Eliros a high degree of independence, while the date display at three o’clock increases its utility value.

Alternatively, you can opt for the blue dial with green and white inscriptions (Ref. EL1118-SS00E-420-C). With a slim eight-millimeter height, the polished case of both versions shows how coherent and comfortable dress watches should sit on the wrist. A technical highlight of the Maurice Lacroix Eliros Date 25th Anniversary marks its “Easy Strap Exchange” system, which allows the wearer to change the strap in a flash. In addition to the fine stainless steel Milanaise bracelet, the simple men’s watch comes with a leather strap in blue, which ideally matches the blue dial or the blue hands of the white version.

Junghans Meister Gangreserve

It is iconic, mechanically sophisticated and proves how confidently they design simple watches for men in Schramberg: The Junghans Meister Gangreserve. At 40.4 millimeters in diameter, the minimalist editions for gentlemen may not dwarf the wrist, but they lay great against the skin with their curved shape. The dial in particular captivates our gaze: where razor-sharp dauphine hands meet gossamer indices, the power reserve holds its namesake complication. Instead of displaying the remaining power of the J810.2 automatic movement on an ordinary scale, as 99 percent of watch brands do, the Meister uses a simple bar with a level indicator. Turning the plain wristwatch for men upside down, the back allows deep insights into the mechanics. Various color variants, each limited to 160 pieces, are available: if you’re looking for a watch in night blue, the Ref. 027/4114.02 will delight you with its spectacular depth of color, while the gold-plated Ref. 027/7113.02 exudes a touch of glamour.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangente neomatik 39 Platingrau

If a brand from Glashütte stands for simple men’s watches with a modern touch, it is NOMOS: above all, the Tangente, a bestseller of the young company since its founding in 1992, is a prime example of its elegant design. The new NOMOS Glashütte Tangente neomatik 39 platinum gray (Ref. 144) is a special highlight: Not only the technical masterstroke of accommodating the in-house DUW 3001 automatic movement, including swing system, in a 6.9 millimeter flat stainless steel case, but also the platinum gray finished dial catches our attention.

Paired with rhodium-plated hands and its signature serif numerals, the Tangente exemplifies sleek men’s watches to perfection. The silver-gray color spectrum continues in the polished and cylindrical case, which is known for its steep flanks and, at 38.5 millimeters, has the optimal diameter to harmonize with any wrist circumference. The NOMOS Tangente is delivered on a leather strap in black, which perfects its distinguished appearance and makes the Tangente the ideal partner for elegant suits.

Bell & Ross BR 05 GMT WHITE

Bell & Ross proves with the BR 05 GMT WHITE (Ref. BR05G-SI-ST/SST) that interesting and at the same time simple watches are allowed to deviate from the mainstream. Held in the typical aviation-inspired square design of the masculine performance brand including four sighting screws and integrated bracelet, interprets the masculine but reserved men’s watches in a self-confident way. The opal white dial, in particular, prompted us to include the 41-millimeter exotic in our top list: Restrained in design, it scores with exemplary legibility and is given just as refreshing a contrast by the bright red GMT hand as by the two-tone altitude ring.

But even those who don’t travel benefit from the strong overall package of the BR 05: while many plain watches for men as dress watches are not particularly robust, the Bell & Ross can withstand 100 meters of water. Generous luminous indices make nighttime reading child’s play. Buyers can choose between an integrated stainless steel bracelet, which is our favorite due to its tremendous coherence, and a sturdy rubber strap for regular outdoor use.

MÜHLE Glashütte Teutonia II Chronometer

Is there a simple wristwatch for men that corresponds to the prototype of cultivated understatement and timeless beauty? MÜHLE Glashütte answers the question with the Teutonia II Chronometer (Ref. M1-30-45-MB): 39 millimeters slim, the round and 100-meter water-resistant masterpiece shines with its enormous attention to detail: in addition to the stepped bezel, which creates a sophisticated interplay of light and shadow, the intricately guilloché dial with its concentric relief catches the eye. Applied indices in the finest finish complete the noble overall picture.

Inside the stainless steel case, precise mechanics with a certificate await the gentleman: every MÜHLE Glashütte Teutonia II Chronometer is put through its paces for 15 days at the Glashütte Observatory before being awarded the coveted chronometer certificate. Built in is the automatic movement SW 200-1 in the version Mühle with speckle neck regulation, date quick correction and stop-seconds. If you’re looking for simple watches for men, you’ll come pretty close to the ideal with the Teutonia II, which comes with a free choice of stainless steel or leather strap.

Der Beitrag Top 5 simple watches for men erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.