A 2022 Review: The Best Watches of the Year
As the boom in enthusiasm for watch collecting continues apace, 2022 was a year marked by unprecedented diversity. Not only are more people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds discovering the joys of watches, the industry is responding with unprecedented diversity in its creations, from incredible high-tech complications utilizing specialized materials, to collectible limited-edition pop culture collabs, to reissues of classic models from the past. Or to put it another way, whatever you’re into, there’s a good chance there’s a new watch with your name on it. Here are our picks for the best of them, with added insight from some of the year’s best celebrity ambassadors.
Zenith Calibre 135 Observatoire
Despite being limited to 10 pieces, this collab between Zenith and cult dial-maker Kari Voutilainen is the most exciting thing the brand has done in years. (Price on request)
Chopard L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire
Chopard revolutionized the minute-repeater with this spectacular creation, which also boasts a case carved from a single block of sapphire and a coveted Geneva Seal. (Price on request)
Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar
There’s nothing flashy about this watch, just a beautiful dial and a finely tuned movement from one of the world’s most prestigious watchmakers. What’s not to like? ($22,400)
Omega Speedmaster ’57 — George Clooney
Omega brought in George Clooney to relaunch this vintage-inspired Speedy and celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Speedmaster line. “My father always wore an Omega; it was the epitome of class,” Clooney says. “When I first started working with Omega 20 years ago, I went through his attic and I found it, and I wound it and it worked. I started with that, and the ’57 is just a beautiful watch.” With a new Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre, a slimmer case, and new dial colours, it’s a timely reminder that — like Clooney himself — good taste is always in style. ($11,800)
Louis Vuitton Tambour Twenty
In honour of the 20th anniversary of Louis Vuitton’s Tambour, the brand introduced a new model that’s sure to appeal to fans of the Parisian fashion house, with an in-house movement by La Fabrique du Temps. ($21,900)
Rolex GMT-Master II
The Crown flipped the script — literally — with this left-handed (destro in watch-speak) version of its classic GMT in Oystersteel. ($13,000)
Cartier Masse Mystérieuse
This watch, with a movement that is entirely contained in its oscillating rotor, is just the latest reminder that Cartier doesn’t play by anyone else’s rules. (Price on request)
Breitling Chronomat Automatic 40 GMT — Giannis Antetokounmpo
Breitling’s newest Chronomat, a 40mm steel GMT with 200m water resistance and a COSC-certified movement, is part of a winning team that — in addition to a growing family of classic sports watches — now also includes Milwaukee Bucks MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of three members of the brand’s new All-Star Squad. ($6,800)
Vacheron Constantin Métiers D’Art Tributes To Great Civilizations: Grand Sphinx De Tanis
This exquisite creation pays tribute to both ancient Egypt and the incredible skill of the brand’s artisans. (Price on request)
Grand Seiko SLGT003 Constant Force Tourbillon “Kodo”
A work of kinetic art rendered in platinum and titanium, and a bold statement of intent from an underrated brand. ($350,000)
Hermès Arceau Le Temps Voyageur
An artful take on the world time complication with a delightfully unusual matte black DLC-treated titanium and platinum case. ($37,300 at Hermès Canada)
TAG Heuer Monaco Special Edition “Dark Lord” — Jacob Elordi
“The TAG Heuer Monaco was an instant design classic when it launched in 1969 and it only gets better with each new iteration — constantly improved but its iconic looks never altered,” said Euphoria star and freshly minted TAG Heuer ambassador Jacob Elordi at the relaunch of this much-loved 1970s Monaco variant. “There’s no other timepiece that is just as perfect for black-tie galas as it is for high-octane action.” ($10,700)
Glashütte Original PanomaticCalendar
As quirky as it is complex, this unmistakable German-made annual calendar remains far less appreciated than it should be — for now. ($32,600)
Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic
This fresh take on the classic regulator style features a high-end Swiss movement adapted from a pocket watch and a unique industrial dial. ($3,195)
Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Chronograph
With its integrated bracelet, high-contrast dial, and a Swiss movement created in collaboration with a top-tier maker, this chronograph is an exceptional value. ($4,995)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Blue Ceramic — Marc Ronson
Superstar music producer Mark Ronson is the latest tastemaker to out himself as a longtime fan of the brand from Le Brassus, and lent his voice to the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary celebrations. “Being in AP’s factory, I really noticed this attention to detail and this combination of analogue instruments and these soulful maestros who make these watches,” Ronson noted. “It is so similar to what we are doing in the studio with our heritage, in the sense of dedication and craft.” While Ronson is partial to his vintage full-gold Royal Oak, the brand continues to push the needle with new editions, including this year’s perpetual calendar with a case and bracelet in blue ceramic. (price on request)
Accutron Spaceview 2020 X La Palina
This collab reimagines the Spaceview 2020 in the palette of La Palina’s cigars, and (naturally) comes with a matching humidor and cigar cutter. ($6,500)
Bulova Archive Series “Parking Meter”
Parking meters may have gone the way of pay phones, but this modern version of the aptly named 1970s chronograph is still one of a kind. ($750)
Nomos Glashütte Club Sport Neomatik Petrol
Who needs complications when you look this good? Asked and answered by NOMOS’ latest understated masterpiece. ($4,240)
Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari
The thinnest mechanical watch ever made, the RM UP- 01 is as crazy-looking as it is impossible to buy. What else would you expect from Richard Mille? ($1.88 million USD)
