Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Of 2025 — Mike’s Picks From Ming, Parmigiani Fleurier, Aquastar, And More

It’s hard to believe that we’re already looking back on the best watches of 2025. This year flew by! Still, there were a lot of releases, and, frankly, some were great. I stepped back from purchasing vintage watches this year and focused more on new pieces. The reason was clear: modern pieces made an impact on me this year because of their wearability. Let’s see some of my favorites.

Yes, that’s right; I enjoyed seeing the latest wares from both large and small brands in 2025. Thinner cases and reasonable diameters were the highlights for me. Plus, while prices didn’t abate, I felt that many companies, especially the smaller independents, focused on offering more value than before. Shall we take a closer look at my picks for the best watches of 2025?

The Ming 37.11 Odyssey and the mesmerizing Polymesh bracelet

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Ming watches, so it’s no surprise that one of them made my list of the best watches of 2025. The small Swiss-based brand had an intense year with more releases than in the past, but one stuck out to me so much that I bought it. To some degree, it was a celebration of my return to a full-time corporate role, but the reality is that I was hooked the second I saw it. With its tiny 24-hour indicator, the sold-out 37.11 Odyssey may not be the most practical watch, but damn, it is lovely to look at and wear.

However, arguably, the more significant introduction was the Polymesh titanium bracelet. Honestly, I’ve never worn anything like it. The printed material is so supple and thin that it seems unreal. Comfort-wise, it’s up there with the best vintage Rolex bracelets I’ve ever tried. This CHF 1,500 accessory is a game-changer and quite possibly the most significant “thing” to come out in 2025.

The best watches of 2025 — Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF 36mm in Stone Blue

Mark my words: one day, I will own the next entry on my list of the best watches of 2025. Parmigiani Fleurier has absolutely been crushing it for the last few years. The brand’s watches are drop-dead gorgeous, with fit and finish that makes me say, “Audemars who?” Okay, that’s a touch of hyperbole, and I understand that some may not like Parmigiani’s sparse dial designs. For me, though, the Tonda PF 36mm in Stone Blue is the first high-end watch that I’ve lusted after in a very long time. I recently tried on a gray version that was beautiful, but the blue simply “does it” for me. Oh, and the bracelet is sublime. At CHF 21,400, I’ll need to keep saving, but I’m going to try very hard to make this a 2026 possibility.

The Aquastar Benthos Professional

With Rick Marei at the helm, Aquastar has continued to add to its catalog. Two general ranges are available, with the skin-diver-shaped Deepstar series and a C-cased counterpart in the Benthos. The latter is a chunkier tool watch that feels as if it could take on the Kraken while punching through brick walls. This year, however, a new model joined the catalog, bringing a touch of elegance. The Benthos Professional has a 13.9mm thickness, but it still offers a 300m depth rating. Plus, the helium valve’s placement apes the original 500’s second crown. This is a comfy diver with the type of finishing that belongs on a more expensive watch. At US$1,590 on an Isofrane strap, the Benthos Professional is a great option for those seeking a capable dive watch with a bit of retro flair.

The Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 Y

A recent release snuck its way into my picks for the best watches of 2025 by being such a cool, elemental tool watch. The Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000Y channels the legendary Caribbean, but it resists looking too vintage with its updated case shape and construction. Still, the 1,000m depth rating remains along with a matte yellow dial. From a wearability perspective, the 15.9mm thickness sounds laughable, but a significant percentage of that heft is in the gloriously domed sapphire crystal. On the other hand, the 39.5mm diameter and 45.7mm lug-to-lug make it the comfiest O&W to date. At CHF 1,896, it has some heady competition, but with all shipping and duties included in that price, it’s a pretty sweet deal.

The Panerai Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218

A Panerai piece made it onto my list of the best watches of 2025? You’re darn tootin’! I think we’ve all been waiting for the brand to return to its roots, which means producing basic, badass watches without complications. Sure, there are still plenty of complex references in the catalog, but this year’s €8,500 Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218 showed me that some good things are happening again. Clearly, others felt the same way because the first year’s production run of 500 pieces sold out quickly. I managed to try a prototype on at the London boutique a few weeks ago and can confirm that a new Panerai can still stir up emotions of desire.

The Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11

One of the best watches of 2025 was the Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11. There’s something that warms my heart about a reference to two historic watchmakers. Even if both Breguet and Arnold & Son are generations removed from the one-time collaboration, this watch was a beautiful ode to the friendship. In hand, this watch combines a stunning white Grand Feu enamel dial with an equally incredible movement. With a production run of just 11 pieces, it was quickly snapped up by collectors at the asking price of CHF 129,800. Expensive? You’d better believe it, but what a beauty it is!

The best watches of 2025 — a wrap-up

Of course, there were scores of other great releases. Omega struck back finely with its new Seamaster Planet Ocean. MB&F delighted us with its SP One, and Grand Seiko released some real beauties. All of this underscores the fact that 2025 was an excellent year and, hopefully, 2026 will be even better.