A Look at the First Horological Novelties in 2025 at LVMH Watch Week
TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith strengthen their existing icons at the sixth edition of the annual showcase.
As the first horological showcase of the year, LVMH Watch Week is often an indication of things to come. And it seems that 2025 is not going to be boring, to say the least. Originally slated for Los Angeles but relocated last-minute due to the Californian wildfires, the sixth edition of the annual event kicks off in New York (and Paris after) with a full lineup of the Group’s watchmaking brands, welcoming newcomers Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and L’Epée 1839. But it is the regulars that set a steady tone as they build upon their icons. Here’s a look at the latest creations from TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith:
Nonstop with TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer’s off to a racing start in 2025, putting pedal to the metal after a triumphant return to the Formula 1 racetrack as Official Timekeeper. The momentum continues with a new set of bold chronographs in the beloved Formula 1 collection, a casual series defined by youthful designs and playful colours. The latest lineup is built for speed, featuring lightweight titanium cases (some DLC-coated for edgy appeal) that are streamlined for wearing comfort. Energetic pops of colour amplify the high-speed vibes, not just on dial accents but also in the coloured ring sandwiched between case and bezel. Want something even more hotshot? The special edition in collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing revs up the look with a blue checkered dial and forged carbon bezel insert.
Speaking of collabs, here’s another one: the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye honours the shared racing heritage of the two brands by bringing together their icons, the Carrera chronograph and Porsche 911. This iteration is inspired by the competitive debut of the 911 at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, one of the most treacherous races in motorsports, with visual references to the historic Heuer dashboard timer used in the event.
Vintage details like off-white markers, shimmery dial finish and the double glassbox construction are standard fare for watches of this ilk, but there’s one captivating curiosity unique to this partnership: the TH20-08 movement tracks the first 15 seconds of every elapsed minute at an accelerated pace, before slowing down to complete the remaining time perfectly. It’s a cool and unusual piece of tech, echoed by the red streaks on the right of the flange marking out 8.4 seconds — the 911’s legendary sprint from 0 to 100km/h during the Monte Carlo Rally.
We’re calling it: purple is the new trend in horology. The majestic colour is a breath of fresh air in a space that traditionally prefers the sobriety of black, silver or navy. The trick to making it work? Tempering its flamboyance, as seen in the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph. Here, the black-to-purple gradient dial is super inky, almost Stygian, and is illuminated by polished silver accents. Visually, it is powerfully elegant, a quality magnified by the iconic glassbox design.
New Builds at Hublot
Hublot reconstructs the Big Bang MECA-10 nearly a decade after its debut in 2016. The original Meccano-style architecture is reassembled within a smaller 42mm Big Bang frame, now fashioned with three linear bridges attached to the mainplate. The signature rack system for the power reserve remains, of course, but its micro-mechanics have been reengineered for perfect synchronisation between display and winding levels. Filling up the rest of the space is the balance wheel and antimagnetic silicon escape wheel; even then, the overall structure is still more openwork than its predecessor. To complete the build, the watch is encased in King Gold, titanium, or ultra-stylish Frosted Carbon.
The Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph welcomes three new ceramic colours: Sand Beige, Dark Green and Sky Blue. Previously exclusive to the round Big Bang, the playful tones become spirited in a tonneau case, highlighting the technical prowess needed to shape the high-performance material into a barrel. Another groundbreaking material in Hublot’s repertoire is SAXEM, which is similar to transparent sapphire crystal but can be dyed. The Manufacture has toyed with a vibrant emerald version for a while now, and this year they are animating it with a tourbillon and dial-side micro-rotor. Kinetics in a see-through tinted case, now that’s a winning combination.
Zenith Razzle-Dazzles
The sporty Defy Skyline Chronograph gets even more dynamic with an openwork dial architecture, as plate, bridges and other components are carved away to reveal the technical beauty of the legendary El Primero calibre. This high-octane style also features a hollowed-out four-pointed star centrestage, a nod to the “double Z” logo of the 1960s. Elsewhere, the Chronomaster Sport is blinged out with a bevy of colourful gemstones. You’d think the rainbow aesthetic would clash with the athletic nature of watch, but you’d be clearly proven wrong; it’s visual dynamo.
