There are watches, and then there are timepieces that just grab your attention.
From contemporary innovations like Jacob and Co’s Astronomia, through the eccentric Richard Mille RM69 Tourbillon Erotic, to the calming simplicity of Nomos Glashütte’s Duo watches, in 2020 the watchmakers have prepared something for every taste.
Retro and new, bold and minimalist, these 25 watches were made to be noticed.
1. Diamond Rolex
Think luxury and Rolex is undoubtedly one of the first things to come to mind. One of the most expensive brands on the market, Rolex maintains its iconic status because of the quality of the designs, the rarity of the materials, and the impeccable performance.
Rolex will never go out of style but if you want to see something truly noticeable, check out the diamond Rolex watches. Among them stands the Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster.
As much a jewel as a watch, the Pearlmaster is both elegant and functional.
2. Omega Watches
Talking about quality, the Swiss giant Omega has a new limited edition watches for those looking for both style and trend.
After the Moonwatch in 2019, Omega releases two masterpieces dedicated to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
As the event’s official timekeeper, Omega introduces the new additions to the Seamaster collection. Available in Aqua Terra and Planet Ocean, these limited edition timepieces cannot go unnoticed by the sport’s fans.
Both watches are available in exactly 2,020 pieces and include the limited edition number and the Tokyo 2020 emblem on the back.
3. Richard Mille Watches
Talking about unique timepieces, the Richard Mille RM69 is not a new model, however curious enough to get noticed again in 2020.
The watch is no exception to the extravagant spirit of the brand, as the Richard Mille RM69 is also known as Tourbillon Erotic.
The watch incorporates titanium rolling bars that upon the push of a button will display a random message to the wearer. Each bar of the Richard Mille RM69 holds several different phrases that leave a lasting sensation.
While there are other watches featuring erotic elements such as paintings and even sculptures, there is no other piece like that Richard Mille RM69 that proclaims eroticism so proudly and clearly.
4. Vaer watches
Vaer watches are known for their classic looks, minimalist design, and USA assembly. There are suitable for every occasion and are built to last thanks to their high-quality movement.
The variety of available straps makes it even easier to match them with any outfit, casual or elegant.
The A5 is the company’s best selling automatic watch, completed with a Miyota 9015 Automatic Movement.
The “ocean-to-office” functionality comes with the two interchangeable straps – silicone or nylon strap for water-based activities and handmade leather straps, proudly Made in the USA, for a flawless elegant look.
5. Holzkern watches
This year Holzkern are ready to start a new trend, encouraging their customers to remember what close to nature feels like.
Holzkern’s timepieces are made exclusively of stone and wood and come in a nearly endless variety of models. What’s even more, using all-natural materials ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike, giving them a personality of their own.
Among their 2020 specials is Joy, a 500-pieces limited edition watch with classic minimalist design. The case and bracelet are made of koa wood while the dial is made of genuine, green marble.
6. JBW watches
If you want diamonds but don’t want to spend thousands, check out JBW’s diamond watches.
From a single-diamond watch like the women’s Gigi to over 230 on the men’s Phantom model, JBW watches provide a suitable option for everyone looking for a bit of glamour.
One of their bestsellers is the 562 featuring a Swiss Ronda 763 quartz movement and 12 delicate genuine diamonds on the hour markers. The model is available in 7 color options, some of which are plated with 18k gold and include gold accents on the internal hour markers.
7. Helm watches
If you’re an adventurer looking for a watch with impeccable performance on land, underwater, and in the air, the Helm watches are worth looking into.
They are available in three models Khuraburi, Komodo, and Vanuatu, all of which are also offered in a variety of coloring options.
All models include a Seiko movement with hacking and a manual winding function. But what truly stands out is their water-resistance of 300 meters and the included luminescent hours, minutes, and seconds hands, making the Helm watches the perfect accessory for diving.
8. Paul Rich watches
The Paul Rich timepieces are handcrafted, minimalist, and with a classic look that cannot go unnoticed. The timeless simplicity of the watches secures their position in our list.
In 2020 the company is introducing several new additions to their men’s collection, including the manual Star Dust, Deep Dive, Conquest, and the Royal Touch.
The new models feature Japanese Quartz movement, a 45mm case, a stainless steel strap, and different accents to match every style and occasion. Some models are also available with an alligator imitation leather strap.
9. Jacob and Co watches
Talk about noticeable watches and we cannot ignore Jacob and Co. Their Grand Complication Masterpieces collection combines art and technology into one of a kind extravagant pieces to take your breath away.
Check out the Godfather-inspired Opera model with a music box playing the iconic theme from the movie.
The Astronomia series put a mini solar system on your wrist with the planets moving around in mesmerizing smoothness. And the Casino Astronomia features a fully-functional built-in roulette.
More art than a watch, these pieces were made to be noticed.
10. Apple Smartwatches
If you’re an active person, a regular timepiece may not work for you. Instead, check out the Apple Watch Series 5.
The watch includes all the usual functionalities like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, ECG monitoring and much more.
And now with Series 5, Apple has added an “always-on display” functionality, allowing you to see your stats on a dimmed screen.
The latest addition to the Apple Watch series is considered to be the best Apple Watch so far, setting a high standard for the upcoming Series 6, expected this fall.
11. Chopard Watches
The Swiss brand Chopard is a synonym for contemporary luxury products produced to the highest quality of Swiss watchmaking.
Their new Alpine Eagle is a modern interpretation of St Moritz, the first watch created 40 years ago by the co-president of Chopard, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele.
The watch is a sport-chic timepiece inspired by the Alps and the majestic power of the eagle. The finish of the blue and gray dials is also inspired by the iris of the eagle.
The Alpine Eagle is available in a small (36mm) and large (41mm) model and comes in several color options.
12. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
If you need a quality smartwatch at a reasonable price, check out the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active.
The watch is a lighter, slimmer, more comfortable, and cheaper version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch. The minimalist, classic shape still differentiates it from most fitness watches.
The second edition released at the end of 2019 features a digital rotating bezel. Aside from this, the Active 2 pretty much resembles its predecessor with a Tizen operating system, 39 workout modes ECG sensor, heart rate, and stress and sleep monitors.
13. Patek Phillipe Calatrava
Some watches show more than the hours, minutes, and seconds. And Patek Phillipe Calatrava’s Complications and Grand Complications collections rule over all chronological complications.
A truly innovative piece is 5212A-001. While the time, day, date, and month are displayed on many watches, this high-end timepiece keeps track of the weeks as well.
Another interesting fact about the watch is that the letters and numerals are based on the actual handwriting of one of the designers.
The 5212A-001 comes with calfskin, hand-stitched strap to complete this unexceptionable accessory for the modern businessman.
14. Stauer Watches
Stauer watches are considered to be entry-level pieces due to their low prices and being relatively new to the market.
For their affordable prices, however, they provide good quality watches. And it comes to no surprise that their tagline states “Afford the extraordinary”.
One of their latest pieces is the Stauer Champion Automatic Watch, considered to be the “Stauer Watch of the Year”.
The timepiece is not only good looking but is also full of helpful features such as date and day windows on 3 and 9 o’clock and a combined 24-hour display with a sun and moon dial.
15. Tudor Black Bay 58
The Tudor Black Bay 58 is a vintage-inspired piece released in tribute to their first dive watches, dating back to 1958 (reference 7924), which is where the name originates from.
Both the 58 and the original models share similar designs with clean dials, bold rotatable bezels with a 60-minute graduated disc, and gold finishing accents on the hour markers, hands and minutes tracker.
The angular “snowflake” hands, on the other side, resemble those from the company’s 1969 catalog.
Just like its predecessors, the watch is water-resistant to 200 meters.
16. Wooden Watches
With the rising trend of living green, it’s not a surprise that wooden watches are becoming more and more popular. A company with a cause is WoodWatch.
WoodWatch’s timepieces are handmade of high-quality wood and come in a cardboard or pinewood box packaging. But the most important thing is that for every watch sold, they plant a tree, resulting in over 50,000 trees planted worldwide.
Their latest models Sailor and Hunter have a classic minimalist look, while still incorporating a moon phase movement and two supplementary dials for the current week and month.
17. Nomos watches
If you’re a fan of simplicity, the Nomos Glashütte’s new Duo watches are worth looking into. The models are available in four varieties – Tangente, Ludwig, Orion, and Tetra.
With their 33 millimeters diameter, they are especially suitable for those with thinner wrists. But what makes the greatest impression is their ultra-minimalist design.
Clean white silver-plated dial with no extra displays, no small seconds, leaving only two golden hands (hence duo), and a beige velour leather strap complete these elegant pieces.
The Nomos Duo series is a refreshing step back from the busy life.
18. Seiko Presage
Seiko has long since established itself as a leading brand in high-quality watchmaking.
In 2020, Seiko Presage is ready to release a new limited edition model that will pay homage to the Crown Chronograph, the first wristwatch with a stopwatch in Japan.
The new version of the watch will be released in 1964 units, the year in which the original was released and assigned as the official watch in Japan’s first international sporting event.
The limited-edition reproduction from Seiko Presage follows the design as closely as possible, including the inwardly tilted case shape for better stability.
19. Glycine Airman
The Swiss brand Glycine Airman was created to suit the needs of the pilots in the 1950’s. Before them, there has been no watch to meet their needs – to show two different time zones on a 24-hour scale.
Since then the Glycine has evolved with Airman 7 displaying four different time zones simultaneously.
But you don’t need to be a pilot to find this watch mesmerizing.
Following the nostalgia trend, their latest model Airman 42 is a tribute to their original Airman 1, the watch that started it all back in the 50s.
20. Breitling Superocean
When it comes to diving watches, Breitling is a company that likes to test the limits. Their latest model Superocean Automatic 44 Outerknown is no exception.
The watch is suitable for adventures in the deepest seas with water resistance up to 1000 meters. But what’s even more interesting is that the Superocean 44 is featuring a special strap from ECONYL® yarn, created from repurposed nylon waste from the oceans such as fishing nets.
Created in cooperation with the apparel manufacturer Outerknown, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 is the perfect timepiece for any water-related activities.
21. Andersen Geneve
Some timepieces are as much art as they are a watch. And this is exactly the case with Andersen Geneve’s first model of the Art & Culture collection, Vita Vinum. The piece will be limited to only 12 pieces.
In addition to the time, Vita Vinum will also show the different stages of the winemaking process. The rotating disk turns only once every 365 days.
Each month it displays a scene corresponding to the work the Swiss winemakers have to do at the time. The miniature acrylic paintings are what turns this watch into an actual piece of art.
22. Bulova
The former American, now Japanese-owned brand Bulova are known as innovators. One of their latest watches, however, is a reminder of a time long gone. And it is not the classic retro-looking watch you are used to seeing.
The Bulova Computron 1976 Re-edition is a reminder of the digital driver’s watches popular back in the 70s and 80s.
The LED watch face activates upon the touch of a button. It is available in black or silver with blue numbers, and gold with red numbers.
The Computron Re-edition is heavy, does not have a rechargeable battery, it’s not waterproof, or featuring any smart features. It’s exactly what it looks like, a blast from the past.
23. Chanel
The 20th anniversary from Channel’s unisex J12 unexpectedly brought a new version of the model. But what caught more attention is the new Monsieur Edition Noire, a new limited-edition timepiece that will be released in only 55 units.
The watch features a matte black dial with a jumping hour, a 240° retrograde minutes and small seconds tracker. The case is also matte black made of ceramic and steel adding to a truly elegant overall design.
The limited Edition Noire is also available for the Boyfriend Skeleton, Premiere Rock, and J12 models.
24. Culem
Have you heard of the Culem brand? A relatively new company, it was founded by Matthew Cule who raised funds for it through Kickstarter. The result is amazing looking, affordable, and high-quality GMT watches for travel lovers.
One of their latest models, the Portal GMT, features a 3D map of the world on the dial. The back, on the other hand, features 24 engraved destinations presenting the GMT/BST time zones.
The Portal is available with blue, black, grey, or champagne dial, and several Italian leather strap combinations to match every personality.
25. H. Moser & Cie
Last but not least is a watch with no logo, indices, and no hands or digital display. Only a glossy black dial and one-minute flying tourbillon. How to find the time then?
Well, you’ll have to use your ears. The Swiss Alp Watch Minute Repeater Concept Black has hour, minute, and seconds chimes.
Back in the days when electricity was still a luxury, people used minute repeaters to tell the time, partly because at night it was too dark to see.
While it does resemble a smart device because of its rectangular form, this elegant piece is the ultimate minimalist watch.
Read more interesting articles on Montret's Timepiece Online Luxury Watch Magazine. For more information on watches, check out the World's Top 100 Watch Blogs. Shop watches here.
