The Revolution Awards recognise the horological achievements that have shaped the past year: the watches that sought new technical solutions, the people who set those directions and developments that involved brands committing to the unknown. With the Awards programme we are not trying to summarise the year, we are instead recognising moments where decisions were taken that still matter long after the hype has died down.

Looking back, 2025 stands out for the number of times established ground was deliberately disrupted. We saw brands return to questions they had previously parked, fully aware of the cost, time and uncertainty involved. Complications that had been considered mastered were taken apart and rebuilt, not because replacement was necessary, but because improvement was no longer possible without starting again. At the same time, ideas that had existed quietly inside research departments for years were finally allowed into production.

We noticed this most clearly in the way technical choices were made. Long-held assumptions about how power should be stored and delivered were reopened. So too were decisions about how complications should be constructed, positioned and supported within a movement. In some cases, this meant abandoning ideas that had worked for decades. The solutions that emerged were neither cautious nor provocative for their own sake. They reflected a willingness to accept that revisiting fundamentals brings the risk of visible failure as well as progress.

Another clear sign of change came in women’s watchmaking. Several of the strongest releases stepped away from the familiar approach of reducing case size, adding a sprinkling of ‘feminine’ decoration and adapting existing movements. Instead, brands chose to build new movements altogether, designed to fit smaller dimensions without lowering expectations of performance, finishing or accuracy. 

At the same time, traditional workmanship moved back into focus. Decorative crafts were no longer applied late in the process as a finishing layer. Engraving, enamelling, guilloché and stone-setting shaped projects from the outset, influencing their very existence. In many cases, métiers d’art became the defining element of the timepiece, underlining the continued importance of complementary craftsmanship.

We were also reminded of the value of experience when it is used actively. Some long-established names produced work that drew directly on what they understand best, without the temptation of leaning too heavily on brand loyalty. Others took a longer view, committing to development paths that will take years to show their full effect. 

Every award that follows was chosen by Revolution’s editors and writers. Some decisions came easily. Others took time, involving discussion and, eventually, a vote. That process reflects the year itself. There were more credible candidates than we could recognise, which made the judging harder, but also sharper. When quality is spread so widely, selection becomes a matter of judgement rather than consensus.

This year’s programme also includes a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Nick Foulkes. Over several decades, Nick has shaped how watchmaking is written about and understood. Through definitive guides, long-form journalism and a personal, informed view of the industry, he has consistently provided clarity where it was needed. His role as President of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève jury over the past five years has further shaped how excellence in watchmaking is assessed and discussed.

While his career is very much ongoing, 2025 felt like the right moment to recognise that contribution formally. This award is not a conclusion, but an acknowledgement of sustained commitment to the industry and to the standards by which it measures itself. It is offered in appreciation and with respect.

The watches, and the people behind them, follow on the next pages as we reveal and congratulate this year’s Revolution Awards winners.

2025 Revo Award Winners

(Each title links to its full individual story)

1. Chronometric Advancement – Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A.

2. Watch of the Year – Ferdinand Berthoud Naissance d’une Montre 3

3. Best Technical Achievement – Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie

4. Best Concept Watch – Breguet Expérimentale 1

5. Best Design – Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds

6. Best Striking Watch – Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike

7. Best Clock – Fiona Krüger × Denis Flageollet Mystery Box: Forget Time

8. Best Worldtimer – Bovet Récital 30

9. Best Métiers d’Art – Louis Vuitton Escale en Amazonie

10. Best Jewelry Watch – Panthère de Cartier

11. Best Chronograph – Audemars Piguet RD#5

12. Best Tourbillon – Urban Jürgensen UJ-1

13. Best Calendar Watch – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar

14. Best Sports Watch – IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 “Sonny Hayes”

15. Best New Collection – Chanel J12 Bleu

16. Best Men’s Watch – Daniel Roth Extra Plat Souscription

17. Best Women’s Watch – Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 30mm (Moonshine Gold)

18. Best Astronomical Watch – Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grande Complication

19. Rising Star – Fam Al Hut

20. Lifetime Achievement Award – Nicholas Foulkes

21. Brand Leader of the Year – Laurent Perves, Vacheron Constantin

22. Revolutionary of the Year – Gregory Kissling, Breguet

23. Best Collaboration – TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph × Fragment

24. Watch Revolution of the Year – Rolex Land-Dweller

25. Brand of the Year – Breguet & Vacheron Constantin

26. Best Revival Watch – Universal Genève “The Nina” Tribute to Compax

27. Iconic Award – Piaget Andy Warhol Watch “Collage” Limited Edition

28. Horological Heroes – Michel Navas & Enrico Barbasini

29. Material Innovation Prize – TAG Heuer Carbon Hairspring

30. High Jewellery Award – Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Flying Tourbillon – Azure Blossom

31. Handmade Award – Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2