The Roundup: the “Everybody Sweats” Edition

Each week, EWC will be gathering horological industry news, cultural conversations and moments surrounding our favorite topic: timepieces. Happy Friday; here’s what’s on our watch.

That Summer Glow

Summer watch season is in full swing, and we couldn’t be happier. As the days get hotter, there’s nothing like new wrist candy to keep things fresh. Even if you’re just a lazy beach bum, there’s something about strapping on a diver, and this week, we have a few.

Blancpain unveiled a new size for its beloved Fifty Fathoms. The 38mm models make their debut in two colorways: bright and bold petal pink alongside black, a can’t-go-wrong classic.

Tudor continues to keep things fun with color play, adding a new “Lagoon Blue” version to its iconic Black Bay collection. We all know the classic blue hue can take many forms in watchmaking, but The Crown’s little brother really nailed this one. At 37mm and with this dial, it’s hard to imagine a sweeter version of the Black Bay 54.

Breitling is also offering up its latest diver. The Superocean Heritage finally gets its refresh with the addition of the brand’s in-house calibers in a slew of variations, including a limited edition version do-designed with surfing legend and longtime ambassador, Kelly Slater.

Not a diver but equally summer ready, MB&F gives its automotive-inspired HM8 Mark 2 a healthy dose of color. From the original pristine white version to a limited edition British racing green and a high-gloss blue version, we now get a wild and exotic purple edition.

Keep your engines going: Chopard has just announced this year’s Mille Miglia collection. This year we get two gorgeous models: the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Tribute to Sir Stirling Moss and the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control – 2025 Race Edition.

The Pit(t) Crew

Sticking to the races, keep an eye out for IWC in Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 film. As a long-standing partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, IWC’s involvement has gone beyond the watches in the film to activations across F1 events this year in anticipation of the film’s debut on June 25.

Rise and Shine

Shifting gears, Vacheron Constantin helps elevate rising stars in the next generation with the Artisan Residency Program. In partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Maison shows its support of individuals with skills in traditional arts and craftsmanship across mediums and beyond watchmaking.

A Race to Outbid

On the auction block this week, new records were set at Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale in New York. A Patek Philippe Reference 2499 ‘Second Series’ achieved $4.3 million, making it the most expensive wristwatch sold this year. In addition, two other models set record prices: a pink gold Patek Philippe Reference 2524/1 from 1954 and an exceptional Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona with ‘Tropical Dial.’

If you’re still looking for your perfect bid, keep an eye on Bonhams forthcoming London Fine Watches sale, taking place on June 19.

The Award Goes To…

The red carpet continues to glitter. Over the weekend, the BET awards took place for their 24^th year, and Cartier stole the show. Presenter Tyler James Williams rocked a modern edition: a diamond clad 18k white gold Santos de Cartier with a sleek gray leather strap. This year, Giveon got a break from performing and enjoyed the show in a petite 18k yellow gold La Panthere de Cartier watch complete with diamonds.