The Roundup: the “Next Gen” 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.

Peak Summer Newness

A new Fifty Fathoms just entered the chat, or rather the catalog. Joining Blancpain’s permanent collection is a new tech-nicolor variation of the icon. The 45mm titanium diver offers a new interchangeable strap system with bold rubber options in classic black, white or orange. Though the style options make the model a stunner, it still puts performance at the core with a unidirectional rotating bezel and an absolute black dial absorbing up to 97% of light for the ultimate underwater legibility.

IWC has tapped Pantone for a splash of color across two of its core collections. First up, the Top Gun Miramar. Joining the popular lineup is a gorgeous baby blue iteration with a monochromatic design where the summer-ready hue extends across the ceramic case, dial, and rubber strap. Next in line, you have the new version of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in stainless steel featuring a Miramar dial and rubber strap.

This one is for our Phillies fans: Breitling just introduced the Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Super Bowl LIX Philadelphia Eagles Limited Edition. Headlining the launch is Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts, who wore the commemorative watch to the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX Ring Ceremony. The watch features an 18-karat rose gold case with both the historic Super Bowl LIX logo and Philadelphia Eagles logo. It’s produced in a limited run of just 59 pieces in celebration of the 59th Super Bowl.

Jaeger-LeCoultre first debuted its Rendez-Vous Shooting Star three years ago in 2022. Now, we get the next interpretation in two variations: one in pink and one in blue. The unique design features a complex dial structure that mimics the effect of the shooting star when activated and is concealed by intricate hand-painted peonies when inactive. The pink variation adds an extra dose of sparkle with a fully diamond-set pink gold bracelet whereas the blue version is slightly more subdued with a shiny blue alligator leather strap.

Last up, Porsche Design unveiled the new Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition at a star-studded event in New York City with Orlando Bloom, who, naturally double-wristed. The model celebrates 50 years since the uncoated stainless-steel version was created by Professor Ferdinand Alexander (F.A.) Porsche in 1975. The new take gets a titanium build and is produced in a limited run of just 350 pieces.

Hong Kong VS Geneva? 

Hong Kong had one of the largest markets in the world for Swiss watch exports. Enter the pandemic, and its aftermath. Between 2019 and 2020, the Swiss watches in Asia’s World City dropped roughly 37% from CHF $2.7 billion to CHF $1.7 billion ($3.4B USD to $2.1B USD) . Now, Hong Kong’s watch scene is poised for a comeback with the return of its Watch & Clock Fair, the 44th edition which runs September 2-6. The only drawback for the global or more specifically European presence at the event is the timing, which is in direct competition with Geneva Watch Days from September 4-8.

Louis Vuitton’s Watch Prize for Creatives: The Indies Are Coming! 

The semi-finalists have been announced for the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. Here, 20 of the most impressive watchmakers have the chance to take home the coveted title from the French Maison. Last year marked the inaugural award, with Swiss independent Raul Pages notching the win, which includes a grant of €150,000 (approximately $175,000 USD) and a mentoring and support program with experts from La Fabrique du Temps and Louis Vuitton. Hopefuls include names like J.N. Shapiro, Lederer, Behrens, Tasaki, and Petermann Badat, but they’ll have to wait a few months to find out if they’re advancing to the next round. The semi-finalists will be whittled down to five finalists by this December.

Save the Date: Horological Society of New York’s Anniversary Gala

This year marks the monumental 160^th Anniversary Gala hosted by the Horological Society of New York. The event includes a cocktail hour, seated dinner, after party, and charity auction where one hundred percent of the proceeds raised benefit the HSNY’s ongoing educational initiatives, including supporting watchmaking students with scholarships. Speaking of scholarships, the cornerstone of the gala is the annual presentation of scholarships to young aspiring watchmakers. Mark your calendars, the 2026 edition will take place on Saturday, March 21 at its new location in The Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.