This Year in Gear: 55 Great Watches & Accessories We Discovered in 2017

With a deluge of new products hitting store shelves and browser windows every day, it’s easy to lose track of everything that happens in a year. So, to jog our memories a bit as the year winds to a close, we combed through our Today in Gear archives and other news briefs to reflect back on all of the notable products we discovered in 2017. The result is a new series we’re calling This Year in Gear, and we hope you’ll enjoy reviewing this snapshot of the Watch industry’s work as much as we have. Think we missed something, or just want to sound off on any trends you noticed? Let us know by dropping a comment on Facebook, Twitter or email.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Skin

One of the very first purpose-built dive watches to hit the market, in 1953, the Super Sea Wolf is Zodiac’s most celebrated model — and now, it’s back. The new Super Sea Wolf 53 Skin is an aesthetically faithful homage to the original, but it’s wholly modern in construction. It features a 40mm case that houses an in-house automatic movement from Zodiac, as well as a rotating bezel made from stainless steel. The dial, with its triangular hour markers coated in SuperLuminova, harkens back to the original, and a rustic black leather strap adds a vintage finishing touch to the entire package.

Bamford Watch Department Leather Tool Kit

For the discerning watch enthusiast (or SIHH attendee), a premium leather watch tool kit, complete with a screwdriver, six bits, a magnifying glass, a brush and tweezers.

Brown Safe Custom Watch Safes

If you’re fortunate enough to need a watch safe, you likely pay close attention to craftsmanship and style. Brown Safe, a stalwart of the high-security business for 35 years, offers myriad options for the discerning customer, but the company’s Man Safe is intentionally engineered to keep your horological collection, well, safe. Choose solid plate steel or ballistic armor and as many features you need — like interior trim, biometric locks, fire protection and watch winders — and relax knowing your prized possessions are secured in an enviably beautiful home.

Omega’s #SpeedyTuesday Speedmaster

Omega’s new Speedmaster is inspired by its online community of enthusiasts. It’s also the first Omega watch you can order online.

TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45

Always wanted a watch with Google Assistant and a tourbillon? Here you go.

Longines Conquest VHP

Longines became a pioneer of quartz wristwatches with the debut of the Ultra-Quartz in 1969. Finally, in the ’80s, Longines made the VHP (“very high precision”) quartz watch, accurate within 10 seconds a year. Now, it’s back, and even better than before.

NOMOS Graduates’ Club Series

Nomos’s Campus is ostensibly aimed at graduates and “accessibly priced” at $1,500. The watch features NOMOS’s Alpha caliber, an in-house, hand-wound movement. The watch comes in two sizes, 36mm and 38mm (for all you small watch fans) and each model measures just over 8mm thick.

Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator

This unique racing inspired watch features an entirely new system for starting and stopping a chronograph.

Shinola Canfield Bolt 43mm Customizable Watch

The Canfield Bolt has long been one of Shinola’s most popular watches; now, you can customize your own, choosing from five stainless steel cases and a seemingly endless variety of straps — alligator, cowhide, nylon, steel, rubber and more.

Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver

The BR 03-92 Diver, Bell & Ross’s first-ever square dive watch, is built on decades of aeronautical and military experience. At a maximum depth of 300 meters, a number of stand-out features perform wonderfully: an automatic mechanical movement, anti-reflective sapphire glass, 42mm satin-polish steel case, illuminated dial accents and a sturdy rubber-and-fabric strap.

Citizen Home & Office Décor Clocks

If a watch is the capstone of thoughtful personal style, then a clock just might have the same effect on the environmental quality of a room. That concept is undoubtedly why Citizen, the 87-year-old veteran of the watchmaking trade, has announced its entrance into the stationary realm of timekeeping. Citizen Clocks, launching this fall, will be available in five collections: Decorative Accents, Workplace, Gallery, Outdoor and Executive Suite. Materials will include wood, crystal, metal, leather and 3D printed polymers in designs that will range in price from $105–$250.

Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC

In pursuit of thrills and glory, the most celebrated racers in the world demand only the finest time-telling instruments. They demand a watch that can — and should — be worn from JFK airport to the raceways of Monaco, a watch that defies borders and time zones. The TimeWalker Chronograph UTC, with its sporty black and red aesthetic, displays two different time zones on its black ceramic bezel, while a third can be calculated on the 24-hour scale encircling the 43mm stainless steel case. Additionally, it is an MB 25.03 calibre chronograph, providing excellent timekeeping control.

NOMOS Aqua Water-Resistant Collection

There is a place where mechanical aesthetic style meets sport utility. Like El Dorado or the Fountain of Youth, it’s a difficult place to find, and many fail tremendously in attempting to do so. NOMOS has succeeded. Its new collection merges high function with simple sophistication in a series of timepieces that keep ticking down to 200 meters below the surface of the ocean, and it does so in a spectrum of colors that range from carefully muted to siren bright.

Worn & Wound EDC Watch Fold

Essentially, a nylon and neoprene bi-fold wallet, built to hold two watches and some pocketable gear. Unlike many leather alternatives, this USA-made watch fold will withstand years of abuse.

Defakto Vektor

From Defakto, a German watchmaker known for its elegant, Bauhaus-inspired minimalist watches, comes an all-new “retro-futuristic” watch. The Vektor — a “retro-futuristic” name, if there ever was one — features a convex dial, anti-reflective glass, a custom 39mm stainless steel case and an automatic Miyota 9015 movement.

Zodiac Super Seawolf Limited Edition

The Super Seawolf Limited Edition is a COSC-certified, 20ATM chronometer built for those who dive headfirst into new, dangerous, unfamiliar adventures. It features a stainless steel case, five-link bracelet, STP3-13 movement, unidirectional rotating bezel with a mineral top ring and a matte black dial with SuperLuminova hands and indexes. It’s hardy enough for the high seas, yet handsome enough for the boardroom.

Breitling Chronospace Evo B60 with SuperQuartz

This titanium-encased chronograph features Breitling’s own in-house SuperQuartz movement.

Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf Special Edition

In commemoration of Gulf Racing’s 50th anniversary, TAG Heuer released this gorgeous, limited-edition watch. Oh, and Steve McQueen used to wear one just like it.

IWC 50th Anniversary Ceratanium Aquatimer

Ceratanium is light like titanium and hard like ceramic. IWC decided to debut new the material on this 50-item limited-edition wristwatch.

The HODINKEE Magazine, Volume 1

One of our favorite independent publications launched a fantastic biannual print magazine. Power to ya, Hodinkee. Rabid watch enthusiasts are lucky to have you.

A. Lange Sohn Deep-Blue Lange 1

A. Lange & Söhne’s most iconic watch received an update in the form of a manually wound calibre and a jumping outsize date.

Bell & Ross BR-X2

Bell & Ross watches are traditionally chunky and square. The new BR-X2 changes that formula.

ADPT Nato Straps

These high-end Nato straps are made completely in America.

MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement

MB&F is known for its wild an innovative designs, and this watch, while more subtle than MB&F watches before it, is no exception. Called the “Split Escapement,” the timepiece gets its name for its unique escapement construction. Normally in a watch, the balance wheel is placed next to an escape wheel to transmit wound energy into rhythmic oscillations, but in the Split Escapement the balance wheel is put front and center on the watch face while the escape wheel is hidden in the movement, giving the former the mesmerizing appearance of spinning freely on its own in mid-air.

Tissot Everytime Swissmatic

The Everytime Swissmatic should be on your affordable watch shortlist. Using a new iteration of Swatch’s acclaimed Sistem51 movement, Tissot created a compelling, yet cheap, timepiece.

CWC 1980 Royal Navy Diver’s Watch

British watch brand CWC launched a reissue of one of its most iconic timepieces — the Ministry of Defense–spec diver that replaced the Rolex Submariner as the Royal Navy’s dive watch of choice. This watch is nearly identical to that, sporting an ETA automatic movement, a rotating bezel and the same dial layout.

Oris Chronoris Date

Nearly 50 years ago, Oris unveiled one of its most iconic watches: its first chronograph, named Chronoris. This year, the maker of accessible, purely mechanical watches has brought it back. Sporting an automatic caliber, the new Chronoris Date takes on the racing-inspired styling of its forebear. Instead of a chronograph subdial registering minutes, it features only a chronograph seconds hand and a rotating inner bezel. Simply line up the zero on the bezel with the minute hand and start timing. Throw in a vintage-inspired tonneau case and a retro dial design, and you have a handsome, functional watch for $1,750.

TAG Heuer Autavia Jack Heuer Edition

Earlier this year, TAG Heuer reissued its iconic Autavia chronograph, making it one of the most talked-about timepieces of 2017. Now TAG has launched a limited-edition version of that watch in honor of Jack Heuer, the creator of the original Autavia and an influential figure in the watch industry throughout the 20th century. The watch retains much of the 2017 Autavia’s features — notably the same 42mm case and in-house chronograph movement — but receives a new “panda” dial design with black sundials set against a silver background. Only 1,932 examples will be made and will retail at $5,900.

Timex Marlin

With few exceptions, Timex long abandoned mechanical movements in favor of digital and quartz movements years ago. That’s exactly why Timex’s latest watch, a reissue of the famed Marlin, is so exciting. It comes with a hand-winding movement underneath, and if that weren’t enough, it comes with a sleek case, dial and strap design that truly look like they were plucked from the 1960s.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time

TThe Overseas Dual Time adds a useful new complication to the company’s travel-inspired lineup. This model retains the collections rounded, tonneau case as well as its proprietary quick-change strap system but adds a movement with an additional red-tipped hour hand so the wearer can keep track of their home time and local time at once (there’s also an AM/PM indicator for home time). It’s available with either a blue or silver dial in steel or pink gold.

A Man and His Watch

Matthew Hranek traveled the world searching for and compiling the stories of 76 watches worn by influential figures. From Sir. Edmond Hillary’s Rolex, to JFK’s Omega to Paul Newman’s Daytona and beyond, they show that the watch isn’t just a timekeeping device — it’s an apparatus for history, achievements and personal memories.

Misfit Command Hybrid Smartwatch

Misfit’s latest hybrid smartwatch is simple and elegant, and, best of all, it’s super affordable; you can pick up the Command for as little as $112. (That price is expected to rise to $150 later on). As for specs, it can track fitness (steps, distance, calories and sleep) and display notifications (calls, texts and emails). It’s water-resistant, too, so you can take it in the shower. And it has enough battery to go a full year between charges.

Crown & Buckle Supreme NATO Strap

After seeing the premium NATO strap optionss launched by high-end watch brands, strap purveyor Crown & Buckle rethought its own nylon offerings and launched its top-of-the-line Supreme NATO lineup. It features a denser weave of nylon (C&B says it feels akin to car’s seatbelt) and is free of any bumps or burrs like on a cheap nylon strap. The keepers and buckle are made from brushed stainless steel and feature a flat profile with beveled corners, giving the strap a cleaner, more polished look.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition

Ahead of SIHH 2018, Audemars Piguet rolled out a new limited edition of the Royal Oak Offshore for the model’s 25th anniversary. The new reference is meant to be a recreation of the 1993 original: it has the same stainless steel case design, a “Petite Tapisserie” blue dial and matching blue pushers and crown — all nearly identical to the original.

Autodromo GT Endurance Chronograph

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, Autodromo released a new collection celebrating the modern GT supercar and original GT40, both Le Mans-winning legends. The new chronograph comes in five different designs and is now Autodromo’s most affordable watch available.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second Limited Edition

As e-commerce is becoming more commonplace in the luxury watch market, we’re seeing more and more brands capitalizing on the platform to sell unique models. Jaeger-LeCoultre, for example, introduced a new version of the Geophysic True Second. The watch retains the jumping seconds (which ticks once a second like a quartz watch, but is far more complicated) movement and 39.5mm case of the original, but is bestowed with a new deep navy blue dial. It will be available on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s site exclusively starting December 5th.

Montblanc Timewalker Manufacture Chronograph

Ahead of SIHH 2018, Montblanc unveiled the newest addition to its Timewalker collection: the Manufacture Chronograph. The watch takes on the same look as the standard Timewalker Chronograph but adds an in-house, column wheel chronograph movement (the standard Timewalker Chronograph uses a Sellita-based engine). On the outside, the watch also gets a vintage-inspired, black-on-white panda dial red accents and a black tachymeter bezel. The watch should go on sale in fall 2018 for around $5,900.

Panerai PAM 721 Radiomir 3-Days Acciaio

Panerai’s latest watch is a faithful reissue of the Reference 3646 of the 1930s. How faithful? Well, it comes in at a whopping 47mm (the same as the original), boasts a logo-free dial (like the original) and even comes with an extra acrylic crystal (like the original) in addition to the pre-installed sapphire number. It’s powered by Panerai’s in-house, hand-winding P.3000 movement and comes fitted with a rustic leather strap.

Oris’s New Travel Watch Gives You a New Timezone With the Twist of a Bezel

A convenient new feature, perfect for frequent fliers.

Another Well-Rounded Chronograph from Longines, Inspired by the ’70s

Harkening back to a military chronograph from the ’70s, the Big Eye puts legibility and classic looks first.

This Minimalist Take on a Field Watch Costs Less Than $400

Paris-based “concept store” Merci takes its first stab at a watch.

Shinola Debuts Its First-Ever Mechanical Watch

The Lake Erie Monster boasts a big case, a 1,000-foot depth rating and an automatic movement.

Timex Is Making an Aluminum Field Watch and It Costs Less Than $100

Your new favorite dirt-cheap timepiece is here.

Seiko’s High-End Big Brother Drops 3 New Dress Watch Beauties

Grand Seiko is now independent. To celebrate, the company has reissued three versions of the first watch it ever made.

A Handsome New Watch Harks Back to the 1940s

A throwback from 70 years ago has a gorgeous, brushed copper dial.

A Classic Mechanical Chronograph Returns, Better Than Ever

The new Zenith El Primero can measure time to a hundredth of a second.

This German Pilot’s Watch Might Be the Best-Value Mechanical GMT You Can Buy

With prices starting just above $1,000, it undercuts even the most affordable GMT watches by hundreds of dollars.

IWC Gives Its Stalwart Pilot’s Watch a Vintage Makeover

A new dial goes a long way.

This 100% Ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Rocks Our World

Audemars Piguet’s headlining reveal at SIHH sees an iconic design get a perpetual calendar and a full ceramic makeover.

Thanks to Science, Panerai’s New Dive Watch Can Go 50 Years Without Service

In fact, it literally guarantees it.

Get Todd Snyder’s Military-Inspired Timex While It Lasts

And it only costs $138.

Seiko Aims for Entry-Level Luxury With Its New Enamel Dial Watches

Why buy something from Switzerland?

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Rolex’s New Sea-Dweller Is Glorious Overkill

A Rolex that’s water-resistant to an astounding 4,000 feet, or nearly four times as deep as the current scuba-diving world record.

Omega Unveils a Tasty Trio: Speedmaster, Seamaster, Railmaster

Omega celebrates the 60-year anniversary of three iconic tool watches with special editions.

Tudor and Breitling Team Up for a Vintage-Inspired Chronograph

The first watch in Tudor’s Black Bay line to get a chronograph movement.

Additional editorial contributions were made by Andrew Connor, Bryan Campbell, Michael Finn, Nick Caruso and Tucker Bowe

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