2025: A Year of Horological Exploration and Innovation
In 2025, we embarked on a journey through the captivating world of modern horology, and what a year it has been! Our team at Watches by SJX delved deep into the heart of the industry, bringing you original, in-depth stories that captivated and informed our readers.
The Breguet Sympathique No. 1: Unlocking the Past and Future of Horology
Our founder, SJX, kicked off the year with an extraordinary piece on the Breguet Sympathique No. 1, a clock that holds a special place in the heart of watch enthusiasts. With exclusive insights from its creator, François-Paul Journe, the article not only reconstructed the intricate mechanism but also revealed how it influenced Journe's early journey as a constructor. But here's where it gets fascinating: the Sympathique's impact on Journe's namesake brand, which has become a powerhouse in the industry, is a story that resonates with every watch lover.
Behind the Scenes with Industry Leaders
SJX's interviews with industry titans like Kari Voutilainen, Gregory Kissling, Ilaria Resta, and Marc Michel-Amadry provided a rare glimpse into the minds shaping the future of horology. These conversations offered unique perspectives on product development, the importance of heritage, and the evolving landscape of collector behavior. And this is the part most people miss: understanding the decision-making process of these leaders can help us predict the future of watchmaking.
The Rolex Land-Dweller: A Mainstream Marvel
Our technical features were a highlight, with David Ichim's analysis of the Rolex Land-Dweller standing out. He dissected the engineering choices behind the cal. 7135 and explored the strategic implications of Rolex's new collection. But the real controversy lies in the question: was this release a game-changer, or just another addition to the Rolex lineup?
Record-Breaking Auctions and the Patek Philippe Ref. 1518
Brandon Moore, our Editorial Director, joined us full-time, enriching our content with his expertise. His reporting on the Patek Philippe ref. 1518 in steel and the major auctions of 2025 shed light on the evolving preferences of top collectors. And his coverage of the Louvre's Mécaniques d'art exhibition placed Vacheron Constantin's La Quête du Temps within the grand tapestry of horological history.
Engineering Insights and the Rolex Daytona 'Le Mans'
David Ichim, with his engineering background, provided invaluable insights into the mechanics of timepieces. His explainers on the Rolex Dynapulse escapement and the magnetic constant-force escapement in the Breguet Expérimentale 1 were widely acclaimed. Additionally, his examination of the cal. 4132 in the Rolex Daytona 'Le Mans' showcased Rolex's innovative use of a compact differential.
Pocket Watches, Patents, and the J. Player Supercomplication
Andrew Cavanaugh, our Boston-based contributor, took us on a journey through time with his focus on pocket watches and patent drawings. His analysis of the J. Player & Son supercomplication and his hands-on evaluation of Breguet no. 1890 were standout pieces. But the real controversy? His exploration of Breguet's new natural escapement and updated Sympathique concept, which sparked debates about the future of these mechanisms.
Historical Insights and the Breguet Sympathique System
Carlos Torres, our historical specialist, brought the past to life with his contributions to the Complicated Collectors series. He delved into the philosophies of collectors like James Ward Packard and Thomas Engel, offering models for contemporary enthusiasts. His studies of Breguet's equation-of-time clocks and watches and the Sympathique system provided a comprehensive understanding of the brand's historical significance.
As we reflect on 2025, we are grateful for the support and engagement of our readers. Your enthusiasm fuels our passion for horology, driving us to explore new frontiers in watch journalism. We hope you continue to join us on this exciting journey in the years to come. Now, we'd love to hear from you: what were your favorite watch stories of 2025, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's keep the conversation going!
