The world of watches is seeped in centuries of tradition and has witnessed incredible progress, yet production continues to evolve each passing year. As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s look at some standout timepieces that left a lasting impact.
Anticipate limited editions, classic comebacks and cutting-edge innovations that defined the past year.
Reviewing 2023’s Best Watches.
Explore this year’s most exciting releases from our premium watch brands and why they’ve made such an impact.
The Best Anniversary Release: TAG Heuer's Carrera Glassbox
In the spotlight this year was TAG Heuer, celebrating the 60th anniversary of its flagship Carrera chronograph with a clean, updated model. The 'Carrera Glassbox' pays homage to the original but distinguishes itself with a sleek, compact build and a newfound spirit, preventing the watch from appearing kitsch. Housed in an elegant 39mm case with a domed sapphire crystal, reminiscent of 1970s designs, the subtle curve of the crystal face enhances readability from various angles.
If you count yourself as more of a traditionalist, look no further than our existing collection of TAG Heuer watches. Enjoy classic Swiss-made timepieces, like the models below, complete with our excellent five-year Watches & Crystals Warranty.
The Best Vintage Reissue: Alpina's Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years
For its 140th birthday, Alpina dug deep into its archives to deliver one of the most incredible launches of the year. The brand released an ultra-limited run of 14 ‘Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years’ timepieces. Far from a regular reissue, this watch was the real deal, resurrecting the original, restored hand-wound Calibre 490 from 1938 that sat dormant for nearly a century.
Naturally, these masterpieces created a buzz. Inspired by the success, Alpina introduced the 'Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years,' blending the signature Art Deco aesthetic with a modern AL-530 Calibre automatic movement, polished stainless steel and a luxury ostrich leather strap.
The Best Diving Watch: Luminox Pacific Diver Ripple
Luminox made waves this year by extending its Pacific Diver series, unveiling the smaller ‘Luminox Pacific Diver Ripple’. These models offer streamlined, time-only functionality within a 39mm diameter for enhanced wearability.
The Ripple collection, featuring six distinct models, showcases stainless-steel cases paired with distinctive CARBONOX bezels. Powered by Swiss quartz movement, these watches boast water resistance up to 200 metres. Adding a touch of refinement to the collection, three models flaunt a Mother of Pearl dial, injecting a dose of sophistication into these traditionally rugged and robust timepieces.
Luminox Light Technology (LLT) ensures visibility in all conditions for up to 25 years, making them formidable timepieces for any adventure. View our Luminox collection to find original Pacific Diver watches, such as the model featured below, or browse all diver watches for more durable wristwear.
The Best Experiment with Material: Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon Saxem
In early 2023, Hublot introduced the ‘Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon Saxem’ watch, featuring a case made of a mysterious crystal called SAXEM – a mix of ‘Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral’.
Hublot first used SAXEM in 2019 for the ‘Big Bang MP-11’, which featured the material in emerald green. Now, after years of experimentation and refinement, the crystal appears in a piercing, acidic yellow hue. The SAXEM is robust yet transparent, giving these timepieces an otherworldly, fluorescent appeal.
This striking watch demonstrates Hublot's ability to push the boundaries of watchmaking and sets the bar high for innovation. If you’re a fan of a loud timepiece, don’t miss their other bold, colour-blocking pieces, such as the ‘Hublot Big Bang Integrated Blue Ceramic’ model below.
The Best Innovation: CITIZEN 'Tsuki-yomi' Radio-Controlled Moon Phase
Another brand chasing innovation in 2023 was CITIZEN, releasing the world's first fully analogue moon phase function for light-powered watches. The celestial 'Tsuki-yomi' timepiece marked the 30th anniversary of the first CITIZEN radio-controlled watch.
Leveraging CITIZEN's cutting-edge ‘Luna Program’, the watch calculates the phase of the moon each day from signals received from multi-band radio transmitters. The timepiece also integrates CITIZEN's revolutionary 'Eco-Drive' technology, drawing power from any light source – be it artificial, natural, or dim light. By doing so, this invention eliminates the need for battery replacements and regular charging.
Overall, this timepiece shows how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, and CITIZEN is keen to explore this untapped potential. View similar chronographs with Eco-Drive technology amongst our range of CITIZEN watches.
Shop the Best Watches of 2023.
Feel inspired by the timepieces on this list? Delve into our thoughtfully curated selection of men's and women's watches, showcasing a blend of timeless classics and avant-garde models from the renowned brands mentioned above.
For any additional queries, contact our dedicated customer service team at support@watchesandcrystals.com. We’re always happy to help.