The best new watches revealed in May 2022
Welcome back to The Watch Wrap, where we give you the lowdown on the latest and greatest new reveals from the busy world of watchmaking.
Much like with the world of sports and entertainment, the onset of May brings about a bit of a lull period in the watch industry. The year's big fairs are, for the most part, done, and the flow of new timepieces, colourways and models to hit the market shrinks from a surging torrent to more of a steady trickle.
Even so, there has still been plenty to write home about over the last month, from flyboy-chic timepieces to some F1-inspired hardware.
Here are the best watch releases from a fairly quiet month of May.
Timex Q GMT Quartz
Timex's classic Q range has always been beloved by both old and new collectors for its Rolex-adjacent aesthetic and collectible dual-bezel colourways.
Now, the Q has received an even more GMT-Master-esque update with the addition of—you guessed it—a GMT indicator, which adds even more horological clout to an affordable, accessible modern-day classic. It's available now in both blacked out and red-and-blue "Pepsi"-ish colourways.
Bulgari Ducati Aluminum Chronograph
Bulgari would be first to admit that they're not the most synonymous watchmaker when it comes to the world of motorsport, but this sporty number developed in collaboration with superbike kings Ducati adds a welcome shot of racing clout to the luxury jeweller. Three sports counters, a date display and a mechanical automatic BVL 130 movement sit underneath a trackside-ready rubber bezel and a titanium caseback.
Grand Seiko SBGW279 'Oruri'
It's hard to get tired of Grand Seiko's penchant for creating watches inspired by Japanese nature, and their latest classic dress watch is no exception. Dubbed the 'Oruri' after a species of vivid blue songbird that migrates from China to Japan at the start of each summer, its sleek silver case and blue face distinguish it as a minimalist winner.
H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon Aqua Blue
An extra sleek tourbillon is always welcome at any time of year, and H. Moser & Cie have delivered yet another classically minimalist show-stopper with a twist. Dressed with a nocturnal grand feu enamel blue and black face, the choice of either an 18K rose gold or titanium case houses both a 1-minute tourbillon and a full minute repeater complication, some of which is exposed with its semi-skeletonised finish.
IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 Edition "Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team"
Arguably the most dominant single Formula One team ever to take to the track, Mercedes-Benz have nonetheless needed a boost this season following an uncharacteristically poor start to proceedings.
A nice new bit of bling to arrive at the team is the team's latest special edition Pilot's Watch from longtime partners IWC, which is dressed in the sleek silver and black colour scheme of the Silver Arrows, plus a big splash of vivid Petronas teal. Expect to see it on the wrists of drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell plenty this season, following its debut at the Miami GP earlier this month.
Montblanc Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen LE290
Montblanc continues to push its exploration credentials with its selection of go-anywhere timepieces, and the latest sporty take on the Geosphere is no exception.
Unveiled on the wrist of new ambassador and 14 Peaks star Nimsdai Purja, the interior of the case is devoid of oxygen—a first for a timepiece which should theoretically prevent fogging due to altitude changes and delay oxidation of the movement, making it ready to summit even the greatest of mountains. Want the proof? Purja is planning to summit Everest wearing the watch this month.
Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 38-02
The fourth watch made in the decade-long partnership between Richard Mille and pro golfer Bubba Watson, this hot pink take on the RM 38-02 Tourbillion is the pairing's most vivid yet, offering an ode to the mulleted golfer's favourite colour. Encased in grade 5 titanium and carbon TPT, the inner tourbillon is engineered to withstand more than 10,000Gs of force, equipping it perfectly to deal with the stress generated by Bubba's famously ferocious tee shots.
Ulysse Nardin Freak S & Freak X Aventurine
Ulysee Nardin's techno-chic Freak range gets two new entries with the Freak S and the Freak X Aventurine, the latter of which uses the unique glittery class as the centrepiece of an openworked dial. The movements that are on display are typically futuristic, full of unconventional builds that stand counter to Nardin's signature classic style.
[Via GQ Australia]