7 New Watches That Exemplify the Season’s Crimson Tide

By Victoria Gomelsky | April 16, 2025

For the second year running, the Swiss watch industry has been in a red state—literally.

The Watches and Wonders show in Geneva in early April was awash in burgundy dials, racing red straps, and fire-engine red cases, continuing a trend that kicked off in earnest last year. What’s driving the interest in bold red hues?

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph — *Formula 1 Solargraph in 38 mm TH-Polylight case, $1,800; TAG Heuer*

Well, for some brands, the “driving” part is key. TAG Heuer, for example, celebrated its return to Formula 1 as official timekeeper with a bevy of scarlet models, from its bright red Solargraph to the see-through, red-tinted dial of the new Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1.

TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 — *Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1 in white ceramic case with translucent dial, price on request; TAG Heuer*

Tudor, which introduced a trio of Black Bay 58 models with rich burgundy dials, used the color to accent its steel sport collection, while Hublot also opted for a sporty ceramic casing for the Red Magic limited edition in its Big Bang 20th anniversary collection.

Tudor Black Bay 58 — *Black Bay 58 in 39 mm steel case, $4,600; Tudor*

Hublot Big Bang Anniversary Red Magic — *Big Bang 20th Anniversary Red Magic in 43 mm red ceramic case, $31,800; Hublot*

Meanwhile, the color suggested less athleticism and more glamour in Hermès’ charming new Cut Time Suspended model, featuring a red–on–rose gold color combo that seduced more than a few editors.

Hermes Cut Le temps suspendu copyright Joel Von Allmen — *Hermès Cut Time Suspended in 18k rose gold case, $51,850; Hermès (photo by Joel Von Allmen)*

Rolex Datejust 31 — *Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 in 31 mm 18k yellow gold case with diamonds, $48,400; Rolex*

Chopard L'Heure du Diamant — *L’Heure du Diamant in 26mm 18k rose gold case with diamonds, $30,300; Chopard*

Both Rolex and Chopard opted for vibrant shades of red to adorn their diamond-set timepieces, delivering on red’s reputation as the most seductive color on the palette. Va-va-voom!

Top: Rolex’s new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 reflects the Swiss watch industry’s embrace of a bold new color palette.