2025 Wrapped: House of Watches’ Top Picks (And Why They Won)
A new year has arrived, and 2026 feels full of possibilities, plans, and fresh goals. Before rushing ahead, it’s always meaningful to pause and appreciate the moments and trends that shaped the past twelve months.
The same applies to watch collecting in Singapore. 2025 was a year where tastes matured, preferences evolved, and many collectors shifted from hype-driven choices to pieces with heritage and long-term wearability. So while 2026 is here, let’s take a moment to wrap 2025 up and revisit the timepieces that truly stood out.
Below, we look at the House of Watches’ top picks of 2025, and what made each one a winner among first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike.
1. Rolex Daytona – 126500LN (White/Black)
Few models command the same emotional pull as the Daytona. In 2025, the 126500LN continued to shine, especially in the white and black dial variants. Collectors loved the balance of sportiness and refinement, and many appreciated how the updated case and bezel delivered a modern feel while staying true to its racing-inspired roots.
Beyond prestige, the Daytona appealed to people who wanted a watch that could transition from the office to weekend drives, or even special celebrations. Some buyers explored Daytona models under $80,000, while others sought rarer specifications. Across preferences, the watch symbolised aspiration, achievement, and timeless taste.
Rather than being seen as just a ‘trophy watch’, the Daytona became a personal milestone piece for many in Singapore, whether chosen brand new or pre-owned, depending on availability and individual goals.
2. Rolex Submariner – 124060 No Date & 126610LN Date
The Submariner continued to prove why it’s a classic that never feels outdated. In 2025, both the 124060 No Date and the 126610LN Date saw strong interest, but for very different reasons.
The 124060 No Date Submariner appealed to purists who loved its clean symmetry and tool-watch heritage. It suited those who preferred quiet confidence over flash and who valued simplicity in design.
Meanwhile, the 126610LN Date version resonated with professionals and everyday wearers in Singapore who appreciated practicality and versatility. Whether paired with a suit or worn on casual weekends, the Submariner felt appropriate in almost any setting.
What truly made it a winner in 2025 was its balance. It worked for first-time luxury buyers, experienced collectors, and those looking for a reliable daily companion. For many, the Submariner wasn’t just a dive watch. It was a dependable lifelong piece.
3. Rolex Datejust Mother of Pearl – Datejust 28, 31, and 36
The Mother of Pearl (MOP) Datejust range saw remarkable appreciation in 2025, particularly among buyers looking for something elegant, expressive, and meaningful.
Each MOP dial is naturally unique, and that individuality appealed to people who wanted a watch that felt personal rather than uniform. Across the 28, 31, and 36 sizes, collectors appreciated how the watch could be styled across generations, from young professionals to established leaders and family matriarchs.
In Singapore, the Datejust MOP became a popular choice for milestone gifting. Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and weddings often inspired the decision. Some buyers preferred diamond markers for added brilliance, while others chose simpler configurations for understated sophistication. The charm of the Datejust MOP wasn’t just aesthetic. It carried emotional weight, symbolising gratitude, growth, and life’s meaningful chapters.
4. Cartier Santos de Cartier – Green Dial Medium WSSA0061/Large WSSA0062
Cartier’s resurgence in recent years continued into 2025, and the Santos Green Dial stood out as one of the most distinctive designs of the year.
Collectors loved how it blended history with modernity. The square case, exposed screws, and aviation heritage gave it unmistakable character, while the green dial added depth, personality, and contemporary flair.
The Medium size suited slimmer wrists and those who preferred a refined profile, while the Large size appealed to wearers who wanted more wrist presence without feeling overpowering. The quick-switch bracelet system was especially appreciated by Singapore buyers who valued flexibility between bracelet and strap.
What made the Santos Green Dial a winner was its individuality. It wasn’t chosen because everyone else wanted it. It was chosen by people who enjoy standing out with quiet confidence. It became popular among creative professionals, design lovers, and collectors who wanted something different from the typical round sports watch silhouette.
5. Rolex Oyster Perpetual – Celebration Dial 124300
The Oyster Perpetual Celebration Dial 124300 brought joy, colour, and personality into 2025’s watch landscape. While many luxury models lean towards formality, this OP variant reminded people that watches can also be fun and light-hearted.
Collectors in Singapore appreciated how it brightened daily wear without feeling childish. It suited those with creative careers, outgoing personalities, or anyone who simply wanted a watch that made them smile whenever they checked the time. Beyond aesthetics, the Celebration Dial also started plenty of conversations. It became a social piece, often noticed at gatherings, offices, and meet-ups among enthusiasts.
Paired with the robustness and reliability of the Oyster Perpetual line, it was both playful and practical. Many buyers saw it as a versatile addition to their collection, complementing more classic models like the Submariner or Datejust. For many watch lovers exploring luxury watches in Singapore, the Celebration Dial showed that collecting can be personal and reflective of one’s lifestyle.
Why these watches defined 2025
Looking back at these five favourites, some clear themes emerged from how people in Singapore were choosing their watches:
- Versatility over hype: Buyers focused less on chasing whatever was trending, and more on how a watch would fit into their everyday lives, from meetings to weekends.
- Practicality and comfort: Legibility, size, wrist comfort, and how the watch paired with local weather and dress codes mattered just as much as brand names.
- Personal stories, not just specs: Many purchases were tied to milestones, such as new jobs, growing families, or personal achievements, giving each watch emotional value.
- Balanced view of brand new and pre-owned: Rather than favouring one over the other, collectors considered both brand new and pre-owned pieces thoughtfully, taking into account condition, provenance, and long-term enjoyment.
These patterns showed that watch buying in 2025 was less about flexing and more about finding pieces that genuinely matched a person’s lifestyle and taste.
Final thoughts
As 2026 unfolds, preferences will continue to evolve, but the watches that defined 2025 show how meaningful, practical, and personal collecting has become in Singapore.
If you’re exploring your next timepiece or refining your collecting direction, House of Watches, a licensed luxury watch dealer, is ready to support you with thoughtful guidance and carefully curated options that put your ownership goals first. You’re also welcome to come down to our shop to view these pieces in real life, try them on, and get a better sense of how each watch feels on the wrist before making your decision.