The Roundup: the “Moonwatch” Edition

Each week, EWC will be gathering horological industry news, cultural conversations and moments surrounding our favorite topic: timepieces. Happy Friday; here’s what’s on our watch.

Breitling’s Momentum Isn’t Slowing

Breitling is at it again this week, dropping two more big pieces of news. The brand rolled out its first exclusive manufacture three-hand movement in its iconic Top Time collection. This rounds out the brand’s portfolio of in-house calibers. The first debuted back in 2009 with the B01, a COSC-certified column-wheel chronograph. The B01 made its grand entrance in the Chronomat collection. Since then, we’ve seen the brand roll out an impressive 12 in-house movements total, including the new B31. Headlining the campaign for the Top Time B31 collection is Breitling’s latest ambassador: Austin Butler.

Mark Your Calendars: Watch Week Aspen Will Return for its Second Edition

Last year marked the first ever Aspen Watch Week. Presented by Oliver Smith Jeweler, the Aspen Chamber of Commerce, and local retail partners, the inaugural edition featured over thirty distinct events from an opening reception to informal gatherings, educational panels, and immersive activities presented in partnership with top watch brands, influencers, and local retailers. After the success of the first event, Aspen Watch Week will return this summer with brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Bremont, Glashütte Original, IWC, Norqain, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more. Mark your calendars for August 7-10, 2025.

The First Man on the Moon’s Speedy is Up for Auction for the First Time

Major news broke this week as Neil Armstrong’s Omega Speedmaster will go up for auction for the first time ever. This commemorative 18-karat solid yellow gold Speedmaster Professional chronograph (Ref. BA 145.022) ‘Tribute to Astronauts’ watch was presented to Armstrong in 1969 following the success of Apollo 11. The legendary Speedy is accompanied by an official ‘Extract from the Archives’ certificate from Omega, confirming its authenticity and historical significance as a “Special numbered edition to celebrate the ‘Apollo XI’ moon landing.” The watch is presented by RR Auction, with half of the proceeds to be donated to charities selected by Neil Armstrong’s son, Mark Armstrong. The auction will occur live at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at 6 PM ET on April 17, 2025.

Geneva Spotlight

Speaking of auctions, Phillips just released the highlights of its upcoming Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, which will take place this May. Among the standout models are the only known Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 in pink gold, a newly discovered Rolex Daytona Ref. 6264 ‘Paul Newman Lemon’ in yellow gold, and a remarkable Rolex Triple Calendar Ref. 8171 in pink gold. Ahead of the sale, a curated selection of watches going up on the auction block will make an international tour with stops in London, New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, and Riyadh, offering collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to try before they buy (or rather, bid). Further details and the full catalog will be released in the coming weeks.

We are T-minus four days until the doors of PalExpo open for Watches & Wonders Geneva. This year, 60 brands will be exhibiting, not to mention the various indies that will be popping up around town. We’ll have several contributors on the ground taking over Crown & Caliber’s Instagram stories everyday showcasing what we’re seeing in real time as well as daily wrap ups live from Boston! Make sure to tune in every night at 5 PM EDT on European Watch Company’s YouTube channel.