🎓 Best of Watches of 2025 (so far…)
If you’re keeping score, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for mechanical sheen and bold design. Here’s our list of standout releases so far:
Shinola Canfield Speedway Open Road Automatic Chronograph
Shinola pushes further into racing pedigree with the Open Road version of its Canfield Speedway line.
44 mm stainless steel case, with a tachymeter bezel and exhibition case back showing off the Sellita SW510.BH automatic movement.
Design details speak to speed: coin-edge bezel, bold pushers with anodized aluminum accents, contrast sub-dials, and a choice of mesh bracelet or black leather strap.
Price: $3,295 USD.
It’s more than a style flex — it’s what enthusiasts wanted: a chronograph with real mechanical roots, racing cues, and enough details to make it feel special. Shop here
Monster GMT Automatic Watch – Whiskey
A bold traveler’s watch with GMT functionality, dressed in a rich whiskey-toned case and strap. It balances rugged utility with a refined colorway, making it just as suited for a long-haul flight as a night out. Shop here
Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph
A nod to classic car racing, this chronograph features vintage-inspired details and a racing heritage aesthetic. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts who love automotive-inspired design. Shop here
Traska Venturer GMT – Bottle Green
A true traveler’s companion, the Venturer GMT in bottle green pairs understated style with function. The rotating 24-hour bezel and automatic movement make it perfect for crossing time zones without losing your cool. Shop here
Other Noteworthy 2025 Releases
Seiko Presage Classic “Unglazed Arita Porcelain” SPB497 – beautiful porcelain dial work, traditional dress size, a refined automatic movement.
TAG Heuer’s 39 mm Carrera Chronograph Limited Editions – heritage racing design, smaller sizing that's growing in popularity, and motorsport aesthetics that never go out of style.
☕ Shinola, Cars & Coffee
In Detroit, Shinola recently hosted a cars & coffee meetup that celebrated two great American obsessions: beautiful machines and timeless design. Classic cars lined up alongside watch displays, proving once again that gearheads and watch enthusiasts share the same DNA—attention to detail, appreciation for heritage, and a love for things built to last.
It’s also part of a larger trend: social clubs are having a moment. Car clubs, running clubs, golf groups—you name it. Running clubs especially have exploded in the last few years, and brands are starting to recognize the value in bringing like-minded people together. Expect to see more of these pop up where you live—it’s a far more exciting way for brands to engage than just another Instagram ad.
Call it cars + coffee + craft. A reminder that in Detroit, style still drives.
✍️ Editor’s Picks
🌟 Brand Spotlight: Traska
Traska is proof that small, independent watchmakers can punch above their weight. Based in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the brand has built a cult following since 2018 by making tool watches that balance durability, clean design, and fair pricing.
What Makes Them Different:
Hardened steel cases that resist scratches far better than standard 316L.
Sapphire crystals with AR coating for clarity and toughness.
Wearable proportions — most sit in the 36–38mm range, perfect for daily use.
Reliable Miyota movements with thoughtful finishing.
The Lineup:
Commuter — an everyday three-hander with dressy restraint.
Summiteer — a field watch with just-right ruggedness.
Freediver — classic dive watch DNA, modernized.
Venturer GMT — practical dual-time function for travelers.
At $600–$800, Traska offers a level of quality and detail rarely seen under $1,000. It’s a brand for people who value substance over hype — watches you can wear from the office to the beach without worry. Shop here
⛳ Miscellaneous but Noteworthy
Best garage of all time? → How about of all time??
A GQ look at Travis Kelce’s golf bag → Plus his favorite cologne
Did anyone even notice Joe Burrow dropped NIke for ALO? → We didn’t 🤷
🎶 Listening Recommendation
Fresh from Future Disco, Tiger Stripes’ SayYeah is the kind of groove that keeps a night alive. Steady rhythm, vocal punch, and deep house undertones make it both playlist-ready and late-night-set approved.
Because the right soundtrack matters as much as the right watch.
Questions of the week
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🙌 Thanks for reading
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Stay cool, swing easy — see you next week.
— Riley