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The Watches of 2025: Which Models Could Be Discontinued?

By Kristian Haagen
17 de janeiro de 2025
4 minutes
2-1 (3)

The Watches of 2025: Which Models Could Be Discontinued?

Predicting which specific watch models might be discontinued in 2025 involves pure speculation, as watch brands keep such decisions confidential until the big watch shows, such as Watches & Wonders in April this year. However, based on industry trends and discussions, here are a few models that my colleagues and I believe could potentially face discontinuation.

Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite”

Rolex GMT-Master II "Sprite"
Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite”

The Rolex GMT-Master II is the ultimate traveler’s companion. With its additional 24-hour hand and iconic two-tone rotating bezel, it effortlessly tracks two time zones. At just a glance, you’ll know not only the local time but also the time in your “elsewhere”—whether that’s the zone of an upcoming meeting, a cherished memory, or your next dreamy escape.

The GMT-Master lives up to its name, referencing Greenwich Mean Time—the solar time set by London’s Royal Observatory. The global standard for dividing the world into 24 time zones was established at the International Meridian Conference held in Washington, D.C., in 1884.

This iconic timepiece debuted at the annual Basel World watch show in 1955, pioneering the dual-time-zone wristwatch. While the GMT-Master is best known for its two-tone bezel insert, not all models have featured this signature design. Some versions, like those with an all-black insert, bear a closer resemblance to its sibling, the Submariner.

Rolex continues to innovate within the GMT-Master lineup, introducing unique varieties like the GMT-Master II “Sprite” (ref. 126720VTNR) at Watches & Wonders 2022. The nickname “Sprite” might seem an odd choice, given the drink’s branding is green, yellow, and white—unlike the watch’s green and black Cerachrom bezel. Personally, I prefer to call it “the GMT-Master with the crown on the left.”

Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour, known for wearing his watches on his right wrist, is rumored to favor the “Sprite.” However, this model’s unconventional charm might not guarantee its place in Rolex’s long-term collection, especially when competing with the immense success of other iterations like the “Pepsi,” “Batman/Batgirl,” and the newest “Bruce Wayne.”

Should the GMT-Master II “Sprite” be discontinued, it would undoubtedly become a highly collectible piece—as is often the case with retired Rolex models. For those of us still on the waiting list (yours truly included), its potential rarity feels bittersweet: a watch both unobtainable and undoubtedly highly collectible as in “You truly appreciate something only after it’s gone.”

The Watches of 2025: More expert opinions

Of course, I could be way off here—it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve found myself humming Should I Stay or Should I Go (by The Clash) while pondering this topic. That’s why I decided to call in reinforcements and ask my trusty watch-writing comrades for their take on the matter.

Lex Stolk, Journalist at Fratello Watches:

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix

“I don’t know if Vacheron Constantin’s Fiftysix collection is performing well, but since its conception, I’ve had an issue with it. I believe it’s too generic and not high-end enough for VC, and I think the brand should discontinue the collection. Another collection that looks out of place is IWC’s Aquatimer family—it deserves a reboot.”

Tomasz Kiełtyka, Editor at ch24.pl:

Rolex Air King
Rolex Air-King

“A model that could face discontinuation in 2025 is the Rolex Air-King. While the Air-King boasts a storied aviation heritage, it has struggled to establish a distinct identity within Rolex’s contemporary catalog. Despite a significant update in 2022, including a refreshed case with crown guards and an upgraded movement, the watch remains polarizing among collectors and enthusiasts. Its unconventional dial design—featuring oversized numerals and a mix of 3-6-9 hour markers—diverges from Rolex’s typical understated aesthetic and has received mixed reviews. The Air-King is also a bit similar to the Explorer and lacks the widespread appeal of Rolex’s flagship sports models like the Submariner, which dominates the market.”

Balazs Ferenczi, Editor and Head of Brand Engagement at Chrono24:

Breitling Professional Aerospace EVO
Breitling Professional Aerospace EVO

“The Breitling Professional line feels a bit outdated these days. Quartz tool watches don’t have the same appeal anymore, especially with smartwatches taking over the practical side. Discontinuing the line in 2025 would let Breitling focus on mechanical watches that fit better with what most people want from the brand now.”

Andrew McUtchen, Founder of Time & Tide:

Left the watch world in (puzzle) pieces: The Rolex Day-Date puzzle dial (image: Rolex)
The Rolex Day-Date puzzle dial (image: Rolex)

“Given that the Rolex Palm Dial DJ has been quietly discontinued in 2024, I do wonder if that means other quirkier Rolex models from the years after might face the same fate. The ‘Celebration’ colored bubble dial, the Instagram Influencer affirmations plus puzzle piece Day-Date—could 2025 be the year they follow suit and disappear?”

Robert-Jan Broer, Founder of Fratello Watches:

Tudor Pelagos LHD
Tudor Pelagos LHD

“I think the Tudor Pelagos LHD, Omega Globemaster, and Rolex OP Celebration dial are about to leave the show. The Tudor Pelagos LHD has been there for so long, is numbered, and seems a bit out of date now. Globemaster has not seen any new updates or additions, so I think it is on its way out, as well as the Oyster Perpetual Celebration dial, because it’s Rolex, and they do Rolex things.”

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About the Author

Kristian Haagen

Kristian Haagen

I've been collecting watches since I was about 20 years old. I like vintage watches most; they often come with a fascinating history or a cool provenance. Provenance makes a watch far more interesting than any brand-new watch.

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