This year’s wishlist celebrates independents who continue to push boundaries. Each of these 2025 releases reflects artistry, technical daring, and individuality — the hallmarks of indie horology.
Dear Santa: Chester’s Christmas Wishlist for 2025
Raúl Pagès RP2
The RP2 is Pagès’ latest creation, a classical three-hand timepiece executed with haute horlogerie finishing. Pagès, already recognized for his RP1 and Soberly Onyx, has built the RP2 around traditional craftsmanship but with his own modern voice. The restrained design and meticulous finishing make it a connoisseur’s piece — understated yet deeply refined.
SpaceOne Worldtimer
This French independent continues its solar exploration theme with a bold case design and a practical worldtime complication. The watch delivers indie flair at an accessible price point, making it a compelling option for collectors who want creativity without haute pricing. It’s a reminder that independent watchmaking can be both imaginative and approachable.
De Bethune DB25 Perpetual Sky
The DB25 Perpetual Sky is a poetic complication that fuses technical mastery with celestial artistry. Its dial features a miniature starry sky, rendered with De Bethune’s signature blued titanium and gold pins, alongside a perpetual calendar display. The watch captures both the rhythm of earthly time and the vastness of the cosmos, embodying De Bethune’s unique blend of science and art.
Closing Thoughts
These pieces are some of the most unique independent watches of 2025. Pagès’ RP2 embodies artisanal refinement, SpaceOne’s Worldtimer offers accessible indie creativity, and De Bethune’s DB25 Perpetual Sky showcases cosmic artistry with perpetual precision. Together, they represent the breadth of independent watchmaking this year — from classical craft to avant-garde imagination.
