2017 is finally over, and a new year has begun. The watch industry continues to go from strength to strength, bringing new trends and revisiting beloved classics. We had a great year here at CHRONEXT, and we can't wait for the next. Wondering what the most popular watches of 2017 were? Check out the top ten watches at CHRONEXT last year. You'll notice they're mostly men's wrist watches from some of the biggest brands out there. Rolex, Omega, Breitling and others continue their dominance of the Swiss watch industry, thanks to their stellar reputations and peerless quality. There is much debate over the true best watch brands, but at least according to sales at CHRONEXT, the old stalwarts remain kings of the castle. It's not hard to see why: for fans of luxury watches, it's hard to do better than the gorgeous timepieces below.
The top ten best-selling watches at CHRONEXT in 2017
10. Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea
If you thought the Seawolf's water resistance was impressive, wait until you get a load of this guy. The Deepsea is the next evolution of Rolex's famed Sea Dweller, originally built by COMEX and the US Navy in the 1960s. This mad timepiece is tested to 3,900 meters, deeper than the average depth of the ocean floor.
9. Breitling Avenger II Seawolf
This amazing watch is known for its ability to survive water pressures up to a staggering 3,000 metres under the sea. While this is much deeper than will ever practically be required by a diver, it represents an extraordinary feat of engineering. Together with its ruggedly handsome appearance, it is an enticing prospect for any fan of tool watches.
8. IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph
IWC is famed for its aviation watches - and the Pilot's family are among the best known. The iconic design was originally inspired by the great Junkers JU-52 aircraft, an engraving of which can be found on the caseback of this lovely chronograph model. There's a hacking seconds subdial at 9 o'clock.
7. Rolex Explorer II
The first Rolex Explorer gripped the public imagination when it was used by Tenzing Norgay to make the first ascent of Mount Everest. The Explorer II changed the look of the watch quite a bit, but it became a successful timepiece in its own right thanks to its engaging design, superb durability and excellent accuracy.
6. IWC Portugieser
The Portugieser collection was designed in the 1930s to bring the precision of the marine chronometer to the wristwatch. Since then it has won acclaim for its strikingly elegant, classic and understated aesthetic. This popular model brilliantly integrates an entire chronograph complication without cluttering the dial.
5. Breitling Avenger Blackbird 44
This remarkable timepiece boasts a carbon-treated titanium case to create an incredible black-on-black "stealth" effect. Lightweight and ergonomic, it is inspired by the renowned SR-71 Blackbird spy-planes that played a major part in Cold War missions. The watch is as good-looking as it is durable.
4. Rolex GMT-Master II
Created for Pan Am pilots in the the 50s, the GMT-Master is known for its unforgettable red and blue bezel. But this recent model, embraced by fans, is a Lunette Noir (LN) - a magnificent black bezel, made with lustrous, unscratchable cerachrom. In addition, the case features aerospace-grade, "superalloy" steel.
3. Rolex Submariner Date
As legendary in the history of diving if not more so than the Seamaster, Rolex's Submariner exploded as a fashion icon in the 1960s when it was seen on the wrist of Sean Connery and his successors in the Bond movies. This "no-date" version is particularly prized by many collectors for its satisfying symmetry.
2. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
Ever since it graced the space-suited wrist of Buzz Aldrin during the first Apollo landing, the Moonwatch has been one of the most coveted and desirable watches in the world. The appeal of its timeless design never fades, and it remained one of the most popular watches of 2017.
1. Omega Seamaster Diver 300 M
The Seamaster has been popular ever since it revolutionised diving in the 1950s, and Omega has done remarkably well in creating new versions over the years that re-capture the interest of collectors. These watches have introduced impressive, cutting-edge technology without deviating far from the beloved look and feel of the original. You may have seen them worn by Daniel Craig throughout his tenure as Bond.
