Barrington’s Monthly Watch Roundup: October 2025

October 2025 was another decisive month for the global watch sector, underscoring how independent and micro-manufacturers continue to define the conversation around mechanical innovation. Across Europe and the United States, collectors witnessed a stream of refined launches emphasizing new calibres, durable case technologies, and the steady rise of smaller, agile makers that prize authenticity and craftsmanship over volume.

Here are five of the most notable developments from the world of independent and automatic watchmaking last month.

1. Independent Launch: Petermann Bédat Ref. 1825

Swiss atelier Petermann Bédat strengthened its reputation for uncompromising traditional craft with the debut of the Reference 1825 on October 28. The piece introduces a new in-house, hand-wound calibre and a striking translucent green Grand Feu enamel dial, an aesthetic that fuses Geneva-school finishing with modern restraint. The 1825 highlights how the independent scene continues to invest deeply in proprietary movement development and decorative artistry, reinforcing the enduring value of slow, artisanal watchmaking.

2. Material Precision: Nodus Sector II Pilot DLC

Los Angeles-based Nodus expanded its Sector lineup on October 28 with the Pilot DLC, a compact automatic tool watch built around a matte black DLC-coated stainless-steel case. Measuring 38 mm, the model blends the tactile presence of a professional pilot’s instrument with the refined sizing now favored by daily-wear collectors. Its Seiko-based automatic calibre and high scratch resistance position it squarely within the new generation of American microbrands focusing on accessible, purpose-driven durability.

3. Professional Depth: Oris Aquis Pro 1000 M

Oris continued its professional-grade momentum with the unveiling of the Aquis Pro 1000 M on October 30. Engineered for saturation-dive conditions, the watch offers 1,000 meters of water resistance and integrates Oris’s patented Rotation Safety System, a mechanical bezel-locking device that prevents accidental adjustment underwater. The release demonstrates how established independents are evolving traditional dive-watch engineering into highly specialized, mechanical safety tools.

4. Microbrand Evolution: Möels & Co 528 S2

British-Spanish independent Möels & Co introduced its refined 528 S2 on October 21, marking a considered update to its debut model. The Series 2 adopts rebalanced dimensions and a newly sourced hand-wound calibre, signaling a continued commitment to incremental, collector-led product evolution. This release encapsulates the agility of smaller ateliers, balancing distinctive design language with mechanical refinement at attainable price points.

5. Market Milestone: Phillips “Decade One” Auction

Concluding the month’s activity, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo announced its upcoming Decade One thematic sale in Geneva. The event commemorates ten years of the auction house’s dedicated watch division and reflects sustained confidence in collectible mechanical timepieces. While the auction itself takes place in early November, its October announcement underscores the continuing strength of the high-end vintage and independent segments within the global secondary market.

October 2025 thus reinforced the narrative that innovation in horology now flows from independence, where smaller teams, new materials, and mechanical integrity converge to shape the industry’s next chapter.