Review – The best calendar watches of 2025

Perpetual calendar clocks are extraordinary mechanisms capable of compressing the peculiarities of our Gregorian calendar, including tricky leap years, into a remarkably small range. Luckily, calendar watches of all denominations were well represented this year, and we've compiled a list of six watches that made an impression. From an unusual but easy-to-read regulator display to a deceptively simple but fascinatingly complex monthly planner with days and dates, or from a truly affordable QP to a wonderful replica of a bi-retrograde QP, there are plenty of calendar watches to consider this holiday season.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 7138

Audemars Piguet is no stranger to the perpetual calendar sector, having launched the first QP wristwatch with a leap year display back in 1955. Just in time for the 150th anniversary, AP introduced the RO QP, equipped with the new caliber 7138, a technical marvel that replaces the discontinued caliber 5134. By eliminating cumbersome pushers in the case band that compromise water resistance and require a tool, everything is controlled via the patented four-position crown with a no-correction zone to avoid possible damage. Packed with user-friendly devices and a slim profile of just 4.1mm, the caliber is based on the RO Jumbo's 7121 and incorporates the technology of the RD#2, with all QP functions aligned on a single level. Presented in a 41 mm case with a slim height of 9.5 mm and a slightly higher water resistance of 50 m, the solid sand gold Royal Oak is a real eye-catcher.

For a more detailed explanation of the technical wonders of this watch, don't miss this in-depth article.

Berneron annual calendar

Unlike any annual calendar you know, independent watchmaker Sylvain Berneron's Quantième Annuel improves readability with a symmetrical “double regulator” display. The time is arranged on a vertical axis, with a large window at midday for the jumping hours, followed by central minutes and a small seconds, while the calendar indicators are displayed horizontally with jumping days of the week and months in rectangular apertures flanking the date of the round retrograde hand. Housed in a compact 38mm x 10mm 85% platinum case with a protective steel layer, the Hunter caseback reveals the highly symmetrical and beautifully crafted hand-wound solid gold manufacture movement with a generous 100-hour power reserve on two barrels (impressive given the four jumping indicators). A pretty creature with impeccable readability, the only thing it has in common with “normal” annual calendars is that it requires one correction per year, on February 28th.

More detailed information about Berneron's annual calendar can be found here.

Chopard LUC Lunar One

“Moonstruck” could be one way to describe the impression left by the LUC Lunar One perpetual calendar and its precise orbital moon phase display. Redesigned after 20 years, Chopard's 2025 Edition is available in a more compact 40.5mm cymbal case in 18k white or rose gold (ethical gold, of course) with a more readable dial and a practical quick-release system. With a large noon date displayed in two separate windows and calendar functions at 9 and 3 o'clock, the largest small seconds subdial houses the moon phase display, which only needs to be corrected every 122 years. Powered by the chronometer-certified micro-rotor caliber LUC 96.13L, the rotor is decorated with guilloche decoration and the two barrels ensure a power reserve of 65 hours. Beautiful views on both sides, the watch is distinguished by the hallmark of the Poinçon de Genève.

For more information about the wonderful Chopard LUC Lunar One, please click here.

Classic perpetual calendar by Frederique Constant

Launched in 2016 with a price tag of 8,000 euros, Frederique Constant's Perpetual Calendar Manufacture has eclipsed its competitors as the most affordable QP on the market. Released this year in a more compact 40mm polished steel case, the QP is powered by FC's 34th in-house movement – the Caliber FC-766 – with an increased power reserve of 72 hours. The delicious salmon-colored sunburst dial features slim applied indices and calendar displays on the top half. Once again the FC is keeping its promise of “affordable luxury” and offering a competent, attractive QP for just under 10,000 euros.

For more information, see our article here.

Colored pencils every day

Krayon, another renowned indie brand founded by Rémi Maillat, puts an ingenious, often unexpected twist on complications. Described as a “mechanical agenda,” Krayon’s 39mm white gold Anyday belies its complexity. At first glance, one might mistake it for a simple pointer date with a 1-31 date scale on the edge, indicated by a crescent-shaped hand, and with the time shown conventionally with central hour and minute hands. Suppose you want to know what day of the week the 10th falls on? Well, Anyday has the answer. Days of the week are shown in navy blue, while Saturdays and Sundays are transparent. Sounds simple, but the mechanics are extremely complex. A model fascinating inside and out, this unprecedented complication will allow you to amaze your admirers.

To fully understand the complexity of this watch, don't miss Xavier's article here.

Roger Dubuis Homage La Placide Perpetual Calendar

Roger Dubuis is currently known for his “hyper-horology,” extravagant, powerful timepieces epitomized by the Excalibur collection that often overshadow an older facet of the brand and the impeccable complications pioneered by the late Monsieur Roger Dubuis. His bi-retrograde perpetual calendar module, developed with Jean-Marc Wiederrecht for Harry Winston in 1989, resurfaced out of the blue this year as the Homage La Placide QP. A tribute to the watchmaker's roots and the brand's 30th anniversary, the watch's understated proportions (38mm x 11mm) and character, inspired by its earlyhomage models, were widely praised. The dial features curved retrograde day and date indicators, a deep blue lacquered background, mother-of-pearl counters and an aventurine moon phase with yellow gold moons. The RD72 perpetual calendar module from 1999 is combined with the brand's in-house automatic caliber RD14. The limited edition of just 28 pieces is a rare (and expensive) treat for collectors.