I was thrilled to learn about The Toronto Timepiece Show 2025 yesterday as I have been wishing for a wristwatch show for the longest time! More surprising still, this is the second year of the show! Thanks to Clayton Erickson for the tip and for attending/photographing with me today.
Given that I only had one day notice, I did not have a huge amount of time to do my usual show prep although I did manage to visit the websites of all 80+ exhibitors and create a list of watches that I wanted to see.
I should also caveat that I did not have a media pass or early access so it was more challenging to do full table shots, especially since it was PACKED! Seriously, there were TONS of people all day!
Alright let’s get started! In case you did not know, when it comes to watches, deep divers are my favourite. I am talking 1000M+, the deeper the better. Also, I really like a military pedigree, as reflected in my choice of daily watch, the Sinn EZM2B UX GSG9 edition. I was so happy to hear Sinn would be represented at the show!
Some of the amazing lineup
I love their whole EZM lineup and the U1 was my favourite Sinn of the day
Again, really happy to see Sinn at the show.
Right next to Sinn, Doxa, another good chance of seeing a deep diver here.
Sure enough, a Sharkhunter Sub 1500M
My absolute favourite watch of the day though was at the Oris booth.
Namely the Aquis Pro 4000M!
It’s thick! Note that you can read the time on my Sinn even at this extreme angle thanks to the oil filled case.
Now my second favourite watch of the day may be a bit of a surprise as it has a water resistance of “only” 300M and it is smaller than my usual style at 39mm but wow does it have some military heritage!
The YEMA Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10 diver is an updated version of the 1970s model developed in collaboration with the Marine Nationale military personnel. It currently serves as the official watch of the French Navy and also won 2024 French Watch of the Year from UBH (Union de la Bijouterie Horlogerie). I want one!
Another amazing military watch from YEMA, the Flygraf CPA10! Per their website, this was “designed and developed in collaboration with the special forces of France’s most elite airborne commandos the Commando Parachutiste de l’Air No. 10 (CPA10).” It now serves as the official watch of the French Air Force and the CPA10.
Ok now this one is not exactly military but I loved it all the same. INSTANTLY recognizable as a collaboration with Alain Silberstein
Before switching from divers to other types of military watches, I should give a shout out to some great microbrands. First, Spinnaker.
In particular, the Piccard with its domed crystal in homage to the original Rolex Challenge.
At 22mm thick, it is not quite as extreme as another homage watch, the H20 CH1 (which is 28mm) but it still does a great job of paying tribute.
It looks incredible under lume
A real statement piece
Introduced in 1965, the Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster was developed for professional divers and military personal operating in high-pressure underwater environments. Advertising at the time claimed that its1000M water resistance was tested todeeper than any other underwater watch.
The larger 42mm “Pacman” named after the shape of the hour markers
They didn’t have any of the Jellyfish limited editions, but here is what they look like.
More fine watches from Nivada Grenchen
When it comes to milspec, it is hard to beat Marathon as they have been making military grade watches since 1941, covering air, sea, and land.
Given their expansive lineup, I will start with some table pics and then do some closeups.
This one was being raffled off
Ok now for some of my favourites, starting with the CSAR chrono.
Next the 34mm General Purpose Mechanical (GPM) field watch in desert tan
The SSNAV or stainless steel Navigator
The OSAR-D. This was originally issued to Canadian SAR (Search and Rescue) in the early 2000’s.
Speaking of SAR watches, Shelby Watch Company had another one of my show favourites, the Medic. Designed in Canada by a First Responder, the watch features a pulsometer for counting pulses and an asthmometer for respirations.
Display caseback
Breakdown of the components
I put my door prize ticket toward the Medic
Established in 1882 as a maker of pocket watches, Hanhart focused their production on pilot’s watches in the 1940s with the introduction of the “Caliber 41” two-button chrono. This 417ES chrono in 39mm with its iconic red pusher is a prime example
I also liked their Primus Pilot
It is impossible to talk about pilot watches without mentioning Breitling, another top-tier brand I was looking forward to seeing at the show.
Endurance Pros from their Professional line
Navitimers
Chronomat
If jet planes aren’t high enough for you, how about a watch inspired by outer space, the Isotope Hydrium NASA, officially endorsed by the organization? It has a lot of incredible features like Cerakote coated case and full-lume dial and bezel. I am convinced you can see that lume in outer space!
More space inspired watches from SPACEONE, at least in a Men in Black style
I was not familiar with Echo/Neutra prior to today so I was glad to discover them at the show. I like their “timeproof” concept of classic ageless designs. Some really nice pieces.
Interesting designs from CIGA
The Makoto Shibuya was inspired by the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing located in Japan.
Haha loved this display
Avedis Gabriel contest giveaway
I think these were 3D printed
Incredible watch art from Sinziana Iordache
Turn any watch into a smartwatch with Ganance
And now special recognition for Gem Bijou, a Platinum Sponsor of the show. They had a great display showcasing multiple brands such as Rado
Longines
Love that ULTRA‑CHRON (wish I would have asked them to take it out of the case for a wrist check)
Seiko
Zenea
Mido
Watches competing for Timepiece World Awards
My swag from the show
So there you have it. The Toronto Timepiece Show was everything I hoped for in my first watch show! To recap my favourites (based on the variations that were on display):
- Oris Aquis Pro 4000M
- YEMA Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10
- Shelby Watch Co. Medic
RL
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