Thomas Van Straaten’s five favourite watches of 2025 range from a compact steel sports watch to a platinum annual calendar. They are personal choices, not an objective ranking, and appear in no particular order. The selection was published by Fratello on December 2, 2025.
How to read Thomas’s 2025 picks
Van Straaten describes the selections as personal and subjective: they are his five favourites from the hundreds of watches released in 2025, not a claim that these are definitively the year’s best. Four have cases measuring 37 or 38 mm, a clear thread in a list that otherwise spans very different styles and complications. Fratello’s original list presents them without ranking.
The five watches
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in steel
Van Straaten favours the steel 222 over the earlier full-gold re-release. Its 37 mm case measures 45.3 mm long and 7.95 mm thick, giving the 1970s-inspired design notably compact proportions. The matte blue dial and gold Maltese cross create contrast against the cool steel.
Inside, automatic calibre 2455/2 bears the Hallmark of Geneva, runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers 40 hours of autonomy. The price listed by Fratello in 2025 was €35,500. Fratello Watches, December 2, 2025.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 Top Gun Mojave Desert
This 41 mm ceramic pilot watch stands out for its beige Mojave Desert colourway and fabric-and-rubber strap. IWC’s calibre 32112 provides a 120-hour power reserve, the longest stated reserve among these five picks.
Van Straaten also points to compromises: the date display feels intrusive to him, the crown is not ceramic, and the case back carries Top Gun branding. Fratello listed the price as €9,200 in 2025. Fratello Watches, December 2, 2025.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Angelus Chronographe Télémètre Steel Rose
The Angelus is a monopusher chronograph with a distinctive “cross-eyed” display: its unusual arrangement is the centre of its appeal. The steel case measures 37 mm across, 44 mm lug-to-lug and 9.25 mm thick, proportions Van Straaten liked after spending time with the watch at Fratello’s headquarters.
A modified La Joux-Perret 5000-4 powers the chronograph and can be seen through the sapphire case back. Fratello listed the price at CHF 17,900 in 2025. Fratello Watches, December 2, 2025.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence in rose gold
The Tambour Convergence hides its hours and minutes on rotating discs, visible through narrow apertures at 12 o’clock; a lozenge marker indicates the time. Its rose-gold case is 37 mm across and just 8 mm thick. Van Straaten singles out the typography, case shape, elegance and restrained ergonomics.
In-house automatic calibre LFT MA01.01 runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has 45 hours of autonomy. The 2025 price cited by Fratello was €37,000. Fratello Watches, December 2, 2025.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Berneron Quantième Annuel
Berneron’s annual calendar pairs a 38 mm platinum case with a 10 mm thickness and 45 mm lug-to-lug length. Van Straaten highlights a mechanism designed to protect against date-setting mistakes, a removable 904L stainless-steel armour component intended to help with servicing, and a hunter-style case back.
He also draws attention to the company’s business model: employee co-ownership, a capped salary ratio, advance production announcements, fixed yearly production and scheduled price increases. These allocation figures are specific to the years cited, rather than a general retail price: secured allocations were CHF 120,000 for 2026 and CHF 130,000 for 2027; 24 examples were open for 2028 at CHF 140,000. Fratello Watches, December 2, 2025.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What distinguishes the picks
| Watch | Character | Case dimensions stated by Fratello | Movement or power reserve | Price cited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 steel | Heritage-inspired steel sports watch | 37 mm diameter; 45.3 mm length; 7.95 mm thick | Calibre 2455/2; 40 hours | €35,500 |
| IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 Top Gun Mojave Desert | Sporty ceramic pilot watch | 41 mm diameter | Calibre 32112; 120-hour power reserve | €9,200 |
| Angelus Chronographe Télémètre Steel Rose | Compact monopusher chronograph | 37 mm diameter; 44 mm lug-to-lug; 9.25 mm thick | Modified La Joux-Perret 5000-4 | CHF 17,900 |
| Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence rose gold | Display-led luxury design | 37 mm diameter; 8 mm thick | Calibre LFT MA01.01; 45 hours | €37,000 |
| Berneron Quantième Annuel | Annual calendar and independent business model | 38 mm diameter; 45 mm lug-to-lug; 10 mm thick | Power reserve not stated by Fratello | 2028 allocation: CHF 140,000 for 24 examples |
All listed prices and specifications above are those cited in Fratello’s December 2025 article; the Berneron figure is explicitly a 2028 allocation, not a like-for-like current retail price. The table mixes euros and Swiss francs, so the nominal amounts should not be read as a direct currency comparison.
Quick Recap
Which one might suit you?
- For a compact, classic sports-watch profile: the steel Vacheron Constantin 222 combines its 37 mm case with a blue dial and a relatively thin 7.95 mm profile.
- For long stated autonomy and a bolder pilot-watch look: the 41 mm IWC offers a 120-hour reserve and a distinctive ceramic colourway, with the date and branded case back as potential sticking points.
- For an unconventional chronograph: the Angelus offers a monopusher layout, compact dimensions and its unusual dial display.
- For a time display that departs from hands and conventional markers: the Tambour Convergence uses apertures and rotating discs, while keeping its case to 8 mm thick.
- For calendar mechanics and a closely specified allocation model: the Berneron combines the annual calendar with published production and allocation details; the 2028 allocation price is the one stated above.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
