When I look at the Lumiere I find myself conflicted.
Some days I think I'd really like one and then on another day I'm ambivalent.
Design wise, I think they did a great job of bringing modern materials and elements to a traditional dive watch to make something not really seen before.
What i can't decide on a regular basis is whether it's design will stand up in a year or two or if they've started a trend that will continue to be developed and become a basis for future models from across the watch world.
Obviously other makes are offering Lume that's fairly similar but to combine it with titanium and the dials that they have, all the while keeping the price reasonable is a real achievement and regardless of personal feelings, it's a brave move by CW and clearly shows their intentions and abilities for the future. I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing where they go next.

Pat

Personally, I'm designing a new watch drawer as we speak (based on an Ikea body so nothing too crazy). I already have 3 watch boxes and it turns out that they are not enough. Truth be told, one box is just with my old quartz watches, and another is just a 3 slot, so things are not really that bad, but still, I'm at 13 'serious' watches currently and have 2 more in the pipeline that should arrive during 2025. So at this point I'm getting really picky with expensive purchases and looking more and more at interesting microbrands releases (e.g. Mr Jones, Haim Viajero).

In terms of CW specifically, I'm a real fan of Bel Canto, so if they release a new style of it I might not be able to resist, depending on what exactly they change, but hopefully this will not happen too soon. I'm also looking forward to see the new release from the balance wheel teaser, but I secretly hope I won't like it since I don't want to spend too much on high end watches and I'm quite happy with my current collection. But you know how it goes, some things are just too tempting to pass.

As for other brands, on Black Friday I was almost ready to get the Mr Jones Indefatigable Sphinx, which actually has a CW jumping hour movement in it, but I couldn't convince myself that it's worth €2500, even with its unique and tempting design. But if they do another discount and it gets to about €2000, I will most definitely get one. Other than that, I'm keeping a constant eye on microbrands, I feel a lot of them have started to step up their game and there are many good quality watches with innovative design popping up.

I am hoping that this will be a year where I don't buy many, if any new watches. 2024 was a big watch buying year and I don't want 2025 to be the same. Please wish me luck. I'll probably sell my Bel Canto Azzuro Blue and maybe use the funds to buy a Lumiere Grey dial. CWs designs have gone away from my buying preference sweet spot but I could see myself with a Lumiere if the funds become available.

Haven’t a clue what’s ahead, but here’s what I’d like to see…

A Sealander with consort bracelet in steel and gold.

Honestly, I’d be first on the list for that - rose or yellow.