Photo Report: The Watches And Stories Of Pitti Uomo Winter 2025
The winter edition of Pitti Uomo has long been considered the deeper cut, a fact as true for the stylish attendees as for the fashion shows and brands that are presenting. It’s interesting, then, that the watch of choice for the January edition was indisputably Rolex’s quiet classic: the Explorer. It could be a modern reference, or vintage – or even the GMT-enhanced Explorer II – Rolex Explorer models seem to have usurped the spotlight so long held by Subs/GMTs.
Carrying on from this past summer’s edition, there were plenty of rectangular faces in the game, too; connoisseurs had their say, too, with a rare Parmigiani sighting and a staunch Casio 91w advocate amongst the stylish crowds.
“The Explorer was my grail watch. I wanted the 2014 version because it was the year my son was born, and I wanted to be able to pass it on to him one day.”
Mixing crocodile leather on a Tank with roughout suede on… well… everything else.
A two-tone Rolex GMT-Master II that looks really good on a suede leather strap.
A Heuer pilot’s chronograph is the deep cut we’ve been talking about. Often forgotten in the brand’s automotive catalog, but still very cool.
Another take on a two-tone Rolex GMT.
The two-tone Rolex Submariner is probably the most traditional part of this outfit.
An A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 is possibly the peak of class at an event like this.
Omega Constellation.
An Omega Seamaster with a lot of patina.
That fixed, steel 24-hour bezel can only mean one thing: a Rolex Explorer II.
Takayuki Kuwano wears his fathers Ulysse Nardin. His father wasn’t a watch collector but liked the watch based on its naval origins.
Simon Crompton (right), known for his website Permanent Style.
With a yellow-gold Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.
Another Explorer II that goes with army khaki quite well.
New York City-based designer and bespoke tailor Angel Ramos.
His Chopard L.U.C Salmon Dial. Angel has had it for a year and he loves the unique dial, especially on a grey strap.
Parmigiani Feurier Toric worn by Khaleed Nassir.
Khaleed especially likes the hand stitched strap and unique dial
Another Cartier Tank.
Wearing the Naoya Hida NH TYPE 1D.
Andrew Leeming wearing a Casio F-91W.
The Casio F-91w was his first watch, and he purchases a new one about every 10 years when they fail.
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual with turquoise dial to match the turquoise ring.
A Rolex Milgauss.
Luis Ferha.
A 1972 Explorer ref. 1016. “For me the most important thing about this watch was the simplicity. The 36mm size, its perfect for every wrist. For this watch the markers, the dial, the screw down crown, it’s perfect for me”
Rolex and Leica. What more do you need?
A Rolex Explorer on a NATO.
A JLC Reverso.
… and a vintage Longines.
More of the Rolex Explorer. See what I mean about the popularity?
A small Datejust with diamond indices.
More Speedy action.
And more Explorers.
Hodinkee
