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The Year's Most Brilliant Watches

The world of watches, where renowned brands pool their ingenuity to craft mechanisms of exquisite refinement and opulent aesthetics. Fueled by a burgeoning trend, the variety of timepieces expands year by year. This naturally leads to the question: which watch is the best? To answer this, we present the GQ WATCH OF THE YEAR, featuring new releases from this season and models that arrived in 2009. Here, we unveil, all at once, the watches that shone brightest this year, from models meticulously selected by our editorial team to the best watches chosen by the industry's leading voices.

Every season, the watch scene presents captivating new models. With an ever-increasing variety each year, choosing the right one can be a delightful challenge. Therefore, GQ JAPAN proudly presents a curated selection of noteworthy timepieces. From practical models equipped with advanced functions that will satisfy even the most discerning watch enthusiasts, to stylish pieces that instantly draw attention to the wrist, we've handpicked the most talked-about creations.

What truly constitutes a "practical watch"? Leading figures in the watch industry offer their insights. Yasuyuki Iima, Representative Director of Ai Ai Isuzu Holdings; Noritaka Ishida, Representative Director and President of Best Selling; Toru Kamine, Representative Director and President of Kamine Watch & Jewelry; and Kiku Kimura, Representative Director and President of Orologio—four top executives from Japan's premier watch specialty stores—each select their ideal of a practical timepiece.

Known for its robust and multi-functional design as a diver's watch, the Frogman from Casio's G-SHOCK series is now garnering attention as a sophisticated radio-controlled timepiece covering major global cities. For the modern man living an active life, a practical watch with authentic specifications is the ultimate companion.

Suunto, a brand renowned for its exceptional popularity among sports enthusiasts, particularly for diving and mountaineering, has finally released a high-end, cool metal case model. Active GQ gentlemen understand the importance of maintaining both style and high functionality in their professional attire.