The Most Interesting Watches From Watches & Wonders 2026

At long last, Watches & Wonders has returned. The watch industry’s annual showcase of the brightest and best has kicked off in Geneva, Switzerland and as anticipated, the internet has been flooded with images of Rolex releases and Tudor models. Beautiful, though they might be, the new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Rolesium (whatever that is) and Oyster Perpetual models speak to a wider discourse currently circling in the watch community. Namely, the big name players in Swiss watchmaking are playing it safe, eschewing the boldness of innovation for subdued revisions of existing models.

However, the same cannot be said for the entire industry.

At Watches & Wonders 2026, independent watchmakers have so far proved to be the standout attractions, with releases from Laurent Ferrier, Parmigiani Fleurier and Grand Seiko managing to capture the attention of watch lovers across the globe. Of course, names like TAG Heuer and Audemars Piguet also released their fair share of stunning new releases, fusing a healthy dose of horological heritage with more modern technology. And that’s where things get interesting.

Most Interesting Watches at Watches & Wonders 2026

For many watch fans, the annual event offers a rare opportunity to see where brands are headed for the upcoming calendar year. We already know that certain maisons will play up to their strengths, revitalising existing lineups with new colourways and materials, but it is those brave few who choose to go against the grain that deserve recognition. At MADE Journal, the focus is always on craftsmanship and the pursuit of creative expression, so rather than focusing on another ‘Best of’ list, I figured I’d drill down into the most interesting and abstract pieces. Here is a list of new watches at Watches & Wonders 2026 that caught my eye:

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “Lumen”

• Brand: A. Lange & Söhne
• Model: Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “Lumen”
• Reference: Ref. 720.035FE
• Diameter: 41.9mm
• Thickness: 13mm
• Case Material: Platinum
• Movement: Lange manufacture calibre L225.1
• Power Reserve: 50 hours

While Watches & Wonders is generally known for its grandstanding Rolex releases, it is often what comes out of A. Lange & Söhne‘s booth that leaves the most lasting impression. For 2026, the German producer unveiled a stunning 50-piece limited edition that fuses one of its most intricate complications with a healthy dose of Lumen technology.

Retaining its off-centred configuration, core functions and proportions, the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “Lumen” is powered by the all-new L225.1 calibre. A stunning new movement that is exposed on the dial and caseback, the L225.1’s perpetual calendar reportedly won’t need to be corrected until March 2100. Importantly, the Lumen addition gives this iteration a unique glow, amplifying the numerals and bathing the outer sections with an almost extra-terrestrial green.

At 41.9mm in diameter and 13mm thick, the platinum timepiece is hard to miss, particularly when you consider the fluorescent elements of the Lumen, but if you don’t pay attention, you might spy a few hidden details. The one-minute tourbillon, for instance, is secured by a diamond endstone in a screwed gold chaton which feels like a subtle reference to Lange’s historical pocket watches. It is also decorated with polished surfaces and a brushed case middle, paired with an elegant black alligator leather strap.

Audemars Piguet Neo Frame Jumping Hour

• Brand: Audemars Piguet
• Model: Neo Frame Jumping Hour
• Reference: Ref. 15245OR.OO.A206VE.01
• Diameter: 43.5mm
• Thickness: 8.8mm
• Case Material: 18-carat pink gold
• Movement: Calibre 7122 Jumping Hour
• Power Reserve: 52 hours
• Water-Resistance: 20 metres

This one was technically unveiled a few weeks ago, but at Watches & Wonders 2026, the Audemars Piguet Neo Frame Jumping Hour officially got its flowers. The unique Art Deco-inspired timepiece harks back to design era of grandeur and intrigue, employing a swathe of sharp, sleek lines and rigid geometric shapes. The timepiece is a callback to the brand’s much-loved Heure Sautante from the late 1920s and features an 18-carat pink gold and sapphire case adorned with gadroons and aerodynamic lugs.

Best of all, the new timepiece is powered by an entirely new innovation, the Calibre 7122 movement. Audemars Piguet’s first self-winding jumping hour movement, it is based on the Calibre 7121 found in the Jumbo Royal Oak models and features a power reserve of 52 hours, combining precision and power with Audemars Piguet’s long-standing reputation for craftsmanship.

“The Neo Frame Jumping Hour is a nod to Audemars Piguet’s pioneering role in developing the first jumping hour watches in the 1920s,“ Sébastian Vivas, director of museum and heritage at Audemars Piguet said. “Back then, the glass was so fragile that it had to be protected by metal. Today, it is rendered in sapphire, which takes centre stage.“

Grand Seiko Spring Drive SBGZ011

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Model: Spring Drive Masterpiece Collection
• Reference: Ref. SBGZ011
• Diameter: 40mm
• Thickness: 9.6mm
• Case Material: Platinum
• Movement: Calibre 9R02
• Power Reserve: 84 hours

Japanese watchmaker Grand Seiko is no stranger to stunning dials and for Watches & Wonders 2026, the brand went all out. There are three new releases that I could cover, including the jewel-encrusted SBGD228 Red Lion, but it is the Spring Drive SBGZ011 that really caught my eye. Featuring an intricate pattern inspired by the Tateshina Waterfall in Shinshu, the region of central Japan where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive and quartz watches are made, this dial is something to behold.

Hand-engraved with a seemingly endless number of lines that weave and warp across the surface, the pattern is designed to appear like water. It exudes a flowing and free-form approach that beautifully complements the platinum 4GS case, which this time features Zaratsu polishing and brushed finishing. In a way, this model is an exploration of texture that extends beyond the regular, with even the lettering and minute markers being carved into the dial.

Better still, the new SBGZ011 is powered by the manual-winding Calibre 9R02, Grand Seiko’s thinnest Spring Drive movement to date. Measuring just 4mm thick, the 9R02 movement offers a remarkable 84-hour power reserve, which is a huge plus for daily drivers.

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum

• Brand: H. Moser & Cie
• Model: Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum
• Diameter: 42mm
• Thickness: 13.1mm
• Case Material: Tantalum
• Movement: Calibre HMC 800
• Power Reserve: 7-day

There is something to be said about profound minimalism. As I’ve noted many times before, albeit in different contexts, the streamlined approach isn’t necessarily about having less, but ensuring that what you do have serves you. The H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum unveiled at Watches & Wonders this year perfectly embodies this philosophy.

Taking the knife to its much-loved Perpetual Calendar release, H. Moser & Cie cut a number of key features, removing the branding and indices, while also slimming the hour and minute hands. The result is a super sleek, minimalist aesthetic that feels equal parts futuristic and refined. You could argue it is because of the new sunburst-pattern dial, but I do find myself returning to this piece over and over.

In reality, it’s the use of tantalum that makes this model particularly special. The material is renowned for being an absolute nightmare to work with due to its ductile nature, high melting point and low thermal conductivity. As a result, it’s pretty rare to see a watchmaker opt for this material on a dial, save for ultra-bespoke maisons like F.P. Journe, but H. Moser & Cie has knocked this one out of the park. It’s simple in design, but incredibly complex in construction, emphasising the superior craftsmanship of the brand’s in-house team.

IWC Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince

• Brand: IWC Schaffhausen
• Model: Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince
• Reference: Ref. IW459806
• Diameter: 34mm
• Thickness: 8.9mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Movement: IWC Calibre 35180
• Power Reserve: 50 hours
• Water-Resistance: 50 metres

It might be my affinity for the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry novella, but I’ve been a bit of a sucker for the IWC Le Petit Prince range. They aren’t exactly timepieces for everyone, with their unique vintage aesthetic and smaller proportions, but I do find a certain charm in their construction and design. For Watches & Wonders 2026, the legendary watchmaker produced a model that I simply can’t get enough of.

The first Portofino to join the Le Petit Prince range, this new release is a straight-forward dress watch with a few standout additions. Housed in a teeny 34mm stainless steel case, the IWC Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince features a rich blue sunray dial with gold-plated hands and applied indices. The classic colour combination works beautifully in this case, giving the model a refined sense of sophistication that plays across genders. Despite its small size, I do see this being the kind of watch that male celebrities go for, following the recent Cartier Crash revival, among others.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Jumping Date

• Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Model: Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Jumping Date
• Reference: Ref. Q4202480
• Diameter: 42mm
• Thickness: 12.5mm
• Case Material: 18K Pink Gold
• Movement: Calibre 978
• Power Reserve: 45 hours

While I do love the Master Hybris Mechanica Ultra-Thin Minute Repeater and Master Hybris Inventiva Gyrotourbillon À Stratosphère, this year’s standout Jaeger-LeCoultre release for me is the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Jumping Date. As we’ve seen over the past 12 months, jumping hour models have surged in popularity, but JLC is choosing to go a different path, and as usual, it’s working.

The new 42mm masterpiece showcases the next evolution of the brand’s beloved Calibre 978. Renowned for its performance and precision, the movement is among the legendary watchmaker’s most important innovations, fitted in only its top-tier releases. The 2026 iteration explores new territory, powering a renewed design that feels a little less traditional and far more modern. Specifically, JLC has switched the date display from a sub-dial to a track around the main dial.

That decision essentially opens up more space for the date scale, which is a big plus in the readability stakes, but with the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, it does create a new problem. Well, for most watchmakers it would. In this instance, JLC has introduced a remarkable new jumping date mechanism powered by the calendar driver, that triggers a rapid glide of the date hand at the stroke of midnight on the 15th of each month. How awesome is that?

Laurent Ferrier Sport Traveller

• Brand: Laurent Ferrier
• Model: Sport Traveller
• Reference: Ref. LCF045.T1.NG1C7
• Diameter: 42mm
• Thickness: 13.3mm
• Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
• Movement: Calibre LF275.01 automatic movement
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres

If you haven’t got aboard the Laurent Ferrier train just yet, you are missing out. I’ve been a huge fan of the watchmaker since 2024, when I stumbled across the Classic Moon at the maison’s small booth in Geneva. From that point on, I was a true believer and the brand has yet to let me down. At this year’s event, Laurent Ferrier took things in a slightly different direction, unveiling a new take on the Sport Traveller. I’ll admit, at first this timepiece did nothing for me, but as time wears on (pun intended), I’m beginning to come around.

The ultra-lightweight model is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, with its square-shaped case measuring in at 42mm. It’s surprisingly big and bulky for what is meant to be a travel piece, but it does wear well and it must be said, the stylistic choice here has helped to soften the look. Specifically, the opaline anthracite dial works well with the brand’s signature Assegai-shaped hands, allowing for a sleek aesthetic that also prioritised the readability of the dual-time functionality.

From a technical perspective, the local time can be adjusted instantly via two pushers on the case flank, allowing you to jump the hour hand forward or backward in one-hour increments without stopping the movement. In a lot of ways, the new Laurent Ferrier Sport Traveller is like a classic travel watch with a modern TV dial aesthetic. That feels like an oxymoron but in this case, it somehow works.

Oris Star Edition

• Brand: Oris
• Model: Oris Star Edition
• Reference: Ref. 01 733 7813 4151-Set
• Diameter: 35mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Movement: Calibre 733-1
• Power Reserve: 41 hours
• Water-Resistance: 50 metres

Now this is the kind of surprise I hang out for at Watches & Wonders. Every so often, a watchmaker will dip into their archive book and reproduce a vintage timepiece that feels perfectly suited for the modern age. In the past we’ve seen Longines recreate the Ultra-Chron and TAG Heuer revitalise the Seafarer, but this year, it was Oris that found beauty in the past (and not for the first time).

The brand unveiled a new reinterpretation of arguably its most important release; the 1966 Oris Star. The first model to feature a lever escapement, the 1966 release marked the beginning of a new era for the maison, kickstarting a period of rapid growth and technological advancement. Not long after, we saw the introduction of Oris’ first chronograph, the Chronoris in 1970, and the subsequent introduction of the Sportstar lineup. However, the Oris Star remains the brand’s guiding light and at Watches & Wonders 2026, a full 60 years since it first debuted, the classic timepiece was reborn.

The 2026 Oris Star Edition follows many of the same design codes as that original model, right down to the 35mm diameter and 41.5mm lug-to-lug stainless steel case. It even features a silvered dial (which is like a red flag to bull for me), alongside applied and faceted indexes, a date window, and a cross-hatch sector dial, essentially ticking all of the vintage boxes. Inside, however, it’s a different story.

An updated Oris Calibre 733 movement powers the Star Edition, offering 41 hours of power reserve and solid precision, however, that’s not really why you buy a watch like this. The new model references a time when design was intentional and simplistic, not over-engineered and clunky. In a lot of ways, it marks a return to function, honing in on legibility and timeless style. As a vintage myself, this could well be my favourite-looking model from Watches & Wonders this year and at just AUD$3,500, I might actually be able to afford it.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda FF Chronograph Mystérieux

• Brand: Parmigiani Fleurier
• Model: Tonda FF Chronograph Mystérieux
• Reference: Ref. PFC917-2020001-100182
• Diameter: 40mm
• Thickness: 13mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel with platinum 950 knurled bezel
• Movement: Calibre PF053
• Power Reserve: 60 hours
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres

Quite literally the standout release for me this year, the Tonda FF Chronograph Mystérieux from Parmigiani Fleurier is an exquisite take on refined sophistication. At first glance, this new timepiece looks remarkably threadbare, with its simplistic three-hand and no sub-dial approach almost minimalist in its design. However, if you peer a little closer, you’ll see what makes this new watch so special.

By pressing the monopusher at 7:30, a secret chronograph function will appear. A unique mechanism jumps the central seconds hand instantly to 0, transforming it into a chronograph on-demand. The rhodium-plated hands also reset to zero and turn into counter hands, while moving to reveal the rose gold hour and minute hands underneath. The moment you stop the chronograph, those rose gold hands also cease to track civil time, while a third push reset everything back to standard.

It’s one of the most fascinating new complications I’ve ever seen and perhaps the most fitting. Parmigaini Fleurier has always been the master of quiet luxury, the kind of timepiece that works for royalty but doesn’t feel ostentatious. A sleek and sophisticated 40mm timepiece that looks minimalistic but hides a secret chronograph function? That’s Parmigiani Fleurier all over.

Piaget Andy Warhol

• Brand: Piaget
• Model: Andy Warhol
• Diameter: 45mm
• Thickness: 8mm
• Case Material: Pink or rose gold
• Movement: Calibre 501P1 movement
• Power Reserve: 40 hours

Yes, the Altiplano Concept Tourbillon will undoubtedly get most of the love from Piaget fans, but to me, the latest Andy Warhol model is…well, a work of art. The new release continues the range’s recent revitalisation, which was renamed from the ‘Black Tie’ to Andy Warhol in 2024 to pay homage to the famed modern artist and dedicated Piaget collector.

This time around, the Swiss master of jewellery has opted for three releases, each characterised by a 45mm cushion-shaped case crafted from either pink or rose gold. The first is a rose-gold case model that features concentric gadroons and baguette-cut diamonds, alongside a striking bronzite dial. The others, one in 18-karat pink gold with a Clous de Paris bezel and a chatoyant bull’s-eye dial and a second in 18-karat pink gold with a gadroon bezel and a blue quartz dial, offering a similarly dazzling aesthetic. All three are powered by the in-house automatic 40-hour 501P1 movement.

TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph

• Brand: TAG Heuer
• Model: Monaco Evergraph
• Reference: Ref. CEW5180.FT8122 (black) / Ref. CEW5181.FT8123 (blue)
• Diameter: 40mm
• Case Material: Black DLC-coated Grade 5 titanium / Grade 5 titanium
• Movement: Calibre TH80-00
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres

It wouldn’t be Watches & Wonders if TAG Heuer didn’t announce some ridiculous feat of watchmaking, and in 2026, it comes in the form of the Monaco Evergraph. Now, over the past few years, TAG Heuer has been using the square-case model as a bit of a guinea pig, fitting it with some of its most intricate and unique movements, with the 2024 Rattrapante being perhaps the best example in recent memory.

This year, the La Chaux-de-Fonds producer decided to switch things up again, unveiling the new square-shaped Calibre TH80-00 movement. A re-engineered take on the classic calibre, this movement comes years in the making and incorporates the in-house chronograph mechanism. Essentially, it replaces traditional levers and springs in the start, stop and reset functions with flexible bistable components produced using LIGA technology. If that all sounds a little too technical, you’re absolutely right.

This process has been a long and arduous one for TAG Heuer. For years, the brand has been working on the movement and only now, is it finally getting its time to shine inside the Monaco Evergraph. It also comes equipped with the TH-Carbonspring oscillator and beats at 5Hz, allowing for 1/10th of a second precision with a 70-hour power reserve.

Best of all, TAG Heuer also gave us a couple of new visual stimuli to look at. The Evergraph comes in either a blue-accented titanium or a black DLC-coated titanium with red accents. By all accounts, this new release will serve as the platform for the brand’s most ambitious new projects, and if they are anything like this, the future is looking bright.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points

• Brand: Vacheron Constantin
• Model: Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points
• Reference: Ref. 7930V/210T-H073 (North, white dial) / Ref. 7930V/210T-H072 (South, brown dial) / Ref. 7930V/210T-H074 (East, blue dial) / Ref. 7930V/210T-H075 (West, green dial)
• Diameter: 41mm
• Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Grade 5 Titanium
• Movement: Calibre 5110 DT/3
• Power Reserve: 60 hours
• Water-Resistance: 150 metres

It is no secret that I am a sucker for Vacheron Constantin. The Swiss watchmaker is undoubtedly my favourite producer and I can’t emphasise how many hours I’ve spent staring in the windows of vintage stores across the globe trying to unearth a deal. To me, the Vacheron models of the 1960s are unparalleled, courtesy of their exquisite details, legibility and construction. The more interpretations, while impressive, don’t always hit the same mark for me.

The Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2026 however, might just change that. Four new references have hit the long-standing Oversea lineup, each celebrating a different cardinal compass point. Importantly, they are all crafted from titanium, which is a reference to the Overseas Dual Time prototype created for photographer and explorer Cory Richards, who tested it during his ascent of Mount Everest in 2019.

That one-off model proved to be a massive talking point with fans, ultimately prompting Vacheron Constantin to drop a limited run of Overseas “Everest” Dual Time and Chronograph. The new Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points marks the first permanent titanium release to join the collection, which is a huge win for fans. Inside, the models are powered by the Calibre 5110 DT/3, which displays two time zones, AM/PM, and the date.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

• Brand: Vacheron Constantin
• Model: Historiques American 1921
• Reference: Ref. 82035/000R–H114 (40mm) / Ref. 1100S/000R–H115 (36.5mm)
• Diameter: 40mm / 36.5mm
• Thickness: 8.06mm / 7.41mm
• Case Material: 18 pink gold
• Movement: Calibre 4400 AS
• Power Reserve: 65 hours
• Water-Resistance: 30 metres

One hundreds year later, Vacheron Constantin is celebrating the roaring ’20s. The Swiss producer used Watches & Wonders this year to unveil two new additions to its Historiques collection, in both a 40mm and 36.5mm case diameter. Both of them look like bonafide classics straight out of the box.

Like its predecessors, the cushion-cased, asymmetrical wristwatch is inspired by early-20th century designs and harks back to a legendary model made for the American market in 1921. At the time, the distinctive wristwatch 45-degree-rotated dial and unconventional crown placement was unconventional and catered more towards motorists and aviators who wanted to read the time without taking their hands off the wheel. The new interpretations, with the crown on the right side of the case and the small seconds repositioned to 3 o’clock, feel just as unique.

Powered by the manual-winding calibre 4400AS, both versions arrive in polished pink gold cases and feature grained, silver-toned dials with bright blue accents. Admittedly, the subtle, contemporary grained texture and the vivid blue Arabic numerals won’t be for everyone, but as Christian Selmoni, style and heritage director at Vacheron Constaint explained, the Historiques American 1921 occupies a very distinctive and esteemed position.

”It is a direct reinterpretation of an historical model,” Selmoni said. ”In a context where authenticity and history are increasingly valued, this watch offers a tangible link to the Maison’s history, celebrating savoir-faire and watchmaking heritage. It is a continuation of a prestigious lineage. Also, thanks to its history and unconventional design, it is a sought-after watch for collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate not only high watchmaking but also outstanding designs.”

Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune

• Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels
• Model: Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune
• Reference: Ref. VCARPESA00
• Diameter: 42mm
• Case Material: 18-karat white gold
• Power Reserve: 36 hours
• Price: AUD$244,000

When it comes to interesting Watches & Wonders releases, Van Cleef & Arpels are the undisputed champions. Each year, the maison unveils a swathe of incredibly intricate, often hand-painted models that are bubbling with the kind of whimsy that would make Beatrix Potter proud. In 2026, the brand didn’t disappoint, but it must be said, there is a certain restraint here that we aren’t always used to seeing.

For Watches & Wonders 2026, Van Cleef & Arpels unveiled a series of watches that feel decidedly more wearable, unisex and contemporary, and the result is seriously impressive. The 42mm white-gold Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune is a stunning ode to the maison’s house style, continuing the signature day–night display seen in previous models. However, this time, Van Cleff & Arpels has added an ultra-precise lunar complication for good measure.

On the murano-glass aventurine sky dial, you’ll see a guilloché golden sun chased by a white mother-of-pearl moon which subtly shifts to reflect its true 29.5-day cycle. When it does eventually disappear into the horizon, you can bring the moon back via a pusher, which triggers a full rotation of the dial to reveal its current phase. It’s honestly quite difficult to articulate and even harder to wrap your brain around in person, but the simple fact is that Van Cleef & Arpels is continuing a remarkable legacy of animations. Where other brands are focusing on skeletonising and split-seconds functions, the maison is reminding us all that objects of supreme beauty still have their place.

Van Cleef & Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs

• Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels
• Model: Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs
• Reference: Ref. VCARPEVI00
• Diameter: 38mm
• Case Material: 18K rose gold
• Power Reserve: 65 hours

Continuing the trend into more contemporary timepieces, the Van Cleef & Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs dual time zone is a watch that feels entirely modern. Refreshingly new, it features jumping hours and a retrograde minutes mechanism housed within an 18-karat rose-gold case. And while it does bear several similarities to its predecessor, there are some serious upgrades.

For the 2026 model, the company’s in-house enamelers have completed the ruby-rich dial with a deep amber-brown enamel. Additionally, the two circular hour apertures have now been reframed in 18-karat rose gold trapezoidal shapes, giving the dial an entirely new look and feel. The result is a captivating reprisal of a modern classic that feels warm and inviting, even if the price tag isn’t.

Zenith G.F.J. Bloodstone & Tantalum

• Brand: Zenith
• Model: G.F.J. Bloodstone & Tantalum
• Reference: Ref. 30.1865.0135/56.C216 / Ref. 98.1865.0135/21.C205 
• Diameter: 39.15mm
• Thickness: 10.5mm
• Case Material: 18k yellow gold / Tantalum
• Movement: Zenith Calibre 135
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

The Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 was probably the biggest shock of Watches & Wonders 2025. The heritage-inspired timepiece stunned the watch world when it was first shown, sending the internet into a frenzy and the community to a fever pitch. Just months later, that timepiece secured the Chronometry award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, cementing its place in the bastion of watchmaking. It was only a matter of time before a new iteration emerged and Zenith didn’t disappoint.

At Watches & Wonders 2026, the legendary Swiss brand unveiled two new executions; one in 18-karat yellow-gold with a bloodstone dial and a far rarer tantalum edition that features a black onyx centre and diamond indices. As you might expect, the hand-wound movement that made last year’s G.F.J. a fan favourite remains, alongside a Breguet overcoil, COSC-certified precision and a juicy 72-hour power reserve.

Admittedly, the tantalum model, which is limited to just 20 pieces, will get most of the attention but I have to say the Bloodstone piece is my pick of the two. The mixture of yellow gold and green stone makes for a very vintage finish, a fact further solidified by the 39.15mm diameter. As a true sucker for anything mid-century, this style right up my alley and thankfully, a little easier to come by than its tantalum sibling.

What is Watches & Wonders?

Held annually, Watches & Wonders is the largest watchmaking exhibition in the world. Over the course of one week, brands, representatives, retailers and executives from across the globe gather in Geneva, Switzerland to unveil their new collections and discuss the future of the industry. Organised by the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation (WWGF), the event was previously known as Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) before being rebranded in 2019. The stand-alone event in 2022 marked the first time the event went ahead in person under the new moniker.

This year, the show will see a significant number of brands and watchmakers share new product launches, conduct panel discussions and host keynote speeches covering the industry’s most important topics. While names such as Rolex, Tudor, TAG Heuer and IWC largely dominate the headlines, the event also plays host to a number of smaller, independent producers. According to the organisers, more than 60 maisons and watch manufacturers will be exhibiting their new novelties at Watches & Wonders this year, marking a continued growth in the event’s history.

Watches & Wonders 2026 is open to both industry professionals and the general public, with more than 6,000 retailers, 1,600 international journalists and around 15,000 guests from across the world expected to attend.

Who is at Watches & Wonders 2026?

At Watches & Wonders 2026, more than 60 exhibitors will feature, showcasing their latest models and novelties. Importantly, this year’s edition marks the arrival of Audemars Piguet, the renowned manufacturer from Le Brassus, along with ten other brands. The full list of brands at Watches & Wonders 2026 includes:

• A. Lange & Söhne
• Alpina I Angelus
• Armin Strom
• Arnold & Son
• Artya Genève
• Audemars Piguet
• Baume & Mercier
• Behrens
• Bianchet
• Bremont
• B.R.M Chronographes
• Bulgari
• Cartier
• Chanel
• Charles Girardier
• Charriol
• Chopard
• Christiaan Van Der Klaauw
• Chronoswiss
• Corum
• Credor
• Cyrus Genève
• Czapek & Cie
• Eberhard & Co.
• Favre Leuba
• Ferdinand Berthoud
• Frédérique Constant
• Genus
• Gerald Charles
• Grand Seiko
• Grönefeld
• Hautlence
• Hermès
• H. Moser & Cie.
• Hublot
• HYT
• IWC Schaffhausen
• Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Kross Studio
• Laurent Ferrier
• L’Epée 1839
• Louis Moinet
• March LA.B
• Nomos Glashütte
• Norqain
• Oris
• Panerai
• Parmigiani Fleurier
• Patek Philippe
• Pequignet
• Piaget
• Raymond Weil
• Ressence
• Roger Dubuis
• Rolex
• Rudis Sylva
• Sinn Spezialuhren
• TAG Heuer
• Trilobe
• Tudor
• U-Boat
• Ulysse Nardin
• Vacheron Constantin
• Van Cleef & Arpels
• Zenith

Where is Watches & Wonders 2026?

Watches & Wonders 2026 is held at the Palexpo exhibition centre in Geneva, Switzerland. The event runs from April 14 to 20, 2026 and features major activations, including a Watchmaking Village at the Pont de la Machine and a Montreux Jazz festival collaboration. Tickets for public days (April 18-20) went on sale February 10, 2026, via the official website.

What is Different This Year?

In 2026, the biggest update to the Watches & Wonders program comes in the lineup. This year’s event welcomes eleven new brands, including Audemars Piguet, the oldest fine watchmaking manufacturer still in the hands of its founding families, and l’Epée 1839, the only manufacture in Switzerland to specialise in the production of high-end clocks.

We will also see the arrival of Behrens, Bianchet, B.R.M Chronographes, Charles Girardier, Corum, Credor, Favre Leuba, March LA. B and Sinn Spezialuhren, bringing the total number of exhibiting brands to 66. Elsewhere, H. Moser & Cie. and Frederique Constant are changing locations and expanding their booths.

Watches & Wonders 2026 FAQ