The Most Exciting Updates From Watches And Wonder 2026

It's that time of the year when we turn our gaze to the world of horology. From new movements to pioneering designs, jewellery watches and an abundance of drama, watch brands across the world come under one roof to showcase their newest innovations. In essence, it is the Fashion Week of watches.

Anita Khatri, a luxury expert who attended the event, shared, “At Watches and Wonders 2026, what stood out most is how the industry is shifting its focus. This year, it’s the smallest details making the biggest impact—colours, straps, and clasps have become central to design rather than just finishing touches. At the same time, a strong design direction is emerging, from Japan-inspired storytelling to the rise of blue as a dominant colour, along with a more inclusive, design-led approach to watchmaking.”

She added that boundaries are increasingly blurring between men’s and women’s watches, as well as between jewellery and horology. “Audemars Piguet’s Atelier des Établisseurs creations, for instance, bring craftsmanship and artistry to the forefront in a distinct way, while pieces like Cartier’s Grain de Café and Van Cleef & Arpels’ poetic complications continue to push storytelling forward.”

Speaking on what lies ahead for the horology world following Watches and Wonders 2026, Ashok Goel, Managing Director at Luxury Time Ltd, distributor for TAG Heuer, told The Style List, “Various brands are taking multiple routes in watchmaking. From microbrands that focus on visual distinctiveness to established houses working on improving their movements and experimenting with new materials, both externally and within the movement itself, the industry is evolving rapidly. Brands that are currently in high demand are also playing with precious metals and colourful dials. Overall, horology is moving towards a high degree of differentiation to meet the evolving demands of clients. At the same time, so-called ‘holy grail’ brands continue to push towards greater complications and high jewellery craftsmanship.”

Khatri concluded, “What defines 2026 is evolution, not revolution. Brands are refining their icons rather than reinventing them. Overall, it feels like a more thoughtful, mature year, where watchmaking is becoming as much about emotion and identity as it is about mechanics.”

Held in Geneva from April 14 to April 20, this year, over 60 leading maisons, including Vacheron Constantin, Bvlgari, Van Cleef, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Patek, Tudor, Hublot, Chopard, Zenith, Roger Dubuis, and more, are participating. The Style List brings to you the entire conversation around watches — what's new, what are the major headlines and where the horology industry is headed.

Audemars Piguet returns to the global stage after six years

After six long years, Audemars Piguet has returned to the global stage with three new novelties. A. Each one is handmade using a traditional Swiss method where different craftsmen create different parts — the établissage system. The first, Établisseurs Galets, is inspired by the pebbles of Lac de Joux. It features a yellow-gold pebble-shaped case, a turquoise dial, and a bracelet set with turquoise and tiger’s eye stones. It runs on the Calibre 3098, based on one of the brand’s earliest in-house movements. Five versions will be released this year. Next, Établisseurs Peacock is a secret watch that opens up like a peacock. When closed, it looks like a small engraved beetle, but with a push, it reveals a detailed enamel dial inside. Three versions will launch in 2027. The third, Établisseurs Nomade, blends old and new. It can transform from a pocket watch into a table clock and features a fully hand-skeletonised movement.

Piaget unveils a new white gold Polo 79 featuring a striking blue dial

The most exciting launch by Piaget at Watches and Wonders 2026 has got to be the return of one of its most loved design details—the gadroon. The designer first appeared on the Piaget Polo in 1979, a bold gold watch worn by icons like Andy Warhol, and quickly became a signature look. This year, the Polo 79 comes in white gold with a rare blue-grey stone dial, while the Polo Date is updated as an everyday watch in two sizes, with diamonds, soft rubber straps, and classic silver dials. The collection also expands with more colours and materials, offering both simple and gem-set options. Piaget also updates its Sixties watch, now with deep blue straps and two dial choices—one clean and classic, the other made from natural stone, making each piece unique. The Swinging Pebbles watches turn timepieces into jewellery, with each pendant carved from a single stone and hung on a gold chain.

Baume & Mercier Unveils the New Joia de Baume and Mercier Collection

This year, Baume & Mercier's new collection, Joia de Baume & Mercier, is dedicated to an inspiring, modern young woman. This collection features four models, and each of these bijou-inspired comes in dainty 28-mm cases without lugs.

At the heart of the new Joia de Baume & Mercier collection is a historical timepiece created by the Maison in the 1980s and adorned with diamonds. The Baume & Mercier Joia M0A10850 comes with a silvery dial, a criss-crossed satin-brushed finish and its bezel set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds. The second is the enhanced Riviera 73, a new series featuring three new 39 mm models, each featuring a quartz movement.

Bvlgari introduced the thinnest-ever platinum tourbillon this year.

Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo isn't only getting thinner, but it is also shrinking in case dimensions, too. The newest iteration is smaller and is made with the new in-house movement. This year, the Octo Finissimo 37 comes in sandblasted titanium, satin-polished titanium, and 18-karat yellow gold. The move toward smaller watches shows no signs of slowing, with Bulgari offering a 37 mm edition of its Octo Finissimo. But it also brings to life the thinnest ever platinum tourbillon this year — Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon — with a titanium watch with a thickness of just 1.85 mm. What's more? The limited edition also features a new striking blue dial and is limited to just 10 pieces.

Finally, from the Roman jeweller’s famous snake-inspired collection, Serpenti's latest comes with studs on its flexible Tubogas bracelets. The new Serpenti Aeterna in rose gold is set with a vibrant mix of emeralds, sapphires, tourmalines, and white diamonds. In total, 122 gemstones in varied cuts and sizes create a kaleidoscopic effect. The piece took 225 hours to complete, including 185 hours for stone selection and over 60 hours for setting. A yellow-gold version offers a softer look, with white diamonds accenting the head and tail, and a mother-of-pearl dial.

Cartier brings back the Roadster after a 14-year hiatus

Cartier’s novelties at Watches and Wonders 2026 bring back iconic designs while adding fresh updates. The Maison revives the Roadster and Tortue, introduces new Baignoire models, and unveils the dramatic Myst de Cartier. Marking the 10th Opus of Privé, Cartier also revisits three signature shapes—the Tank Normale, Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir, and Crash Squelette.

The Roadster de Cartier returns in Medium and Large sizes, available in steel, yellow gold, and two-tone versions. It features a sharper case design and is powered by the 1847 MC automatic movement.

The Tortue collection feels classic and refined, with eight versions ranging from minimal to highly set pieces. White and rose gold models come with diamond-set cases, while a clean yellow gold version offers a simpler look. Standout pieces include a platinum model with baguette-cut diamonds and Panthère Mêtiers d’Art editions, featuring enamel panther motifs. Each is limited to 100 pieces.

The Baignoire now features an ovoid bracelet inspired by Clous de Paris finishing. Myst de Cartier stands out as a high jewellery creation, available in yellow or white gold, set with diamonds. The Santos-Dumont gets a new flexible bracelet made of ultra-thin links for added comfort.

TAG Heuer Returns With Monaco Evergraph & the latest Monaco Chronograph

Reinforcing sharp, angular edges with the sapphire crystal, now closer to a true square, TAG Heuer Monaco enters its next chapter with a new, more ergonomic design that elevates comfort and refinement, and is now powered by the in-house automatic Calibre TH20-11. Combined with a striking open-worked architecture and a redesigned ergonomic case, the TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph stands as a true expression of avant-garde horology, where performance, durability, and design converge. On the other hand, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph returns in a newly refined form that balances its bold identity with enhanced everyday wearability. Drawing inspiration from the original 1969 reference 1133, the reworked 39mm Grade 5 titanium case features sharper lines, fluid proportions, and improved ergonomics for optimal comfort on the wrist.

Vacheron Constantin's New Novelties

Vacheron Constantin unveils its annual calendar with a new self-winding ultra-thin movement, Calibre 2550, offering an 80-hour power reserve while measuring just 2.4 mm in thickness. Followed by a pink mother-of-pearl dial in Égérie Moon Phase Spring Blossom featuring interchangeable straps in shiny alligator leather and grosgrain fabric, each with its own pink gold buckle.

Next to which is the Overseas collection, which expresses the spirit of exploration and openness to the world that has distinguished the Maison since its earliest years. In 2026, Vacheron Constantin presents four new references, in which the Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points are entirely crafted in titanium. The maison continues the legacy of its Roaring Twenties icon with two new Historiques American 1921 models featuring a new dial aesthetic, offered in 36.5 mm and 40 mm cases of 18K 5N pink gold. Calibre 2755 is one of Vacheron Constantin's emblematic movements. True to its spirit of innovation, the Maison now presents a skeletonised version of this movement, an achievement that required one full year of development.

Hublot Big Bang Reloaded, featuring Kylian Mbappé and Usain Bolt

Hublot unveils the Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé, a first limited edition created in collaboration with international football icon and Hublot Ambassador Kylian Mbappé, limited to 200 pieces. The design incorporates Mbappé codes, such as the King Gold-toned number 10, and an anthracite skeletonised dial. It comes with two interchangeable wristbands: a King Gold-toned fabric Velcro strap and a black-and-white rubber strap with the KM logo.

Followed by the Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt, crafted in 44mm black ceramic and carbon, it encapsulates Usain's story from his Jamaican origins. The polished 18K yellow gold bezel is engraved with his mantra: "Anything is Possible, Don't Think Limits."The skeletonised dial features a lightning bolt-shaped chronograph hand, and the case back includes authentic soil from Bolt's childhood training ground, encapsulated in sapphire. It comes with two interchangeable wristbands: a yellow gold-toned Velcro fabric strap and a black, yellow, and green camouflage rubber strap.

Hublot Steps Up With Big Bang Impact

Hublot introduces the Big Bang Impact One Million, a High Jewellery piece that pushes boundaries with 500 unconventionally cut diamonds (~44.6 carats) arranged in a dynamic vortex around the central flying tourbillon symbolising the attraction of energy and focus at the heart of watchmaking. This 45mm masterpiece, crafted in polished 18K white gold and water-resistant to 30m, is set with 323 baguette-cut diamonds on the case and case back, 72 on the bezel, and 75 fancy-cut diamonds on the dial, featuring the signature Impact motif. The watch is powered by the manual-winding HUB9015 calibre with a 120-hour power reserve.

Followed by the Spirit of Big Bang Impact, the world-first: diamonds set directly into sapphire. Years after the Big Bang Impact Bang of 2016, this collection reimagines its fragmented motif, projecting powerful architecture onto sapphire and ceramic. Available in three limited editions: the enigmatic All Black ceramic (100 pieces), the stellar sapphire & osmium (30 pieces), and the dazzling diamond-set sapphire (20 pieces). Each 42mm tonneau case is powered by the HUB1770 skeletonised automatic calibre with moon phase and big date.

Concluding with Big Bang Joyful Steel Purple, a 33mm timepiece, in amethyst purple, featuring a bezel set with 36 amethysts and a shiny white dial with three hands and a date window. The HUB1120 self-winding movement offers a 40-hour power reserve. The watch is equipped with the "One Click" quick-change strap system and comes with two interchangeable rubber straps, one purple and one white.

Baume & Mercier Unveils Joia de Baume & Mercier

Baume & Mercier unveils a new collection, Joia de Baume & Mercier, dedicated to an inspiring, modern young woman with a hint of irreverence. The Baume & Mercier Joia M0A10850 fascinates the eye with its silvery dial, featuring criss-crossed satin-brushed finishes which echo its steel flattened link strap and its bezel set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds. The refinement of this timepiece is heightened by its dainty 28 mm diameter and its case without lugs, emphasising the soft, rounded curves of its assertive femininity and quest for authentic self-expression.  

IWC Schaffhausen Introduces Ingenieur Automatic, Perpetual & Tourbillon

IWC Schaffhausen introduces two new versions of its Ingenieur Automatic 35 at Watches and Wonders Geneva. One features a bezel made from 18-carat 5N gold, adorned with 45 white diamonds, while the other showcases IWC’s signature blue dial colour. Both novelties come in ergonomic 35-millimetre stainless steel cases and feature integrated metal bracelets with polished middle links.

The maison introduces the Ingenieur Automatic 42 in dark olive green ceramic at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. This marks the first time that the Gérald Genta-derived integrated bracelet design is presented in coloured ceramic. A combination of different finishing techniques, including satin finishing, polishing and sand-blasting, creates a refined and distinctive aesthetic. The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82110 calibre featuring an automatic Pellaton winding system with ceramic components and a power reserve of 60 hours.

Following Ingenieur Automatic is Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41, featuring a 41-millimetre case and an integrated bracelet crafted from grade 5 titanium. It marks the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s lightest perpetual calendar watch. Boasting the characteristic “Grid” structure, the matte grey dial blends harmoniously with the titanium case and bracelet, lending the watch a striking monolithic look. 

Lastly, Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 pairs a case and bracelet crafted from 18-carat 5N gold with an olive green “Grid” dial. The highlight is the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock, which rotates around its axis once every minute.

Tudor Black Bay Collection

The Black Bay Range adopts TUDOR's characteristic angular hands known as "Snowflake" that appeared in the brand’s 1969 catalogue. The result of a subtle blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary watchmaking, the Black Bay line is far from simply being an identical rerelease of

a classic. TUDOR’s Black Bay Ceramic model has been a symbol of the brand's technical expertise since

its release in 2021. Now it comes with a new blacked-out aesthetic and another technical marvel: a matching ceramic bracelet.

The maison introduces a new addition to the Black Bay 54 line in "TUDOR blue", embodying the purest modern expression of the brand’s first-ever divers’ watch. A sapphire blue dial and bezel are paired with a perfectly proportioned 37mm case and a Manufacture Calibre. Followed by Black Bay 58, which has become a mainstay in TUDOR’s lineup. Now it’s receiving a host of new technical features and a new aesthetic. Along with a five-link bracelet, it’s now thinner, making it comfortable on the wrist. Concluding the releases is the Master Chronometer certified Black Bay 58 GMT. With a 39mm diameter

case, a bidirectional bezel festooned with warm hues reminiscent of the golden age of air travel, and a five-link bracelet, it’s the answer to your jet-setting prayers.

Chopard celebrates 30 years of its Fleurier Manufacture with the new L.U.C 1860.

Chopard introduces a continuation model of the original, iconic L.U.C 1860 to honour the 30^th anniversary of Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier. Like its predecessor, this new timepiece features a 36.5 mm case, ideal proportions that will delight fine watch collectors. It is crafted in Lucent Steel™ and stands out with its “Areuse Blue” dial – a colour inspired by the Areuse River that flows near the Manufacture in the Val-de-Travers region. The 18-carat white gold dial is hand‑guilloché with a sunburst pattern, using a vintage guilloché lathe operated by in-house artisans. This timepiece houses the L.U.C Calibre 96.40-L, a direct evolution of the first movement conceived and produced by Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier in 1996.

Chopard introduces two new eight‑piece limited editions of the L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25, unite the Chopard Manufacture’s jumping‑hour movement with dials adorned in an intricate straw marquetry motif. The first one is presented in 18‑carat ethical rose gold with a deep-blue straw dial. The second, in 18‑carat ethical yellow gold, welcomes a natural-colour straw dial – one that has known neither tinting nor alteration, which is used in its simplest, most authentic form. 

L.U.C Strike One Titanium features a chime-in-passing; the feather‑light 40 mm timepiece is encased in titanium, uniting refined aesthetics with the crystalline acoustic purity delivered by Chopard’s patented monobloc sapphire gong system.  Whereas the new L.U.C Time Traveler One offers a contemporary interpretation of the Maison’s worldtimer, launched to wide acclaim in 2016. Crafted in state-of-the-art ceramised titanium and distinguished by a highly legible dial, this limited edition of 250 pieces combines modern elegance with robust performance, reaffirming Chopard’s expertise in Fine Watchmaking. 

The collection concludes with a new ultra‑thin L.U.C XPS model. Crafted in Lucent Steel™ and matched with a brown calfskin leather strap, the case stands out for its ideal proportions: a thinness of 7.2 mm and a 40 mm diameter, allowing for a wide dial. The latter adopts a sector‑style construction inspired by 1930s design, strongly influenced by Art Deco and Bauhaus movements.

Hermès Sharpens Its Horological Ambitions With A Skeletonised Take on the H08.

At the 2026 Watches and Wonders convention, Hermès revealed the newest entry in the line-up, the Hermès H08 Squelette. Is it the best in the collection yet? It’s the first skeleton watch in the range, debuting a brand-new movement from the house that was developed in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. Made from titanium and taking three years of development, it’s even lighter and harder than its predecessors. Skeleton dials make for a visual marvel, and the functional look that the design adds to the H08 only doubles down on its utilitarian but architectural style.

IWC Schaffhausen Celebrates 29 Years of Le Petit Prince.

IWC Schaffhausen unveils the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince, crafted in durable stainless steel and featuring a deep blue dial with a sunrise finish. This elegant dress watch marks the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s first Portofino model, paying tribute to “The Little Prince”. As a charming nod to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world-famous novel, the Little Prince is depicted standing on the golden moon in the watch’s day and night display at 6 o’clock.

To mark 20 years of collaboration with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, IWC Schaffhausen launches five Le Petit Prince Anniversary Edition Pilot’s Watches at Watches and Wonders Geneva. The novelties include two Mark XX models in 18-carat 5N gold and stainless steel, two stainless steel chronographs in 43 and 41 millimetres and one Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36. All feature deep blue dials with a sunray finish, a hallmark of IWC’s special editions dedicated to Saint-Exupéry’s iconic novel. 

Rolex Reintroduces The Yacht-Master II, One Of The Only Chronographs In Its Collection Alongside The Daytona.

Rolex is unveiling the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II. Available in Oystersteel or in 18 ct yellow gold, the new version of this unique regatta chronograph presents a completely revisited design and movement. The new-generation Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4162, an evolution of calibre 4161 that powered the previous version of the model. As well as benefiting from a completely reengineered countdown function, this new movement incorporates a number of the major innovations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement.

The calibre features a cut-out oscillating weight and new finishes – notably on the bridges, which are embellished with Rolex Côtes de Genève, the brand’s reinterpretation of a well-known decoration in watchmaking. Calibre 4162 enables the Yacht-Master II to count down the time remaining before the start of a regatta via the countdown function, in addition to displaying the hours, minutes and seconds.

Zenith Adds A New Skeletonised Model To The Chronomaster Sport Collection.

Born from the El Primero, the world's first automatic, integrated high-frequency chronograph calibre, the CHRONOMASTER Sport stands at the intersection of legacy and forward momentum. Beneath the sapphire crystal, the mother-of-pearl dial reveals a controlled luminosity, never ornamental, always deliberate. Light moves across its surface, subtly transforming the watch throughout the day. At its core beats the El Primero 3600, operating at 5 Hz — 36,000 vibrations per hour. Its central chronograph hand completes one full rotation in 10 seconds, translating mechanical frequency into visible motion. The integrated steel and rose gold bracelet extends this dialogue of contrast. Alternating brushed and polished surfaces emphasise its structure, while the rose gold centre link echoes the bezel's presence.