WATCHES & WONDERS HIGHLIGHTS 2026 article hero image

WATCHES & WONDERS HIGHLIGHTS 2026

There was a particular energy to Watches & Wonders this year. The atmosphere felt both celebratory and resilient. Despite global travel disruptions, the halls of Geneva were alive with conversation and curiosity.

Our team on the ground in Geneva reported that 2026 was defined by refinement and confidence to express identity through colour, technical excellence and considered design. Owner Julian Farren-Price notes that major milestones played a central role in shaping the atmosphere of the fair, led by Rolex celebrating 100 years of the Oyster case.

“The Oyster Perpetual 100 year Rolesor was an instant hit. For the first time in modern history it was released with a gold bezel and crown but no gold in the bracelet. Significant points were the Rolex in emblematic green on the dial, ‘100 years’ on the bottom of the dial in place of Swiss Made and ‘100’ in relief on the crown. With 3 sizes 31, 36 and 41mm this is sure to be highly desired for the Rolex aficionado.”

Other notable milestones in 2026 included Patek Philippe’s Nautilus 50th Anniversary and TUDOR's 100th Anniversary - a centenary marked by the intriguing Monarch collection, distinguished by a papyrus-toned dial and finely faceted case and bracelet. An elegant evolution within its design language.

Parmigiani Fleurier honoured their 30 years with an array of understated luxuries that speak to the beauty of constraint and craftsmanship. Drawing on Le Corbusier’s 1930s colour palette, the Maison embraced soft, architectural tones designed to evoke emotion through architecture and purity. 

The new Tonda PF Mysterieux introduced an element of surprise, cleverly concealing a chronograph within an otherwise minimal display for maximum refinement. Our General Manager, Erik Hallstrom, praises the ingenuity of this novelty.

"The new Tonda PF Chronograph Mystérieux is so clever. It preserved the purity of a Tonda PF design and with a push of a button the hour, minute and seconds hands move to chronograph mode. I can’t wait to show this watch to our clients”.

Meanwhile, Julian Farren-Price was particularly inspired by the new TORIC Anniversary pieces.

“Their 30th Anniversary pieces for the founding of the Maison by Michel Parmigiani are a fitting tribute to this iconic watchmaker. An absolute stand out was the platinum limited of 30 TORIC with hand hammered white gold morning blue dial. Being a sailor it reminds me of the ocean and is just so elegant.”

Beyond these anniversary moments, Julian and Erik observed several defining themes emerging across the fair. Colour continues to evolve as a key design language, smaller watches are returning, and the Maisons remain deeply committed to advancing their movements in increasingly sophisticated and unprecedented ways.

Patek Philippe embraced colour across its 2026 novelties, including the new white gold alarm Refs. 5322G with textured lacquered green and blue dials with black gradient rims. In Julian's words - both functional and stunning.

“Another knockout was the new white gold 6105G with Celestial chart and indication of sunrise and sunset in Geneva. This new movement took more than 5 years to develop and required 6 patents. A large and striking watch at 47mm with sporty composite black strap and unique motif on the case back.”

Vacheron Constantin paid homage to colour with the four lightweight titanium Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points designed for the modern explorer. 

Each of the four dial colours represent a cardinal point, inviting a discovery of new horizons. White represents North, where frozen landscapes rule. Green symbolises West, where deep tropical forests unfold.

Brown signifies South, where vast plains stretch over continents. Finally, Blue represents East - where ocean and sky meet in an endless horizon. Housed within a 41mm lightweight titanium case, the manufacture movement Calibre 5110 DT/3 orchestrates dual time zones, the AM/PM indicator, and the date display with precision.

Grand Seiko continued to demonstrate its mastery of precision and nature-inspired design, introducing the new Ultra Fine Accuracy Calibre 9RB1 within the Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver.

The gradient dials are intricately crafted with textures evoking the ocean in Japan. The blue dial of SLGB023 reflects the depth and expanse of the sea, while the green dial in SLGB025 embodies the tranquility of shallow coastal water.

H. Moser & Cie. pushed its signature fumé aesthetic further, most notably through a vivid red enamel dial that stood out for its intensity. In contrast, the Streamliner “Pump” models introduced an unconventional winding system, where each push generates power. This adds a tactile and playful dimension to mechanical watchmaking. 

The Manufacture also continued its exploration of compact mechanical watchmaking with the Streamliner Two Hands, available in 34mm with a silver fumé dial and 28mm with a burgundy fumé dial - both with a frosted finish.

Chopard expanded its use of colour through two mesmerising Alpine Eagle dial variations, inspired by the natural habitat of the eagle in the Swiss Alps. The new ‘Rhone Blue’ reflects the flowing intensity of the river, while ‘Mountain Glow’ captures snow-covered peaks during the first light of sunrise.

The Maison also introduced the highly limited edition L.U.C Strike One - a masterpiece bearing the Poinçon de Genève. The L.U.C 96.32 L calibre features a micro rotor in engraved 22 carat ethical gold, twin stacked barrels (Chopard Twin Technology), a swan’s neck regulator, and bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève. Its 65 hour power reserve remains available even when the chiming mechanism is active. 

A hand-guilloché salmon-toned dial is paired with a monobloc sapphire gong system, delivering a pure chime-in-passing mechanism with remarkable acoustic clarity. The hand stitched anthracite alligator strap complements the titanium case and dial tones while allowing the central hue to stand out.

Continue The Journey

We invite you to journey further into our newsletter for a closer look at the 2026 novelties. If you wish to discuss these pieces further, we encourage you to connect with our professional sales team who will be more than happy to assist you with your enquiries.

80 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm
+61 2 9231 3299

You May Also Like