Feature: Our Watches & Wonders 2026 round-up
As the latest Watches & Wonders draws to a close, it’s time to round up our favourites. We’ve seen the launch of some exceptional timepieces this year, from those inspired by a new era of space travel to Cartier’s revival of a motor-themed classic. Find out if your own top picks made our list.
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar, reference 331.026 E
While the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “Lumen” was the brand’s headline-grabber this year, we’re confident the new Saxonia Annual Calendar is what owners will bequeath their grandchildren as family heirlooms. As stunning as the pink-gold version is, we love the white gold option (pictured) with its argente dial. At 36mm, they’re a touch smaller than Lange’s previous Saxonia Annual Calendar models, and look all the better for it. They also come with a new self-winding movement, intricately hand-decorated to the brand’s usual exacting standards.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 124205
On its 100th anniversary, it’s only fitting that we choose the watch on which Rolex has built its reputation. The Oyster Perpetual started in 1926 as a pioneering steel tool watch, water resistant and without the need for hand winding. By the turn of the millennium it had become the brand’s entry-level model, made only in stainless steel. That’s now changed, as the brand has brought back a number of 18k gold options. This Everose gold version with a blue stone lacquer dial is our favourite, although the yellow-gold option with green stone dial is just as special. To those who say 34mm is too small, we say: try it for size. You might be surprised.
Bremont Supernova Tourbillon, reference TBC
After unveiling a raft of new models in 2024, the newly rebranded Bremont faced the wrath of unimpressed watch fans who were quick to lay the boot in. This year, reactions to their watches have been far kinder, with several solid releases that it’s hard to find fault with. We like the geometric cases of the aerospace-inspired Supernova series, the pick of which is this skeleton-dial hand-wound tourbillon in 904L steel―the type used by Rolex. We’re just not sure whether anyone loves Bremont quite enough to pay £45,250 for it.
Cartier Roadster, reference WSRD0020
First launched in 2001 and discontinued after a decade, Cartier’s sporty Roadster is now revived and better than ever, thanks to a few minor changes that include shifting four screws from the lugs to the bezel. It’s done so subtly that you might barely notice it at first, but it makes for a far more refined look. The new models also dispense with the old automatic ETA-based movements and replace them with in-house Cartier calibres. There are several versions―including a stunning yellow-gold model―but we love the stainless steel option with crisp white dial. Choose from the medium-cased 42.5mm by 34.9mm option, or the larger 47mm by 38mm.
Tudor Monarch, reference M2639W1A0U-0001
The practice of reviving old models for a new generation is something Rolex studiously avoids, but it has no issue with sister-brand Tudor plundering its archives. With the new Monarch―a collection that has been dormant for several years―Tudor has looked to the 1940s, when Rolex released a number of Oyster Perpetuals with California dials, which comprise both Roman and Arabic numerals. The vintage look is enhanced with a dark champagne-coloured dial, while the 39mm steel case is matched by a bracelet that feels a little like a 21st-century version of a bonklip. For those expecting Tudor to release a bunch of Black Bays with different dial colours, this was a pleasant surprise. It features an automatic movement, visible through the caseback, and is water resistant to 100 metres.
TAG Heuer Monaco Titanium, reference CDW2181.FC8360
While the new Monaco Evergraph deserves plaudits for its innovative new movement with flexible components that minimise friction, long-time fans of this legendary watch will be cheering the arrival of this titanium model. This is the first time that the Monaco version in the original livery (so strongly associated with Steve McQueen) has been made in titanium―and it’s about time, too. We’ve seen umpteen Monacos made in this lightweight metal, but not the OG, with its signature dark blue dial and white contrasting subdials. It runs on the in-house Calibre TH20-11 self-winding movement, visible through the exhibition caseback.
Patek Philippe Celestial Sunrise And Sunset, reference 6105G-001
Patek Philippe announced a host of exemplary Grand Complications watches as per usual, starting with the 6105G-001, a celestial model in a large 47mm white-gold case. With a dial depicting the night sky above Geneva, it’s able to display sunrise and sunset times and boasts a summer-to-winter time correction mechanism and a vivid red date pointer. It’s powered by the new 240 C LU CL LCSO with micro rotor, concealed by a caseback incorporating the Calatrava cross. Despite having a long history of producing celestial watches Patek has never made a wristwatch with a sunrise-sunset complication, until now, so this is something truly special―and the $437,610 price tag reflects it.
Grand Seiko ‘Mystic Waterfall’, Boutique Exclusive Limited Edition, reference SBGZ011
This is the ‘Mystic Waterfall’ Spring Drive 44GS, with a matching case and dial that’s fully engraved to capture the essence of the cascading spray of the Tateshina Otaki waterfall, which resides near the home of Grand Seiko. The 40mm 950 Platinum case and dial have been meticulously and intricately hand-engraved by Japanese master craftspeople, and of the 50 limited editions, no two pieces are alike. There’s another feast for the eyeballs on the reverse, where the Spring Drive 9R02 can be seen, and the exquisite finishing of Grand Seiko’s Micro Artist studio is on display. It’s limited to just 50 pieces.
Ulysse Nardin Super Freak, reference 2520-500LE-3A-BLUE/3A
For 2026, Ulysse Nardin has released the Super Freak, a brand-new version of its radical Freak model. It marks 25 years since the debut of the first Freak, as well as the brand’s 180th anniversary. The Freak, for the uninitiated, is a cutting-edge watch that famously features no dial, hands or crown, with the entire movement rotating within the case to display the time, and the winding performed via the caseback. The latest model takes the original concept even further thanks to a new in-house movement featuring a world-first configuration: an automatic double tourbillon combined with a carousel system. It comes in a white-gold case that at 44mm is actually a little smaller than previous iterations. Only 50 pieces will be made.
Panerai Luminor 31 Giorni, reference PAM01631
Boasting an enormous 31-day power reserve, the Luminor 31 Giorni beat Panerai’s previous best by an impressive 21 days. This huge reserve is thanks to the hand-wound calibre P.2031/S, equipped with no less than four spring barrels—the culmination of seven years of dedicated research and development. The 44mm brushed Panerai Goldtech™ case houses this incredible movement which is partly visible through the skeletonised dial. Of course, this watch wouldn’t be complete without a power reserve indicator, positioned on the dial between 3 and 6 o’clock. This Luminor is a limited edition of 200 pieces.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Inventiva Gyrotourbillon À Stratosphère, reference Q5306480
Marking the start of a new series of Hybris watches, the Hybris Inventiva line showcases a single groundbreaking complication. Inside this 42mm platinum case is a new, patent-pending, triple-axis Gyrotourbillon. It comprises 189 components, and its three axes of rotation cover 98% of possible positions, making it one of the most precise tourbillon wristwatches ever. The sculptural dial is decorated with guilloché and translucent blue enamel, while the highly finished Calibre 178 is visible on the reverse side. It’s limited to just 20 pieces.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-winding Ultra-thin, reference 2500V/220P-H028
This limited-edition model of just 255 pieces is the first-ever Overseas crafted entirely in 950 platinum. Its 39.5mm case houses a sophisticated salmon-coloured dial, a shade reserved for this platinum version. Turn this piece over to admire the new manufacture Calibre 2550 through the open caseback. This ultra-thin movement boasts the Maison's first platinum micro-rotor. The Overseas Self-winding Ultra-thin comes with not one but three interchangeable straps—one leather, one rubber and a 950 platinum bracelet—making it fully customisable and ideal for different occasions.
IWC Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive, reference IW328601
IWC unveiled its first certified space watch and unlike most space watches, this isn’t a modified racing watch. Specifically designed for use in space, it boasts a space-suit-friendly rotating bezel system combined with a “rocker switch” on the side of the case to control the functions, including a date indicator and second time zone. It comes with a legible matte black dial in a modern 44.3mm white ceramic and Ceratanium case and boasts a hardy 120-hour power reserve. And, in partnership with next-generation space station builder Vast, it’s scheduled for flight on Haven-1—the world’s first commercial space station.
Audemars Piguet Atelier des Établissuers
Audemars Piguet’s best release from this year’s Watches & Wonders wasn’t a Royal Oak. Instead, the watchmaker revived the tradition of établissage through its Atelier des Établissuers. “Établissage” describes a network of small, independent workshops working under the guidance of an établisseur to co-create unique timepieces or very small series. AP unveiled three new daring models: the stone-set Galets (pictured), the multifunctional Nomade, and the flamboyant Peacock secret watch. Each model is the result of a collaboration between artisans specialising in a range of traditional crafts from enamelling to skeletonization. Powering these unique creations are modern calibres that have been specially adapted and assembled in the atelier.
Laurent Ferrier Sport Traveller, reference LCF045.T1.NG1C7
The new Sport Traveller brings Laurent Ferrier’s sophisticated take on travel watches into its modern Sport collection. Its lightweight 42mm grade-5 titanium case and integrated bracelet complement the slate-grey opaline dial with its home time window at 9 o’clock, semi-instantaneous date at 3 o'clock and small seconds at 6. The pushers on the left side of the case jump local time forward or back by one hour without stopping the movement. The brand’s signature Assegai-shaped hands are crafted from white-gold and coated in light-green Super-LumiNova. Inside the Sport Traveller is a brand-new Manufacture calibre, the automatic LF275.01. It boasts a 72-hour power reserve and is visible through the open caseback.
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