As the luxury watch world converges in Geneva once again, Watches and Wonders 2025 is shaping up to be the event of the year.
Hosted annually in the heart of the Swiss watchmaking industry, this trade show offers a glimpse into the future of watchmaking, with some of the world’s most prestigious brands unveiling their newest timepieces.
At Love Luxury, we’ve had the privilege of previewing some of the most exciting pieces making waves at this year’s event.
This year, the event ran from 14 to 20 April 2026 at Palexpo Geneva, with four professional days followed by three public days from 18 to 20 April.
Here’s a look at our favourite picks!
What Is Watches and Wonders?
Watches and Wonders Geneva is the largest and most prestigious watch trade fair in the world. It's where heritage houses and independent watchmakers alike unveil their newest creations to a global audience of retailers, journalists, and serious collectors.
It was formerly known as SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), a more private, invite-only affair. In 2020, it rebranded as Watches and Wonders and began opening its doors to the public.
It was established in its current form through the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, a non-profit founded on the initiative of Rolex, Richemont, and Patek Philippe.
Watches and Wonders 2026: Key Highlights
With over 66 brands showcasing their innovations under one roof, 2026 delivered a fascinating blend of heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship. 11 new exhibitors joined the fair this year, including the returning Audemars Piguet, table-clock specialist L'Epée 1839, and brands like Corum and Sinn.
If there was one overarching theme, it's got to be that 2026 was less about radical technological fireworks and more about refinement and design evolution. While 2025 stunned us with revolutionary movements, this year's fair leaned into storytelling, anniversaries, and the quiet confidence of icons being perfected rather than reinvented.
That's not to say innovation was absent, far from it. But the mood was reflective.
The Biggest Watch Releases of 2026
Let's get to the good stuff!
Rolex: 100 Years of the Oyster Case
Rolex built its entire 2026 presence around celebrating 100 years of the Oyster case, the waterproof construction patented in 1926 that defined the modern sports watch. The theme was "Oyster Story," and nearly every release laddered back to that centenary.
The Centenary Oyster Perpetual is also known as the emotional heart of the collection. For the first time in the modern era, the Oyster Perpetual returns to a two-tone execution, with a yellow gold bezel and crown paired with an Oystersteel case and bracelet. The slate sunray dial carries touches of Rolex green across the lettering and minute track; "100 years" replaces "Swiss Made" at six o'clock; and the winding crown is engraved with "100."
The Rolesium Daytona. Arguably, the most sought-after watch of the entire fair. At a glance, it reads like the classic steel Daytona, but the "Rolesium" treatment pairs an Oystersteel case with a platinum bezel and accents, and, for only the third time ever, an open exhibition caseback. The real showstopper, though, is the dial, which is a pure-white Grand Feu enamel, a material Rolex rarely uses. White-dial Daytonas are auction headliners at the best of times; an enamel one is the sort of watch that makes collectors lose sleep.
The Jubilee Gold Day-Date. Rolex debuted an entirely new proprietary alloy, "Jubilee Gold," on the Day-Date 40, paired with a delicate light green aventurine dial. Designated one of Rolex's two "Exceptional Watches" for 2026, it's a quiet flex of the brand's metallurgical mastery.
The Yacht-Master II returns! After a long, agonising absence, the Yacht-Master II came back with a dramatic, completely redesigned case and an all-new calibre 4162 powering its regatta countdown. Available in Oystersteel or yellow gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel, it's the most technical surprise of Rolex's year.
Patek Philippe: 50 Years of the Nautilus
Patek Philippe owned the other great anniversary of 2026, the 50th birthday of the Nautilus, Gérald Genta's revolutionary 1976 "enfant terrible" that practically invented the luxury steel sports watch.
Patek celebrated with 4 limited-edition anniversary pieces. Each strips the Nautilus back to its purest expression with hours and minutes only, no date window, letting the horizontally embossed blue sunburst dial and porthole case speak for themselves.
The line-up included two 41mm white-gold "Jumbo" models, and a beautiful 38mm platinum "medium" reference, reviving a size from the 1980s. Each is powered by the ultra-thin calibre 240 (itself a child of the 1970s) and carries a commemorative "50 1976–2026" engraving on the micro-rotor.
Cartier: The Roadster Returns!
Cartier delivered one of the most talked-about revivals of the fair, bringing back the iconic Roadster after more than two decades away. The tonneau-like case retains its familiar form, but every surface has been refined, the transitions between bezel, case, and crown made more cohesive. A new blue PVD dial with a matching rubber strap and a guaranteed 100m water resistance pushes it into genuine utility territory.
More broadly, Cartier continued to champion the jewellery-watch crossover and the revival of distinctive shaped cases, a reminder that no house blends horology and high jewellery quite like the maison.
TAG Heuer: The Monaco Evergraph
TAG Heuer brought innovation to a fair that largely favoured refinement. The standout was the Monaco Evergraph, which uses cutting-edge flexible mechanisms to fundamentally rethink how a chronograph operates, one of the most significant technical developments of the entire salon.
Alongside it, the brand revisited its most famous silhouette with a new Monaco Chronograph leaning hard into the sharp, angled lines of the original 1969 design worn by Steve McQueen, plus a lighter 39mm titanium version. Racing heritage, modern engineering.
Bulgari: The Octo Finissimo 37mm
Bulgari answered years of collector requests by scaling its iconic Octo Finissimo down to a more wearable 37mm case, powered by an all-new BVF 100 calibre with a generous 72-hour reserve. It’s available in titanium or yellow gold, and it perfectly captures the shift toward smaller, more lifestyle-friendly sizes.
Hermès: Embracing the Skeleton
Hermès continued its quiet ascent as a serious watchmaker, joining the fair's openworked-dial movement with skeletonised interpretations of its H08 sports watch. It's a confident statement from a maison increasingly taken seriously by collectors for its horology, not just its leather goods. We can’t wait to see what else the French maison has up its sleeves!
While the full show runs from April 1st, 2025, industry professionals, journalists, and luxury collectors have already started flocking to Geneva to witness what these incredible brands have in store.
Here’s a look at our favourite picks!
1. Rolex Land-Dweller
The new Rolex Land-Dweller is a big deal for many reasons.
It marks the debut of an entirely new collection from Rolex, something that doesn’t happen every day. It also signals the brand’s return to the integrated bracelet market, a space it hasn’t occupied in quite some time.
But while the design might not be love at first sight for some (including Xavier, who admits it took him a little time to fully appreciate), what really sets this watch apart is the revolutionary mechanical advancements it introduces.
The standout feature of the Land-Dweller is the new calibre 7135 movement, which houses Rolex’s groundbreaking Dynapulse escapement. This sequential distribution escapement, made from silicon, features two escape wheels with complex geometry, plus a ceramic balance staff, an innovation that helps improve efficiency.
Despite operating at a 5Hz frequency (a first for Rolex), this system remains incredibly efficient, with a comfortable power reserve lasting 66 hours. It’s a technical marvel that Rolex has managed to develop and produce at an industrial scale, something that once seemed unimaginable.
2. Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
Travelling across time zones is all fun and games until you’re stuck fiddling with your watch’s time settings.
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava Pilot Travel Time has been the perfect solution since its debut in 2015. Thanks to a clever pusher mechanism, setting the second time zone is a breeze.
With the push of a button (one at 8 o’clock to move the local time forward, and one at 10 o’clock to move it back), you can adjust the time without interrupting the second hand; pure genius, if you ask us.
The new version of the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time takes the legacy of the original white gold Ref. 5524G-001 and kicks it up a notch. This refreshed model features an ivory lacquer dial that’s surprisingly legible, even at a glance. The bold blackened white gold indexes are filled with luminescent coating, making it easy to read day or night.
The solid sword-shaped hands are also lumed, indicating local time, while the skeletonised hour hand represents your home time. To make things even better, both time zones come with day-or-night indicators, and the self-winding 26-330 S C FUS calibre automatically adjusts the date to match the local time when you adjust the hours.
Now if only it could help you find your luggage!
3. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Rolex’s new Oyster Perpetual models in pastel shades are a delightful breath of fresh air in the luxury watch world. With shades like pistachio, lavender, and beige, these matte dials introduce a playful twist to the brand’s iconic design. While Rolex is known for its classic and sophisticated offerings, these new OP models exude a casual charm that makes them feel approachable, yet still unmistakably Rolex.
The matte finish on the dials adds a modern and understated vibe, while the soft pastel colours bring a fun, youthful energy to the table. The pistachio green, for example, feels fresh and energising, like springtime, while the lavender and beige options offer a more subtle, elegant tone that still stands out in a crowd.
True to Rolex’s reputation, these new models don’t compromise on functionality. The Oyster Perpetual remains as reliable and precise as ever, powered by Rolex's in-house self-winding movement. With the signature 39mm case size, they’re comfortable to wear every day and blend seamlessly into both formal and casual settings. Whether you’re at a business meeting or out for weekend brunch, these watches offer a perfect balance of style and precision!
4. Patek Philippe Ladies’ Nautilus Date Ref. 7010G-013
The new Patek Philippe Ladies’ Nautilus Date Ref. 7010G-013 brings a fresh, calm vibe to the iconic design. Following the success of last year’s rose gold version, this one’s all about understated elegance with its white gold case and beautiful azure blue lacquered dial. The bezel, set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds, adds just the right amount of sparkle without going overboard.
The blue dial’s wave pattern is a nod to the Nautilus' porthole inspiration, making you feel like you’re on a ship every time you glance at your wrist. It comes with a matching blue composite strap, but if you prefer something a bit more classic, there’s also the option of a white gold bracelet.
At 32mm, it’s the perfect size for a lady’s wrist, and with its quartz movement, it keeps things precise and low-maintenance. It’s a gorgeous, playful take on a classic watch that’s perfect for any collection.
What Happened at Watches and Wonders 2024?
Watches and Wonders 2024 was truly an unforgettable event for everyone around the world. Held in Geneva from April 9th to April 15th, this trade show brought together over 50 luxury watchmakers who showcased their best and brightest creations.
It’s the ultimate platform for the most renowned watch brands to introduce their latest timepieces to a global audience of retailers, journalists, and passionate collectors.
As experts at Love Luxury, we hunted down the most stunning timepieces from the booths to the wrists of industry insiders. After much deliberation, we were able to narrow down our top picks. Here’s a flashback from last year!
1. Rolex Deepsea and Tudor Black Bay 58
Rolex made waves with its solid gold Deepsea, a timepiece that combines depth-resistance capabilities with a hefty weight of 212 grams. It’s not just about style—this watch is built to withstand the crushing depths of the ocean, and it comes at a premium price of $52,100. Tudor’s Black Bay 58, on the other hand, returned with a classic gold version. Featuring a sleek matte finish and a $32,100 price increase, it stands as a luxurious alternative in Tudor's beloved dive watch line.
2. Patek Philippe 5530G World Timer
Patek Philippe’s 5530G World Timer pushed the boundaries of traditional world timers by introducing a self-adjusting date display that automatically accounts for the International Date Line. For a cool $76,590, this watch offers unparalleled functionality, making it essential for global travellers who want a truly hassle-free experience.
3. Rolex Perpetual 1908
Rolex’s Perpetual 1908 is a refined dress watch with a gleaming platinum case and an ice-blue dial adorned with a delicate rice-grain pattern. The watch features the Perpetual Caliber 1704, a movement known for its precision and long-lasting power reserve. This timepiece is perfect for those looking for a statement piece that combines understated elegance with Rolex’s impeccable craftsmanship.
Now… Some Burning Questions About Watches and Wonders
Is Watches & Wonders Open to the Public?
For all the watch enthusiasts hoping to get up close with some of the most breathtaking timepieces in the world, the big question is: can the public attend?
The answer is yes, partly. The fair runs four days exclusively for industry professionals, press, and VIP guests, followed by three public days. In 2026, those public days fell on 18 to 20 April. So while the first half of the week is trade-only, passionate collectors and enthusiasts genuinely can walk among the finest watches in the world for the final three days. Keep an eye on official announcements for ticketing.
What's the Goal of Watches & Wonders Geneva?
So what exactly is the purpose of it all?
This iconic event isn't just a place for brands to flaunt new releases; it's where watchmaking history is made. The show brings together the world's best watchmaking experts, designers, and brands to unveil their latest innovations. It's a celebration of craftsmanship, precision, and luxury. But beyond the watches, it's about fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and keeping the passion for horology alive.
Did Audemars Piguet Attend in 2026?
Yes, and this was big news. After sitting out previous editions to focus on more intimate, exclusive brand experiences, Audemars Piguet returned to Watches and Wonders in 2026 as one of 11 new exhibitors. As longtime fans of the brand, we at Love Luxury were thrilled to see the maison back on the grand stage!
What were the biggest watch trends of 2026?
Smaller case sizes, heritage-driven anniversary storytelling, green and burgundy dials, enamel and openworked dials, and the continued shift toward platinum and premium materials all defined the year.
What were the best releases at Watches and Wonders 2026?
Some of our favourites included Rolex's centenary Oyster Perpetual and Grand Feu enamel "Rolesium" Daytona, Patek Philippe's four Nautilus 50th-anniversary limited editions, Cartier's revived Roadster, the TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph, and Bulgari's smaller 37mm Octo Finissimo.
A Year of Refinement, Colour & Heritage
Watches and Wonders 2026 reminded us why we fall in love with watches in the first place. This wasn't a year of shock-and-awe technology; it was a year of storytelling, of icons celebrated and perfected, of colour and craft and considered evolution. From 100 years of the Rolex Oyster to 50 years of the Patek Nautilus, 2026 was a love letter to horological heritage.
And that's exactly what makes these pieces so special. A great watch isn't just an instrument; it's art, history, and investment fused onto your wrist. The watches that emerge from a refinement year like this one tend to age most gracefully and hold their value most reliably.
You don't have to join a years-long waitlist or pay above retail to own a piece of this magic. At Love Luxury, we offer a curated collection of pre-loved and gently used watches from the iconic brands that defined Geneva this year: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and beyond.
So why wait for the next big reveal? Discover your dream timepiece today, no waiting in line required.
Time is precious. Spend it wearing something extraordinary.
