What a horological feast it was! Watches and Wonders 2026, together with Time to Watches, Chronopolis, the AHCI at L'iceBergues, and the hotels along the lakes, bid a surprisingly good atmosphere and a surprisingly high innovation level on the new products.
In what felt like a welcome break from a shaky world, it was impressive to see the city oof Geneva shouldering this ever-growing costume with grace, elegance and increased offers.
So, what were my favorites? Let’s start with the best booth: After a seven-year hiatus, Audemars Piguet is back at Watches and Wonders. And it is back with a bang! It was without competition the only booth that really gave an exhibition with several different rooms. One was a massive library setting describing the family trees behind the oldest watch brand still owned by a founding family; another room demonstrated different savoir-faire; another described the processes of the Atelier des Établisseurs adventure which is producing unique pieces. Last but not least, one of the exhibition spaces meant stepping into a giant safe where you could view extremely rare vintage pieces – a scenography underlining the value and contribution to watchmaking history in la Vallée de Joux.
The best coffee with a smooth crema, nutty notes and just enough bitterness to kickstart you in the morning was, non-surprisingly, served by an Italian-rooted brand: Panerai.
The best newcomer: Chronopolis. As Time To Watches has grown to include nearly 100 brands in a labyrinthic setting, and with nearly 50 exhibitors in the suites of Beau Rivage, the easily overviewed Chronopolis at Halles de l'Île in the city was a welcome fresh breeze. Don’t get me wrong, the offer at TTW and BR is an absolute must – but to have 20 smaller indie brands at a glance in a welcoming atmosphere took indie watchmaking exhibition back to its roots.
And what about the watches? I am still a bit overwhelmed by the amazing quality and diversity that is on offer right now. But if I were to choose 5 watches right now that stands out from the Geneva Watch Week 2026, it would be:
1. Van Cleef Jour Nuit Phase de Lune
Not only a sleek large-scaled guilloché half-covering a sparkling dial. It also adds a philosophical perspective as it views the cosmos from the Moon.
2. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo 37mm
I love the playful shape. Now I can also wear it. It is amazing what 3 millimeters can do.
3. TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph
The new movement makes this watch a smooth operator. Tactile fun meets haute horlogerie.
4. H. Moser & Cie.
Who would ever have thought that a 1980s crazy sneaker from Reebok would re-emerge to inspire Haute Horlogerie with an orange button “pumping” the mainspring instead of winding it?
5. Parmigiani Tonda PF Chronographe Mysterieux
The chronograph is completely hidden, and when you activate it, three golden central hands appear as if out of nowhere.
So, to all the exhibiting watchmakers, the organizers, the people coming from all around the world to celebrate watchmaking: Thank you. We all look forward to seeing you soon again.
