Sometimes great minds think alike, but for some of these timepieces we had strong discussions to convince each other about their horological greatness. In the end we were able to reach a consensus, we live in Switzerland after all. So, here are our highly subjective, yet democratic choices, and proper motivations as to why they deserve to be on our list of the hitherto most elegant watches of 2026. Do you agree?
Elegant
1. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ultra-Thin
The Overseas collection is becoming one of the most popular within Vacheron Constantin’s offer. By slimming it, making the case in platinum, and adorning it with a salmon dial, they ended up with a 39.5-millimeter, super elegant timepiece which is still suitable for daily wear. Extra points for coming with three different straps in platinum, rubber, and leather. Oh, let’s not forget that these straps have optional customization possibilities.
2. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo 37 mm
With this watch Bvlgari really shows that devil is in the details. By shrinking the soon-to-be-iconic Octo Finissimo to 37 millimeters, Bvlgari has made a watch with a new bracelet and buckle that can be worn by all, yet feels special. As Fabrizio Buonamassa, Product Creation Executive Director at Bulgari, said to WorldTempus in a recent interview: “The 37-millimeter Octo Finissimo is a big chapter for us, and an important challenge. Perhaps the biggest challenge we ever had. After 12 years of great success, we want to recreate the hype with a brand-new movement and four models in a new size.”
3. Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135
With the CFJ collection Zenith draws on its heritage yet links it with the latest trends of Onyx dials and unusual materials (the case is made of tantalum), thus creating a timeless 39-millimeter piece which works with both tuxedo and denim. Also note the peripheral elegant guilloché intercepted by diamonds, and the use of grey mother-of-pearl for the small seconds. With this watch you will also be very well aware if you are fashionably late, as it is run by the legendary Caliber 135, which was the most awarded movement during the golden age of observatory chronometer competitions (the 1950s). If you like it be quick, as this version comes in a limited edition of 20 pieces.
4. H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum
With the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum H.Moser & Cie. pushed the already conceptual, super-clean, and logo-liberated design a step further by machining both the 42-millimeter case and the dial from solid tantalum. This heavy metal has an inimitable grey sheen, which also changes to slightly blue, depending on the surrounding light. Too often perpetual calendars, fascinating as they may be, also give the feeling of visual overload, but here H. Moser & Cie. (yet again) shows that complication can be elegant.
5. Parmigiani Tonda PF Chronographe Mysterieux
On this fascinating timepiece the chronograph is completely hidden – until you activate it with a push of the monopusher button on the crown. When you do, three contrasting and golden central hands appear as if out of nowhere, letting you count seconds, minutes and hours of elapsed time. Of course, such a timepiece could also fit in the complicated category, but the Parmigiani team has made this watch with a purple dial so minimalist that it is, above all, elegant.
