A-Z Watches & Wonders 2026

Every year, Watches & Wonders gives collectors plenty to talk about — from headline-grabbing complications to subtle refinements that only reveal their brilliance on a second look. While some releases dominate social media within minutes, others quietly leave a stronger impression once the dust settles. For this year’s edition, rather than focusing only on the biggest launches, I decided to take a more personal approach by going through the brands from A to Z, highlighting one watch from each that genuinely caught my eye.

A — A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar 36mm

Among the quieter yet most elegant releases at Watches & Wonders 2026, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar 36mm impressed with its newly reduced 36mm case diameter, bringing one of Lange’s most sophisticated calendar complications into a more classic and wearable proportion. Crafted in precious metal, the watch retains the brand’s signature outsize date, day and month displays, and integrated moonphase, while the slimmer profile gives the dial a cleaner and more refined balance. Powering the watch is the newly updated self-winding Lange manufacture calibre L207.1, finished to the brand’s exceptional standards with hand-engraved details and a power reserve of around 60 hours, making it a technically accomplished dress watch that perfectly reflects Lange’s understated approach to high horology.

B — Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic 37mm

An engineering feat. A downsized release, bringing the brand’s iconic ultra-thin design into a more versatile 37mm case while preserving its unmistakable architectural profile. (At less than 40mm, it really gives me a reason to add this to the collection) Measuring just 6.45mm thick, the watch is powered by the new in-house Calibre BVF 100, an ultra-thin self-winding movement with a micro-rotor that is only 2.35mm thick and delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Bulgari re-engineered the movement and bracelet to suit the smaller proportions, making this latest Octo Finissimo feel less like a scaled-down version and more like a thoughtfully refined evolution of one of modern watchmaking’s most distinctive designs. A big "Thank You" on behalf of all small-wrist men.

C — Cartier Roadster

The return of the Cartier Roadster at Watches & Wonders 2026 was one that many (die-hard Cartier) collectors have been calling out for years. The new version stays faithful to the original’s curved tonneau-shaped silhouette with a 42.5mm x 34.9mm (Midsize) case diameter, refined crown guard, and instantly recognisable magnified date lens integrated into the crystal, while subtle updates to the bracelet and case finishing give it a more contemporary feel on the wrist. Inside, Cartier equips the watch with its in-house automatic calibre 1899 MC (Midsize), offering dependable daily performance and a 42-hour power reserve, making the Roadster’s return more than just a design revival — it feels like a modern reintroduction of one of Cartier’s most distinctive sports watches.

D — No ****ing Ds?

Calling out brands like Doxa, De Bethune, Delma, Dietrich, Dwiss, etc. Next year perhaps?

E — Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 200 MCMLIX

Possibly one of the most understated releases at Watches & Wonders 2026, the Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 200 MCMLIX caught my attention for its vintage vibes for a dive-watch in more wearable modern proportions. The watch comes in a compact 39mm stainless steel case, a notable reduction from previous Scafograf models, with 200 metres of water resistance, a ceramic bezel insert, and the signature triangular markers that reference the original 1959 Scafograf. Within the case is a self-winding automatic movement possibly a Sellita SW200-1 beating at 28,800 vph with approximately 38 hours of power reserve. This option in a newly introduced Milanese bracelet gives the watch an added touch of old-school charm that suits the design perfectly.

F — Favre Leuba 1737 Triple Calendar

The 1737 Triple Calendar was one of those surprise revivals at Watches & Wonders 2026 that immediately connected heritage with real collector appeal (not me), especially in a wearable 39mm stainless steel case that feels classically proportioned for a vintage-inspired complication. The dial layout is clean yet information-rich, featuring day, date, month, and moonphase indications all nicely spaced out, staying true to traditional triple calendar aesthetics. Inside, it is powered by the FLD06 movement, offering around 56 hours of power reserve, making a genuinely wearable daily complication. It is easy to see the appeal here — a faithful revival of Favre Leuba’s historic DNA, executed in a way that feels both accessible and mechanically serious, which explains why I instantly pre-ordered a piece.

G — Grand Seiko 62GS SBGH376 “Sakura-Wakaba”

The most poetic executions of the 62GS design at Watches & Wonders 2026, housed in a refined 38mm case (12.9mm thickness) crafted in 18k yellow gold with the signature bezel-less architecture that defines the modern 62GS line. The dial is a textured light green inspired by sakura-wakaba—the fleeting moment when cherry blossoms give way to fresh spring leaves—shifting subtly with light and giving the watch a quiet sense of depth and movement. Powering it is the high-beat Calibre 9S85 automatic movement, operating at 36,000 vph (5Hz) with a 55-hour power reserve, delivering both precision and mechanical refinement. Grand Seiko remains a brand that I cannot get started on a specific piece, because each new release dial always creates such a strong impression.

H — Hermès H08 Squelette

Hermès’ unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2026 a modern sports watch in a refined 39mm rounded-square titanium case with a black DLC coating and ceramic bezel that enhances its stealthy, architectural presence. For the first time, the H08 is fully skeletonised, revealing the new in-house Hermès H1978 S automatic movement, and delivering around 60-hour power reserve, showcasing a more technical and contemporary side of the brand’s design language. The openworked dial retains the H08’s bold typography and geometry, but now feels lighter and more mechanical, turning the watch into a visual study of structure and movement rather than just a sports watch with a dial.

I — IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume® (IW505801)

The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume® (IW505801) pushes the brand’s pilot DNA into a fully experimental direction with a bold 46.5mm ceramic case made from IWC’s proprietary Ceralume luminous ceramic, where even the case, dial, and strap glow in the dark. It retains IWC’s signature Kurt Klaus perpetual calendar complication (day, date, month, moonphase, and year display) driven by the in-house Calibre 52616 automatic movement with a 7-day (168-hour) power reserve and Pellaton winding system. Limited in production, the watch is designed as a true statement piece.

J — Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronomètre Perpetual Calendar 39mm

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronomètre Perpetual Calendar 39mm is one of the most technically restrained yet elegant perpetual calendars unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2026, presented in a perfectly balanced 39mm stainless steel case with a slim 9.2mm profile. It features a classic four-subdial perpetual calendar layout displaying day, date, month, and moonphase, with the latter beautifully integrated and enhanced by refined dial textures across steel or pink gold variations. Inside, it is powered by the in-house Calibre 868 automatic perpetual calendar movement, consisting of 332 components, offering approximately 70 hours of power reserve. What makes this release stand out is not excess complication.

K — Kross Studio MT1.1: Tourbillon 7 Jours

A completely new discovery for many collectors, including myself, the Kross Studio MT1.1 Tourbillon 7 Jours Titanium is a striking independent haute horlogerie creation that immediately stands out with its architectural, almost futuristic execution. Housed in a bold 44mm grade 5 titanium DLC “lugless” case, the watch strips away traditional design conventions with no crown at 3 o’clock and a fully rethought case architecture that prioritises ergonomics and symmetry. Inside, it is powered by the in-house MT 7010 IRM manual-winding movement**, featuring a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock and an impressive 7-day power reserve, achieved through a single oversized barrel integrated into a fully openworked construction. The movement also includes a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, while winding and setting are cleverly relocated to the caseback system.

L — Laurent Ferrier Sport Traveller Slate Grey

The Sport Traveller Slate Grey** brings the brand’s signature dual-time “Traveller” complication into its sportiest execution yet, housed in a modern 42mm Grade 5 titanium case (13.3mm thick) with an integrated titanium bracelet and 100m water resistance. Within the case there is the new LF275.01 movement which is a self-winding micro-rotor with Swiss lever escapement, providing a 72-hour power reserve, with dual-time functionality operated via two intuitive pushers that allow the local hour to jump forward or backward in one-hour increments without stopping the movement.

M — March Lab AM2 XS (AM2 Slim)

The **March Lab AM2 XS** (often aligned with the AM2 Slim line) is a surprising standout in the neo-vintage sports category at Watches & Wonders 2026. So surprising that at the time of writing, there isn't any information about this piece on the brand's website. Packaged in a compact 32mm case and 6.7mm thick, it runs on the Swiss-made La Joux-Perret D101 manual winding movement, offering a solid 50-hour power reserve. The houndstooth guilloché dial, slim horizontal markers and “wasp-waist” strap give it a delightfully vintage elegance.

N — NOMOS Glashütte Tangente neomatik 38 Update

The "Update" is one of the most understated yet technically clever releases at Watches & Wonders 2026, housed in a refined 38.5mm stainless steel case with a slim 7.4mm profile, making it an extremely wearable modern dress watches in the lineup. Featuring NOMOS’ signature ring date peripheral date display, where the full month is read along the dial edge using two red markers, giving it a unique and highly legible take on the date complication. Powering the watch is the in-house DUW 6101 automatic calibre, offering around 42-hour power reserve. Staying true to NOMOS design philosophy—minimalist, functional, and quietly innovative, with just enough mechanical intrigue to reward closer inspection.

O — Oris Artelier Complication

The refreshed Oris Artelier Complication 2026 continues the brand’s strength in accessible mechanical watchmaking, now reworked into a cleaner, more modern dress watch format with a 39.5mm stainless steel case and a more minimalist dial architecture that reduces visual clutter while highlighting its core functions. It retains its practical dual-complication layout featuring a moonphase. Inside, it is powered by the in-house Oris Calibre 782 automatic movement based on Sellita SW200, offering a 41-hour power reserve, making it a refined everyday complication watch that blends Swiss practicality with a more contemporary design direction aimed at a younger audience.

P — Patek Philippe Nautilus 5610/1P-001

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Nautilus, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5610/1P-001 is a fittingly elevated tribute, presented in a full **platinum 40mm case and integrated bracelet that reinforces its status as the pinnacle of sporty haute horlogerie. The dial stays true to the Nautilus identity with its horizontal embossing. Inside is the caliber 240, featuring a 48-hour power reserve It is a release that does not try to reinvent the Nautilus, but instead elevates it—celebrating five decades of one of the most influential sports watch designs ever created in the most Patek way possible.

R — Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 (Ref. 126000, Jubilee-Motif )

Playful yet unmistakably Rolex expression of its most entry-level model, now featuring a vibrant Jubilee-motif dial that brings a celebratory, textured patterning to the otherwise minimalist OP line. Talk about deja-vu. Housed in the classic 36mm Oystersteel case with a smooth bezel and Oyster bracelet, it retains the timeless proportions and versatility that define the model. Inside, it is powered by the in-house Calibre 3230 self-winding movement, it holds approximately 70-hour power reserve. This release doesn’t change what the Oyster Perpetual is fundamentally about, which is simplicity, precision, and everyday wearability—but instead injects personality through dial execution, making it one of the most approachable yet visually engaging Rolex releases of the fair. I'm pretty sure it will be one of the hottest models and a long waitlist seems imminent.

S — Sinn 936 S

A limited to 100-piece edition is definitely a bold, tool-forward chronograph that fits squarely into Sinn’s professional instrument aesthetic, Presented in an assertive 43mm case with black hard coating on a tegimented base (scratch resistance) with strong wrist presence and a functional, no-frills design language. The dial retains a classic tri-compax chronograph layout, with high-contrast subdials and excellent legibility. Inside, it is powered by the Sinn SZ05 chronograph movement, With anti-magnetic protection, and Sinn’s signature engineering focus, the 936 S is very much a modern instrument watch first. Talk about having a statement piece on your wrist, look no further.

T — Tudor Black Bay Ceramic

While Tudor’s 2026 lineup may have divided opinion, the Black Bay Ceramic remains the standout for me, especially as a more technical and stealth-focused interpretation of the brand’s flagship dive watch. (Yes, not the Tudor Monarch) Housed in a 41mm matte black ceramic case with matching ceramic bezel, the distinct monochromatic presence that sets it apart from the rest of the Black Bay family reminds me of the discontinued Black Bay Black. Inside is the in-house MT5602-1U movement, which is COSC and METAS certified, offering 70 hours of power reserve. Its understated “all-black” aesthetic makes it one of Tudor’s most modern and quietly capable executions, even if it sits outside the more headline-grabbing releases of the year.

U — Ulysse Nardin Freak Super Freak

Another celebration to behold, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Freak, the **Super Freak** is introduced. An evolution of its most disruptive concept watch, housed in a bold 44mm case with a perceived thickness of 12.2mm, it stays true to the original crownless, dial-less philosophy. The watch once again uses the entire movement as the display, containing the self-winding calibre UN-252m with no less than 511 components, and having approximately 3 days power reserve. Limited to only 50 pieces, it's no wonder the price of this piece also "super freaks" me out! Nevertheless it remains one of the more intriguing timepieces amongst this year's releases.

V — Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin

One of the most elegant interpretations of a modern luxury sports watch presented in a refined platinum 39,5mm case with an ultra-slim profile of just 7.35mm thickness. The 2500V replaces the now discontinued 2000V, and is limited to 255 pieces. The signature Overseas design language remains intact with the six-sided bezel inspired by the Maltese cross, integrated bracelet, and interchangeable strap system. Inside, it is powered by the ultra-thin in-house Calibre 2550 movement, giving it approximately 80-hour power reserve. It is a showcase of restraint and refinement—an ultra-thin complication housed in one of the most versatile luxury sports cases ever designed.

Z — Zenith G.F.J. “Bloodstone”

The Zenith G.F.J. “Bloodstone” closes the A–Z lineup on a high note at Watches & Wonders 2026, paying tribute to the brand’s 160-year history through a finely crafted 39mm yellow-gold case with a slim, elegant profile of 10.5mm, paired with a richly textured natural “bloodstone” dial that gives each piece a unique, almost geological character. Inside is the Zenith Calibre 135 manual-winding, COSC-certified chronometer movement, operating at a refined 18,000 vph with a 72-hour power reserve. The result is a fitting finale to the alphabet—combining Zenith’s deep chronometric heritage with a bold material choice that feels both artisanal and distinctly modern.