The Timepieces That Stole the Show at Watches and Wonders 2026

Watches and Wonders is once again in full swing. Happening from 14 to 20 April 2026, the latest instalment of the flagship watchmaking event promises a showcase that is bigger and better than ever. From the nearly a dozen first-time exhibitors joining the roster to the expansion of the ‘In the City’ programme, the fair continues to extend its reach beyond the walls of Palexpo, making it accessible to audiences from all walks of life. These exciting developments are matched by the 65 participating brands as they pull out all the stops with their new releases, previews, and heritage pieces.

For those who can’t make it to Geneva, don’t worry—we have curated the standout timepieces to help you up your wrist game.

THE J12 DIAMONDS TOURBILLON CALIBER 5 BY CHANEL

One of this year’s showstoppers comes from the Chanel booth. The J12 Diamonds Tourbillon Caliber 5 sees Arnaud Chastaingt, the house’s Watchmaking Creation Studio director, operating at his most artistic. The proof is in the dial. It exposes the Caliber 5—the first mechanical tourbillon movement designed by the studio—in the most dramatic fashion. Crafted in 18K white gold, the dial boasts baguette diamonds that follow the rotations of the flying tourbillon.

THE HAPPY SPORT HAPPY HEARTS BY CHOPARD

Reminding us of the free-spirited nature of its Happy Sport collection, Chopard delivers a masterclass in duality with Happy Sport Happy Hearts. Here, precious materials like the brand’s exclusive Lucent Steel, which makes up the case, and mother-of-pearl, which embellishes the dial and the dancing hearts, are juxtaposed with the rugged denim strap. More than just a looker, the Chopard 09.01-C movement powering the watch offers a 42-hour power reserve.

THE BIG PILOT’S WATCH PERPETUAL CALENDAR CERALUME BY IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

Innovation has always been a bedrock of IWC Schaffhausen—the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume is a shining example. Crafted using the watchmaker’s proprietary Ceralume technology, the watch radiates an intense bluish glow in the darkness. The white dial and rubber strap, enriched with Super-LumiNova pigments, amplify the effect. They create a striking visual as the numerals and hands appear as dark shadows against the ceramic, luminous dial.

THE LADY RENCONTRE CÉLESTE & LADY RETROUVAILLES CÉLESTES BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

Nobody does poetic watchmaking quite like Van Cleef & Arpels. The latest to demonstrate this are the Lady Rencontre Céleste and Lady Retrouvailles Célestes watches. Inspired by the tale of Vega and Altair, the pieces capture the star-crossed lovers against picture-perfect backdrops made of enamels, mother-of-pearls, sapphires, and diamonds. Framed by white and rose gold cases, respectively, the duo are animated by manual-winding mechanical movements.

THE CHRONOMASTER SPORT SKELETON BY ZENITH

If you’ve got it, flaunt it—that’s what Zenith does. Just look at the new Chronomaster Sport Skeleton. It bares the watchmaker’s iconic calibre, the El Primero, through an openworked architecture. Designed in stainless steel with a black ceramic bezel, the watch marks a few firsts for the brand. Case in point: the patented folding clasp. Anchored by smooth and rounded lines, it boasts an ergonomic design as well as a safety-lock buckle and a micro-adjustment system.