Another Friday, another list! With Watches and Wonders nearing its end, it is time to look back at some of the show’s best releases. This week saw an avalanche of new watches, and it was sometimes hard to keep up. As always, the anticipation was palpable. But did the brands deliver? For now, we will leave that up to you. Once the Fratello team returns from Geneva, the writers will compile their list of favorites and reflect on the event. This week’s list focuses on five remarkable releases that immediately stood out to us.
Before we get into our list, I would like to reflect briefly on a major difference between this year’s and last year’s shows. If I look back at the top 5 most significant releases from Watches and Wonders 2025, I notice that they were more impressive in terms of technological innovations. In 2025, Rolex presented the groundbreaking caliber 7135 that powers the Land-Dweller, Grand Seiko unveiled its new super-accurate U.F.A. movements, and Vacheron presented the most complicated wristwatch ever. This year was a little quieter on that front. That’s not to say that we haven’t seen any great releases or technical innovation, though. Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled some highly impressive complicated Master Hybris models, and Patek Philippe released the stunning 6105G “Celestial Sunrise And Sunset.” Did they make our Top 5 list? Let’s find out.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronometre
We kick this list off with a new series from Jaeger-LeCoultre that caught us off guard. The brand focused heavily on its new Master collection this year, especially the complex Master Hybris releases, which took center stage. As a result, we almost overlooked the new Master Control Chronometre series. It’s Jaeger-LeCoultre’s modern entry into the popular world of integrated-bracelet sports watches. But the design for the three new models doesn’t come out of nowhere. For its new series, the brand was inspired by the Master Mariner Chronomètre models from the 1970s.
Additionally, the trio comes with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new High Precision Guarantee (HPG) seal. The term “HPG” also dates back to the ’70s, when the brand’s caliber-916-powered models featured the same three letters on the dial. Back then, it was an indication of the watch’s high precision standards. For 2026, the brand redefined its HPG seal, and the watches must pass a series of tests focused on altitude, shock resistance, variable positions, and temperature. On top of that, the new Master Control Chronometre models are COSC-certified chronometers to guarantee great daily accuracy.
Three models with different looks
The three introductions share a common base design but exhibit distinct dial aesthetics. What connects them is the round case paired with a blue-gray gradient dial and a newly designed integrated bracelet. All three are available in stainless steel and two in rose gold, but for this list, we focus on the steel models because they impressed us the most. The first of the three models is the Master Control Chronometre Date. This is the base model, which has a 38 × 8.4mm case.
The case is paired with a dial design featuring numerals at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. I love the case dimensions, and the dial design is clever. One detail I adore is the double row of scales towards the edge of the dial. It adds a lot of refinement, keeping it from getting boring. On top of that, I love the slightly retro feel of the combination of numerals and indexes. They complement the watch’s overall modern feel.
The design pairs vintage charm with modern cues
Inside the case, you will find the brand’s in-house caliber 899. This automatic movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 32 jewels, and offers a 70-hour power reserve. It is the perfect powertrain for this new entry-level model in the series. To our surprise, the €14,800 price tag for the stainless steel Master Control Chronometre Date is friendlier than some of its competitors, which helps us appreciate this new introduction even more.
The Master Control Chronometre Perpetual Calendar was actually the first of the three versions I saw, and it thoroughly impressed me. The watch has a 39mm case with a mere 9.2mm profile. The dial eschews the numerals and combines the four sub-dials with a set of classy hour markers. As you will understand, I had to get used to the Date model for a bit because I adore this new Perpetual Calendar so much.
Powering the watch is JLC’s in-house caliber 868. The automatic movement runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a 70-hour power reserve. I love the way the dial displays all the functions the caliber offers (hours, minutes, seconds, year, month, day, date, leap year, and moon phase). It feels balanced and is probably my favorite of the three introductions. This perpetual calendar comes in at €47,800.
A new caliber for the Master Control Chronometre Date Power Reserve
The Master Control Chronometre Date Power Reserve completes this trio of new releases. The watch has the same 39mm case as the Master Control Chronometre Perpetual Calendar. But instead of offering the extensive calendar functions, this model features a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock and a date display at 3. The numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock remain, so the design finds elements of the previous two models. Jaeger-LeCoultre specially developed the caliber 738 that powers this watch. The new 39-jewel automatic movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a 70-hour power reserve. This last version costs €17,800 in stainless steel. It completes a remarkable trio that deserves the opening spot on this list.
Zenith G.F.J. “Bloodstone”
Last year, Zenith introduced the G.F.J. as one of the brand’s 160th-anniversary releases. But after that, we didn’t see any new additions to the lineup. That was until Watches and Wonders 2026. Exactly a year later, the Le Locle brand surprised us with two stunning new G.F.J. models. The first was a 20-piece limited edition in tantalum, with a black-onyx dial with baguette-cut diamonds as hour markers. It’s quite the release, but we feel the yellow gold G.F.J. with a green bloodstone dial is the better of the two new introductions.
The specs are similar to last year’s G.F.J., but simply using new materials creates a completely different watch. The G.F.J. “Bloodstone” has a 39.15mm yellow gold case with a 10.5mm profile and a 45.75mm lug-to-lug. The beautifully faceted case is paired with a three-part dial consisting of a bloodstone center, a green mother-of-pearl sub-seconds register, and an outer ring featuring a brick-pattern inspired by the facade of the Zenith manufacture in Le Locle.
The modern version of the classic Zenith caliber 135
If you turn the watch around, you get a good view of the modern remake of the brand’s classic caliber 135 that won a plethora of awards at observatory chronometer competitions. This modern version is a manual-winding movement with a 2.5Hz (18,800vph) frequency and a 72-hour power reserve. Additionally, it is a COSC-certified chronometer, regulated to ±2 seconds per day by Zenith.
While the story of the G.F.J. was already deeply rooted in the brand’s 161-year history, this new version uses materials that make it stand out even more. Sometimes it’s as simple as execution for a watch to take the spotlight. This special 161-piece limited edition is our second highlight, priced at €54,000 on a leather strap. But we would definitely put down the extra money for the brilliant bracelet that is an option when buying this spectacular watch.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin
Vacheron Constantin had two releases that thoroughly impressed us this year. That made it hard to pick a favorite for this list. The first was the series of four new Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points models.
These watches are inspired by the popular 2021 limited-edition Dual Time “Everest,” and they’re absolutely brilliant. But the true stroke of genius is the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin. The concept seems simple: make a slightly smaller and thinner version of the Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin from 2016. But for that to happen, the brand had to develop a new ultra-thin movement.
As we know, that is not a challenge that the brand can’t tackle. So here we are at Watches and Wonders 2026, with an Overseas that has received widespread praise. The new Ultra Thin model features a 39.5 × 7.35mm platinum case. It is combined with the familiar Overseas bracelet, which has also been redesigned to fit this smaller, thinner model.
VC pairs the case with a beautiful lacquered salmon dial with a sunburst satin texture and a contrasting peripheral minute track. As you can see, the new watch has no date window, which keeps the overall look super clean. Additionally, Vacheron Constantin did an awesome job redesigning the various elements to create a visually balanced watch.
The new ultra-thin Vacheron Constantin 2550 movement
Powering the watch is the new 2.4mm-thick caliber 2550. It features a platinum micro-rotor, twin barrels, and a single-level gear train. Additionally, it operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, has 25 jewels, and provides a healthy 80-hour power reserve. Needless to say, Vacheron Constantin also made sure the caliber is finished beautifully and bears the Poinçon de Genève (Hallmark of Geneva). I suggest you read Lex’s introductory article if you haven’t already, as he details what went into developing this new movement.
Seeing this new platinum Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin was super exciting for us. It shows what is possible with the Overseas if VC makes it slightly smaller and thinner and rebalances the design. As you will understand, this is not a lightweight watch, as both the case and bracelet are 950 platinum. As a result, all 255 future owners who will get their hands on one for €119,000 will have to do some heavy lifting.
Singer Reimagined DualTrack
Our next pick is the wonderful Singer Reimagined DualTrack. The brand has made waves over the past few years with a string of releases that combine technical innovation with standout signature looks. A great example was the DiveTrack from 2024, which reimagined the concept of a dive watch. For 2026, we get the new DualTrack, which does the same for a travel watch. To do so, Singer drew on its extensive knowledge of chronographs. The result is a watch with a dual-time complication and a peripheral 24-hour disc.
As Robert-Jan explained, the local time is shown in the center with traditional hour, minute, and seconds hands. The peripheral 24-hour disc displays the time in other time zones, with an orange indicator at 6 o’clock. On the left side of the case, you will find a corrector that lets the wearer adjust the disc in one-hour increments with each press.
The functionality is incorporated into a design featuring a 43 × 15mm stainless steel case with a 100m water resistance rating. Overall, the design definitely has Singer Reimagined written all over it. We see details from the Track 01, Flytrack, Divetrack, and DLS series, all of which showcase the brand’s unique design signature.
The new Calibre-4 Dual Time
Inside the case of the DualTrack, you will find the dual twin-barrel Calibre-4 Dual Time. It is based on the movement that powers the Caballero models that we love as well. The new 39-jewel manual-winding caliber ticks at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a six-day power reserve thanks to the four barrels. On top of that, it’s accurate to within -4/+6 seconds per day, maintained by a flat torque curve, delivering stable amplitude and consistent chronometric performance throughout the 144-hour power reserve.
Singer Reimagined offers the new DualTrack in Meridian Green or Horizon Red colorways, both of which look stunning. The names refer to the 24-hour ring, which is combined with a black dial and orange and gold details. As we know from Singer, there are plenty of intricate design details that only stand out once you zoom in on the dial and the case. But overall, we love this new duo of DualTrack travel watches that perfectly show what makes Singer Reimagined such a special brand. The Meridian Green and Horizon Red each retail for CHF 22,500 (ex. taxes).
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Divers
Our last pick for this list is another watch duo. The Grand Seiko SLGB023 and SLGB025 represent more than just two new dive watches. They are the Japanese brand’s answer to years of fan requests to produce a smaller dive watch. Finally, for Watches and Wonders 2026, Grand Seiko granted that wish. On top of that, the new releases address the practical issues many fans have with the brand’s previous bracelets.
But let’s start at the beginning. We all know that Grand Seiko’s 44–45mm dive watches were too big. But with these two new models, the brand created two divers featuring a 40.8mm High-Intensity Titanium case with a 12.9mm profile and a 300m depth rating.
The case features a 120-click bezel with a ceramic insert and houses a dial in either blue or green. These two gradient dials share a special Ushio pattern inspired by the waters surrounding the Japanese archipelago. The dials slowly darken towards the edges, creating a smooth overall feel.
The two dials feature rectangular indexes with white Lumibrite, allowing great legibility in the dark. Additionally, the new handset is a major step forward compared to the classic cathedral-style hands of the previous model. The new hands feel authoritative while still providing the great practicality you need from a dive watch.
The new in-house Spring Drive 9RB1
The answer to this reduced size lies inside the modern, angular Evolution 9 case. The new in-house Spring Drive 9RB1 movement has a 30mm diameter and a reasonably thin 4.7mm profile. It is part of the U.F.A. series and runs with an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year. Grand Seiko translates to approximately ±3 seconds per month, which is nothing short of impressive. After last year’s Spring Drive 9RB2 caliber, the second movement allows Grand Seiko to be more versatile in its case sizes, which is very welcome.
The two watches come with a completely new titanium bracelet. It is lightweight, easy to wear, and features a new clasp with a toolless micro-adjustment system that offers 6mm of fine-tuning. On top of that, the dive extension adds another 18mm to ensure that you can wear the watches over your diving suit.
The Grand Seiko logo on the clasp serves as a lock to prevent accidental opening. It is one of the many details that the Grand Seiko designers tackled with these new releases. The result is a duo of watches that has been well received by critics and enthusiasts alike. It makes the €12,500 Grand Seiko SLGB023 and SLGB025 the perfect duo to close out this week’s list.
What were your favorite releases from Watches and Wonders 2026?
As always, we’d love it if you shared your thoughts about our top five Watches and Wonders 2026 releases in the comments section below. Did you find them as impressive as we did? Also, what do you think were the standouts from the show? Let us know!
Jorg Weppelink
2026-04-17 05:00:00