Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026
Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026: A Watchonista Team Perspective
Take a deep breath and think: “Three Ws.” Watches and Wonders and Watchonista. Practically on the eve of the 2026 watch show in Geneva’s opening, we offer this calming, insightful perspective from the Watchonista team, who are on as many pins and needles as you eager timepiece fans are.
By Watchonista
Between early product revelations, phenomenal expansion and show-week growth, and burgeoning velocity and interest in timepieces, the 2026 version of Watches and Wonders (which kicks off properly this Tuesday in Geneva) is feeling, well, more hectic than ever.
However, the Watchonista team collectively took a “moment of Zen” to provide you with some telling perspective and insight ahead of this most important of timepiece events.
By Andrew Luff
Chief Executive Officer
Watchonista CEO, Andrew Luff, is a passionate (orange) watch collector and part-time wrist model.
“Watches and Wonders Geneva is always an exciting moment, bringing the entire industry together – from brands and retailers to collectors and peers. Beyond seeing and handling the 2026 novelties, it’s also a chance to reconnect with friends from across all corners of the watch world, often through early mornings and very late nights.
“Over the past month, our team has been busy handling, photographing, and filming many of the upcoming pieces, and I can’t wait to share our thoughts, images, and stories live from the show.”
By Ash Longet
PR & Business Development
Director of Watchonista, Ash Longet, has been actively admiring the art of precision and building her personal watch collection for the past seven years. Which has, coincidentally, been more than enough time to be irrevocably captivated by the nuance and genuinely inspired by the people behind it, from the brands to fellow collectors.
“At Watches and Wonders Geneva and Geneva Watch Days 2026, I’m especially excited to see brands leaning into thoughtful evolution over spectacle – pieces that speak to seasoned collectors through proportion, restraint, and true mechanical substance rather than short-lived hype.”
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
Executive Editor Mike Espindle has been covering the watch industry since 2001. Mike is currently celebrating his 5th year at the editorial helm of Watchonista.
“I have attended more Swiss watch shows over the years than I would care to shake a stick at, both in Basel and in Geneva. However, this year I am particularly excited to have been able to free up some time to meet with some of the smaller, independent watchmakers who play such an important role in the watch world.
“Of course, we are all expecting impressive things debuting from the usual suspects, but these upstarts provide a tangible driving force that moves the entire industry forward and toward the future. I can’t wait to see what is in store, and, of course, share those innovations with Watchonista readers.”
By Rhonda Riche
Editor-At-Large
Editor-at-Large Rhonda Riche had an exciting 2025 with the publication of two books: The Wonderful World of Women's Watches (TeNeues) and Watch Spotting: The Collectors (ACC Art Books). After a brief winter hibernation, she’s hoping for an equally interesting 2026, starting with Watches and Wonders.
“I’m always excited to try on as many timepieces as I can, but this year I feel a little overwhelmed looking at my Geneva schedule.
“Is it possible that there are just too many watches? This unusually big bounty (the official Watches and Wonders website touts 66 exhibiting brands, plus there’s a lot of action happening outside of the Palexpo) promises a horological Battle Royale. Which watches will break out from the field? Which brands will be the talk of the town?
“As a person who prefers peace and harmony over combat, however, I’m looking forward to seeing more collaborations between brands. I also like technical and material innovation. Parmigiani Fleurier and IWC have never let me down in the past, so I’ve got my fingers crossed for their 2026 presentations.”
By Cait Bazemore
Contributor
Contributor Cait Bazemore is stepping into her 14th year covering watches, during which time she’s contributed to 20 different publications in the industry. You’ve seen her byline at Watchonista for three years now, as well as being profiled on Watchonista’s 30 Under 30(ish) list last year.
“Once you’ve attended shows like Watches and Wonders time and time again, they can admittedly become a bit routine. I have to remind myself of the first year I got an invite to the then-industry event of the season: Baselworld. That moment was transformational for my career. After years of trying to carve out a name for myself, I felt like I had finally made it.
“On the flip side, what came after was the feeling I had to take full advantage of the privilege – overbooking and ultimately overextending myself year after year. This is the first time I’ve approached Watches and Wonders with real intentionality – not just focusing on standard appointments at the booths, but also on interviews with influential figures in the industry, brand experiences that illustrate the ethos beyond the new watches, and dinners with colleagues where I know meaningful conversation will happen.
“My insight and takeaway: These events are not just about the watches. They’re an incredibly rare opportunity where quite literally everyone in the industry is in the same place at the same time, and that is really the magic of Watches and Wonders.”
By Barbara Palumbo
Contributor
Contributor Barbara Palumbo was the first US-based writer hired by Watchonista, with her first article published on May 8, 2017. With a 30-year history in the fine jewelry and watch industries (including her first few years as a metalsmith’s apprentice), her knowledge has earned her multiple industry nominations and accolades, as well as a spot as one of only six women selected to serve on the GPHG Jury in 2025. Additionally, she has been the watch news editor for the Vanity Fair On Time publication since 2021.
“I’m greatly looking forward to the return of the Audemars Piguet exhibit at the Palexpo in Geneva, as its departure from what was initially the SIHH left a void for watch enthusiasts and media alike. Of course, I also have my favorite brands that I cannot wait to visit, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to mention those here (although, if you know me, you already know).
“I do feel as though the 2026 edition of Watches and Wonders has a whole ‘the world is watching’ feel, which is a good thing, because with the current state of society, we could all use some beautiful distractions.”
By Henri Lee
Contributor
Contributor Henri Lee has been working with Watchonista since September 2023. Based in California, he enjoys covering both top brands and independent watchmakers, as well as the collecting community and watch boutiques, with a focus on the growing watch scene on the US’s West Coast. Recently, he organized a San Francisco gathering for the 49Crowns watch community to meet renowned watchmaker Rémi Maillat of Krayon.
“While I supported Watchonista’s coverage of Watches and Wonders from home in 2024 and 2025, this will be my first time attending the watch industry’s most important show in person. (A special thanks to Trilobe for extending an invitation.)
“I am also eager to meet the world’s leading independent watchmakers at the AHCI Master of Horology exhibit during the same week. It will be my first time meeting Mike, our Executive Editor, in person, and I cannot wait to reconnect with Marco, Ash, and Watchonista photographer Pierre in Geneva.”
See you at the show!