2025 was undoubtedly a hit year for watches. It was a major year for milestone anniversaries – Breguet celebrated its 250th anniversary with the launch of more than a dozen of watches, also debuting its proprietary Breguet Gold and its 10Hz magnetic constant force tourbillon, while the 270th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin saw the brand release a slew of watches including the world’s most complicated timepiece, Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication. The year ended on a high note as well, with Blancpain and Chopard both releasing their most complicated watches. The innovation game was also strong last year with TAG Heuer releasing its thinner than human hair carbon spring; Ming’s 3D printed bracelet, Polymesh; Hublot’s magic ceramic; Ulysse Nardin’s Crystallium, among others.
2025 has quietly set the tone for what 2026 might bring. Based on what we saw last year, here is how we see the world of watches shaping this coming year.
1. Jumping hour, guichet watches take centre stage
2025 brought back the trend of guichet watches, starting with Louis Vuitton at LVMH Watch Week, onto brands like Cartier, Bremont, Czapek, and Jager-LeCoultre. Expect to see the design language grow this year.
2. Stones and meteorite dials are the new high
Favre Leuba Deep Raider Renaissance featuring a malachite dial
The trend of stone and meteorite dials has particularly gained popularity this past year. They add character to the watch without trying too hard. With recent examples from Frederique Constant, Dennison, Favre Leuba, and more, we feel this direction will continue to grow, with more enthusiasts gravitating towards it.
3. Another year of microbrands
Microbrands continue to rise and rise. With a focus on experimentation and affordability without compromising on quality, microbrands have drawn more and more people into their fold. Brands like Anoma, Atelier Wen, and Studio Underd0g made a big impact last year, and we expect even more microbrands to step into the spotlight in 2026.
Also Read: Delhi Watch Company’s new watch Terra went viral last week. This is what you need to know about it.
4. Collaborations, a sweet spot
Collaborations are largely loved and welcomed because they inherit the spirit of two brands yet showcase their individuality. The most recent collaboration that made waves was between Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk. I had the chance to wear the Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk Freak at Dubai Watch Week and it was a love at first sight. The past year also boasts partnerships between Bamford and Frederique Constant, Studio Underdog, Moser and Cie., MB&F and Bulgari, amongst others, all remarkable. So it is safe to say that the coming year will be another big year for partnerships.
5. Vintage revivals
The watch industry loves to revive watches from the past, but this idea has gathered steam in recent years. Last year itself, Omega revived its iconic Railmaster, and Nivada Grenchen reintroduced icons like the Antarctic and F77 at very accessible price points. Even the launch of Rolex’s Land-Dweller at Watches and Wonders last year proved how deeply brands value their roots. Add to that, watch brands are being resuscitated, like Universal Geneve and Gallet, under the House of Brands. Expect 2026 to be rich with vintage revivals.
6. Smaller case sizes remain big
Sizes ranging from 36–39 mm are becoming a sweet spot for a much wider audience now. From celebrities seen wearing smaller watches to brand releasing watches in smaller case sizes, the buzz around smaller sizes is expected to grow.
7. 3D Printing is the future
3D printing seems to be carving its space in the watch industry. Moving beyond prototyping, we feel brands are going to explore its potential in it. Recent examples are seen in TAG Heuer’s Monaco Air, and Ming has created a 3D printed bracelet, another brand that has used 3d printing is Apiar, a british watch microbrand found in 2022, has created a 3D printed dial in its Gen1.0 watch.
While the watch market is thriving globally, closer home, India is keeping up with the pace. Again, 2026 seems to be a promising year for watches in India as more and more brands are opening doors in the country. A glance of what's coming will be seen at the year’s watches and wonders. Moreover, all our eyes are on Audemars Piguet’s slew of 2026 releases and milestone anniversaries of the brands and their collections like Tudor is turning 100, Patek Philippe Nautilus, Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual’s 100th year and more to see.
A glimpse of what’s to come will, as always, be revealed at Watches and Wonders. Beyond that, all eyes are on Audemars Piguet’s 2026 releases and a series of milestone anniversaries - Tudor turning 100, the Patek Philippe Nautilus celebrating its legacy, Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual reaching its 100th year, and more.
If 2025 was about impact and celebration, 2026 feels like a year of thoughtful evolution.
Images: Courtesy brands
Also Read :
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