Watches & Wonders Geneva 2026, taking place from April 14 to 20, will be its largest edition yet, welcoming 11 new brands.
This year is highlighted by the return of Audemars Piguet for the first time since 2019, coinciding with the celebration of its 150th anniversary.
At the same time, a handful of maisons have chosen to pivot away from the traditional trade fair model, citing a desire for more personalised, direct-to-consumer engagement. Other notable newcomers include clockmaker L’Epée 1839, Japan’s Credor, China’s Behrens, and Germany’s Sinn Spezialuhren, bringing the total number of exhibitors to 66.
The industry’s premier gathering offers a curated programme of talks, presentations and intimate encounters with designers, alongside early access to the latest novelties, reserved for collectors, celebrity ambassadors, international retailers and the media during the first four days.
From Saturday April 18 to Monday April 20 the doors open to enthusiasts, with personalised schedules available when booking tickets online. With a growing number of satellite events, including Time to Watches, I look forward to the entire city abuzz again with an enticing calendar of independent brand showcases, gatherings and pop-up exhibitions.
The H Moser & Cie Streamliner Tourbillon Concept Ceramic, with its igneous black case and eruptive lava dial, is literally and figuratively one of the hottest pre-fair novelties released so far this year, and I can’t wait to experience this one on the wrist.
Moser is renowned for its unconventional and often provocative material choices, particularly for special editions. Guided by a “very rare” philosophy, these have ranged from rare metal tantalum to even Swiss Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese. Yet surprisingly this novelty marks the brand’s first full exploration of high-tech ceramic.
The Streamliner’s enduring appeal lies not only in its curvaceous, integrated design, but also in its versatility, demonstrated through a wide range of dial executions, case materials and complications since its launch more than six years ago. This time the 40mm cushion-shaped case and integrated bracelet are crafted entirely from anthracite-grey ceramic, finished with a mix of hand-applied satin brushing and polished surfaces.
The hammered texture of the red fumé dial is created through special engraving on a white-gold base, adding a contemporary twist to traditional Grand Feu enamelling. The fiery molten-rock effect is achieved through multiple kiln firings of two graduated enamel pigments. The absence of markers and logos is characteristic of all Concept models, reinforcing the brand’s minimalist and confident design philosophy.
At 6 o’clock, a one-minute flying tourbillon with a skeletonised bridge showcases the regulating organ of the in-house HMC 805 automatic calibre, produced by Moser’s sister company, Precision Engineering. Viewed through the sapphire crystal caseback, the red-gold oscillating weight provides a warm contrast to the anthracite-grey bridges and mainplate. With a 72-hour power reserve and water resistance to 120m, this is not only a statement piece but also a surprisingly practical everyday wearer.
POA, https://h-moser.com/ or Boutique Haute Horlogerie: 021-418-1889
Wanted
