The Best of Watches and Wonders 2026: Patek, Rolex, Cartier and IWC
Despite an up and down year for the timepiece trade, the vibe at the industry’s biggest show was upbeat. Even goofy.
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Hi, it’s Chris Rovzar, editor-at-large for Bloomberg Pursuits, and I just left the Watches and Wonders trade show in Geneva. That’s where 65 international brands build elaborate, multistory “booths” in a giant expo hall to introduce their new wares to retailers, the press and their top collectors. It’s Switzerland’s biggest annual showcase for watchmakers and a very hectic but fun time. It’s also a powerful annual reminder of the breadth and ambition of this relatively niche enthusiast field.
I tried on hundreds of timepieces, traded stories with watchmakers and CEOs, and was genuinely impressed by everyone’s sunny attitudes after a year with lots of ups and downs in the market due to tariffs.