Running from April 14 to 20, here’s what to know about the year’s biggest week in watches

Every April, the global watch community gathers in Geneva for its most significant event of the year: Watches and Wonders. The 2026 edition, taking place from April 14 to 20, marks the largest yet, uniting 66 brands spanning the full spectrum of watchmaking — from ultra-luxury heavyweights to accessible and mid-tier players.

The standout headline, however, is the long-awaited return of Audemars Piguet. After years of charting its own independent course, the iconic brand rejoins the fair, taking its place alongside heavyweights such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and the major houses of Richemont and LVMH.

Adding further energy and edge is the steadily growing presence of independent watchmakers, who inject creativity and fresh ideas. Among the notable new additions are Corum, Credor, L’Epée 1839 and Sinn Spezialuhren.

Notably absent this year are Montblanc and Bell & Ross, who are taking a pause from the circuit to re-evaluate their market strategies.

Watches and Wonders also extends well beyond the exhibition halls, with Geneva itself becoming a vibrant extension of the fair. A new evening programme on Quai Général-Guisan, created in partnership with the Montreux Jazz Festival, transforms watch week into its own cultural circuit. At Pont de la Machine, the Watchmaking Village opens the craft to the public through hands-on workshops and immersive experiences that help demystify an industry long defined by its opacity. Even the city’s iconic Flower Clock has been reimagined in the fair’s signature colours, weaving it into the narrative.

Ultimately, as Geneva plays host to the biggest week in watches, there’s no time quite like this to start paying attention.

More details at www.watchesandwonders.com

Also see: Jim Lai’s favourite vintage Rolex pieces