This week at Watches and Wonders 2026 – the preeminent watch exhibition anywhere in the world – top watch brands pulled out all the stops as they unveiled eye-catching, head-turning new designs, materials and even world firsts. While many brands played it “safe” this year with simple aesthetics, stand-out brands made bold moves to leave their mark on time.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36
Rolex, for instance, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Oyster, released several pieces destined to be on collector “must have” lists for a while. First released to the world in 1926, the Rolex Oyster represented a game-changing evolution in watchmaking: Water resistant watches. Conceived of by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, the dust proof and “waterproof” case was tested time and again in a variety of methods. But it was when Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel with a Rolex Oyster self-winding watch around her neck, history was made. Since then, the Oyster has been synonymous with water resistance, precision and performance.
So, this year, to honor that collection and give it the limelight it deserves, Rolex released many versions of the Oyster to celebrate. One of the exceptional standouts, though, is the highly colorful Oyster Perpetual 36 with a lacquered dial in many colors flaunting the letters of the brand name in geometric style grid format using alternating colors and inspired by the Jubilee motif introduced in the late 1970’s. The dial has become the symbol of the anniversary, adoring Rolex tote bags and more. The case of the watch is made of Oystersteel and is water resistant to 100 meters.
Cartier Crash Squelette
Another legendary brand celebrating an important anniversary this year is Cartier, which boasts 10 years of its beloved “Prive’” collection. The Cartier Prive’ concept started in 2016 when the brand wanted to create a line that denotes some of its more daring specialties. With that 10th anniversary, the brand revives three important shapes, including a Tank, a Tortue, and a Crash.
In fact, with the unveiling of the new Skeleton Crash (Crash Squelette) that, for some, may pale by comparison to the new women’s Myst de Cartier flexible diamond bracelet jewelry watch or the re-introduced Roadster originally released in 2001 and now with updated ergonomic and design appeal, the brand’s R&D and focus on details shines through.
In fact, the new Manufacture 1967 MC movement that powers this watch is a shaped movement designed to fit the asymmetric case shape. It consists of 142 parts, all hand finished and assembled. Those parts, as per the name “skeleton” have all been chiseled away to offer the least amount of metal possible for an unparalleled view of the movement. Still, those parts must be strong enough to do their jobs without a hiccup in precision.
Many other brands warrant coverage with their new designs, technology and advances, so stay tuned for more.
This article was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
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