Lifestyle

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 16, 2026

TAG Heuer Channels Its Racing Roots at Watches and Wonders

This year, TAG Heuer returns to Watches and Wonders Geneva, and the brand has doubled down on what it arguably does best, chronographs, with a display that both honors its rich heritage in motorsports, while continuing to pave a way for the future of watchmaking. Back in its usual spot within the LVMH corner, the TAG Heuer’s familiar footprint completely reworks the experience for visitors, centering everything around the Monaco and its deep-rooted connection to chronographs. At the center of it all is the new TH80-00 movement, presented not only as the latest-and-greatest in movement technology, but as the heartbeat of the booth. A larger-than-life suspended version of the movement turns something typically reserved for watchmakers into a main spectacle, while the surrounding displays welcome visitors through the brand’s history as a pioneer in the chronograph space. From the immersive TAG Heuer Lab to the detailed timeline wall tracing decades of timing precision, everything is intentional, showcased for education and entertainment. Even the presence of an Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 race car and Porsche 917 ties it all together, bridging eras from Steve McQueen to Max Verstappen. Add in a couple of new TAG Heuer Monaco models, and you have a serious celebration that will go down in Watches and Wonders history, fueled and driven by the watchmaker’s passion for all things motorsports. TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph GALLERY-EMBED The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph is the perfect reset for a truly iconic watch. Born in 1969 as one of the first automatic chronographs, with its square case and left-hand crown, the Monaco has always had a rebellious look and feel. TAG Heuer's latest version goes back into that original styling, tightening up the design with sharper lines, better proportions, and a lighter grade-5 titanium case that actually makes it more wearable day to day. Under it all, the new TH20-11 movement meets modern expectations with greater power reserve and reliability, while retaining small details that collectors care about. Paired with a few new color options, including the classic blue made famous by Steve McQueen, it all comes together as a Monaco that’s familiar but genuinely improved. TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph GALLERY-EMBED The all-new TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph takes everything that made the Monaco unconventional back in 1969 and pushes it even further. Instead of just tweaking a few characteristics, this model focuses more on a conceptual approach, with a transparent dial that makes the movement feel like it’s floating inside the case. The design still pays homage to the original reference 1133, but updated proportions, curved caseback, and lightweight titanium design make it noticeably more comfortable to wear on the daily, whether it's in the office or out on the race track. The balance of the subdials, the sweeping bridges, and even the left-side crown all tie back to the Monaco’s original styling, just reworked in a more modern way. It’s offered in a blue version that channels Steve McQueen and a darker, stealthier version. Either way, both stand out without losing that core Monaco identity.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2026

Inside L’Epée 1839’s Wildest Creations at Watches and Wonders

At Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, where the usual heavy hitters tend to dominate the conversation, L’Epée 1839 shows up doing its own thing, and honestly, that’s kind of the point. While most of the festivities are centered around what goes on your wrist, L’Epée goes in the opposite direction with sculptural clocks that take shape as true works of art. I’ve witnessed them in person, and they’re the kind of pieces that stop you mid-walk because you’re trying to figure out exactly what you’re looking at, and how it even works. It’s a refreshing shift in luxury watch world, and one that tends to pull people back for a second (or third) look. Originally founded by Auguste L’Epée, the brand has more than 185 years of traditional clockmaking behind it, which makes its newest novelties even more impressive. It’s not like this is a newcomer experimenting for the sake of it. L’Epée has done the serious, technical side for generations, from escapements to carriage clocks. What collectors and enthusiasts are seeing in Geneva today is more of an evolution of a pioneer, and the future of clockwork. Modern marvels like The Belly Tank Racer and The Gekko are more expressive and more fun, while still grounded in real mechanical art. In a space filled with dive watches and perpetual calendars, that balance lands well. The Belly Tank Racer GALLERY-EMBED The Belly Tank Racer from L’Epée 1839 pays homage to early hot-rod legends born from WWII aircraft leftovers, sparking an automotive era unlike any other. Housed in a long, lightweight aluminum body, each piece draws inspiration from vintage land-speed racers, featuring a low, streamlined shape and a polished finish. Time is displayed on two transparent discs for hours and minutes, set by rotating the minute disc manually. Around the back, the winding system is built into the rear wheels. Turn them like a pullback car, and it charges the in-house movement, which delivers an 8-day power reserve. The build combines materials like palladium-plated brass, stainless steel, and acrylic, with steel rims and actual rubber tires adding to the automotive detailing. Limited to 99 pieces, it’s offered in multiple colors including blue, green, metallic grey, red, and black. The Gekko GALLERY-EMBED The Gekko from L’Epée 1839 features a wall-mounted design, built around an openworked in-house movement with an 8-day power reserve. The design is modeled after the lizard itself, with the escapement positioned in the head and a detailed metal structure across the dial that mirrors the texture of gecko skin. Time is displayed by a rotating ring, which can be adjusted depending on how you position the clock. There are 10 wall-mounted positions plus a freestanding option on its legs, so it’s designed to be appreciated from all angles. Winding is handled by moving the tail side to side, while time-setting is done on the back with a dedicated key. The Gekko combines stainless steel, brass, and lacquered parts with a mix of satin and polished finishes. Like the rest of the collection, it’s limited to 99 pieces and available in finishes including full gold-plated, black and silver, and champagne.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2026

Roger Dubuis Just Revealed Its Most Extreme Excalibur Watches Yet

For an industry rooted in centuries of tradition, the world of luxury watches has become a lot more open-minded over the past few decades. What was once all about sticking to the classics has shifted into something more expressive, with brands feeling comfortable experimenting, taking risks, and pushing the limits of what a modern wristwatch can actually be. Roger Dubuis is one of the unrestrained brands that take pride in going against the grain and continuing to write its own history with flagship models like the Excalibur. Today, at Watches and Wonders Geneva, Roger Dubuis is proud to showcase the next generation of Excalibur watches, featuring everything from a complex perpetual calendar to a gem-set work of art for women. While Roger Dubuis first introduced the Excalibur in 2005, defined by its skeletonized design and double tourbillon, the collection hasn’t stood still, continuing to evolve with a mix of bold creativity, freedom, and just the right amount of madness. That mindset is front and center once again at Watches and Wonders Geneva, where the latest Excalibur models take things even further, introducing new materials, sharper aesthetics, and complications that continue to blur the line between watchmaking and pure mechanical art. Excalibur Biretrograde Perpetual Calendar GALLERY-EMBED The latest from Roger Dubuis takes its signature biretrograde style and pushes it into a more evolved space with a new perpetual calendar built around the RD850 caliber. Cased in pink gold and sized at 40mm, it pairs sweeping retrograde day and date displays with a precise astronomical moonphase that’s accurate for well over a century. The open-work dial focuses on a celestial theme, layering different textures and tones of deep “Astral Blue” for an atmospheric look. Inside, the upgraded movement brings practical upgrades too, like an easier month adjustment and a solid 60-hour power reserve. Excalibur Biretrograde Calendar Steel GALLERY-EMBED The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Biretrograde Calendar showcases subtle styling while retaining everything that defines Roger Dubuis. Sized at 40mm and finished in steel, it leans into a sport-chic space, but the real focus is the signature biretrograde display, with the day and date sweeping across the dial. The deep “Cosmic Blue” dial adds a lot of depth, especially with its layered look, which gives it real depth in different light. Inside, the RD840 caliber keeps things reliable with a 60-hour power reserve while still meeting the brand’s high standards. The Excalibur Biretrograde Calendar is completed with a multi-link bracelet in stainless steel. An additional blue rubber strap is also included with each watch, completed with a triple folding clasp in stainless steel. Excalibur Lady of the Lake GALLERY-EMBED The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Lady of the Lake takes the brand’s signature storytelling approach and gives it a feminine edge. Inspired by the legend of Viviane, a key Arthurian enchantress , Roger Dubuis layers its dial in shades of grey, mixing textures and materials to create a miniature scene rather than a standard watch face. The rose gold case features a jewelry-like design, complete with a diamond-set bezel that adds an extra layer of luxury. Flip it over, and the automatic RD830 beats as its mechanical heart.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 14, 2026

H. Moser & Cie. Shows Off A Handful of New Creations at Watches and Wonders

Every spring, Watches and Wonders turns Geneva into the center of the watch world, where heritage brands and independents show what’s next, and, just as importantly, how they’re thinking about the future. It’s a technical showcase and creative reset, with everything from ultra-complicated showpieces to subtly refined everyday watches sharing the same stage. This year feels especially open-ended, with brands focusing less on tradition for tradition’s sake and more on reimagining what modern watchmaking can actually be. That’s exactly where H. Moser & Cie. tends to thrive. Positioned as somewhat of an industry insider, Moser shows up to Geneva with serious watchmaking credibility, continuing to blur the line between high-end horology and experimentation. The brand’s latest releases lean into that identity, pushing unusual materials, rethinking how we interact with mechanical watches, and stripping complications back to their simplest forms. Consider this a preview of where Moser is heading next, equal parts serious, experimental, and just a little bit revolutionary. Streamliner Pump GALLERY-EMBED Back in the late ’80s, Reebok’s Pump turned a simple sneaker into something you could feel. Today, H. Moser & Cie. brings that idea into watchmaking with the Streamliner Pump, replacing the crown with an orange pusher that winds the movement with each press, building power reserve while setting the mechanics in motion under a partially openworked design. The reworked hand-wound calibre stays compact and clean, visible through the caseback, while the 40mm forged quartz fiber case adds a matte, marbled texture backed by a titanium core. A polished dial, subtle orange accents, and an integrated rubber strap keep everything just unconventional enough to bear the H. Moser logo. Streamliner Two Hands 34mm GALLERY-EMBED With its latest Streamliner releases, H. Moser & Cie. shifts focus to something often overlooked, scale. Offered in 34mm and 28mm, these new two-hand models strip things back to the essentials, proving smaller watches don’t have to mean compromise. Both are powered by automatic in-house movements, stylishly finished and visible through the caseback, with solid gold rotors and a 60-hour power reserve. The steel cases keep the signature Streamliner curves and integrated bracelet. Under the sapphire crystals, the fumé dials in silver or burgundy ditch logos and indices entirely, replaced by a frosted, light-catching texture. Endeavour Minute Repeater Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton GALLERY-EMBED H. Moser & Cie.’s new Endeavour Minute Repeater Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton takes haute horlogerie and turns it into theatrics, where mechanics aren’t hidden but put on center stage. Inside the 40mm titanium case, the fully skeletonized HMC 909 movement is fully exposed, its 415 components set like a moving work of art. The minute repeater hammers and chimes sit on the dial side, while curved gongs and openworked bridges stay in constant motion. At 6 o’clock, a one-minute flying tourbillon adds a second layer of rhythm, suspended like it’s literally floating. A Funky Blue fumé sub-dial at 2 o’clock breaks up the transparency with a vibrant flash of color. Finished on a grey alligator strap, it’s a statement watch limited to only 20 pieces. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum GALLERY-EMBED H. Moser & Cie.’s Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum takes one of watchmaking’s most notable complications and simplifies it down to its core. The 42 mm case is carved entirely from tantalum, a rare metal known for its density, corrosion resistance, and shifting dark-grey sheen, while the dial is cut from the same material and finished in a brushed sunburst. No logos, no indices, no visual distractions, just a perpetual calendar reduced to a big date, power reserve, and month hand. Everything looks designed to feel obvious, including the ability to adjust the calendar forward or backward at any time using the crown. Inside, the hand-wound HMC 800 caliber delivers seven days of power. Limited to 50 pieces worldwide.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 14, 2026

Ulysse Nardin Just Unveiled The Most Complex Time-Only Watch Ever Made

While so many watches today push the boundaries of traditional horology through ultra-complex movements, advanced materials, and space-age engineering built for lightness and durability, it’s easy to forget they all ultimately begin with something far simpler: telling the time. It’s a sentiment that perfectly reflects Ulysse Nardin's 180-year legacy as a pioneer in watchmaking, evolving from precise, time-only tool watches into outside-the-box creations like the iconic Freak collection. As part of Watches and Wonders 2026, Ulysse Nardin is proud to debut the all-new [Super] Freak as the most complex time-only watch ever made.At the heart of the Super Freak is the new in-house Caliber UN-252, a 511-component movement developed over four years and designed as an expression of everything the Freak has stood for since 2001. Two flying tourbillons sit on a tilted axis, rotating in opposite directions, each completing a full revolution every 60 seconds. They’re mounted on a minute bridge made up of 327 components, yet the entire structure weighs just 3.5 grams.The case, crafted in white gold at 44mm, wraps this entire movement in a more compact, wearable form than previous Freak references, while the bezel-based time-setting system keeps the signature Freak look and feel. Nearly every visible surface is in motion, with over 97% of the movement working when running.More than 70% of its components are finished by hand inside Ulysse Nardin’s Haute Horlogerie Atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds, where a handful of specialist watchmakers build each piece from start to finish. Titanium bridges, silicon components, and DiamonSil escapements all require an incredible level of finishing. With 60 hours of assembly and multiple rounds of testing, each watch undergoes one of the most intensive mechanical processes in modern watchmaking.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 14, 2026

Patek Philippe Just Dropped a Massive 2026 Lineup at Watches and Wonders

While the world of haute horology is filled with brands offering everything from ultra-complex movements to timeless design, they’re all driven by the same core values: precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. Heritage alone doesn’t define success, but Patek Philippe brings a level of superiority that’s hard to ignore. With 187 years behind it, the brand has a deep understanding of the industry and just as much momentum to keep shaping where it’s headed next. This year, at Watches and Wonders 2026 in Geneva, Patek Philippe is showcasing its strengths as a pioneer with more than a dozen new releases that span across its vast, diverse lineup of watches, from timeless classics to modern marvels, and everything in between. Of course, Patek Philippe fans will be more than happy to hear that the Nautilus, the ingenious creation by Gerald Genta, features its very own lineup to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. But above all, what really stands out is just how wide that spectrum really is. Patek Philippe is focusing on everything from artistic complications to more technical, mechanically driven pieces. There’s an emphasis on storytelling, whether that comes through astronomical displays, chiming watches, or the kind of calendar complications the brand has built its reputation on. At the same time, familiar staples like the Calatrava, World Time, and perpetual calendar chronographs show up with subtle updates. Altogether, it’s a well-balanced lineup that touches on every corner of what Patek does best. Nautilus 5610/1P-001 50th Anniversary GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5610/1P-001 takes a low-key approach to celebrating 50 years of the Nautilus, keeping the focus on proportion, materials, and details. The ultra-thin platinum case pairs perfectly with a classic sunburst blue dial and the collection’s signature horizontal embossing, while the self-winding caliber 240 keeps things slim and precise, complete with a 22K gold mini rotor engraved for the anniversary. A small diamond set at 9 o’clock adds just a touch of distinction. Limited to 2,000 pieces, it’s a confident, understated way to mark a major milestone. Nautilus 5810G-001 50th Anniversary GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5810G-001 takes a slightly sportier route for the Nautilus's 50th anniversary, swapping the full bracelet for a navy composite strap with a subtle, almost denim fabric texture. The white gold case stays ultra-thin, paired with a sunburst blue dial that keeps things classic while adding baguette-cut diamond hour markers. Inside, it’s powered by the same slim caliber 240, complete with the engraved 22K gold mini rotor marking the occasion. Limited to 1,000 pieces, it strikes a nice balance between laid-back and elevated. Celestial Sunrise & Sunset 6105G-001 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe Celestial 6105G-001 is easily one of the more out-there pieces in this year’s lineup, focusing fully on Patek’s more experimental side. The dial maps the night sky as seen from Geneva, complete with star charts, moon phases, and orbital displays, but adds another layer with sunrise and sunset indicators that put it into an everyday-use category. The white gold case, with its space module-inspired design, gives it a futuristic look, while the complex caliber inside took years to develop. Calatrava Grand Complications 5322G-001 & 5322G-010 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe Calatrava 5322G takes a familiar Calatrava silhouette and adds something you don’t usually see from the category, a 24-hour mechanical alarm. It’s housed in a white gold case with a hobnail-patterned caseband, which keeps the design rooted in tradition even as the complication proves more functional. Setting the alarm is straightforward on a dedicated display, and when it goes off, a single hammer strikes a classic gong with a chime tone. The dial comes in either textured navy blue or green lacquer, both with a black gradient at the edge, and that’s really the only change between the two. Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton 5840P-001 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe Cubitus 5840P-001 takes a more modern approach to the perpetual calendar, putting the movement on stage front and center. Housed in a 45mm platinum case, it has a unique wrist presence, but the geometry keeps it wearable. The openworked blue dial is cut with horizontal lines that reveal the square-shaped skeletonized caliber inside, turning the watch into something you can read and look through at the same time. A detailed moon phase and caseback visibility make it a work of art, while the single diamond at 6 o’clock adds a touch of luxury. Hour & Minute On Demand Automation 5249R-001 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe 5249R-001 is one of the more unusual releases in this year’s lineup, taking a storytelling approach to time with an automaton function that shows off the hours and minutes on demand. Inspired by a historical pocket watch linked to Louis Cottier and a design from The Crow and the Fox, it portrays a scene across a rose gold Officer-style case and textured brown dial. The animation is activated by a pusher, bringing the dial to life before settling back into a more subtle display. Minute Repeater 7047G-001 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe 7047G-001 brings a more modern edge to one of watchmaking’s most traditional complications. Housed in a 38mm white gold case, it pairs the classic minute repeater function with a dial that’s sportier than expected, thanks to its navy blue carbon-style texture and vibrant orange accents across the seconds hand and markers. Inside, the repeater chimes on two classic gongs, staying true to the complication’s heritage. It’s a minute repeater that doesn’t focus on formality as much as it reimagines it for everyday wear. Grand Complication 5204G-010 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe 5204G-010 shapes one of Patek’s most complex combinations, rattrapante chronograph and perpetual calendar, into a more modern, sport-inspired version. Housed in a fully polished white gold case, it’s paired with a sunburst navy blue dial that keeps things clean despite the complexity going on underneath. Red accents in the stitching and details add a more modern styling, especially against the darker tones of the dial and strap. It’s still a serious Grand Complication at its core, but it looks and feels more wearable and less formal than you might expect from something of this caliber. Perpetual Calendar 5236P-011 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe 5236P-011 takes a more stripped-back approach to one of watchmaking’s most complicated functions. Housed in a platinum case, it puts the focus on a single in-line display at 12 o’clock, where day, date, and month sit together in one clean window instead of the usual scattered layout. It’s a perpetual calendar that reads almost like a digital one, reimagined in mechanical form. The silvery dial is sleek and subtle, with texturing and a small diamond at 6 o’clock adding a touch of contrast. Annual Calendar & Moon Phases 5395R-016 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe 5396R-016 takes one of Patek’s most useful complications and showcases it in an understated way. Housed in a rose gold case, it combines the annual calendar display, day, date, and month, requiring just one correction per year, with a sunburst sand beige dial that’s subtle and legible. The layout is familiar, with the moon phase and 24-hour indication neatly at 6 o’clock. It’s a watch built around everyday practicality, but styled in a dressier manner without ever feeling picky. World Time 7129J-001 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe 7129J-001 brings a more vibrant take on the World Time complication. Housed in a 36mm yellow gold case, it displays all 24 time zones at once, with local time adjusted by a single pusher for quick and easy use. The lacquered carmine red dial is the immediate focus, adding color and contrast to the traditional city ring and world time layout. Despite the color, the dial remains easy to read, with each zone clearly defined by the rotating disc. It’s a World Time that keeps the functionality front and center, but in a more vibrant style. Calatrava 5227G-015 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe 5227G-015 features a more classic Calatrava look, keeping the focus on simple, clean design and everyday wearability. Housed in a 39mm white gold case, it pairs a rose-gilt opaline dial with simple applied markers and dauphine hands, giving it a slightly vintage look that’s not dated by any means. The layout is straightforward, with a date at 3 o’clock and a sweep seconds hand driven by the self-winding 26-330 S C caliber, which also includes a stop-seconds function for precise setting. Annual Calendar & Moon Phases 4946G-001 GALLERY-EMBED The Patek Philippe 4946G-001 offers a more relaxed, modern version of the annual calendar. Housed in a 38mm white gold case, it pairs day, date, and month indications with a moon phase at 6 o’clock, laid out in a balanced way that’s easy to read at a glance. The blue-gray dial, finished with a “shantung” texture, gives the watch a softer look and feel, especially alongside the denim-style calfskin strap.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 13, 2026

Rolex Watches & Wonders 2026—Here’s Every New Drop You Need to See

With Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026 officially underway, the watch world is right back in its favorite rhythm of new releases and big headlines. It’s a week that also tends to set the tone for everything from market trends to what you’ll start seeing in boutiques over the coming months. From industry heavyweights to niche independents, just about every major name has landed in Geneva to show off what’s next and make a little noise in the process. And while there’s no shortage of big announcements, Rolex continues to draw its usual crowd. The world-renowned Swiss brand has just pulled the curtain back on its all-new 2026 lineup, arguably the most anticipated releases of the week. This year’s story starts with a bit of history in haute horology—more specifically, Rolex and its coveted Rolex Oyster, first introduced in 1926 as the brand’s original waterproof wristwatch. To mark the Oyster’s 100th anniversary, Rolex is kicking things off with a special commemorative Rolex Oyster Perpetual that sets the tone for the rest of the lineup. From there, the momentum builds as Rolex revisits some of its most iconic sport models, including the Rolex Yacht-Master II and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, refining them with subtle visual tweaks and technical updates that make them even more versatile—whether you’re on the water or at the track. And for those leaning more classic, Rolex hasn’t missed a beat. Fresh updates to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Rolex Datejust, and Rolex Day-Date 40 bring new materials and dial options into the mix, while still reinforcing what the brand does best: steady evolution, sharp execution, and that unmistakable green seal of approval. Oyster Perpetual 41 GALLERY-EMBED The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 in yellow Rolesor is more like a subtle remix of something familiar, but with just enough of a twist. Instead of the usual two-tone execution, Rolex pairs a yellow gold bezel and crown with a fully Oystersteel bracelet, giving it a cleaner, more understated balance. It also doubles as a quiet celebration of the original Rolex Oyster, with small centennial details like the “100 years” text on the dial and a stamped crown. Underneath it all, the Caliber 3230 keeps things sharp and reliable, making this one both an anniversary piece and a daily wearer with a bit of history baked in. Oyster Perpetual 36 GALLERY-EMBED The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 offers something a little more playful to the lineup without losing the brand’s core DNA. Rolex brings back its vintage Jubilee-inspired motif, but this time the dial is covered in a colorful mix of the Rolex name repeated in a surprisingly clean, almost graphic layout. It’s more complex than it looks, too, with each color applied individually to keep everything sharp and perfectly aligned. The rest stays true to form, an Oystersteel case, simple time-only layout, and the Caliber 3230 as the star of the show. It’s one of those watches that keeps the everyday wearability of an Oyster Perpetual, just with a little more color and personality than you’d normally expect. Oyster Perpetual 28 & 34 GALLERY-EMBED The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 28 and Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 take the familiar Oyster Perpetual formula and dress it up just enough to subtly stand out at dinner or on the town. Rolex swaps in full 18k gold cases, yellow for the 28 with a green lacquer dial, Everose for the 34 with a deep blue, and adds a first for the brand, natural stone hour markers at 3, 6, and 9. It’s a small detail that may go unnoticed at first glance, but it adds a bit more character to each piece without overcomplicating the redesign. The satin-brushed finish keeps it minimal, while the Caliber 2232 inside handles the everyday duties with ease. Datejust 41 GALLERY-EMBED The new Rolex Datejust 41 keeps things simple, but features a trendy green lacquer ombré dial that fades to black at the edges, giving it a bit more style than your typical Datejust. It’s still the same mix of Oystersteel and white gold, paired with a fluted bezel and Oyster bracelet, so nothing feels out of place. The dial just adds a little more character when the light hits it. Inside, the Caliber 3235 remains reliable and accurate, built for everyday use. It’s not trying to reinvent anything, just refining a classic with a small update that actually makes a difference. Yachtmaster II GALLERY-EMBED The newest-generation Rolex Yacht-Master II is a well-executed rethink of one of Rolex’s most niche models. Still built with nautical travel in mind, the biggest change is how much easier it is to actually use. The countdown function has been simplified, now controlled entirely by the pushers, with a cleaner layout that’s way more legible at a glance. The design gets an update too, with a sharper case profile, a matte white dial to cut glare, and small nautical details that focus on purpose without going overboard. Underneath, the new Caliber 4162 upgrades the whole experience, refining the programmable countdown while adding a longer power reserve and updated internals. It’s still a very specific tool watch, but now it’s less complicated and more practical Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 GALLERY-EMBED The Rolex Day-Date 40 takes a different approach by letting the materials do all the talking. Rolex introduces its new Jubilee Gold alloy as part of the new release, with a tone that’s more subtle than traditional yellow gold, giving the watch a softer look on the wrist. The green aventurine dial is the most noticeable change, with its natural texture and baguette diamond. Everything else stays familiar, including the fluted bezel, President bracelet, and the Caliber 3255 inside, so it still looks and feels like an everyday Day-Date. Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona GALLERY-EMBED The new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona takes a familiar icon and tweaks it in ways that actually stand out. Rolex combines Oystersteel with platinum to make Rolesium, something you don’t usually see on a Daytona, then adds an anthracite Cerachrom bezel with a sharper, more vintage-inspired tachymeter. The white enamel dial is the real star of the release, made using a high-heat process that gives it a smooth, almost glass-like finish you don’t get from standard Rolex dials. Flip it over, and there’s finally a sapphire caseback, showing off the Caliber 4131 with its updated finishing and gold rotor. It still does everything you expect from a Daytona, but focuses heavily on materials and detail, rather than just sticking to a color change.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 13, 2026

Zenith New Releases at Watches & Wonders 2026

Every spring, the watch world more or less migrates to Watches and Wonders Geneva, where brands take over the city to roll out their latest releases, big ideas, and quiet updates alike. It’s part showcase, part industry reset, and a solid reminder of how wide the spectrum of watchmaking really is, from technical flexes to subtle refinements you might miss at first glance. For Zenith, this year is more about tightening the connection between where they’ve been and where they’re going. Across the new releases, that approach comes through pretty clearly. It’s all about reimagining icons by playing with materials, opening things up, or just slightly shifting the tone. Whether it’s something more classic or a bit more modern, all the new watches are still tied back to the same core DNA, just from a different angle. G.F.J. (Bloodstone and Tantalum) GALLERY-EMBED The new take on the Zenith G.F.J. is a nod to what the brand has always done well. It still centers around the revived Caliber 135, a movement with real credibility thanks to its run in mid-century observatory trials, but here it’s presented in a way that’s subtle and simple instead of overworked. The 39.5mm yellow gold case maintains a familiar size and shape, while the eye-catching bloodstone dial adds just enough texture and vibrancy to stand out without trying too hard. It’s clean, balanced, and focused on timekeeping first, which is kind of the point. For a brand like Zenith, that restraint goes a long way. The tantalum version completely shifts the look and feel. Limited to just 20 pieces, it opts for something cooler and quieter, with a case that feels heavier both physically and visually. Tantalum isn’t the easiest material to work with, and that character comes through in the finished watch. The black onyx dial and diamond hour markers subtly add a touch of luxury you wouldn’t immediately notice at first glance. Underneath, it’s still the same Caliber 135. It ends up being a different perspective on the same idea, which makes it arguably the more interesting of the two. Chronomaster Sport Skeleton GALLERY-EMBED The new Zenith Chronomaster Sport Skeleton focuses on something ZENITH has always done well, letting the movement do the talking. Instead of covering things up, this new collection opens everything up with a skeletonized dial that fades from smoked to clear, giving you a straight view into the El Primero 3600. It’s still that same chronograph at heart, ticking along at 5Hz and measuring down to a tenth of a second, but now it feels more visual, like the mechanics are part of the design. The familiar tri-color subdials keep it rooted in that original 1969 DNA, while the 41mm case and ceramic bezel keep it wearable as a true, modern sports watch. Where it gets more interesting is in the different variations. The stainless steel models split into two styles, one with a green ceramic bezel and more toned-down grey counters, the other sticking closer to the classic look with a black bezel and the signature tri-color layout. Then there’s the rose gold version, which adds more weight and contrast with its black bezel and rubber strap. Completing the collection, the limited 10-piece rose gold edition with a full diamond-set bezel pushes things into another world of luxury altogether. Still, inside all of them, it’s the same El Primero doing its thing, which is probably why it all still feels pretty on par for Zenith. Chronomaster Sport MOP GALLERY-EMBED The two-tone Zenith Chronomaster Sport in steel and rose gold is a subtle shift rather than a full reinvention. It’s still very much an El Primero watch at its core, but the overall look and feel is softer around the edges. On the wrist, the mother-of-pearl dial changes color as light hits it, making it the most noticeable characteristic of its design. The familiar tri-counter layout is still there, and that central chronograph hand still makes its quick 10-second lap, which is one of those details you notice more the longer you live with it. Turn it over, and you get the usual view of the El Primero 3600 through a crystal clear sapphire caseback, showing off honest mechanics. With only 50 pieces made, it’s not trying to be loud or experimental, just a slightly different way of looking at a very familiar watch.

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