5 Watch Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2026

While watches were created to serve a practical purpose, they have evolved into a powerhouse accessory that combines engineering with luxurious materials in innovative shapes and sometimes gemstones for added sparkle.

Last year, colour, smaller proportions and stone dials ruled the scene, and as we look forward to the year ahead, we predict brands doubling down on these trends and pushing them to the limits while reviving retro classics with a modern twist. Here are five watch trends we expect to see in 2026.

1. Cocktail Watch Comeback

An exploration of the auction circuit, from the likes of Christie’s and Sotheby’s, indicates a sizeable interest in vintage cocktail watches—tiny models adorned with diamonds or coloured stones that were meant to be enjoyed discreetly.

It’s not just about the size of these minis. It’s the creativity of the design and the attitude it exudes while remaining practical when worn on a casual day. Collectors are looking out for pieces that set them apart and speak of their individuality.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has always been an advocate for cocktail watches with its Calibre 101 collection and Chopard has always championed its bejewelled models year after year.

Chanel is also another early bird, debuting a new Première Galon bangle watch that captures the elegance of a cocktail watch while embracing a touch of modernity with the twisted yellow gold design.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see other maisons, such as Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, or even Patek Philippe, release reissues or archival-inspired timepieces in the following months.

2. Meteorite Dial Magic

Regarded as “stones from heaven”, meteorite dial watches have always been alluring to the discerning collector for their novelty and unique Widmanstätten patterns. For decades, limited sources and technical difficulties in cutting the stones meant that only a select number of brands could produce timepieces featuring this stone.

However, that is slowly changing with more brands embracing the material. H. Moser & Cie and Gérald Genta are adding colour to the traditionally grey hues of meteorite, while independent brands like Formex and Norqain are bringing the prices down to around $7,000 and $9,650 respecitvely.

Of course, meteorites are still a rare and finite resource but with advancements in technology, manufactures have the capabilities to maximise the materials and avoid breakage and wastage of the raw material they’ve acquired over the years, producing quality timepieces that collectors with a penchant for one-of-a-kind pieces can add to their repertoire.

3. Colour Redefined

Colour will prove how timeless it is in the world of watches this year. Brands are likely to continue including vibrant shades in their existing collections, especially on dials, but brands are also looking into transforming other components with pops of colour.

Louis Vuitton’s newest Escale models took gemstones to the next level, fashioning the case from turquoise, malachite and tiger’s eye. This not only showcases the technical savoir-faire that La Fabrique du Temps has, but also how the design teams are venturing beyond the dial while breathing new life into their creations.

At LVMH Watch Week 2026, Hublot showcased how they can achieve different colours and patterns with the introduction of the Big Bang Tourbillon Novak Djokovic GOAT Edition, featuring a composite case with three differing hues—blue, green and orange—with specks of white and black, all of which are derived from a blend of the tennis champion’s Lacoste polo shirts and Head tennis racquets.

What’s next? Colour-changing pigments that can shift at will? Coloured sapphire crystals over the dial? Well, time will tell how manufactures will innovate and invent processes to serve watches that boast tons of personality.

4. The Return of Square Faces

Round watches are eternal, but square faces are making a comeback this year. The shape is minimalist in nature, sleek and sophisticated, as it lies perfectly on the wrist, and is also comfortable.

Cartier’s Panthère de Cartier, Santos Dumont and Tank Normale collections continue to be a big hit amongst celebrities and even the Gen Z demographic, thanks to the vintage feel and the lack of complications for a cleaner aesthetic.

Of course, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus and Cubitus suites will continue to be on every serious watch collector’s wishlist, and those who are in the market for an affordable daily beater can look towards Longines or Rado for their square pieces till Watches and Wonders this coming April.

5. Bracelets Designed For Comfort

The design and movement of watches tend to overshadow the bracelet, but that is perhaps the most underrated element that could either make you fall in love or avoid a watch entirely. After all, it is the part that comes into contact with our skin the most.

We envision more brands redesigning their beloved bracelets, making them even more comfortable than before, such as TAG Heuer’s beads-of-rice bracelet from the Carrera collection.

Some might also follow in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s footsteps and debut a new configuration like the flexible Milanese bracelet, which is incredibly supple and perfect for fashion lovers, as it doesn’t catch onto fabric.

In tandem with bracelets, we’d also love to see reinterpreted lugs that aren’t just beautifully shaped but also ergonomic for those of us with smaller wrists—seriously, this could change the game as we know it.

This article was first published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.