Watch enthusiast Jorg has selected his top five watches from the Watches and Wonders 2026 event. His picks highlight releases from Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Zenith, Chopard, and Cartier. The show featured consolidation rather than major innovations, according to Jorg.
Watches and Wonders 2026 showcased an abundance of releases, prompting Jorg to narrow down his favorites to five standout models. He described the event as one of consolidation compared to previous years, with strong showings from select brands. Vacheron Constantin led his list with the Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin, a 39.5mm platinum model featuring a slim 2.4mm caliber 2550 and a salmon dial inspired by mid-20th-century designs. Jorg praised its comfortable wear and hefty feel, calling it the 'perfect heavyweight' to open his list. The event took place recently, as noted in coverage published April 30, 2026. Jaeger-LeCoultre earned second place with the new Master Control Chronometre Perpetual Calendar, a 39mm model with a 9.2mm case and blue-gray sunray dial. Jorg, not typically a fan of perpetual calendars, lauded its balanced design, COSC-certified caliber 868, and 70-hour power reserve, marking it as 'the first perpetual calendar design that I adore.' Zenith's G.F.J. 'Black Onyx' in tantalum, limited to 20 pieces, came third. It features a three-part black onyx dial with diamond indexes and a modern remake of the historic caliber 135. Jorg highlighted its gemstone markers and Zenith's innovative spirit. Chopard's Alpine Eagle 41 XPS 'Mountain Glow' introduced a champagne-tone dial on Lucent Steel, with an 8.0mm case housing the COSC-certified L.U.C 96.40-L movement. Priced at €29,500, Jorg appreciated how the simple color change transformed the watch's airy feel. Cartier closed the list with the Privé Les Opus Tank Normale in platinum, featuring burgundy numerals and blue hands—updates to the 2023 version. Jorg called it his personal favorite among Cartier classics. Readers echoed praise for the JLC and Zenith models, with some preferring Chopard alternatives. Honorable mentions included Patek Philippe's 5227G-015 and others from Vacheron, JLC, Parmigiani, and Audemars Piguet.