Beyond the Booths: Reflections from Watches and Wonders 2026

The human side of Horology.

Geneva is often described through the lens of cold steel, sapphire glass, and technical specifications. But after spending the last week at the Hotel Beau Rivage, it’s clear that the real heart of Watches and Wonders isn't found in a display case. It’s found in the shared look between two collectors when they see a movement for the first time, or the late-night debates over where the industry is headed next.

To every one of you who stopped by to see us: thank you. Meeting collectors from all over the world—sharing stories of first acquisitions and "grail" hunts—is exactly why we started the Collective.

The Collective Spirit

Meeting collectors from every corner of the globe reminded me why we founded AIS Collective. We spoke with enthusiasts who had traveled from Tokyo, New York, and Dubai, all united by a singular passion.

We talked about the weight of history, the thrill of the "find," and—most importantly—the responsibility we have as temporary custodians of these mechanical marvels.

The Palexpo Highlights

While the fair was filled with brilliance, a few pieces truly captured my attention:

Moser & Reebok Collab: Nobody could have expected this. Moser creating a unique winding mechanism in the colour and iconic shape of the Reebok sneaker pump to wind their watches must be one of the most randomest but possibly also coolest releases this year. I’d like a white one!

Rolex Daytona in Rolesium: Another thing that absolutely nobody could have seen coming. From the choice of metal, the specifications of the watch featuring platinum parts, down to the choice of dial - this was a show stopper for many of us.

IWC Pilot’s Venturer: Us watch geeks love odd shapes, unique designs, and special occasions. And precisely those three points sum up why this new IWC “Space watch” surely can be called a future classic, that will likely one day line up next to other famous “odd” references such as the Omega Ploprof.

Extending the Ritual

One thing that became evident during our time in Geneva is that the "event" doesn't end when the booths are packed away. For many of you, this week was the start of a new chapter in your collection.

Thank you for being part of the Collective,

Said