From Horological Newbie to Excited Timepiece Explorer

This was my first Geneva Watch Days and after five vibrant days in the Main Pavilion, hundreds of watches scrubbed back to their original lustre as well asnon-stop conversations with enthusiasts, Geneva Watch Days 2026 is officially a wrap.  

Hosting our Watch Care Station right in the Collectors Lounge provided a front-row seat to the true pulse of the industry. Performing live care rituals on everything from vintage heirlooms to cutting-edge independent pieces made one thing undeniable: horology today is bolder, more creative, and more spirited than ever.

While I’m far from a horological scholar, I am a watch lover with an eye for great design. Walking around the Blue Box in Geneva, these five launches were the ones I simply couldn't stop thinking about:

Serious Craft Meets Muppet Chaos: ORIS ProPilot X Gonzo Edition

Who says high horology needs a stiff upper lip? Our partners and friends at ORIS brought pure joy to the show with the reveal of the ProPilot X Gonzo Edition. Combining characterful storytelling with serious mechanical execution, ORIS proved once again that Swiss precision and personality belong together. From a brand activation perspective, I loved seeing the ORIS team embrace the theme completely, wearing custom Gonzo gear right across the show floor; a masterclass in cohesive, high-energy storytelling.

Breaking Geographic Boundaries: The Beda’a Eclipse

A historic moment unfolded at the show with our friends at Beda’a securing a nomination for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2025 in the Challenge category. Marking the first time an Arab watch brand has been recognised by the GPHG Academy. selected among just 84 watches from hundreds of global submissions, this nomination is a testament to the widening global landscape of fine watchmaking. Congratulations to the team at Beda’a!

Extending Legendary Calibres: Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Zenith gave their legendary high-frequency El Primero 3620 calibre a fresh, versatile stage by stripping away traditional chronograph subdials. The result is a striking 40mm daily driver featuring a ceramic bezel, a rhythmic 45° Z-motif dial, and the micro-adjustable Zenclasp. Among all the colourways, the brown dial was my personal standout, the depth and hand-finished texture catch the light in a way that photos simply don't do justice. It hits that rare sweet spot between high-beat technical heritage and daily wearability.

Architectural Alchemy: Bvlgari Octo Finissimo × Vianney Halter

Under Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bvlgari turned grade 5 titanium into a canvas for independent genius. Partnering with indie legend Vianney Halter, they fused the ultra-thin Octo Finissimo silhouette with four opaline displays reminiscent of Halter’s iconic Antiqua. Coupled with the dazzle-camouflaged Octo Finissimo and new Titanio models, it proved titanium is far more than just a technical solution.

Compact Size, Massive Presence: Bremont Terra Nova 35 Jumping Hour Frosted

Proof that downsizing loses none of the punch. Bremont took their Jumping Hour and tailored it into a compact 35mm case. Crafted in a frosted steel finish that glimmers like gem-setting without using a single stone, this limited-edition montre à guichet houses the Sellita-exclusive Calibre BC634 with immense charm.

Preserving the Craft

Beyond the launches, my biggest takeaway and absolute favourite from Geneva Watch Days 2026 was the deep passion collectors have for preserving their timepieces. Every watch carries a personal memory, and witnessing visitors hand over their prized wristwear for a specialised watch care ritual reinforced why we do what we do at AIS Collective.

The Aftermath

If you want to know what an extraordinary week looks like behind the scenes at our Watch Care Station, you only need to look at the aftermath: two completely empty ChronoPen® bottles, a depleted GemPen®, and a mountain of towels in desperate need of a heavy laundry cycle!

Our Swiss-engineered tools were working non-stop across all five days. The ChronoPen scrubbed hundreds of well-loved timepieces back to factory brilliance, cutting through built-up oils and dirt. The ChronoLeatherPen came to the rescue of the driest, most thirsty leather straps along the lakefront, while the BronzePen tamed several heavily patinated cases that had turned entirely green, restoring their rich, warm bronze lustre. Meanwhile, the ChronoCloth provided gentle care to delicate, irreplaceable vintage heirlooms, and the GemPen brought back the original fire and brilliance to diamond, gold, and silver rings.

Which brings me to the unofficial "lowlight" and a clear verdict: realising just how much hidden grime lives between bracelet links along the Geneva lakefront! Seeing watches transform during our live watch cleaning sessions was a friendly, playful reminder that proper watch care education is still a vital mission for us. 

Until Next Year

A massive thank you to the Geneva Watch Days organisation team for their incredible hospitality, our industry partners who took time to meet with me, and every guest who dropped by our station.

It was a week I will cherish for a long time, and I look forward to seeing you all along the lakefront next year!

Until the next time we gather over great watches,
Maria