Born in the days of the pandemic, Geneva Watch Days (GWD) keeps getting better and better with every passing year. And in 2026, it’s hit yet another peak. It’s not the biggest show around, but being free to the public for all days and decentralised, it offers something refreshingly different that other, more formal exhibitions cannot. Starting with only 19 exhibiting brands in 2020, the now concluded GWD2026 had over 70 maisons showcasing their creations and know-how.

GWD26 Armchair Pick: 3 Of The Best

With so many brands and even more watches to choose from, you’d think it’d be tough to pick just three as favourites. And you’d be right. Watches like Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Dual x Vianney Halter and the Gerald Genta Geneva Minute Repeater were absolute watchmaking masterpieces. But I opted against picking them for my podium. Fortunately, it didn’t take me too long to make my decision, because once you’ve been in this hobby for over ten years, you form your biases and preferences and know intimately what gets you going. Here are the three watches that really struck a chord with me:

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon Micro-Rotor 39mm

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato has always felt underrated to me especially amongst the other mainstream luxury sports watches. Last year, for the celebration of the 50th birthday of the original Laureato, the brand introduced the ultra-charming Laureato Fifty – and the world started paying attention again. What started as a single commemorative watch has now become a sub-model of its own defined by a more refined build and a new modern movement. The Laureato Fifty Tourbillon Micro-Rotor 39mm that debuted at GWD this year was the watch that captivated me the most out of all the newcomers. Sure, there were watches that were more innovative from the show, but I felt that the Laureato Fifty Tourbillon had everything just right, filled with many of the things I value in fine watchmaking. I love how the many hard lines and angles of the Laureato are softened by touches of curves. I love the lyre-shaped tourbillon cage and the arrow bridge inspired by Constant Girard’s Three Bridges design architecture. And don’t get me started on the rose gold and blue enamel Clous de Paris dials; they are both mesmerising (I can’t choose between them). Combine all these things and, in my opinion, you’ve got the ultimate “dressy” sport watch.

Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Gilt

Daniel Roth has been a frequent flyer on my favourites lists in recent years. This time it is the Extra Plat Rose Gold Gilt that caught my eye. This isn’t a new model per se (it’s always been the Extra Plat that made my lists), but a new variant. I love the Extra Plat model to bits and the new black & gold aesthetic is a tried and tested combo that is timeless. Daniel Roth first grabbed my attention when the first Extra Plat was launched. The ‘Souscription’ in yellow gold, limited to 20 pieces only, is by far and wide the most desirable variant of the Extra Plat both in terms of looks and collectability. The rose gold variants, while not limited editions, are the second best looking, in my opinion – the new Rose Gold Gilt version included.

Czapek Quai des Bergues “Midnight in Geneva”

I’m not the biggest fan of Czapek’s sportier or avant-garde offerings, but the classic-looking Quai des Bergues (QdB)? I am all for it, especially the new “Midnight in Geneva” edition. The QdB is not new. There are many variations of the watch with different interesting dials but none quite like the aventurine dial of the “Midnight in Geneva” edition. The QdB Midnight in Geneva celebrates the inauguration of Czapek’s new flagship boutique on the emblematic Quai des Bergues, where François Czapek opened his first watchmaking atelier in Geneva. The aventurine dial with its mineral reflections is meant to resemble a clear Geneva night filled with stars. Even if you disregard the stories and sentiments, it’s still just an objectively stunning watch. On a sidenote, more watches ought to feature fleur-de-lis hands and I’m glad the QdB line uses it unabashedly.

Conclusion

To the surprise of absolutely no one, my choices once again lean towards more classic-looking watches. Don’t get me wrong though, I do appreciate the likes of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Dual x Vianney Halter and the Gerard Charles Masterlink Atelier Edition, but those are kind of the exceptions that prove my own rule.

The majority of the exhibitors at GWD are not exactly behemoths in the watchmaking industry and I am glad that the show has shone a light on them. Brands like Daniel Roth and Czapek are considered niche amongst the general population – even Girard-Perregaux – but they make excellent timepieces that outdo some of their more popular peers. And as such, I do think they deserve more attention.

Here’s to an even bigger and better GWD next year.