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Round-up of news from the world of classic watches (January 2026)

3.2.2026 | 9 MIN

There’s always something happening in watches. But January was particularly rich in news: a new movement from Sellita, a watch event in Milan, and Baume & Mercier changing hands. What else should you not miss?

Sellita has a new movement. SW200-2 with a longer power reserve

It’s hard to imagine a reader who doesn’t know the ETA 2824-2. A movement that became a cornerstone of Swiss watchmaking decades ago. It’s also the basis for calibres like the Powermatic 80, which reduced frequency while significantly increasing the power reserve.

For brands outside the Swatch Group (which owns ETA, the movement manufacturer), the go-to alternatives have often been comparable Sellita movements. And the most common derivative of the legendary 2824 is the Sellita SW200 with a 4 Hz frequency and around 40 hours of power reserve. But is that enough? Where’s the progress?

Right here. In 2026. Sellita has unveiled an upgraded calibre, the SW200-2 Power+, offering a 65-hour power reserve. Crucially, the frequency remains 4 Hz.

“ETA achieved a longer power reserve partly by reducing the frequency, which we deliberately did not do... Our goal was to find the best compromise between accuracy and power reserve, and that led us to 65 hours. We certify plenty of movements with COSC, and accuracy was a key priority during development.” Sébastien Chaulmontet, Head of Innovation and Marketing at Sellita

According to Sellita, this isn’t just a small tweak to increase reserve, but a reworking of the movement as a whole. Dimensionally, however, it will be an interchangeable option for the SW200-1, so it will fit the same cases.

Sellita SW200-2 Power+. Photo: Sellita

Prepare for the new reign of the ring – Casio G-Shock Ring is on its way

After the success of the metal Casio Watch Ring, it was only a matter of time before more variants appeared. And that time has come. This time, though, we’re talking truly miniaturised G-Shocks.

Casio G-Shock Nano DWN-5600-1ER Ring Watch

99,00 € new product to look forward to

Casio G-Shock Nano DWN-5600 is a dead ringer for its DW-5600 inspiration. It even offers 200 m water resistance and a classic tang buckle on the strap. What’s more, the battery should be replaceable the standard way via the caseback. Aren’t they just adorable?

The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina with Omega and Swatch

Omega is the official timekeeper of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. And it has already unveiled the third model inspired by this storied centenary sporting event. After the blue-and-white Speedmasters and the elegant vintage-style Seamasters, we now get the sporty Seamaster Diver 300M, combining white ceramic, titanium and a tasteful touch of winter blue.

The latest Omega Milano Cortina 2026 edition in the form of the Seamaster Diver 300M. Photo: Omega

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games, officially the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will be held in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 6 and the closing ceremony for February 22, 2026.

Omega isn’t the only one releasing Olympics-inspired watches. A more affordable commemorative piece will come from Swatch. The advantage of belonging to the same watch group… However, they can only be ordered on the Swatch website and won’t reach regular stores.

SWATCH Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 Collection. Source: Swatch

PRIM Czech Team Italy 2026 already sold out

Since 2017, Prim has been the official supplier to the Czech Olympic team. So fans can always look forward not only to sporting performances but also to a new watch edition. This year’s 100 pieces of the Czech Team Italy 2026 model are sold out at the manufacturer even before the competition has begun.

PRIM Czech Team Italy 2026. Photo: Prim.cz

This tastefully executed quartz chronograph was inspired by the national tricolour, with the national flag on display and a modelled relief of the Italian Dolomites on the caseback.

Richemont sells Baume & Mercier

Say Richemont and most will think of names like JLC, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Cartier and other heavy hitters at the very top end. But it also includes Baume & Mercier, positioned more in the mid-tier. And perhaps that’s why Richemont is selling it.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10828. Photo: Baume & Mercier

But for Baume & Mercier this may be a good thing. The new owner will be Italy’s Damiani Group, which could breathe new direction into the brand—or rather give it the attention it deserves. After all, we’re talking about one of the oldest Swiss marques in the world. And doesn’t it feel like in recent years it’s been somewhat sidelined and turned a bit nondescript?

LVMH Watch Week – New releases from the world’s watch brands

The start of the year is truly lively in the Swiss watchmaking industry. While Richemont is handling the sale of one of its brands, another Swiss group, LVMH, has just wrapped up the seventh edition of its prestigious watch event. It took place in Milan, January 19–21.

Brands within LVMH (Bvlgari, Daniel Roth, Gérald Genta, Hublot, L'Epée 1839, Louis Vuitton, TAG Heuer, Tiffany & Co., Zenith) showcased their novelties there. It’s not just another watch fair, but a hint at the trends in the segment for the season ahead. After all, Milan is a city of fashion and design.

What drew the most buzz? Arguably the new Zenith Defy models—both the exemplary faithful reissue Revival A3643 and the striking sport model Defy Skyline Chronograph in black ceramic.

Zenith Defy Revival A3643. Photo: Zenith

And it must be said, the Zenith Revival is truly well done; not only the case aesthetics or the dial created using modern 3D scanning of the original 1969 model, but also the historically faithful ladder bracelet, just like Gay Frères used to make.

Also drawing attention was the Gérald Genta Geneva Time-Only with the ultra-thin automatic calibre GG-005 Zenith Elite, a cushion-shaped case and perfect dial minimalism.

Gérald Genta Geneva Time-Only. Photo: Gérald Genta

My personal favorite, however, comes from the Louis Vuitton Escale collection. LV unveiled five new models, but the travel-ready Worldtimer with 24 hand-painted flags representing major capital cities will likely be the headline act. Just the dial work alone takes the skilled artisans in Louis Vuitton’s atelier a week.

Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime. Photo: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime, price 95 thousand euro. Photo: Louis Vuitton

Wonderful work—both aesthetically and mechanically. Inside is an in-house calibre produced at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. There’s also a version with a central tourbillon, where the flag colours are likewise applied by hand, but using grand feu enamel. The case is platinum. And the price? 240 thousand euro.

Louis Vuitton Escale A Journey of Discovery. Photo: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Escale A Journey of Discovery, price 240 thousand euro. Photo: Louis Vuitton

For everyone who loves historical designs—if not vintage watches per se—there’s a new re-edition of the regatta TAG Heuer Carrera Seafarer. These chronographs reflect the past but aim squarely at a new generation of collectors.

TAG Heuer Carrera Seafarer. Photo: TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer also scored with the sporty Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph, which, for the first time in the Carrera collection’s history, adds the rattrapante complication. A focus on chronographs and high-tech materials makes sense, considering TAG Heuer returned to F1 last year as the official timekeeper.

TAG Heuer Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph. Photo: TAG Heuer

And while we’re on sporting collaborations, one more model deserves a mention—or rather a trio: the Big Bang Tourbillon Novak Djokovic GOAT Edition. A fascinatingly executed series whose cases are made from Djokovic’s tennis racquets and Lacoste polo shirts (combined with Titaplast). The three colours represent different court surfaces; all are limited editions priced at 100 thousand Swiss francs.

Big Bang Tourbillon Novak Djokovic Goat Edition Orange. Photo: Hublot

Interestingly, despite weighing just 56 grams and housing a mechanical movement with a tourbillon, they are reportedly built to withstand the conditions of tennis matches.

Big Bang Tourbillon Novak Djokovic Goat Edition Blue. Photo: Hublot

Frederique Constant enters the world of professional sport

And we’re staying with sport. Swiss brand Frederique Constant (now owned by Citizen Group) has become the official timekeeper and watch partner of the Professional Padel League (PPL). It’s the first time the brand has ventured into professional sport.

This racquet sport is especially popular in Canada, Latin America and increasingly across the United States. And those are markets where FC logically wants greater visibility.

Photo: https://propadelleague.com

Engaging with modern sports and pop culture is one of the most effective ways to gain visibility without being overly aggressive. For the brand, it means it will be visible on league broadcasts and at venues, and a special or limited-edition collaboration is almost certainly on the cards.

Photo: https://propadelleague.com

“The League’s dynamic energy mirrors the spirit of our manufacture, making this collaboration a natural expression of our values.” Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America.

The long-awaited Tissot PRX in 38 mm has finally arrived

Tissot PRX. An accessible icon that has achieved remarkable success. Until now, you could get it in a 35 mm or 40 mm case (or a tiny 25 mm).

But the sweet spot eluded some. Now it’s here. The eagerly awaited PRX in a 38 mm case with Powermatic 80.

Beyond size, there are new materials too. Choose either lightweight titanium or patterned Damascus steel.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 in Damascus steel or titanium. Photo: Tissot

The fallout from 2025

Last year was one of the toughest Swiss watchmaking has experienced in a very long time. The steep rise in the price of gold affected precious-metal models, the Swiss franc strengthened, and—most notably for many consumers—there was the 39% US tariff.

It inevitably showed up in watch prices, which rose by single digits and even tens of percent across various brands. Swatch responded wittily with its What if... Tariffs? model. Even after the tariff was cut to a more bearable 15%, the impact remains palpable. After all, America is among the largest export markets.

All this had a real (negative) impact on employment in the Swiss watch industry, and for the first time since the COVID pandemic, headcount in the sector declined.

What will 2026 bring? Hopefully stability. Brands must adapt to the changes—and so must we as customers. The watch market is ever broader, with new brands emerging at a rapid pace.

It has rarely been this easy (in terms of accessibility) to launch your own watch brand. And it’s not just the Chinese market offering the unimaginable at even more unimaginable prices. Indian watchmaking is gaining ground, too. The speed at which new brands break through is almost unnerving. The coming years will test traditional watchmakers—especially in the lower to mid segments—as they’ll have to fight for customers not only among themselves but also against new entrants.

Year of the Fire Horse

In recent years, zodiac-themed watches have been gaining traction globally (not just in Asia). Think of the Dragon from the year before last or last year’s Snake. For 2026, it’s the Fire Horse. And if you’re worried it lacks that mythic appeal—don’t be.

Just a few highlights. The Oris Artelier with its ten-day power reserve, set in a wonderfully warm hue.

Oris Year of the Horse. Photo: Oris

Longines again chose a model from the Master collection. The result draws you in and won’t let go—much like last year’s Year of Dragon. This year adds an off-centre display with date and moon phase.

Longines Master Collection Year of Horse. Photo: Longines

For a more accessible option (since the Longines and Oris are limited editions that sell out fast—and who knows whether any pieces will be available at all), there’s a satisfying alternative from Swatch.

Swatch Riding the Clouds SUOZ369

89,00 € (delivery by 27.3.)

The symbolism of the Fire Horse is powerful, and it positively invites brands to create watches around it. The horse stands for energy, the desire for freedom, but also ambition and passion. Fire adds the impulse for change, growth and transformation.

The outdoor-focused Luminox also embraced the horse motif—and very tastefully. They chose the Atacama, one of their best in recent times, if not ever.