Another Friday - another list! This week, we present the second installment of the series dedicated to the best new releases of 2026.
The goal of the series is to keep you informed about the most interesting and significant watches appearing throughout the year. Since this is the first Friday after the end of February, we will review our favorites for the second month of 2026. Although February is a short month, it was filled with vibrant releases. Let's get acquainted with the top five models.
January kicked off with high-profile premieres from Omega, Atelier Wen, Toledano & Chan, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. The latter two brands debuted at the LVMH Watch Week - the year's first major event. Early February saw the Audemars Piguet Social Club event. Throughout the month, several Onewatch authors attended events organized by various brands. Now - the main highlights of February, which became another busy month for Onewatch.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked
At the Audemars Piguet Social Club event, the brand unveiled the first novelties of 2026. The Neo Frame Jumping Hour model caught particular attention, continuing the (RE)Master series that revives iconic watches from the brand's archives. However, our choice was the skeletonized version of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar.
This model has long held a key place in the Royal Oak lineup. After the appearance of last year's Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar with the revolutionary caliber 7138, this year Audemars Piguet introduced a skeletonized version. Recall that caliber 7138 offered a convenient way to set the perpetual calendar through the crown, allowing the calendar to move both forward and backward - a rare and useful feature for perpetual calendars.
The new version of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked not only uses the skeletonized caliber 7139 but also features an innovative combination of materials, making the release particularly noteworthy. The case is made of lightweight titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) - a metal alloy consisting of 50% palladium. This material is highly resistant to corrosion and wear, with a unique mirror-like sheen.
Unique Material Combination
The BMG bezel and bracelet links have a mirror finish that contrasts with the satin-finished titanium of the case, crown, and large bracelet links. The case diameter is 41 mm, which is not small, especially with the integrated bracelet, but the overall thickness of just 9.5 mm makes the watch comfortable to wear. The new open caliber 7139 is surrounded by a black inner bezel with week numbers and a transparent gray minute track with rose gold indices.
The transparent sapphire dial offers an excellent view of the skeletonized bridges and wheels of the caliber in shades of dark and light gray. Three subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock have smoky sapphire rings displaying the perpetual calendar functions. The subdial frames and hands are made of rose gold, as are the central hour and minute hands. The visual splendor continues on the reverse side of the watch - the skeletonized rotor, barrel bridge, and balance bridge are also made of rose gold. All elements of the caliber are meticulously finished, highlighting the uniqueness of the model within the Royal Oak collection. This version of the perpetual calendar became the obvious leader of February.
Citizen × seconde/seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition
One might think that after many releases from seconde/seconde/ over the past five years, interest in them would wane. However, the joint limited series Citizen × seconde/seconde/ Tsuyosa proves otherwise. The founder of seconde/seconde/, Romaric Andre, embodied the concept of the word tsuyosa (強さ), which in Japanese means "strength" or "power". The dial design with the humorous inscription "being smaller has never stopped Minutes from slicing Hours into pieces" perfectly illustrates this idea.
The base for the vibrant dial is the Citizen Tsuyosa model measuring 40×45×11.7 mm with a blue "sunray" dial, a standard hour hand, and a minute hand in the shape of a katana, designed in the pixel style of old Japanese video games. In a humorous twist, the katana "sliced" all the hour markers in half, and the "cuts" remain visible. However, the halves are positioned close to their usual positions, so readability is not compromised.
Fun and Accessible Collaboration between seconde/seconde/ and Citizen
The concept continues on the bracelet's President-style clasp, where the logos of both brands are separated by intersecting swords. The case back is engraved with the phrase "Being smaller has never stopped Minutes from slicing Hours into pieces" - the perfect summary of the dial's concept. Inside is the automatic caliber Citizen 8210 with a frequency of 21,600 vph, 20 jewels, and a 40-hour power reserve.
A total of 3,600 pieces were produced - a number chosen based on the concept of a katana slicing an hour into 3,600 seconds. The price is $475, making it an affordable and interesting joint project. This model deservedly made it into the list of February's top releases.
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team
One of the most talked-about releases in February was the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. Why did Breitling release a pilot's watch in honor of a motorsport team? The answer lies in history: the Navitimer has long been associated with Formula 1. In the 1960s, Jim Clark and Graham Hill wore Navitimer. The new model marks Breitling's return to the world of Formula 1 through a partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco team and drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.
The appearance of the Navitimer evokes the era of Hill and Clark, but the model received a modern update - these are the first Navitimers (except for Aerospace and Super 8) made of lightweight titanium. This is an important step that sets the watch apart from February's releases. The case measures 43 mm in diameter, 13.69 mm in thickness, and a "lug-to-lug" distance of 49.07 mm, featuring a carbon fiber dial - a material often used in Formula 1. Despite the modern materials, the watch retains the classic Navitimer look.
Familiar Mechanism
The titanium rotor with the Aston Martin logo is visible on the reverse side. The case back is engraved, indicating a limited edition of 1,959 pieces. The B01 caliber, COSC-certified, operates at 28,800 vph and offers a 70-hour power reserve.
Positive Fan Feedback
Some Fratello team members attended the presentation in the Netherlands, and the initial feedback from Breitling and Formula 1 fans was extremely positive. This confirms that Breitling and such watches have their place in the motorsport world. It is particularly interesting to see the use of titanium in the iconic chronograph. We look forward to further Navitimer innovations with modern materials. For now, this model priced at €10,500 is an interesting step.
Panerai Radiomir Viaggio nel Tempo Experience Editions
The next notable release of February is not just one but two watches, combined into a unique experience by Panerai. By purchasing the Panerai Radiomir Viaggio nel Tempo Experience Editions set, owners gain access to a carefully organized event for brand enthusiasts. But let's start with the watches themselves.
The first model is the Panerai Radiomir Viaggio nel Tempo Experience Bronzo (PAM01729) with a 47 mm cushion-shaped bronze case. The alloy of tin and copper develops a patina over time, giving the watch character.
The minimalist California dial combines Roman numerals in the upper half and Arabic ones in the lower half. There is no logo or brand name, enhancing the vintage style. Contrasting blue hands harmonize with the case and dial colors. Thin wire lugs hold a dark brown leather strap.
The reverse side houses the P.3000 caliber with a power reserve of 72 hours. In the bronze version, the mechanism is hidden under bridges.
Panerai Radiomir Viaggio nel Tempo Experience Platinumtech
The second model is the Panerai Radiomir Viaggio nel Tempo Experience Platinumtech with a case made of Platinumtech material, containing 95% pure platinum with increased hardness and scratch resistance. The case has an exquisite finish.
The black dial with circular brushing is a first for Panerai. Through the cutouts in the markers and numerals, a beige layer of Super-LumiNova is visible, adding depth to the design. The text "Radiomir Panerai" is engraved in black, remaining barely noticeable to preserve the vintage style. The look is completed by a dark brown alligator leather strap with a polished white gold clasp.
The reverse side reveals the manually finished caliber P.3001/10. Despite similar characteristics to the P.3000, the finishing and power reserve indicator create a completely different visual effect, emphasizing the brand's craftsmanship.
The price of the set of two watches is €145,000. Besides the watches themselves, buyers receive the full Panerai experience from September 15 to 18, 2026: a tour of the Florentine boutique and surroundings, visits to historical sites of the Italian navy, training grounds, and dive sites along the Serchio River, as well as a cruise on a luxury yacht along the Ligurian coast. All of this makes the set an unequivocal hit of February.
Unimatic Modello Cinque U5S-BL Limited Edition
The final entry in the top five is again from Italy, but now at a more accessible level. Milanese brand Unimatic introduced two new versions of the Modello Cinque, showcasing the potential of the youngest base model in the catalog. While previous versions were known for creative solutions, the new limited editions demonstrate that Modello Cinque is an excellent modern field tool. All 300 pieces of both the steel U5S-BL and the black U5S-BLN were sold out within hours.
I had the opportunity to try the steel version and was pleasantly surprised. Previously, the 36 mm diameter and 43.7 mm "lug-to-lug" distance made the watch too small for my wrist. But using a single-layer nylon strap completely changes the perception - the watch acquires a military style and looks great. The 22 mm strap width combined with the compact case makes the model visually perfect for my hand.
In comments to my introductory article, the wide lug size relative to the case was discussed, but trying it on proved that it works. This is another testament to the excellent design sense of Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato.
Perfect Modello Cinque Demonstrating Versatility
For these models, the brand implemented a new technology: a matte black dial with a closed minute track and 3D Unilight indices - the first for the brand, which glow brightly in the dark. The signature hands perfectly fit the style of the watch. The look is completed by an olive-green NATO strap. The set also included a two-piece leather strap with a classic stainless steel buckle.
Inside is the Sellita SW200-1b caliber with a frequency of 28,800 vph, 26 jewels, and a 41-hour power reserve - a reliable and proven mechanism. The price is €1,100 (U5S-BL) and €1,220 (U5S-BLN).
All 600 pieces sold out, confirming the popularity of Modello Cinque. After initial doubts about the size, I fully understand the success - the new pair of models perfectly demonstrates the versatility of Unimatic's smallest model. This is a worthy final choice in our list of February's novelties.
Final Thoughts on the Top 5 Watches of February 2026
That's it - our five favorite new releases for February 2026. Despite seeming quieter compared to January, the month was rich and interesting. Of course, other models could have made the list, but we wanted to highlight these particular ones. What caught your eye in February 2026? Share your impressions in the comments. See you next week with a new review!