Another Friday - another list! This week kicks off a new series of articles.
In 2026, we will keep you updated on all the best new releases throughout the year. We decided to compile a Top 5 of our favorite releases each month. Since it's the first Friday after January ended, today we'll look at the most interesting new releases of the first month of 2026. January turned out to be eventful, debunking the common belief that the year in the watch world starts slowly. Let's find out which five models were our main discoveries.
Overview of the Watch Industry in January 2026
Already at the beginning of the year, we saw a number of impressive new releases. LVMH Watch Week opened the event season, and Audemars Piguet's Social Club recently took place. Thus, just a month into the year, the watch industry is operating at full capacity. Keeping track of all the new releases is becoming increasingly difficult. To make it easier, we will highlight the best releases each month and publish their review on the first Friday of the following month. This issue features the five main watches of January 2026. Some surprise, others are expected, but all made a strong impression.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch “Reverse Panda”
The first on our list is an obvious choice. Although this model may not be your top favorite among Moonwatch, the new “Reverse Panda” version has generated a lot of interest. We were fortunate to test both versions - in stainless steel and Moonshine Gold, and both made a strong impression. It's a classic example of a watch you need to see in person to fully appreciate. Despite visual similarities to the limited Speedy Tuesday series from 2017, comparing the two models makes it obvious how different they are. The new glossy dials stand out in particular. Personally, I wasn't strongly moved at first, but seeing the watch on the wrist, I was impressed.
The familiar asymmetric Speedmaster Moonwatch case with a diameter of 42 mm and signature lyre-shaped lugs is the foundation. Inside is a black glossy dial with white sub-dials. The dial consists of two plates: the top is polished black with a lacquered surface and rhodium-plated sub-dial frames, the bottom is white, lacquered, and serves as a base for the sub-dials. The main dial's minute scale is white, and the sub-dial markers are black, ensuring excellent readability. The dial is covered with an impressive 20 layers of lacquer.
Details That Matter
Around the dial is a black ceramic bezel with a tachymetric scale and the classic Dot Over Ninety (DON), filled with white enamel. This combination of bezel and glossy dial creates a unique feel and distinguishes the new Moonwatch from previous models. Both versions feature a very comfortable “Nixon” bracelet that completes the look.
The sapphire crystal case back reveals caliber 3861 - a mechanical hand-wound movement certified as a Master Chronometer. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and has a 50-hour power reserve. This movement is considered reliable and is used in modern Speedmaster Moonwatch models. Overall, the new “Reverse Panda” versions made a strong impression on us. The stainless steel version is more popular and preferred by most buyers. Despite discussions about the price of €10,200, it is hard to deny that the new Speedy is one of the main releases of January 2026.
Atelier Wen Millésime Perception Xuán
The second choice is a completely different model. Although the concept of the new dial is similar to the Speedmaster models, Millésime Perception Xuán from Atelier Wen is not just a new design. The Perception line has earned respect in the watch community. It is a modern sports chronograph with an integrated bracelet, easily recognizable and has many fans. We have seen several variations with impressive dials, often created by Chinese guilloché master Chen Yucai.
For this limited series Millésime Perception Xuán, the brand chose a unique dial made of pietersite - a natural stone. The official name of the material is chalcedony, a type of silica. It is mined in China, which determined its use for the limited series. Each dial is unique: pietersite combines shades of blue and brown with shimmering yellow tones. Our sample combined blue and brown colors, but other variations are possible - from pure blue to more exotic ones. Common to all is high visual appeal.
Special Feelings When Wearing Millésime Perception Xuán
The dial is set in a 904L stainless steel case with a diameter of 40 mm, thickness of 9.4 mm, and a lug-to-lug distance of 47 mm. The dial is protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal with 10 layers of anti-reflective coating, allowing full appreciation of the stone's beauty. Around the pietersite is a luminescent bezel with a huīwén pattern, on which hour markers are placed. Special attention is deserved by the cutouts for the indices - they demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship.
The watch is powered by the Chinese automatic caliber Dandong SL1588A, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 41 hours. The movement is partially visible through the decorated case back. This caliber has proven to be reliable, so the brand continues to use it.
The model impressed the entire WatchTested team during testing. The unique pietersite dial is striking, and we look forward to seeing more stone dial watches from Atelier Wen. Currently, Millésime Perception Xuán is available for pre-order at a price of €3,100 (excluding taxes).
Louis Vuitton Escale Minute Repeater
About two weeks ago in Milan at LVMH Watch Week 2026, impressive new products from all the group's watch brands were presented. Louis Vuitton focused on the Escale collection, with the main event being the Minute Repeater. These are jumping hour watches with a minute repeater in a rose gold case measuring 40 × 12.3 mm and with a traditional guilloché dial. The assembly and finishing of a single piece take over four weeks, evident in the details.
These watches are truly special and make you want to see them in person. It's another outstanding creation by Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Over the past years, the duo has gifted the world with a number of memorable models. Interestingly, my favorites remain last year's Gérald Genta Geneva Minute Repeater watches, equipped with a similar complication.
Features of Louis Vuitton Escale Minute Repeater
For the new model, the duo took a different path. The 432-component caliber combines a large jumping hour at the “6 o'clock” position with a retrograde minute scale around the perimeter of the dial. At the start of each hour, the minute hand smoothly returns to zero thanks to an integrated damping system. The dial is handmade on a rose engine and adorned with dazzling flammé-style guilloché - a truly impressive element. The details on the dial refer to iconic Louis Vuitton trunks, for example, the minute scale is designed as brackets with nail-shaped markers. Overall, the new model showcases the highest craftsmanship of watchmaking and is abundant with signature details, making it one of the most notable releases of January.
Toledano & Chan B/1.3r
Another notable new release presented last week is the Toledano & Chan B/1.3r. This is a new version of the brand’s debut model, but this time Phil Toledano and Alfred Chan decided to significantly change the design. The novelty is made of lightweight titanium, which significantly reduced the weight compared to previous versions. The dark shade of titanium harmoniously complements the 18-karat yellow gold dial with a relief texture. This is my favorite color combination from the brand to date. Another plus is the beautiful matte finish of the case and bracelet, which adds texture and visual depth.
But the changes don't stop there. The asymmetrical “destro” style case has become slightly narrower than previous B/1 models, improving wearing comfort. At the same time, the expressive sculptural case and the excellent faceted sapphire crystal remained. This gives the watch a unique character, inspired by brutalist architecture. Two sharp hands hover over the dial, and the word “Swiss” is laser-engraved on the glass - another elegant detail. Overall, these are watches you will either love or not.
Comfort and Movement of Toledano & Chan B/1.3r
Inside is the automatic caliber Sellita SW100 with 25 jewels, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 42 hours. This reliable and easy-to-service movement is ideal for this model. However, the main argument for purchase is not technical specifications, but the unique design of the case and bracelet.
The watch is surprisingly comfortable to wear. I had the opportunity to wear it for a week and write a review - the impressions were exclusively positive. Despite the angularity of the forms, the watch does not feel heavy, and thanks to the titanium, you sometimes forget that there is a watch on the wrist. Visually, the combination of the gold dial and the sculptural case reminds you that you are wearing something special. In my opinion, these watches priced at $10,200 are one of the main novelties at the beginning of 2026.
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Timer
The fifth and final model on our list is an unexpected new release from Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Timer. We didn't expect to see it, but it was a pleasant surprise presented at LVMH Watch Week. The watch is dedicated to the brand's first chronograph from 1866 and is done in a classic style. The case with a diameter of 40 mm is made of platinum, with the crown and buttons in white gold, located on the right. The dial is lacquered in the signature Tiffany Blue and adorned with 12 baguette diamonds as hour markers.
The dial is complemented by three sub-dials, and all text and markings are done in black. The date window has a colored disc with black print, harmoniously fitting into the design. The sharp hands are made of white gold, matching the crown and buttons. Overall, the dial is distinguished by depth and detailed craftsmanship.
Labor-Intensive Dial Creation Process
Making each dial takes a record 50 hours. The base is covered with matte Tiffany Blue lacquer eight times, followed by oven drying at strictly controlled temperatures. Then, 15 layers of clear lacquer are applied, which must fully dry in controlled air conditions. And that's not all - at the final stage, each dial undergoes 12-hour heat treatment.
On the reverse side of the watch, you can see the modified Zenith El Primero 400 caliber - the legendary chronograph with a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 50 hours. Special attention is drawn to the customized rotor with a “Bird on Rock” figure in 18-karat yellow gold, symbolizing an important stage in Tiffany's history. Only 60 pieces of this model have been released, which are likely already sold out.
Final Conclusions on the Top 5 Watches of January 2026
That's all - our five main novelties of the first month of 2026. We believe these watches set the right tone for the start of the year, although, of course, there could have been many more models on the list. January showed that we have many interesting releases ahead throughout 2026. We look forward to new announcements. And now we want to turn to you: which watches of January 2026 were your favorites? Share in the comments, and see you next week with a new list!