Another Friday - another list! This week, we continue our series of articles dedicated to the best new releases of each month.
Summer is in full swing, and many of you are enjoying or planning to enjoy a well-deserved vacation, just like many watch brands. Although the month was relatively calm, new watches appeared almost every day. Therefore, we have prepared a selection of five of our favorite models released in July 2026.
Before moving on to the review, we must confess - we were a bit biased due to the upcoming summer holidays. As you will see, two of the chosen models are perfect for summer. Another reflects our Dutch roots, the fourth is an excellent choice for an evening cocktail. And the fifth became undoubtedly the most notable novelty of this calm month. Perhaps you have already guessed some of them, but let's find out which watches made it to our top 5 of July 2026.
Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch Mission To The Moon 1969
The first choice is obvious. The most talked-about watch of the past month was the Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch Mission to the Moon 1969. By now, most already know if they were among the lucky ones - 1969 people who correctly completed the ESTA form. Those who passed the selection had the chance to buy one of our five favorite MoonSwatches to date.
In short, Omega created this MoonSwatch in honor of the Apollo 11 mission and the Moon landing. The watch announcement coincided in time (09:32 EDT / 15:32 CEST) with the launch of the Saturn V rocket in 1969. This event marked the beginning of the Apollo 11 mission, which took place from July 16 to 24, 1969, during which Neil Armstrong first set foot on the Moon. This legendary story inspired the creation of one of the most stylish MoonSwatches.
Are You One of the Lucky Ones?
For each of these black and gold MoonSwatches, Swatch used 11 grams of real Moonshine gold, remelted from Omega spare parts at the brand's factory. A fun fact - the retail price was calculated based on the cost of 11 grams of gold in 1969 - 48 Swiss francs, or approximately 11 US dollars at the time - rather than the current rate. This gave lucky buyers the opportunity to purchase the watch for just 600 euros. With the current price of about 75 euros per gram of gold - it's quite a deal. However, with 1.2 million applications for 1969 pieces and a mandatory 32-question test, the chances were extremely slim.
Nevertheless, the result was a MoonSwatch we adore. The black bioceramic case contrasts brilliantly with the dial, hands, crown, and buttons in Moonshine gold, and the golden details on the bezel and strap complete the look. These are some of the most talked-about watches of the year and the undisputed leader among July's novelties.
Lebois & Co Heritage Atelier Small Seconds Stroopwafel
The next model is special for us as it highlights our Dutch roots. The Lebois & Co Heritage Atelier Small Seconds Stroopwafel version is inspired by the famous Dutch treat - the stroopwafel. A stroopwafel is two thin, crispy waffle layers baked with sweet dough and glued together with sticky caramel syrup (stroop), made from sugar, butter, and cinnamon. I've never met anyone who didn't like stroopwafels. In this context, it makes sense that Lebois & Co paid tribute to this delicious dessert. The watch was presented alongside a similar model with a Clous de Paris dial, but I think you can already guess which one we prefer.
The recognizable waffle pattern is easy to distinguish, and the comparison with the Clous de Paris dial amusingly demonstrates how well this relief works as a dial structure. The dial was created by the renowned Swiss company GT Cadrans, which produces dials for luxury brands, including Czapek & Cie.
The Stroopwafel dial features laser engraving, and the signature color is achieved through galvanic coating with 24-carat gold. Silver minute markers and applied Breguet-style Arabic numerals create contrast. A silver sub-dial with concentric graining harmoniously complements the main texture. Above all this rise leaf-shaped hour and minute hands.
True Dress Watches with Character
The base for this beautiful dial is the Heritage Atelier Small Seconds with a steel case measuring 37.8 mm in diameter, 10.5 mm thick, and a lug-to-lug distance of 45.5 mm. The size and proportions suit various wrists, including larger ones. The watch sits well on his 18 cm wrist, and I had the same impression on a wrist half a centimeter larger. They sit comfortably, and the flexible gray leather strap is very comfortable. However, I would consider a different strap option, as the watch is perfect for changing bracelets.
Inside is the LC-350 caliber based on the Sellita SW300-1 - an automatic movement with a COSC certificate, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, 31 jewels, and a power reserve of 56 hours. It is visible through the sapphire case back. While this adds romance to the Heritage Atelier Small Seconds model priced at 5500 euros, the true highlight is the magnificent stroopwafel pattern dial. That's why this model deservedly takes second place on our list.
Christopher Ward Twelve Xander
The next choice is the vibrant Christopher Ward Twelve Xander. This limited edition of 150 pieces was created in collaboration with Chris Alexander, known as The Dial Artist. He was given creative freedom to create a truly unique and bright version of Twelve X. As I wrote in the review, Christopher Ward sent him eight parts for all 150 calibers so that Alexander could manually paint them in his studio in Perth, Scotland. Imagine that he processed over 1300 components by hand. The result is not just a skeletonized version of Twelve with added color. Thanks to the customized ring, movement bridges, and rotor, the watch gained deep color saturation.
Twelve Xander is based on Twelve X (Ti) - the brand's flagship skeletonized watch with the signature CW-001 caliber. The case is angular, measuring 41 × 44.5 × 12.3 mm. The middle part of the case is made of Grade 2 titanium, and the bezel and case back are made of Grade 5 titanium.
Thanks to the combination of different finishes, the case looks highly detailed, but the true star is the open CW-001 caliber with 26 jewels, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering an impressive 120-hour power reserve thanks to two barrels. The caliber is certified as a chronometer with an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.
Usually, I'm Not a Fan of Skeletons...
The look is completed by a white rubber strap, which makes the watch very comfortable to wear and complements the overall design well. Although I'm usually not a big fan of skeletonized models, the Christopher Ward Twelve Xander is a pleasant exception.
When worn, the watch offers a multilayered visual experience. The eyes are constantly drawn to the bright, summery, colorful dial with an open structure. Amusingly, reading the time against such a bright composition takes a back seat, although in reality, it's very easy to do. Overall, this model, priced at 5625 euros, made a strong impression on me. It's no surprise that all 150 pieces sold out quickly and that the watch made it onto our list.
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35 “Pool”
The next model differs only by a new dial color, but the