The Roundup: the “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” Edition

Each week, EWC will be gathering horological industry news, cultural conversations and moments surrounding our favorite topic: timepieces. Happy Friday; here’s what’s on our watch.

Watches and Wonders 2026 Just Got Even Better

It’s wild to think that before we know it, the annual Watches and Wonders extravaganza will be here again. This week, a major player announced they’ll be joining the show for the very first time. Audemars Piguet will make its first appearance at a Geneva fair since 2019. In addition, ten other brands will be newly joining Watches and Wonders including L’Epee, Behrens, Bianchet, B.R.M Chronographs, Charles Girardier, Corum, Credor, Favre Leuba, March L.A.B., and Sinn Spezialuhren. 

The Latest In-House Caliber

While you may associate Girard-Perregaux with its iconic designs, the Maison has deep roots in movement manufacturing. This week, the brand flexes this muscle with the debut of its latest in-house caliber, the GP4800. The compact design offers versatility whether it comes to case dimensions or the capacity to be adapted with additional complications in the future.

The Official Timekeeper on a Space Station?

This is a new one as far as official timekeepers go. IWC has just announced it will be the official timekeeper for our solar system’s first commercial space station. The Haven-1 is currently under development with hopes to launch into Earth’s orbit in 2026. In addition to its official timekeeper title, the Maison will collaborate on engineering projects to improve the performance, precision, and accuracy of mechanical watches by testing and fine-tuning them in zero gravity.

A-List Watch Spotting

Some juicy watch spotting went down this week. First up, tennis legend Roger Federer stepped out wearing the sapphire-set Rolex Daytona quietly released at Watches and Wonders earlier this year, marking the first time the unique model has made an appearance in the limelight. In addition, Rihanna announced the birth of her third child in style, prominently sporting an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in rose gold with a pink “Grande Tapisserie” dial, fittingly celebrating the arrival of her little girl. 

One to Watch 

Speaking of watch spotting, have you noticed a new watch brand surfacing on the wrist of countless celebs? And not just any celebs, real celebrity collectors? All the sudden, Vanguart watches have been spotted on the wrists of nearly everyone from musicians like John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and Bad Bunny to athletes like Andrey Rublev, James Harden, Thiago Silva, and Francisco Lindor. In addition, the brand was just named the official timing partner of the Ballon d’Or, the annual ceremony recognizing the best footballers in the world.

The Latest Watches to Hit the Market

Last but not least, we have a trio of stunning watches to hit the market this week. Grand Seiko unveiled the Limited Edition SLGB005 Ice Forest "Violet Dawn" with a rich purple dial. It’s hard to believe that Tudor has just introduced its first watch to house a moonphase complication with the 1926 Luna. Jaeger-LeCoultre also brings us a limited edition variation within its Master Control line paying homage to the Maison’s renowned triple calendar complications of the 1940s.