We trace the origins of the five most common wristwatches and unveil the hottest new horological releases of 2026 so far…
Buying and collecting watches has never been easier. As a hobby, horology has well and truly left the online collector’s forums and is now loudly popping up in our algorithms. Last year, the Aussie watch market was worth an estimated $3 billion and the big boys from Switzerland are dropping covetable timepieces with ever increasing regularity. As the market grows, the likes of Rolex, Omega, Franck Muller and Vacheron Constantin have all recently expanded their retail footprint Down Under.
Paradoxically, the act of actually choosing a new watch can also feel more complicated than ever before and means making a calculated decision. What’s a classy timepiece that won’t wipe out my life savings? Do I really need to know the difference between a pilot and dive? Will this extremely expensive Swiss-made watch stand the test of time?
In 2026, a watch’s utility often has little to do with telling the time and more to do with symbolising status, personal taste and even as an alternative asset class. For the novice collector, it can quickly seem like there’s simply too much information about esoteric watchmakers and complicated movements to make a smart call. Here, we cut through the noise and spotlights five new watches for every occasion to level up your wrist game.
THE CHRONOGRAPH
Breitling Navitimer Aston Martin Aramco
Chronographs combine a traditional timepiece with a separate, in-built stopwatch, making these watches extra handy at the racetrack. Two icons collide as Breitling’s signature Navitimer chronograph is re-engineered to mark the Swiss horologer’s new partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team. The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco is limited to just 1959 pieces – a nod to the year Aston Martin first entered the F1 paddock. The first Navitimer ever made from titanium, she features a black carbon dial flecked with that glorious Aston racing green. Flip it over and you’ll discover the oscillating weight – visible through the sapphire open caseback – also features the Aston Martin and Formula One Team logo. This stunning collector’s item is a testament to both the Swiss watchmaker and the British marque’s commitment to precise engineering.
RRP: $15,990
Available at select Breitling boutiques and stockists.
THE DRESS WATCH
Timex 1976 Lexington
Dress watches were popularised in the early 20th century and provided gentlemen with a dignified alternative to a bulky pocket watch. Today, dress watches are usually delicate in size, crafted with fine leather straps and designed to seamlessly transition from the office to cocktail hour. Timex has pretty much cornered the market on affordable but high-quality timepieces, and the heritage American watchmaker has done it again with the re-release of the 1976 Lexington. Itself is a nod to Cartier’s iconic Tank style, this quartz beauty gives old money vibes at a very earthly price point. But wallet-friendly doesn’t have to mean low quality. The Lexington’s 21mm rectangular case is made from gold-tone stainless steel and configured on a sumptuous croc-effect leather strap.
RRP: $279.95
Available at timex.com
THE PILOT WATCH
Bremont Altitude MB Meteor x Felix the Cat
Recognisable by their prominent numerals on the dial and heavy crowns, pilot’s watches were designed to help aviators with navigation and built to withstand the turbulence of an exposed cockpit. British watchmaker Bremont is leading a revival of the UK’s once hallowed watchmaking industry and a deep association with the UK armed forces is baked into the company DNA. Under the leadership of new CEO Davide Cerrato – of Tudor and Panerai fame – Bremont has somewhat streamlined its offerings and revisited its classics, like the brand’s signature Martin Baker pilot watches. Forget Snoopy, the Brits have tapped an entirely animated icon for a very unique collaboration. Enter the whimsical Altitude MB Meteor x Felix the Cat pilot watch. Made from titanium and housed in a 42mm Trip-Tick case, this collab is limited to just 500 pieces worldwide. There’s a surprising backstory here too. In the late 1920s, Felix became the insignia of the U.S. Navy’s VF-3 fighter squadron – typically depicted carrying a bomb with a lit fuse – as a symbol good luck.
RRP: $9,750
Available at Bremont stockists and bremont.com
THE DIVE WATCH
DOXA Sub 200 II
The first diving watches were created as a lifeline to help scuba divers monitor oxygen levels and track dive times. Today, dives have familiar hallmarks, like enhanced water resistance, a counter-clockwise rotating bezel and easily-readable hour markers. For independent Swiss maker DOXA, dive watches are their bread and butter. Most recently, the brand expanded its DOXA Sub 200 series with the Sub 200 II range. In a seriously bold move, DOXA has opted to upsize the case to 44mm – effectively bucking the industry trend for smaller watches. The Sub 200 II also offers DOXA’s first-ever “fumé” (aka gradient) dial, offering enhanced legibility whether you’re under the sea or on a night out. With five vibrant dial options to choose from – black, grey, blue, green and red – there truly is a Sub 200 II for every wrist.
RRP: $2,890
Available at DOXA stockists and doxawatches.com
THE FIELD WATCH
Tudor Ranger 79930
With roots in the trenches of World War 1, field watches are hard-wearing by design, unfussy on the dial and usually configured with a durable fabric strap. Tudor’s Ranger series goes all the way back to the sixties and was recently refreshed with the addition of a new 36mm case size and a striking “Dune White” dial. The creamy colour is said to be inspired by the sand dunes of the famed Dakar Rally (Tudor serves as the event’s official timekeeper) and the option of a tri-colour fabric strap gives this stunner a nostalgic twist. Under the hood, the Ranger boasts an in-house-manufactured MT5400 movement with a 70-hour power reserve to easily get you through the weekend. Almost deceptively simple in design, Tudor has successfully turned the humble field watch into an object of desire while preserving the spirit of straightforward utility.
RRP: $4,960
Available at Tudor boutiques, stockists and tudor.com
