INSIGHT-RADAR: News Briefs from the Watch Industry
In Florence, NOMOS is observing how closely watches and fashion are converging once again; Watch&Match is bringing watchmaking to the shopping mall; and David Candaux is entering two watches in the 2026 GPHG.
NOMOS in Florence: Pitti Uomo—Small Watches, Big Impact
During Pitti Uomo, one of the most important international men’s fashion trade shows in Florence, the actual runway isn’t limited to the Fortezza da Basso. It also winds through the streets, cafés, and squares of Florence. There, at the 110th edition of the international menswear trade show, a trend emerged that is also of interest to the watch industry: fine mechanical watches are once again becoming a natural part of personal style.
In Florence, NOMOS Glashütte observed two main trends. First, there was a clear demand for smaller case sizes. Models such as the Metro 33, Ludwig 33, and Tetra 27 complemented smart tailoring, linen, soft silhouettes, and deliberately casual outfits. Second, there was a newfound ease in wearing gold watches. They were worn not only with evening attire but also in everyday life—less as a status symbol and more as a subtle, high-quality accessory.
Nomos Glashütte: left: Tangente Gold and Gold Doré; right: Tetra 27 Duo
In this way, Pitti Uomo touches on a theme that extends beyond the moment: in a fashion context, watches are evaluated not only in terms of technology or brand, but also in terms of proportion, material, and wearability. Smaller sizes and gold cases, in particular, demonstrate just how closely watches and style can once again converge.
Watch&Match: Hands-On Watchmaking
From October 1 to 3, 2026, Watch&Match; will take place at the Balexert shopping center in Geneva. The pop-up event brings together independent watch brands, artisans, and watch enthusiasts in a venue open to the public—and thus deliberately outside the traditional trade show setting.
Watch&Match was launched by the organizers of Time to Watches, who have been developing the format since 2023 based on their experience with independent watch events. The approach is simple yet effective: watchmaking shouldn’t be confined to display cases. Visitors can meet brands, founders, and artisans in person, discover models, and learn about manufacturing, repairs, and traditional techniques.
Among other things, live demonstrations are planned at Uhrmacherplatz; the event is sponsored by Bergeon. Watch&Match is particularly interesting because it creates a different kind of connection. It is aimed not only at collectors and industry professionals, but also at curious visitors who encounter watchmaking in their everyday lives.
The pop-up thus represents a trend that is becoming increasingly visible in the industry: watch events are becoming more open, accessible, and experience-oriented. The final list of exhibitors for October 2026 has not yet been fully released. However, previous editions have already shown that Watch&Match; provides a platform primarily for independent and smaller brands.
David Candaux will compete with two watches at the GPHG 2026
David Candaux is entering two timepieces in the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The independent watchmaker from Le Solliat in the Vallée de Joux is competing in the Tourbillon and Mechanical Exception categories.
In the Mechanical Exception category, Candaux presents the DC12 MaveriK. The focus is on the new C30 caliber, featuring a free-sprung double balance wheel connected via a flying planetary differential. The mechanism is mounted on a hairspring shock absorber and protected by three patents.
David Candaux: DC12 Maverik
In the Tourbillon category, the DC6 Night Forest is in the running. The watch combines UD carbon with Grade 5 titanium, weighs just 45 grams, and is inspired by the forests and Alpine landscapes of the Vallée de Joux. The model is limited to eight pieces and is powered by the in-house H74 caliber, featuring Candaux’s signature 30-degree flying tourbillon.
With these two watches, Candaux once again demonstrates just how independently the independent watchmaking industry currently operates: technically sophisticated, strongly influenced by the Vallée de Joux, and a far cry from standardized product logic.
