Events in Fall 2026: Watches, Jewelry, and Gemstones from Geneva to New York
From Doha to Milan, Düsseldorf, Geneva, and New York: Fall 2026 will bring a packed schedule of watch, jewelry, and industry events. INSIGHT-LUXURY provides an overview of the most important dates—categorized by public events, trade shows, and collectors’ gatherings.
The Geneva Watch Days in early September are by no means the end of the event calendar. On the contrary: Between late September and late November, numerous events of varying formats will take place. Some are traditional trade shows, while others are specifically aimed at collectors, customers, and watch enthusiasts. In addition, there are jewelry and gemstone events, as well as occasions such as the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, which hold special significance within the industry.
Public Events and Events Open to the Public
| Date | Event | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 28–October 3 | Doha Jewelry and Watches Exhibition | Doha, DECC | High Jewelry, Luxury Watches, International Brands, and Collectibles |
| October 2–4 | Milan Watch Week / After Time | Milan, Palazzo Mezzanotte | Haute Horlogerie, independent watchmakers, and newer watch brands |
| October 10–11 | Istanbul Watch Festival | Istanbul | Watch Brands, Independents, Community, and Talks |
| October 11 | Romanian Watch Fair – Watching Romania | Bucharest, Novotel | Independent Watchmakers, Microbrands, and Watchmakers |
| October 15 | FHH New York Watch Summit | New York | Watch Culture, Panels, and Discussions on Haute Horlogerie |
| October 16–18 | WatchTime New York | New York, Gotham Hall | Haute Horlogerie, Brands, New Releases, and Collectors |
| October 16–18 | Windup Watch Fair New York | New York, Center415 | Independents, Microbrands, and Community |
| October 22–25 | Gemworld Munich / Munich Show | Munich, Messe München | Gemstones, Pearls, Jewelry, and Minerals; Open to the public on the weekend |
| October 22–25 | New York City Jewelry & Watch Show | New York, Metropolitan Pavilion | Antique, estate, and contemporary jewelry, as well as watches |
| October 23–25 | WatchTime Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf, Rheinterrasse | Mechanical Watches, Manufacturers, and Independent Watchmakers |
| October 30–November 15 | GPHG – Exhibition of the Nominees | Geneva | The watches nominated for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève |
| November 6–7 | Salon Exceptional Watches | Prague, Žofín Palace | Fine Watches, Established Brands, and Independent Watchmakers |
| November 11–15 | Jewelry & Watch Show Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi, ADNEC | Jewelry, luxury watches, and international and regional brands |
| November 14–15 | Watches & Diamonds Vienna | Vienna, MAK | Watches, jewelry, and design |
| November 14–15 | W.O.I. – Watches of Italy | Milan, Superstudio Più | Independents, Microbrands, and Italian Watchmaking |
| November 28–29 | Micro Praha Festival | Prague, Fantova Budova | Microbrands and small independent watchmakers |
Watch events for collectors and enthusiasts
Doha Jewelry and Watches Exhibition
The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition is one of the most important luxury events in the Middle East. From September 28 to October 3, international watch and jewelry brands, regional jewelers, collectors, and buyers will gather at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
Doha forges particularly strong ties between high jewelry and haute horlogerie and the regional luxury market. Unlike traditional trade shows, the event also emphasizes direct contact with end customers. For international brands in particular, the event therefore serves as a key gateway to collectors and buyers from Qatar and the Gulf States.
Website: www.djwe.qa
Milano Watch Week / After Time
From October 2 to 4, the Palazzo Mezzanotte on Piazza Affari will once again become a gathering place for the watch world. Milano Watch Week focuses more on haute horlogerie and sophisticated independent watchmaking, while After Time broadens the spectrum to include younger and, in some cases, more accessible brands.
Brands – Selection: Armin Strom, Czapek, Ferdinand Berthoud, Franck Muller, Frederique Constant, Gerald Charles, Gérald Genta, Girard-Perregaux, Grand Seiko, Greubel Forsey, HYT, Konstantin Chaykin, Krayon, Laurent Ferrier, Lederer, L’Épée, MB&F, MING, Parmigiani Fleurier, Ressence, Romain Gauthier, Singer, Trilobe, Ulysse Nardin, Urwerk, and Zenith.
At After Time, you’ll find, among others, Atelier Wen, Dennison, Doxa, Favre Leuba, Furlan Marri, Louis Erard, Oris, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Serica, Squale, Venezianico, and ZRC.
It is precisely this mix of different price points and concepts that makes Milan so interesting: here, independent haute horlogerie meets brands that are geared more toward younger collectors and a broader watch-loving audience.
Website: www.milanowatchweek.com
Istanbul Watch Festival
The Istanbul Watch Festival brings together established manufacturers, independent watchmakers, and watch enthusiasts on October 10 and 11. Unlike the large jewelry trade show IJS, this event is much more focused on collectors and end consumers.
Brands – Selection: Alpina, Baume & Mercier, Bremont, Bulova, Casio, Cimier, Citizen, Doxa, Junghans, Lebois & Co, Lip, March LA.B, Nomos, Tutima, and Yema.
In addition to brand presentations, the event features talks, workshops, and direct interaction with manufacturer representatives. This gives Istanbul its own unique watch event beyond the traditional industry trade show.
Website: istanbulwatchfestival.com
Romanian Watch Fair – Watching Romania
On October 11, a relatively new watch festival called Watching Romania will take place in Bucharest. The focus is on independent manufacturers, microbrands, and watchmakers.
The event is particularly interesting because it establishes yet another meeting place for the growing watch community in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to brand presentations, talks and panel discussions are planned.
Website: waro.ro
FHH New York Watch Summit
The FHH New York Watch Summit on October 15 kicks off an unusually packed weekend of watch events in New York. The Fondation Haute Horlogerie brings together industry representatives, collectors, retailers, the press, and watch enthusiasts.
The focus is not on product presentations in the traditional sense, but rather on discussions about the evolution of watchmaking. In 2026, topics will include watchmaking knowledge and education, iconic models, the perception of value, and the significance of the American market.
Website: hautehorlogerie.org
WatchTime New York
WatchTime New York follows from October 16 to 18 at Gotham Hall. It is one of the most important public-facing events for high-end mechanical watches in the U.S. and combines brand presentations, new releases, panel discussions, and direct interaction between manufacturers and collectors.
Friday evening is designed as a VIP event, while Saturday and Sunday are open to the general public. As a result, WatchTime focuses more on haute horlogerie and established manufacturers than the Windup event, which takes place at the same time.
Website: www.watchtimeevents.com
Windup Watch Fair New York
Running concurrently with WatchTime, the Windup Watch Fair takes place at Center415 from October 16–18. The event has a much broader scope and is heavily influenced by independents, microbrands, and the watch community. Admission is free.
The combination of the FHH Summit, WatchTime, and Windup makes New York one of the most interesting watch hotspots of the fall in mid-October: Within just a few days, haute horlogerie, established brands, small independent watchmakers, and microbrands come together with a large American collector audience.
Website: windupwatchfair.com
WatchTime Düsseldorf
From October 23 to 25, the Rheinterrasse in Düsseldorf will once again become Germany’s premier gathering place for mechanical watches. More than 70 exhibitors are expected. The exhibition will be complemented by new product presentations, workshops, guided tours, and expert talks.
Brands – Selection: 1977, Alexander Shorokhoff, Atlantic, Ball, Bauhaus, Botta, Christopher Ward, Cimier, Circula, Damasko, DUG, Favre Leuba, Findeisen, Formex, Fortis, G-Shock, Hanhart, Heinrich, Horage, Jacques Bianchi, Jean Marcel, Laco, Lebois & Co, Lip, Marathon, Micromilspec, Minase, Nivada Grenchen, Prestex, RSW, Ruhla, Serica, Sinn Spezialuhren, Squale, Sternglas, Stowa, Straum, Studio Underd0g, Titoni, Vandaag, Venezianico, Vulcain, Yema, and Zeppelin.
This makes Düsseldorf one of the most important events for watch enthusiasts in the German-speaking world—precisely because many models are not only presented here but can also be tried on immediately and discussed with brand representatives.
Website: watchtime.net/watchtime-show
The “Oscars of the Watch Industry”: Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève
The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, or GPHG for short, is one of the highlights of the international watch calendar. The annual awards ceremony is often referred to as the “Oscars of the watch industry”—a somewhat bold description, but one that certainly captures the significance of the GPHG.
On November 7, 2026, awards in various categories will be presented in Geneva. Among the categories honored are classic watches, chronographs, complications, jewelry watches, and models that are exceptional in terms of technology or design.
The evening is preceded by a multi-stage selection process. The GPHG Academy selects the nominees from among the submitted watches before the winners are ultimately chosen. Even a nomination attracts international attention; for smaller and independent manufacturers in particular, an award can carry considerable weight.
The GPHG is thus far more than just a gala. Each year, the selection of nominees provides a cross-section of contemporary watchmaking: Which technical developments stand out? Which design trends are gaining traction? Which independent manufacturers are gaining visibility? And which classic concepts are being reinterpreted?
Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience part of this. From October 30 to November 15, the nominated watches will be on public display in Geneva. The actual awards ceremony on November 7, however, remains primarily an industry gathering.
The GPHG is thus simultaneously an awards ceremony, an international stage, and an annual review of the watchmaking industry.
Website: www.gphg.org
More on the GPHG 2026: An overview of the GPHG 2026 nominees
Salon Exceptional Watches Prague
On November 6 and 7, the Salon Exceptional Watches will bring fine watchmaking, established manufacturers, and independent watchmakers to the historic Žofín Palace in Prague.
More than 1,500 watches are expected to be on display. Lectures and personal encounters with watchmakers are just as much a part of the event as the brands’ presentations.
The final list of exhibitors for 2026 has not yet been fully published. In previous years, brands such as Arnold & Son, Alpina, Bell & Ross, Czapek, Fortis, Grand Seiko, G-Shock, H. Moser & Cie., Louis Erard, Norqain, and Oris were represented.
Website: sewpraha.com
Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi
From November 11 to 15, the Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi will take place, marking another important event in the Gulf region. At the ADNEC Center, international brands will meet regional brands and designers.
More than 100 brands from over 20 countries are expected to participate. In addition to jewelry and watches, regional design and the promotion of emerging talent play a special role. The International Designer Gallery is complemented by an Emirati Designer Gallery and a Sustainable Jewelry Gallery.
Abu Dhabi is thus not only a sales platform but also demonstrates how strongly a distinct jewelry and luxury culture is developing in the Middle East.
Website: www.jws.ae
Watches & Diamonds Vienna
On November 14 and 15, Vienna will welcome Watches & Diamonds Vienna, a new high-end event for watches and jewelry. The venue is the MAK – Museum of Applied Arts.
The concept deliberately emphasizes a salon-like atmosphere rather than a traditional trade show setting. Watches, fine jewelry, and design will be presented in an environment that allows more space for interaction and personal conversations. Confirmed participants so far include Stowa, Atlantic Watches, and the goldsmiths Guggenberger.
Website: Watches & Diamonds Vienna
W.O.I. – Watches of Italy
The seventh edition of Watches of Italy will also take place in Milan on November 14 and 15. Originally a predominantly Italian event, the format is now increasingly opening up to international independent brands.
The focus is on smaller manufacturers, microbrands, and Italian watchmaking. At the same time, the B2B component—involving retailers, distributors, and suppliers—is growing. The complete list of exhibitors for 2026 is still being finalized.
Website: www.watchesofitaly.com
Micro Praha Festival
The Micro Praha Festival, taking place on November 28 and 29 at the Fantova Budova in Prague’s historic main train station, will bring the fall watch season to a close.
The event focuses exclusively on microbrands and smaller independent manufacturers. Visitors can experience the watches firsthand, try them on, and in some cases order or purchase them on-site. Manufacturers from numerous countries are expected to attend.
Website: www.micropraha.com
Jewelry, Gemstones, and Other Events
Gemworld Munich: From Gemstones to Finished Jewelry
Gemworld Munich will take place from October 22 to 25 as part of the Munich Show. The event holds a special place on the calendar because it combines a trade show with a public event.
Thursday and Friday are reserved exclusively for registered trade visitors, while on Saturday and Sunday the event is also open to the general public. In 2026, Gemworld will occupy Halls A1 and A2 at the Munich Trade Fair Center, while the adjacent Mineral Days will use additional halls.
The range of offerings extends from loose gemstones, pearls, and amber to gemstone art and finished jewelry. It is precisely this combination of raw materials, trade, craftsmanship, and jewelry that makes Munich one of the most important European fall events for the gemstone industry.
Website: gemworldmunich.de
New York City Jewelry & Watch Show
From October 22 to 25, dealers, collectors, and buyers will gather at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan for the New York City Jewelry & Watch Show.
The spectrum ranges from antique and estate jewelry to contemporary jewelry and watches. The format thus differs significantly from traditional brand trade shows: historical pieces, vintage items, jewelry, and timepieces from various eras are displayed side by side on an equal footing.
Website: www.nycjaws.com
Trade Shows and B2B Events
| Date | Event | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 24–27 | Madridjoya | Madrid, IFEMA | Jewelry, Watches, Fine Jewelry, and Silversmithing |
| September 30–October 3 | IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show | Istanbul, Istanbul Expo Center | Jewelry, Gemstones, Gold, Watches, and Manufacturing Technologies |
| October 1–3 | GOLDEXPO Warsaw | Warsaw, EXPO XXI | Jewelry, Goldsmithing, Manufacturing, and Technology |
| October 2–5 | Le Rendez-Vous by Francéclat | Paris, Tuileries Garden | French Jewelry, Fine Jewelry, and Contemporary Design |
| October 22–23 | Gemworld Munich – Trade Days | Munich, Messe München | Gemstones, Jewelry, Pearls, and Sourcing |
Madridjoya: Spain’s Major Fall Jewelry Event
In 2026, Madridjoya will focus on a major annual event taking place September 24–27. The IFEMA exhibition grounds will bring together jewelry, silversmithing, design, and watches.
The event is exclusively for trade visitors and brings together brands, jewelers, buyers, and other industry representatives.
Website: www.ifema.es/en/madrid-joya
IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show
The IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show is one of the major international B2B events in the jewelry industry. From September 30 to October 3, manufacturers, retailers, buyers, and suppliers will gather at the Istanbul Expo Center.
The offerings range from gold and silver jewelry to diamonds, colored gemstones, and pearls, as well as watches and components. In addition, IJS Tech features a dedicated section for machinery, production technologies, software, security, and other services along the value chain.
This makes Istanbul not only a sales market but also an important production and trading hub between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Website: www.istanbuljewelryshow.com
GOLDEXPO Warsaw
GOLDEXPO will take place in Warsaw from October 1 to 3. It is one of Poland’s leading trade events for jewelry and goldsmithing.
In addition to jewelry collections, tools, machinery, production, and technologies play a major role. For the Central and Eastern European jewelry market, Warsaw is therefore an interesting B2B event that is significantly more focused on industry and craftsmanship than traditional luxury or consumer-oriented events.
Website: tjexpo.pl
Le Rendez-Vous by Francéclat
With Le Rendez-Vous, Francéclat is launching a new professional jewelry event at the Jardin des Tuileries from October 2–5 during Paris Fashion Week.
The focus is on French jewelry design and fine jewelry. The ÉMERGENCE program for emerging talent will be integrated into the concept. Brands, designers, buyers, journalists, and other industry representatives are invited to come together here in a carefully curated environment.
The timing during Fashion Week is part of the concept: jewelry is to be perceived more strongly as an integral part of the international creative and luxury industries.
Website: rendez-vous.franceclat.fr
Vintage, Pre-Owned, and Collectibles
In addition to the classic events, there are several specialized events this fall dedicated to vintage watches, the secondary market, and collectors. They operate differently from the trade shows and events mentioned above and therefore remain a distinct category:
- October 18 | London – London Watch Fair
- October 22–25 | Bologna – Time on Show
- November 7–8 | Geneva – Phillips, The Geneva Watch Auction XXIV
- November 15 | Houten – Rikketik Uurwerkenbeurs
The fall 2026 event calendar thus ranges from haute horlogerie and microbrands to jewelry and gemstones, all the way to the most prestigious awards in the international watch world. Particularly striking is the diversity of formats: alongside established events, an increasing number of specialized salons, festivals, and community events are emerging, bringing brands, watchmakers, collectors, and customers together in a much more direct way.
