Although the vast majority of mechanical watches are still made of steel, there are of course numerous alternative materials. One of the oldest and most widely used is gold, followed by titanium and perhaps platinum. At the more unusual end of the spectrum, we find watches made from other types of metal, state-of-the-art composite materials, or even solid sapphire. While each has its own appeal, the use of these unusual materials takes a watch in a completely new direction. And even today, in a time when everything seems to be done, we are still being treated to new and very special materials. With that in mind, we're rounding up some of Watches and Wonders' coolest new watches of 2026 that do things a little differently.
H. Moser & Cie. x Reebok Streamliner Pump
One of the funniest and most surprising watches was the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Pump, made in collaboration with sneaker giant Reebok. Moser has not only redeveloped the functionality of winding a watch with the special pump system, but also used a material that was previously rare in watchmaking: forged quartz fiber! Manufacturing is similar to forged carbon fiber in that the base material is cut into strands, placed in a mold, compressed and injected with resin. The result is a material with a unique mottled look, UV-resistant, light and completely dyeable. The Streamliner pump is available in white or black, but theoretically that doesn't have to be everything. Otherwise it is a typical Moser watch. The look is unmistakably streamliner and the technology and workmanship are at the highest level. The Streamliner pump from H. Moser & Cie. is limited to 250 pieces per color CHF 31,360, excl. VAT
For more information, see our video review here.
IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Ceralume
IWC had already announced a fully luminous Big Pilot's Watch in 2024 and introduced a material called Ceralume. As a master in the use of ceramics (think Lake Tahoe, Mojave Desert, and of course Ceratanium), IWC went far beyond the known, but it was merely a “proof of concept.” However, now it is marketed in the IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Ceralume, and it is…. bright! During the day it is almost completely white, with essentially just the crown sticking out and the contrast on the dial coming from polished and matte surfaces. At night, however, the thing shines like a flashlight! The ceramic mass used for the case is enriched with Super-LumiNova pigments, so the dial, the hands and even the bracelet are part of the illuminated spectacle! It's definitely polarizing and shows you how far ceramics can be pushed. Limited to 250 pieces, this Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Ceralume retails 65,000 francs.
For more information, see our handy story here.
Zenith GFJ Tantalum
Although the Zenith GFJ is a pure dress watch, all about hours, minutes and small seconds, they prove that even the simplest display can benefit from a change of materials. While last year's original was made of platinum, the brand returned with two exceptional models, one of which used heavy tantalum for the case. The material is notoriously difficult to machine and work with, outperforming conventional steel by a factor of two and being even heavier than gold and platinum. But tantalum's grayish, metallic sheen is what makes it so desirable to many. It softens a watch but highlights it at the same time. It is also the perfect backdrop for the center of the black onyx dial, surrounded by a grid-like guilloche pattern and applied diamond hour markers. And don't forget the 135 caliber on the back! Only 20 pieces will be made, e.g CHF 73,900.
For more information, see our handy story here.
Tudor Black Bay pottery
The new Tudor Black Bay Ceramic is a bit more conventional in both looks and materials and certainly made an impression at the show. While the brand drew most of the attention on the all-new Monarch, this one came in a close second when talking to others about Tudor. While ceramic is not new to Tudor or the Black Bay collection, this model marks the debut of the brand's first all-ceramic three-link bracelet with a new type of folding clasp. The matte finish enhances the practical look and feel of the watch, and the dial plays in a similar monochromatic color palette, albeit slightly lighter in tone. And let's not forget that it also comes with the brand's COSC and METAS certified MT5602-U automatic movement, so you get a pretty complete package. Retail for CHF 6,300, It's also one of the most affordable all-ceramic watches on the market!
For more information, see our introductory story here.
Maserati UltraFino White
Last but not least, the ultra-sporty and robust Bianchet UltraFino Maserati is a limited edition made in collaboration with the legendary Italian car manufacturer. Crafted from high-density forged carbon, the UltraFino Maserati follows the brand's design ethos with a sculpted case, an integrated forged bracelet, an exposed colored gasket under the bezel and a fully openwork dial and tourbillon movement. Weight and comfort are the focus, the ergonomics are on point and the watch weighs just 36 grams when worn on the bracelet. The inspiration for the water blue elements and the shapes of the dial comes from the Maserati MCPURA super sports car. All in all, it's a finely crafted watch that can take a beating when needed and won't put a strain on you. However, it will cost you a significant amount as the limited edition of 100 copies is available in retail stores 75,500 CHF.
For more information, see our handy story here.
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