At Watches and Wonders 2026, high-end spectacle dominated, but value hasn’t disappeared. Amid six-figure showpieces, thoughtfully designed, mechanically engaging watches stood out for staying under $5,000. Here are five that caught my eye.
With a redesigned 40-mm case, new dial aesthetics and a La Joux-Perret–based automatic movement, Alpina relaunches its aviation-inspired Startimer collection for 2026.
With the Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre, Alpina introduces its very first solar-powered watch. It debuts in a compact Extreme case with a translucent dial and offers an impressive autonomy of up to ten months without light.
Alpina expands its Alpiner Extreme Automatic collection with new brown and green sunburst dials featuring a vintage-inspired California layout. Rugged, precise, and water-resistant to 200 meters, these new editions embody the brand’s spirit of adventure on the mountain or in the city.
