Inside Watches and Wonders with Grigor Garabedian and Patrick Langlois

A watch enthusiast and a master watchmaker share their perspectives on the industry’s most anticipated watchmaking event.

Each spring, the watch world turns its attention to Geneva. From April 14 to 20, Watches and Wonders will once again bring together watchmakers, collectors, and industry experts to unveil the creations that will shape the year ahead.

This year, Maison Birks will share its perspective from Watches and Wonders through content that captures both the expertise behind the watches and the experience of the fair itself. Alongside technical insights, the coverage will offer a closer look at the atmosphere, conversations, and discoveries that define the event.

Maison Birks Head Watchmaker Grigor Garabedian brings over 15 years of experience in fine watchmaking, along with a deep understanding of craftsmanship and the technical intricacies of timepieces. He will be joined by Patrick Langlois, watch enthusiast and radio and television host, attending the fair for the first time. Together, they offer two complementary perspectives, one rooted in expertise, the other in discovery.

What is Watches and Wonders?

What does Watches and Wonders represent to you?

GG: Watches and Wonders is the paramount event that sets the tone for the coming year’s trends in the watchmaking industry.

PL: To me, Watches and Wonders is like the Super Bowl for watch aficionados. It’s where the biggest brands unveil their novelties, and it really marks the start of the year for watch lovers.

Experiencing the Energy of the Fair

For Langlois, the excitement starts with the atmosphere.
Patrick, what are you most curious to experience at the fair?

PL: More than anything, I’m excited to feel the energy in the room. Whenever two watch lovers get talking, time just disappears. So, putting a roomful of people who all share that passion together, I can only imagine the kindred spirits and the kind of conversations that are going to happen. There’s something mysterious about being surrounded by people who all speak the same unspoken language of watches.

A watched being worked on at the Maison Birks Atelier.

Why is seeing a watch in person so important?

GG: Seeing a watch in person is absolutely essential. You simply can’t judge a timepiece through photos or specs. What truly matters is the way light moves across the case and dial and how the balance of weight sits on your wrist.

PL: Like they say in the watch world, there’s nothing like seeing it in the metal. Holding a watch tells a completely different story than looking at a photo online.

What to Expect in 2026

Looking ahead, both are curious to see what directions the industry takes this year.

What trends or developments are you excited to see this year?

GG: This year, I expect to see continued exploration of high-end complications, but also a meaningful return to métiers d’art, the traditional decorative crafts that shaped watchmaking long before modern tooling existed.

PL: I really love the ongoing trend toward smaller watches. It works perfectly for my smaller wrists, and I’m glad to see a return to more classic, refined proportions.

Inspiration and Discovery

Beyond the launches and announcements, the fair is also about what they take away from the experience.

What do you hope to take away from Watches and Wonders 2026?

GG: The same thing I look forward to every year: a renewed sense of inspiration.

PL: I’m hoping to meet a lot of great fellow enthusiasts and experience the thrill of seeing watches before the rest of the world.

As Watches and Wonders Geneva opens this April, Maison Birks looks forward to discovering the creations that will shape the year ahead. Throughout the event, Grigor Garabedian and Patrick Langlois will share their perspectives from Geneva, offering watch enthusiasts a closer look at the fair as it unfolds.

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