The Top 5 Watches Released In August 2026
Another Friday, another list! This week, we’ll return to our series of articles focusing on the best releases of every month. Summer is coming to an end, and most of you are slowly getting back into the pace of daily work life. August is usually a really quiet month, with many brands temporarily closing up shop, so we generally don’t see many remarkable releases. This year, however, it felt a little different, as there were plenty of great new offerings. That’s why we created a list of our five favorite new watches from August 2026.
Before we get into them, it’s worth noting that we are a little early, as August is not quite over. But there is a reason for that. Next week, Geneva Watch Days will start, and we will be there to cover all the new releases. We will also be picking our favorite new watches from the event for next week’s list. That’s why we put together our list of favorite August releases this week. With that out of the way, let’s find out what they are.
Omega Speedmaster 38
Our first pick is probably this month’s biggest release. With the new Speedmaster 38, Omega delivers a version of its iconic Speedmaster that people with smaller wrists will love. The new line consists of five stainless steel models, including two with diamond-set bezels, as well as two steel-and-gold variants. We had the three non-diamond-set steel versions in for review. All three have a 38mm case with a 44.96mm lug-to-lug and 14.75mm total thickness. As you would expect, the watches are a bit chunky due to the domed sapphire crystal, but they still sit very well on the wrist.
The biggest changes for this new generation are the dial and bezel designs. Omega’s designers updated them to bring the Speedmaster 38 more in line with the iconic Moonwatch. As a result, they feel like they properly belong in the Speedmaster lineage. Inside the case, the black-dial version uses the Omega caliber 3332, while the white- and silvery-opaline-dial versions use caliber 3330, which adds a date indicator. Both are automatic calibers that operate at 28,800 vph, have 31 jewels, and provide a 52-hour power reserve. The chronograph movement also contains a Co-Axial escapement and a column-wheel chronograph mechanism.
The new Speedmaster 38 is delivered with a stainless steel bracelet similar to that of the Moonwatch. It features a folding clasp with push-button release and a 2.3mm extension. The black version costs €6,400, the white-dial version €7,000, and the silvery opaline-dial version €6,600. The new Speedmaster 38 is a great update that many of you had something to say about. I suggest you read Robert-Jan’s extensive review to get the full lowdown on the new Speedy 38.
Straum Expedition
Our next pick is the brand-new release from Straum. With the Expedition, the Norwegian brand also introduces a new series of watches. The new Built For line features purpose-driven timepieces focused on practical performance during your adventures, as well as legibility, durability, comfort, and reliability. The counterpart to this collection is the Inspired By series, which translates the textures, colors, and spirit of Norwegian landscapes into remarkable dial designs. The popular Jan Mayen models, with their beautiful nature-inspired dials, occupy this category.
The Straum Expedition is an adventurer’s watch with a 38.2 × 42.5 × 11mm Grade 5 titanium case. We know its modern shape from the Jan Mayen, but the new bezel design and completely different dials truly transform the Expedition. Straum offers three dial options. The first is dark blue, the second is dark gray, and the third is a white full-lume dial. We had that last one in the office, and I got the pleasure of reviewing it. Despite my initial impressions that the design takes after Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Polaris series and the famous Rolex Explorer dials, I quickly became a fan.
Wearing the Straum Expedition reveals the real magic
Inside the case, Straum uses the La Joux-Perret G100 caliber. This automatic movement operates at 28,800 vph, has 24 jewels, and offers a 68-hour power reserve. You can get the Expedition with an integrated titanium bracelet or on an FKM rubber strap. The first option will give it a sportier look and completely transform the appearance. We had the white-dial version on a green rubber strap, which is one of the seven choices available.
I was seriously impressed by the Straum Expedition after wearing it for a few days. The build quality, legibility, and comfort are truly impressive, and it’s a very attractive option for anyone looking for a great watch that’s ready for any adventure, whether it’s an urban adventure in your city or a proper expedition to a remote place. The Straum Expedition is ready for anything you throw at it. It retails for €2,360 on a bracelet or €2,100 on a strap (both excluding taxes), and it’s a great second pick for this list.
Seiko Presage Classic HCC009 × Tradman’s Bonsai
Our next pick is a watch that completely caught me off guard. When we visited the Seiko Benelux offices some time ago to look at the novelties, this amazing Presage Classic HCC009 × Tradman’s Bonsai immediately stood out. Sure, the gold PVD finish on the case and bracelet helps it do that. Usually, though, I am not the biggest fan of the faux-gold look because it mimics something it’s not and can be pretty disappointing. But Seiko absolutely nailed it with this HCC009. On top of that, the slightly vintage-inspired gold hue pairs very well with the stunning green dial inspired by the traditional art of Japanese bonsai.
Just looking at the dial of this collaboration watch shows that it’s truly something else. But once you read about the matsuba-iro green dial and Tradman’s Bonsai, you get a better idea of what this effort is about. Tradman’s Bonsai is a creative collective specializing in producing and curating “bonsai spaces.” The company’s mission is to share the traditional art of bonsai with the world. In this case, it’s a special dial that uses color and texture to tell that story.
The watch has a 38mm case with a 43.8mm lug-to-lug and a 12.9mm profile. It’s a modestly sized watch, and that is part of the magic. With gold(-colored) watches, it’s better if they’re not loud statements, and this Seiko reins it in perfectly. The seven-row gold-PVD-treated bracelet adds a touch of refinement and is super comfortable to wear. I was super impressed by the story, the dial, and the full-gold presence of this €1,400 limited edition, which will be available for sale starting September 1st.
Singer Reimagined Heritage V72
Another nice surprise in August was the Singer Reimagined Heritage V72 Chronograph. Last year, the brand introduced the Heritage Chronograph in black and green, powered by fully restored and refinished hand-wound Valjoux 236 movements. It put a nice spin on the two-register chronographs that we loved. For the new Heritage V72, the brand did something similar. The two new watches house restored and refinished hand-wound Valjoux 72 calibers, resulting in a duo of three-register chronographs that look fantastic. The first is a gray-dial model in stainless steel on a fabric strap, and the second is a black-dial version in yellow gold on a black leather strap.
Both cases have a 38.8mm diameter and 13.25mm thickness. Due to two box-style crystals on the front and back, the watches are slightly thicker than last year’s releases. But what you get in return is more than worth it. The two watches look absolutely wonderful. Singer also added some lighter tones to the matte stone-gray and matte black dials, making the watches look even better than last year’s releases.
By simply adding white sub-dials and a white chapter ring and keeping the orange touches, these watches feel fresh and new. The signature toothed gold flange matches the applied indexes and stylishly finishes the look. The gold model has a slightly more retro vibe, while the stainless steel version feels a bit more contemporary, but there is no going wrong with either.
If you turn the watch around, you’ll get a great view of the beautifully restored Valjoux 72 caliber. This legendary movement powered some of the most iconic chronographs, including the Rolex Daytona, Heuer Carrera, and Breitling Navitimer. It brings a lovely historical touch to these new watches. Add the great looks, and this pair of Singer Reimagined Heritage V72 chronographs is a wonderful fourth pick for this list. The stainless steel model retails for CHF 23,000, while the yellow gold version is CHF 45,000, both excluding taxes.
Kiwame Tokyo Yane
Our fifth and final pick is the pair of Kiwame Tokyo Yane models that debuted last week. And to say that they are popular is an understatement. The Japanese brand produced an initial run of 400 pieces, which sold out in no time. But then again, one look at the two Yane models and you will immediately understand what makes these watches special. It all starts with the beautifully sculpted case, inspired by traditional Japanese roof architecture, as Daan explained. The rectangular stainless steel 26.5mm case has a 44mm lug-to-lug and a 9.7mm profile. What instantly stands out is the vertical engraving above and below the dial. It resembles the tiles on the roofs of Japanese temples and provides tremendous character.
The visual drama increases when looking at the case’s profile, which slopes like traditional roofs. This helps the case tell a story while being visually intriguing. The case back adds to the story by featuring a decoration that mimics taruki, the parallel wooden beams that run from the roof ridge down to the eaves.
Kiwame Tokyo offers two versions of the Yane. The first features a black dial (Kuro), and the second has a nice, deep burgundy dial (Enji). The minimalist dials continue the story. As Daan explained, the applied marker at 12 o’clock looks almost exactly like a roof ridge. It is accompanied by the brand’s printed logo. Hovering over the dial are the faceted, polished hour and minute hands, which reflect light for visibility.
The initial run of 400 pieces sold out quickly
Hidden behind the engraved case back is the Miyota 6T27 movement. This automatic caliber runs at 28,800 vph, features 21 jewels, and has a 40-hour power reserve. A modest push-pull crown allows you to manually wind the caliber and set the time. Finishing the look of both watches is a 20/16mm calfskin strap that matches the dial color.
They finish the look of these wonderful Kiwame Tokyo Yane models in style. As already mentioned, all 400 available models sold out in no time for US$730. Thankfully, the Yane is not a limited edition. The brand will produce additional batches of this wonderful watch, which will be announced in the future. Seeing how quickly this initial run sold out, we hope that it will be restocked soon. The Yane is a stylish, affordable dress watch that integrates traditional Japanese culture into its design.
Final thoughts on the top five watches released in August 2026
There you have it — our five favorite new watches from August 2026. Despite the quieter summer, this is still a wonderful list of releases. But maybe we have missed one that you really like. That’s why I want to turn the question over to you. What are some of your highlights from August 2026? Let us know in the comments section, and we will see you next week for another list!
