GENEVA — Despite fresh geopolitical tumult and ongoing pressures on cost and trade, a sense of measured confidence was felt among retailers at the 2026 edition of Watches and Wonders. “Despite wider global uncertainty, my outlook for 2026 is genuinely positive,” said Harrods’ director of buying, fine jewelry and watches Beth Hannaway. “After a strong start to the year, the watchmaking world feels energized and confident, leaning into creativity, craftsmanship and design with an optimism that’s both contagious and encouraging for the year ahead.” Roberto Chiappelloni, owner of Manfredi Jewels, spoke of a balance between “measured confidence and genuine enthusiasm,” while Carole Falewee, director of watches and jewelry at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche and Samaritaine Paris Pont Neuf, highlighted “the strong energy of this industry that innovates and unites our clients.” Overall, retail executives described the fair as measured, stable with heritage top of mind but also authentic, refined, renewed —…