You’d think that the month following the blockbuster event that is Watches & Wonders would take it easy when it comes to new watch releases. Alas, much like a flyback chronograph, the watch industry has snapped back into motion, with manufactures and microbrands alike showing no signs of winding down. From another throwback Zenith Chronomaster Revival to the latest celebrity to acquire a stake in a watch brand, May 2026 brings with it a heady slate of new watch releases and industry news. Of course, we’re here to keep you across it all, with the latest instalment of In The Loupe, our monthly watch news series.
May 2026 watch news
Below, all the latest and greatest releases and watch news to know in May 2026.
Zenith head to the tropics with its newest Chronomaster Revival A384
- Zenith has released the latest edition of its Chronomaster Revival A384, distinguished by its tonneau-shaped case, with a ‘tropical’ brown dial
- The manufacture captures the depth and warmth of aged tropical dials through a white lacquered base topped with chocolate-toned subdials, with this shade extending onto the tachymeter scale
- The dial is housed within a 37mm stainless steel tonneau-shaped case with alternating brushed and polished finishes
- It’s powered by the El Primero 400, a high frequency chronograph movement with a 50-hour power reserve, which is visible through the exhibition caseback
Price: $8900CHF
Model: Chronomaster Revival A384 Tropical (ref. 03.A384.400/69.M384)
Case size: 37mm
Movement: El Primero 400 (automatic)
Water resistance: 5ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Power reserve: 50 hours
Explore Chronomaster Revival A384 Tropical via Zenith.
Timothée Chalamet invests in Urban Jürgensen
Noted Cartier boi Timothée Chalamet has joined Urban Jürgensen as a partner, purchasing a minority equity stake in the family-owned independent Danish watchmaker. He’s also set to take on a creative advisory role, across forthcoming projects and initiatives. While Chalamet has worked as a brand ambassador for several luxury houses, this marks the first time he’s taken on a partnership role within a company.
“When we first met, we were struck by Timothée’s curiosity and interest in independent watchmaking,” shared Alex Rosenfield, CEO of Urban Jürgensen. “UJ’s philosophy is expressed through the quality of the work, the preservation of traditional techniques, and a focus on doing things properly at every stage. It was this way of thinking that first resonated with Timothée and that will define the partnership. We want to work together to advance our mission of bringing a contemporary perspective to the world of independent watchmaking while remaining grounded in what has always defined it.”
Celebrity ambassadorships for major watch houses are commonplace—Ryan Goslong for TAG Heuer, Jennifer Lawerence for Longines, Zendaya and Roger Federer for Rolex, everyone for Omega—but alignments with indie watch brands may be set to rise. The news of Chalamet’s partnership comes three years after independent watch brand ID Genève satisfied its seed funding round with help from Leonardo DiCaprio — who, incidentally, is also a Rolex testimonee. It’s a short list, but it may signal a desire for ambassadorships which go beyond aesthetic alignment, spotlighting those who are truly enthusiastic about the brand and industry at large.
Want to know what’s ticking in the watch world? Find all our watch news coverage here, and catch on previous editions of In The Loupe below:
- In The Loupe: The Watch News To Know In January 2026
- In The Loupe: The Watch News To Know In February 2026
- In The Loupe: The Watch News To Know In March 2026
- In The Loupe: The Watch News To Know In April 2026
Words by Theo Rosen and Henry Blake
