The Diamond Dispatch

A new UK-based technology platform is seeking to redefine how jewellery and watch retailers document,

As summer approaches, WatchPro’s June edition delves into travel retail with an exclusive interview featuring Harding Retail. The issue showcases a striking photoshoot of essential vacation watches and explores the evolving secondary market for timepieces, highlighting insights from Chrono24 and Bezel. With artificial intelligence and data revolutionizing watch trading practices, the publication sheds light on how these advancements foster trust among collectors. Additionally, JCK reveals tantalizing details about its new Timepieces at Luxury initiative, alongside exciting updates from London Watch Week. For in-depth watch coverage, readers are invited to subscribe.

Swiss watch exports face a complex landscape marked by a 16.6% decline in April 2026 compared to the previous year, largely due to significant drops in U.S. sales amid lingering effects of tariff fluctuations. Despite this dip, the data reveals a nuanced picture: when compared to two years prior, exports to the U.S. show a nearly 9% increase, bolstered by strong high-end watch sales. Meanwhile, France has emerged as a major market, overtaking Japan, as Swiss watch brands navigate a challenging environment characterized by fluctuating tariffs, evolving consumer demand, and shifts in international trade dynamics.

Jeweller Rox has announced a return to profitability for the first time in three years, with a projected operating profit of £400,000 and turnover remaining steady at £11 million. Despite a challenging landscape marked by a 28% decline in watch sales—now just 17% of total revenue—the Glasgow-based retailer is pivoting towards bridal and fine jewellery. The closure of its Hublot store and a reduction in workforce from 76 to 58 employees illustrate the company’s response to shifting consumer demands. With nine locations across the UK, Rox is also blending retail and hospitality to enhance customer experience, a strategy bolstered by future developments in Edinburgh’s Argyll Arcade.

Ramsdens has reported a remarkable 62% increase in revenue, reaching £83.7 million for the six months ending March 31, 2026, alongside a profit before tax soaring by 173% to £16.7 million. Driven by a booming demand for cash for gold, which surged by 130%, and a thriving luxury watch sales portfolio, the company is expanding its presence across the UK. With a strong balance sheet enabling growth and increased dividends, Ramsdens’ Chief Executive, Peter Kenyon, expressed confidence in the company’s future, despite current economic challenges.

The annual Power List event, hosted by WatchPro on Saturday night, celebrated over 70 influential figures from the US watch industry amidst the inaugural Timepieces at Luxury & JCK show. Sponsored by eBay, Junghans, and WOLF, the event highlighted key contributors across five categories, including Brand Champions and Retail Titans. Attendees included C-suite executives and notable retailers, marking a significant recognition of excellence within the sector.

In a fascinating twist of lunar history, Colonel David R. Scott’s choice of a Bulova watch during the Apollo 15 mission has come to light, despite NASA’s efforts to obscure its identity at the time. The original Bulova chronograph, which helped Scott navigate the moon’s surface after his Omega Speedmaster malfunctioned, sold for a staggering $1.6 million in 2015. Now, in commemoration of its legacy, Bulova has unveiled the limited edition Luna Pilot ‘Black Hole,’ featuring ultra-light-absorbing paint and a cutting-edge chronograph movement. Priced at $1,650, this latest model not only captures the spirit of space exploration but also pays homage to the once-overlooked contributions of American timekeeping in the Apollo program.

REEDS Jewelers has launched an impressive new luxury showroom in Cary, North Carolina, celebrating 80 years of family-owned heritage. This 7,800 square foot flagship store showcases prestigious brands like Rolex, Tudor, and Omega, alongside a commitment to immersive customer experiences. Designed with hospitality in mind, the space fosters long-term relationships, embodying the ethos of personal service that has defined the storied retailer since its inception. As Cary’s affluence rises, the new showroom positions REEDS as a key player in the evolving luxury market, inviting clients into a welcoming environment that transcends traditional retail.

Favre Leuba has announced a revitalization under Silvercity Brands, unveiling its Deep Raider Revival collection, which pays homage to its dive watch heritage. The collection’s centerpiece—an orange-accented model inspired by the 1970s Bathy 160—highlights the brand’s commitment to visibility in professional diving. Priced at £2,500 / $3,200, it features a striking grey sunray dial and offers both aesthetic appeal and functionality, equipped with a robust automatic movement and customizable strap options. The timepiece is now available for watch enthusiasts eager to embrace Favre Leuba’s storied legacy.

Nicholas Manousos has stepped down as executive director of The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) after 12 years of significant contributions, including the expansion of scholarship and outreach programs. His tenure culminated in a successful gala dinner which raised $1.2 million, funding 55 scholarships and supporting five educational institutions. Carolina Navarro will temporarily lead HSNY during the search for a permanent successor, while the board welcomes two new members, aiming to further enrich the horological community.