Month: October 2025

The WatchPro Awards 2025 celebrated the crème de la crème of the British watch industry, drawing major brands such as Hublot, Patek Philippe, and Bremont. The event highlighted the evolving landscape with significant participation from pre-owned watch specialists like eBay, demonstrating their growing influence. Concluding with a nod to future endeavors, the awards will return in September 2026, promising another showcase of innovation and craftsmanship in horology.

Breitling has unveiled its latest offering aimed at women, the Lady Premier collection, paying homage to the brand’s 1940s Premier Fantaisies watches. With two sizes available, the Automatic 36 and SuperQuartz™ 32, this collection fuses classic design with modern sensibilities, featuring sustainable materials and traceable lab-grown diamonds. Ranging in price from GBP 3,900 to 13,300, the Lady Premier is designed to celebrate femininity and confidence, reflecting the legacy of Willy Breitling and the influential design input of his wife, Beatrice.

The Trump administration has halted approximately $18 billion in funding for vital New York City infrastructure projects, including the Hudson River Tunnel and the Second Avenue Subway. Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, cited concerns over “unconstitutional DEI principles” as the basis for the freeze. This announcement comes as the US government faces a shutdown, with blame directed towards Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries for failing to secure necessary funding measures. The suspension raises significant concerns about the future of key transit initiatives critical for millions of daily commuters.

Breitling CEO Georges Kern is set to expand the brand’s footprint in the luxury watch market, projecting optimism for a rebound despite current economic challenges. Under Kern’s leadership, the company’s valuation has skyrocketed from under $1 billion to $4 billion, signifying its robust growth trajectory. With new launches for the Gallet and Universal Geneve brands on the horizon, Kern aims to target diverse market segments, even as he cautions against the potential pitfalls of rising prices for some luxury brands. As the watch industry grapples with geopolitical and economic pressures, Kern remains hopeful that consumer demand will eventually rebound.

Audemars Piguet is marking its 150th anniversary with the launch of the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Chronograph RD#5, an innovative piece that redefines the conventional chronograph. Featuring the revolutionary Calibre 8100 with a new rack-and-pinion reset mechanism, this limited edition watch combines a flyback chronograph with a flying tourbillon for the first time. Priced at CHF 260,000, only 150 units will be available, each embodying a blend of luxury and cutting-edge technology, while maintaining the timeless design that defines the legendary Royal Oak.