Year: 2025

In a transformative year for the luxury watch industry, Rolex has relaxed its policy on “Exhibition-Only” displays, allowing retailers to openly showcase timepieces amid improving availability. As demand cools, average waiting times for coveted models have significantly decreased. However, the landscape of luxury watch thefts has shifted, with high-end brands like Patek Philippe now in the crosshairs of thieves. While secondary market prices continue to slide, Rolex remains a dominant force in desirability, claiming six spots in the top ten most coveted models. Recent concerns over a false alarm regarding Rolex price drops emphasize the ongoing volatility in the market.

Swedish design duo Rebecka and Thomas Neumann are set to revolutionize the watch market with their brand Neumann Klocker (NKAB), blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship. Their inaugural collection, Initial No.1, offers quartz models priced from £415, while a new line of mechanical watches is seeking funding on Kickstarter. Inspired by nostalgia and a commitment to sustainability, the couple aims to produce timeless pieces that resonate with modern sensibilities. Early backers of the upcoming Automatic Collection, launching with prices starting at £999, can enjoy significant discounts, with deliveries anticipated by May 2026.

UK consumers are expected to spend £3.6 billion during this year’s Boxing Day sales, a decline from previous years, despite an increase in average spending per shopper to £253. Only 26% plan to shop, reflecting the ongoing cost-of-living challenges that have affected spending decisions for 70% of consumers. Clothing and accessories lead demand, while the shift towards online shopping continues, with AI tools aiding more than a third of shoppers. Experts suggest a blend of high street experiences and mindful purchasing will define this year’s sales.

Demand for platinum jewellery showed remarkable resilience in the third quarter of 2025, despite fluctuating precious metal prices. High gold prices have spurred consumers to explore platinum alternatives, bolstering its appeal due to durability and competitive pricing. While China reported a slowdown in overall demand, particularly for non-gem-set items, India thrived with an 8% growth driven by strategic marketing initiatives. The US market, though facing challenges, noted double-digit revenue growth as consumers increasingly shifted from white gold to platinum. Looking forward, the Platinum Guild International anticipates continued momentum in bridal and luxury sectors, supported by innovative marketing and product development.

The 2025 WatchPro Awards have celebrated excellence in horology, with Hublot’s Big Bang Unico taking home the title of Best Chronograph Watch. The Biver Automatique Atelier Series was recognised as Best Independent Watch, while IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 was lauded for its aviation features. Ulysse Nardin’s Diver [Air] won Best Dive Watch, and Oris x The Muppets received the Collaboration of the Year award, reflecting a vibrant year of innovation and creativity in the watchmaking industry.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is set to unveil redesigned coloured stone reports and enhanced origin-determination services from 1 January 2026. These updates aim to improve clarity in gemological information for both professionals and consumers. The new services will include the ability to trace the origins of opal, peridot, and garnet, alongside existing options for other precious stones. Accompanying the report redesign, GIA will revise weight categories and fees for coloured stone submissions, based on extensive research involving 32,000 samples.

Austin, once synonymous with music and culture, is rapidly transforming into a major business hub, attracting notable players like Tesla and Oracle, who have shifted their headquarters to the Texas capital. This influx of corporate investment is fostering an expansion in the luxury retail sector, with high-end brands establishing a presence in the city. As Austin draws tourists with its vibrant events and burgeoning tech industry, the city is not only reshaping its economic landscape but also enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for business and leisure alike.

Tudor USA has announced an average price increase of just over 4% across its watch range for the coming year, with notable hikes for certain models. The gold Black Bay 58 will see the largest rise at 7.9%, while simpler steel models will be capped at below 5%. This marks Tudor’s third price adjustment within a year, reflecting ongoing inflationary pressures and shifting tariff landscapes. In tandem, parent company Rolex plans a 7% average price increase, underscoring the evolving dynamics in the luxury watch market as Swiss manufacturers adapt to economic challenges.

Pragnell has achieved remarkable growth in the 2024-25 financial year, recording sales of £100.5 million, making it the sixth largest jeweller in the UK, surpassing both Bucherer and Rolex. Despite this success, operating profits have seen a decline of 11% to £8 million, attributed to rising costs as the company expands its retail operations. Following a strategic shift in focus post-Brexit, 86% of sales now come from domestic customers. The recent launch of The Embassy showroom in Stratford-Upon-Avon highlights Pragnell’s commitment to luxury, showcasing prestigious brands and innovative offerings, as the company continues its evolution in the competitive jewellery market.

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team has launched its inaugural watch and jewellery collection, blending the thrilling world of motorsport with luxury design. The standout piece, the DWF watch, boasts a carbon fibre case and features dual square counters, enhanced by vibrant race-inspired colours. Complementing this are silicone BAT bangles showcasing the team logo in striking hues. This new range aims to encapsulate the brand’s heritage while embracing modern elegance, appealing to both automotive enthusiasts and style aficionados globally.