Year: 2026

This weekend marks the debut of the highly anticipated “Supergirl” movie, accompanied by a nostalgic soundtrack featuring Blondie’s iconic hit “Call Me.” In a creative partnership, Timex has unveiled the Supergirl x Blondie collaboration watch, showcasing a pop-art portrait of Debbie Harry. The stylish timepiece, housed in a 36mm case with a studded leather strap, is now available for pre-order, with a general release set for June 26 at $299.

Respected industry leader joins innovative technology platform as early results demonstrate substantial opportunities for jewellery

Ralph Lauren has seamlessly united fashion and horology on the Milan runway, prominently featuring its exquisite watches in the Spring 2027 collection. With a nod to collegiate heritage and the modern gentleman athlete, the designs were showcased against casually rolled-up sleeves, highlighting models that blend tradition with contemporary flair. Actor Tom Hiddleston, sporting the Stirrup watch, exemplified the brand’s focus on youthful consumers who now view timepieces as essential fashion accessories rather than mere investments. As the lines between luxury timepieces and high fashion continue to blur, Ralph Lauren’s narrative resonates with a shifting market eager for authenticity and style.

Watches and Wonders Geneva is set to return from April 5 to 11, 2027, with a highly anticipated public weekend scheduled from Friday to Sunday. The event will feature the debut of the House of Brands, showcasing luxury names such as Breitling and Gallet, as well as the first appearance of Italian jeweller Damiani. Following the Geneva event, the newly minted Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair will take place, offering a double highlight for the luxury sector in April 2027. Further details are expected in the upcoming months.

The UK market for traditional watches priced under £500 has seen a dramatic decline, as sales plummeted from £569 million in 2025 to below £250 million in just five years. The rise of smartwatches, particularly among millennials, has rendered quartz models nearly obsolete. Fossil Group experienced a steep drop in sales from £152 million to £31 million, while Peers Hardy has managed a remarkable recovery, reporting £33.3 million in sales for 2025, up 7% year-on-year. The closure of over 80% of UK department stores amid changing consumer habits further underscores the need for brands to pivot towards connected devices in a rapidly evolving market.

The city of Basel is set to re-establish its prominence in the jewellery and watch industry with the launch of the Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair in April 2027. Aiming to replace Baselworld, this fresh concept will feature around 400 exhibitors and seek to foster connections between European and Asian markets. Organisers MCH Group and Informa Markets are prioritising accessibility and cultural diversity, intending to create an engaging environment that encourages exploration rather than traditional exhibition formats. With plans to evolve over the coming years, the fair aims to bridge gaps in the market and highlight the rich identities of its participants.

Paraguayan midfielder Matias Galarza has captured the spotlight at the 2026 World Cup after a light-hearted incident involving a referee’s watch during his team’s match against Turkey. Amid a player scuffle just before half-time, Galarza spotted the watch on the pitch and mischievously tried it on, fiddling with its buttons as the referee handled the situation. The playful moment quickly went viral, with fans dubbing it one of the tournament’s “most unhinged moments.” Despite being on a yellow card, Galarza managed to avoid any further sanctions, finishing the match with a goal and a victory, while the referee reclaimed his timepiece.

MB&F has unveiled a new client lounge in New York City, marking its first in-country subsidiary office. Located in the prestigious Fuller Building on Madison Avenue, the space aims to foster community and creativity among watch aficionados. General manager Richard Réocreux highlights the lounge as a venue for collectors to immerse themselves in the brand’s innovative horological world. This initiative reflects a broader industry trend towards experience-driven luxury retail, where emotional connections take precedence over traditional sales strategies, signalling a shift towards blending luxury consumption with engaging social environments.

Keir Starmer’s resignation as Prime Minister has sparked a leadership contest within the Labour Party, with former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerging as the frontrunner. Burnham’s proposals, which include cutting business rates for small retailers and taxing online giants like Amazon, could reshape the retail landscape. However, his plans arrive amid uncertainty for retailers ahead of the crucial pre-Christmas trading period, raising questions about the support needed for traditional businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. As financial markets react, retailers brace for potential policy shifts that could have lasting implications.

The traditional division of watches into gender-specific categories is under scrutiny as evolving trends suggest a need for inclusivity in the market. Historically, women’s timepieces have been relegated to smaller, decorative accessories, while men’s watches dominated in size and mechanics. However, the rise in popularity of vintage styles across all demographics signals a shift in consumer attitudes.

Brands like Cartier are leading the change by eliminating gender labels from their catalogs, focusing instead on size and design. New entrants in the industry aim to challenge conventions by promoting collections without traditional gender lines. As the culture of watch appreciation continues to evolve, a reconsideration of marketing language may be necessary to better reflect the preferences of today’s diverse consumers, showcasing that watches are ultimately about personal choice rather than outdated classifications.