Year: 2026

Omega marks 30 years of association with James Bond by launching a new collection that intriguingly blends the timeless allure of 007 with the sinister charm of Spectre. The six-watch series, featuring distinct emblems on their rotors, includes models dedicated to both Bond and his adversaries, priced at £7,200—positioning them as a more accessible luxury than Rolex. With options reflecting iconic symbols from the franchise, enthusiasts can now choose a timepiece that resonates with their favorite aspects of the Bond narrative, from Blofeld’s cat to the tuxedo-clad spy himself.

The WatchPro UK Awards are set for November 23, with the shortlist now revealed. Enthusiasts can influence the results by voting through the provided link. In this edition, we also feature an exclusive interview with Chronography’s Karl Brown, offering a sneak peek into what attendees can expect at the upcoming show. Additionally, we explore Hong Kong’s dynamic vintage watch market and present a summary of must-see autumn watch launches. Stay informed—read more in our latest issue.

The WatchPro UK Awards have announced their 2023 finalists across 26 categories, spotlighting the best in the watch industry. Winners will be chosen through a combination of public votes and expert jury evaluations, with results unveiled at a gala in London on 23 November. As the awards mark their tenth anniversary, new categories reflect the evolving British watch market, inviting public participation until the voting deadline on 7 October.

Bell & Ross has officially concluded its partnership with Defender Rally after a remarkable first season, marked by the team securing the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship title. The collaboration, which focused on precision, endurance, and performance, saw the Defender Rally team dominate the Stock class, clinching victory in all four W2RC events, including the grueling Dakar Rally. Drivers Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal also celebrated individual championships, each amassing 233 points. As they gear up for the 2027 season, the legacy of this partnership underscores a commitment to excellence in the demanding world of rally racing.

Pandora has officially opened a state-of-the-art jewellery facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, backed by a $150 million investment. This facility, the company’s first outside Thailand, is set to significantly boost production capabilities, enabling the creation of up to 60 million pieces annually and increasing manufacturing capacity by 50%. The strategic move diversifies Pandora’s manufacturing footprint, reflecting its commitment to growth in the competitive Asian market.

In a thought-provoking discussion featured in the latest episode of Talking Shop, Scott Erickson, Vice President of Sales at HappyOrNot, delves into the evolving landscape of retail customer experience. Highlighting insights from the Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report, Erickson challenges traditional customer satisfaction measurement methods and underscores the importance of real-time, point-of-experience feedback. As businesses strive to improve customer engagement, his insights offer a timely reminder of the need for adaptation in an ever-changing retail environment.

In the latest episode of Talking Shop, Scott Erickson, VP of Sales at HappyOrNot, emphasizes a transformative approach to retail customer satisfaction metrics. Drawing on the Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report, he advocates for a shift from traditional measures to point-of-experience micro-feedback, capturing real-time insights from customers globally. Erickson’s analysis challenges the status quo, urging retailers to rethink how they assess and enhance customer experiences in an evolving market.

Watches of Switzerland Group (WoSG) is making a notable pivot in the luxury retail landscape by enhancing the synergy between its watch and jewellery offerings. With luxury timepieces constituting 82% of its revenue, the company’s recent launch of a dual retail concept—combining Watches of Switzerland and Mayors stores—signals a strategic shift towards boosting jewellery sales, currently at 13%. This innovative approach aims to attract a more diverse customer base, particularly women, which may invigorate growth in both jewellery and women’s watches amidst a challenging luxury market. As WoSG continues to evolve its strategy, the implications for the future of luxury retail are becoming increasingly significant.

Retailers in the UK are facing a mounting tax burden that is jeopardising jobs and stalling investment in the sector, according to a report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Analysis reveals that businesses contributed a staggering £39.1 billion in taxes during the last fiscal year, with retail employment seeing a significant decline of 122,000 jobs between 2024 and 2026. The BRC highlights the urgent need for tax reforms, as one in seven high street properties now stands vacant, reflecting the pressing challenges faced by traditional retailers. With the Budget on the horizon, calls for a reassessment of the current business rates system are intensifying, as industry leaders warn of the dire consequences of inaction.

A new dual-branded showroom has officially opened in Marlton, New Jersey, marking the first Mayors Jewelers location beyond Florida and Georgia. The 4,505 square-foot space at The Promenade at Sagemore features separate entrances for each brand, offering an extensive selection of luxury watches and high-end jewelry. This strategic expansion by the Watches of Switzerland Group underscores its commitment to retail growth in the U.S., blending the rich heritage of Mayors Jewelers with a premium shopping experience.