Month: January 2026

Norqain has launched the Adventure Chrono 41mm NHL Limited Edition, celebrating its newly established partnership with the National Hockey League. Showcasing a design inspired by ice hockey, the timepiece features a unique ‘scratched ice’ dial and a face-off circle counter. Housed in a 41mm stainless steel case, it boasts the N17 automatic movement with a 62-hour power reserve. Limited to just 1917 pieces, this exclusive model is priced from £4,375 and underscores Norqain’s commitment to sport-oriented luxury watches.

Repossi has launched its vibrant new collection, Splash of Colours, during Paris Haute Couture Week, showcasing the second phase of its Blast High Jewellery series. Featuring architectural gold designs intertwined with precious stones, the collection presents a striking contrast of warm autumn hues and cool midnight tones. The notable pieces, including the intricately crafted Blast Cuff and Spiral Hoop Earrings, highlight Repossi’s legacy in fine jewelry since 1957. This latest release not only pays homage to the maison’s historical significance but also reinterprets its signature style with a contemporary flair.

David M. Robinson has announced plans to expand its St Ann’s Square showroom in Manchester, more than doubling its size with a completion date set for 2027. This ambitious project aims to enhance the client experience, featuring intimate consultation areas and a showcase for Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches and bespoke jewellery services. Director Hannah Williams highlighted the expansion’s importance in providing a personalised luxury experience, while Managing Director John Robinson emphasized the investment in both the North West and in building lasting customer relationships.

Chronopolis, a groundbreaking watch exhibition, will debut in Geneva from April 14-18, 2024, coinciding with the renowned Watches and Wonders event. Set at Les Halles de l’Île, this inaugural showcase will spotlight 20 independent brands in a design-centric, accessible environment, free of charge. Organised by APRESDEMAIN, the event aims to foster genuine interactions amongst attendees, prioritising creativity and collaboration over competition. Co-founder Lorenzo Maillard emphasizes a commitment to authenticity and a fresh approach for independent watchmakers, marking a new chapter in the watch industry.

Swatch Group reported a turnover of CHF 6.3 billion for 2025, reflecting a slight decline amid challenging market conditions. Operating profits sharply fell from CHF 304 million to CHF 135 million as the company maintained full production capacity. Despite setbacks, there was a notable rebound in the latter half of the year, with sales outside key markets rising by 3.4%. The Americas, particularly the U.S., saw a remarkable nearly 20% increase in sales, highlighting regional disparities in performance as the group enters 2026 with positive momentum.

Luminox has firmly established its reputation in rugged watchmaking since receiving the endorsement of the US Navy SEALs in 1992. With a focus on durability and innovative materials, the brand’s latest Navy SEAL 3580 Chronograph showcases the advanced CARBONOX and CARBONOX+ for lightweight resilience in extreme environments. Powered by Swiss movements ensuring precision under pressure and featuring Luminox Light Technology for guaranteed visibility, these timepieces are designed for those who demand reliability in the most challenging conditions.

Chaumet has unveiled its Envol collection for 2026, a striking high jewellery line inspired by the brand’s historical connection to avian themes. Comprising nine exquisite pieces, the collection features grand feu enamel and captivating midnight blue sapphires, embodying the elegance of the Belle Époque. The crown jewel is a transformable tiara, crafted over an astounding 850 hours, showcasing a stunning 3.92-carat Madagascar sapphire and offering four versatile styles. This collection, reminiscent of the legacy of founder Marie-Étienne Nitot and Empress Joséphine’s bird sanctuary, continues Chaumet’s tradition of technical mastery and artistic innovation.

Ed Margulies, a newcomer to the independent watch scene, has unveiled Split Watches, a brand dedicated to authenticity and mental health support. Launched in late 2025, each watch sold contributes to therapy sessions at the Anna Freud Centre. The highlight of the collection, “In The Skies,” claims the title of the world’s first full-glow watch, featuring a luminous design and limited to just 250 pieces, each priced at £1,800. Margulies’ vision intertwines craftsmanship with a message of hope, encouraging a thoughtful approach to both watchmaking and mental well-being.

China’s luxury goods market saw a contraction of 3% to 5% in 2025, marking a recovery from the previous year’s decline. Signs of improvement emerged in the second half of the year, with consumer sentiment gradually shifting. While the beauty sector flourished with 4% to 7% growth, fashion lagged, experiencing significant downturns. Notably, the secondhand luxury market thrived, expanding by 15% to 20% year-on-year. Looking ahead, modest growth is anticipated for 2026, albeit amid ongoing market volatility and shifting consumer priorities.

Headline inflation has climbed to 3.4%, even as consumer sentiment experiences a notable boost, reflecting a cautious optimism about personal finances and the economy. Recent data highlighted an improvement in economic perceptions, with confidence rising to its highest level in five months. However, personal and retail spending expectations have taken a hit, plunging from previous highs. As personal savings increase, concerns linger over persistent inflation and the potential rise in business costs, prompting calls for governmental intervention to sustain consumer confidence in an evolving economic landscape.