Day: 23 January 2026

In the UK, watch collecting is evolving into a pursuit that intertwines personal passion with historical significance. Enthusiasts are not merely amassing valuable timepieces; they are curating collections that tell stories of military achievements, technological advances, and cultural milestones. However, the challenge of Inheritance Tax looms large, threatening to dismantle these carefully curated collections. Conditional Exemption offers a potential lifeline, allowing collectors to navigate tax obligations while preserving their legacies. By ensuring these historically significant watches remain accessible to the public, collectors not only manage their estates but also contribute to the rich narrative of horological history.

De Beers has unveiled a groundbreaking 12-piece diamond collection sourced from the GemFair artisanal mining initiative. This launch highlights ethical practices, supporting 7,000 miners across 500 sites while emphasizing environmental sustainability through the conversion of abandoned mines into farmland. Marking a first for GemFair, the collection features both polished and rough diamonds, showcasing the journey of each stone from discovery to jewellery. De Beers CEO Emmanuelle Nodale praised the initiative’s commitment to transparency and the stories of artisanal miners, as GemFair continues to transform the diamond industry.

Paris Fashion Week 2026 has witnessed a notable shift as luxury watches emerge as essential accessories on the runway. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana are redefining horology’s role in fashion, presenting timepieces not merely as functional objects but as vital components of style. Louis Vuitton’s innovative designs, spearheaded by Jean Arnault, showcase technical prowess and aesthetic flair, while Pharrell Williams introduces watches that enhance his menswear collections with workwear-inspired themes. Dolce & Gabbana pushes boundaries with whimsical pocket watches and ornate brooches, reinforcing the idea that watches are becoming integral to modern fashion narratives. Ralph Lauren takes a classic approach, merging tradition with contemporary vibes, ensuring that the fascination with watches is firmly positioned within the haute couture landscape.

Material Good has become the latest authorized dealer for the luxurious Daniel Roth watches, broadening access to these exquisite timepieces in Miami, Boston, and Dallas. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the New York-based retailer is renowned for its collection of rare and pre-owned timepieces. Founded by watchmaker Daniel Roth in 1988, the brand is celebrated for its unique high-complication designs. With a growing network of 31 global dealers, this partnership marks a significant expansion for both Material Good and the iconic watchmaker, signaling an exciting era for collectors and enthusiasts of fine horology.

Bob’s Watches has reported a robust 20% annual growth amidst a booming luxury watch market, with the U.S. significantly leading global sales. Following the reopening post-pandemic, the pre-owned luxury watch sector is seeing a resurgence in buyer confidence, particularly as secondary market prices rise. With new retail locations in airports, including the recently launched JFK store, the company is strategically tapping into international travel demand. As Paul Altieri, the company’s founder, highlights, trust has become paramount, especially with Rolex’s Certified Pre-Owned program bolstering consumer confidence in the secondary market. As the landscape of luxury watches evolves, Bob’s Watches remains committed to transparency and customer satisfaction.

Watches of Switzerland Group shares surged 6% after the announcement of its acquisition of family-owned jeweller Deutsch & Deutsch, enhancing their Texas footprint to five locations. The acquisition, which adds three Rolex stores to WoSG’s network, follows Deutsch’s impressive $67 million in sales during 2024. CEO Brian Duffy expressed optimism for the deal, which aims to leverage local expertise while rolling out upgrades across Deutsch’s showrooms.

Fears, the venerable British watchmaker, is set to celebrate 180 years of heritage at the British Watchmakers’ Day on March 7. Marking this milestone, the Bristol-based brand will unveil the Brunswick 40 ‘1846 Edition’, a limited release crafted from hallmarked sterling silver. With only 25 individually numbered pieces available, this robust 40mm timepiece combines classic design elements with modern refinement, featuring a manual-wind movement and exquisite details, all for a price of £4,350.