Month: January 2026

In a significant shake-up within the luxury watch sector, Rolex has announced the retirement of the Carl F. Bucherer brand following its acquisition of Bucherer. This decision underscores the brand’s inability to meet the expectations of its new parent company despite its storied history. Meanwhile, the Damiani Group’s recent purchase of Baume & Mercier adds another layer of uncertainty to the luxury watch landscape. With the segment struggling to compete against fashionable and affordable alternatives, analysts express concern over Baume & Mercier’s future as it grapples with the crucial challenge of desirability. The outlook remains pessimistic, with some experts suggesting potential closure looms if the brand cannot redefine its market position.

Czapek & Cie has unveiled the exclusive Faubourg de Cracovie ‘Crossroads’ Victory Green Chronograph, a limited edition of just 18 pieces. Featuring a striking ‘English green’ dial adorned with intricate guilloché detailing, the watch pays homage to the historical British Racing Green associated with motorsport. The sporty 41.5mm stainless steel case houses a COSC-certified SXH3 automatic chronograph calibre, ensuring precision and an impressive 65-hour power reserve. Priced at CHF 32,000, this exquisite timepiece combines heritage with modern craftsmanship.

In a landmark initiative, the inaugural Women in Watches event is set to take place in London on March 2, 2026, right before International Women’s Day. Organised by WatchPro, this gathering aims to celebrate and amplify the contributions of women in the watch industry, providing a dynamic platform for networking and mentorship. Attendees will engage in insightful panel discussions and unveil the annual ‘Women in Watches’ list, honouring those making significant strides in this traditionally male-dominated field. Importantly, the event is open to men, promoting a spirit of inclusivity and shared experience in advancing gender equality within the industry. With the event taking place at the scenic Art’otel Battersea, it promises not only valuable discussions but also a stunning view of the iconic Battersea Power Station.

The pre-owned luxury watch market faces heightened scrutiny, with a staggering 34% of watches submitted to Bezel, a leading resale platform, failing authentication checks last year. Notably, Rolex watches constituted more than half of these rejections, raising concerns over counterfeits and undisclosed issues. As demand drives sellers to accelerate listings, the industry sees a shift towards prioritizing quality and rigorous verification processes, marking a significant evolution in buyer expectations and market dynamics.

Thomas Sabo has launched its new Bold Elegance jewellery collection, featuring striking designs crafted from 925 sterling silver and enhanced with 18k gold plating. The collection includes rings, hoop earrings, and bracelets, all made from recycled materials and adorned with precision-cut zirconia stones. This initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to sustainability while embracing a premium aesthetic. Chief Executive Bernd Stadlwieser highlighted the brand’s evolution into a leading player in the premium jewellery market, integrating these new offerings alongside established collections. The Bold Elegance range is now available through Thomas Sabo’s retail outlets and online store.

Watches of Switzerland has welcomed Timex into its U.S. brand portfolio, promising a new range of accessible timepieces available exclusively online. This partnership marks a strategic shift towards more budget-friendly options, previously dominated by brands like Citizen and Tissot. Timex, with its rich American heritage dating back to 1854, emphasizes reliability and classic design, featuring models such as the Waterbury Heritage Chronograph and the Marlin mid-century revival. While Timex’s offerings are currently limited to online sales, the brand’s historical significance could enhance its appeal in the competitive watch market.

Hamilton has expanded its American Classic collection with the introduction of three new colour variations of the Chronograph H. With retro design elements reminiscent of the 1960s auto-racing era, the updated models feature matte dials in blue, brown, and hunter green, enhancing their vintage appeal. Powered by the reliable hand-wound H-51 movement, these chronographs maintain a 40mm stainless steel case and offer improved readability through silver subdials and contrasting chronograph hands. Priced at £1,980 or $2,445, they come with a perforated leather strap and a stainless steel mesh bracelet.

Toledano & Chan have unveiled the b/1.3r, a bold departure from traditional luxury watch designs featuring a unique 18K gold ripple dial. Crafted in Switzerland with a Grade 5 titanium case, the new 32mm timepiece reflects a growing demand among collectors for originality amidst oversaturated markets. Priced at $10,200, the designers emphasize the need for tangible value in an era where arbitrary price increases are becoming untenable. With their focus on innovation over conformity, Toledano and Chan are poised to redefine the landscape of independent watchmaking. The b/1.3r will be available starting February 12.

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.