Month: February 2026

Rolex has officially halted deliveries of the highly coveted steel GMT Master II Pepsi, leaving customers on waiting lists with the prospect of exploring alternative models. This decision, confirmed by recent reports, follows ongoing speculation regarding production issues tied to the watch’s distinctive ceramic bezels. As a result, the secondary market has seen a sharp increase in prices, with the Pepsi model now averaging over £25,000—substantially higher than its retail price of £9,850. The popularity of the black and blue Batgirl bezel has also surged, with its median dealer prices nearing £20,000, reflecting a growing trend among luxury watch collectors.

Victoria Waugh has launched Credere, a new jewellery consultancy focused on guiding brands towards responsible practices and sustainability. Aimed at simplifying ethical compliance, Credere offers support in six key areas, catering to both small businesses and independent jewellery makers. With a commitment to transparency and environmental stewardship, Waugh’s initiative addresses the growing demand for sustainable practices in the jewellery industry, ensuring that companies can make meaningful strides without sacrificing commercial viability.

Wolf has appointed Helen Kirkup as the brand manager for the UK and Ireland, aiming to enhance its market presence in the luxury storage sector. With over 12 years of experience at Montres Breguet, alongside roles at Montres Corum and Gucci Timepieces, Kirkup is set to drive brand strategy and growth initiatives. Chief Executive Simon Wolf highlighted her extensive knowledge and industry connections as key assets for the company’s development in the region.

Festina has unveiled its latest innovation, the Connected Full D, at Inhorgenta Munich. This hybrid timepiece seamlessly blends traditional aesthetics with modern smart technology, featuring customizable displays and interchangeable dials. With robust health tracking capabilities and up to 10 days of battery life, the Connected Full D caters to discerning consumers seeking both elegance and functionality. Crafted from durable materials and designed for longevity, this watch exemplifies Festina’s commitment to merging sophisticated craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech.

Sortie Watches has launched the BH1000 collection, a tribute to RAF Biggin Hill, featuring three limited edition timepieces: Flight Blue, Alpha Green, and Stealth Black. Each of the 300 pieces is individually numbered and showcases Swiss Made craftsmanship with a 41-hour automatic movement. Priced at £1,740, the watches include tool-free bracelet adjustments for convenience, reflecting a blend of British heritage and precision engineering.

Piaget has unveiled two exquisite additions to its Limelight Gala collection, blending 1970s glamour with modern artistry. The first model features a vibrant orange Grand Feu enamel dial, resembling snake skin, while the second showcases the historic Decor Palace engraving technique. Both iterations enhance the watch’s renowned elegance, highlighting Piaget’s dedication to luxurious craftsmanship. These new timepieces are a testament to the brand’s rich heritage, combining striking colors with intricate detailing.

Nomadic Watches has launched its limited-edition Black Shamrock collection in honor of St Patrick’s Day, featuring two exclusive models: the Céad 126 priced at £2,795 and the Maraí 401 available for £1,195. Each model is limited to just 50 pieces, reflecting the brand’s commitment to heritage-inspired design, with distinctive shamrock symbols throughout. Daily releases will occur every evening at 7pm GMT in March, fueling high demand as previous editions sold out rapidly.

T.H. Baker has unveiled a new bridal jewellery rental service, Something Borrowed, aimed at easing the selection process for brides-to-be. Available for customers spending over £300, the service allows the rental of up to three items, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, for a ten-day period. After the loan, there’s an option to purchase the jewellery, providing a budget-friendly alternative to outright purchases. Currently, this service is accessible in Merry Hill and Warrington, with plans for expansion to other locations.

Hockley Mint has unveiled its Spring/Summer collection, featuring 20 innovative designs that enhance the beloved Blossom series. The new offerings boast a variety of styles, accommodating multiple gemstone shapes, while also introducing romantic designs within the You & I series. Set to debut at the CMJ Spring Trade Event and Jewellery Festival, these exquisite pieces are handcrafted in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, showcasing over 70 years of British craftsmanship.

Swatch Group is navigating challenges as activist investor Steven Wood seeks a board seat to counter the Hayek family’s control, citing inefficiencies amid a recent decline in sales. Despite a 1.3% drop in overall revenue to CHF 6.28 billion, the company anticipates recovery, particularly in the luxury sector, with projected growth in H2 2025. CEO Nick Hayek aims to bolster performance through innovation, maintaining dividends at CHF 0.90 per share despite lower profits. Notably, Swatch holds 21.8 tons of gold, valued at $3.66 billion, as it looks to capitalize on strong demand for its volume brands in China.