Month: February 2026

Julia Balchin has been appointed as the interim director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, effective March 2026. Having previously served as principal at the Royal Drawing School, Balchin brings over 15 years of experience from the Prince’s Charities, where she specialized in arts education. The Centre, known for its comprehensive training and support for emerging artisans, aims to build upon the foundations laid by outgoing director Peter Taylor, enhancing its commitment to nurturing the next generation of jewellers and silversmiths. Balchin underscores the importance of broad professional development, stating that success in today’s competitive landscape demands more than traditional teaching methods.

In a significant addition to Milan’s Olympic offerings, Omega has launched an engaging public pavilion that highlights its storied role as the Official Timekeeper for the Games. Open from February 6 to 22 and again from March 6 to 15, the pavilion features interactive exhibits that delve into the history and technology of timekeeping, including a thrilling virtual reality bobsleigh experience and photo opportunities in dynamic freestyle skiing scenarios. With free entry for all, Omega invites both visitors and locals to explore the innovations that make Olympic moments possible.

Studio Underd0g has taken a significant leap in its production capabilities with the acquisition of its previous manufacturing partner, now proudly named Underd0g Manufacture. With a newly established in-house team, the brand is set to exceed 14,000 watches annually, offering a bespoke assembly experience where each timepiece is crafted by a single watchmaker. Visitors to the upcoming The D0ghouse will not only witness the craftsmanship firsthand but can also join in the assembly process. To mark this unveiling, the exclusive 01SERIES Guava colorway will debut at the venue, solidifying Studio Underd0g’s commitment to innovation and personal engagement with its customers.

Gold maintains a dual identity in the luxury watch market, serving as both a cherished material and a commodity with market value. Despite its allure, stainless steel watches often surpass gold counterparts in resale value, exemplifying shifting dynamics in collectors’ preferences. With recent declines in gold prices stirring concerns among enthusiasts, luxury brands like Rolex face the challenge of balancing prestige with affordability. As demand for premium timepieces soars, the market underscores that true worth often transcends the metal content, dictated instead by desirability and scarcity.

Philippa Newman has been appointed as chief product officer of Pandora, effective 9 March 2026, relocating from New York to Copenhagen. With a robust background in the luxury fashion sector, notably as chief brand and product officer at Michael Kors, Newman will oversee the jewellery brand’s product creation and innovation, succeeding Stephen Fairchild. This leadership change aligns with Pandora’s “Phoenix” growth strategy, following a reported 6% organic growth in 2025. CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier praised Newman’s track record in driving profitable growth, while Newman expressed her excitement about shaping Pandora’s future as a leading accessible jewellery brand.

In an exciting collaboration, Christopher Ward and Adrian Barker have launched the limited-edition C60 Trident Lumière ‘Green Fifteen’. Available for just one week, this sophisticated dive watch features a sleek matte black dial, bespoke design elements, and innovative bi-colour Super-LumiNova for improved legibility. With a price of £2,150, orders open from February 5-12, 2026, offering enthusiasts a unique blend of style and functionality.

Breitling has officially become the watch partner for Aston Martin, launching the limited-edition Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43, inspired by the luxury carmaker’s rich motorsport heritage. With only 1,959 pieces available, the timepiece pays homage to Aston Martin’s debut in Formula 1. The partnership will see Breitling branding showcased on the AMR26 car and team apparel, marking a significant union of performance and precision between two iconic brands. The collaboration underlines shared values of design excellence, as both companies strive for success in the world of motorsport.

In a landmark year for the luxury watch sector, the secondary market surged to $16.7 billion in sales, reflecting a staggering 36.4% increase from the previous year, according to a new report by EveryWatch. This robust growth starkly contrasts with the stagnating primary market, which faced challenges as retail sales of new timepieces plateaued around $50 billion. Notably, Rolex emerged as a market leader, raking in $5.7 billion from secondary sales, buoyed by its successful Certified Pre-Owned programme that generated $590 million. As the lines between primary and secondary markets blur, manufacturers must now navigate this evolving landscape to remain competitive.

The Bank of England has opted to keep interest rates steady at 3.75%, as inflation rose unexpectedly to 3.4% in December. Despite a split in the Monetary Policy Committee, with four members advocating for a rate cut, Governor Andrew Bailey expressed confidence that inflation will decline to around 2% by April 2025. While heightened food and travel costs contributed to the inflationary increase, Bailey noted a more balanced risk outlook and the potential for further easing of monetary policy in future meetings.

Richemont is reportedly exploring a management buyout of luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre, spearheaded by CEO Jérôme Lambert, who is set to invest personally in the bid. Valued at over CHF 1 billion, this potential deal comes amid declining sales in Richemont’s Specialist Watchmakers division, while its Jewellery Maisons continue to thrive. Lambert’s long tenure at Jaeger-LeCoultre has sparked speculation about a strategic shift for the brand towards independence. As Richemont adjusts its leadership, the outcome of this proposed acquisition could redefine the landscape of high-end watchmaking.