Month: February 2026

The BAFTA Awards 2026 not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also turned the spotlight on luxurious timepieces adorning the red carpet. Notable appearances included **Paul Mescal** in a classic Cartier Tank Basculante, while **Michael B. Jordan** impressed with a rare Vacheron Constantin Vintage Prestige. **Timothée Chalamet** showcased his taste for high-end horology with an Urban Jürgensen UJ-2, and **Leonardo DiCaprio** opted for the racing-themed Rolex Daytona ‘Le Mans’. Adding elegance, **Freya Allan** dazzled in a high-jewellery Piaget timepiece, underlining the distinct fusion of glamour and artistry at this prestigious event.

Private equity firm Partners Group has solidified its majority stake in Swiss watchmaker Breitling, having increased its ownership from 25% in 2021 following a $900 million acquisition from the Schneider family in 2017. However, the brand now faces challenges as sales plummeted to CHF 820 million in 2025, down from CHF 870 million in 2023, leading to a significant reduction in valuations from both Partners Group and CVC Capital, which currently holds a 23.6% stake valued at $4.5 billion. Despite an expansion of its retail network to 300 boutiques worldwide and an effort to shift its brand image, Breitling’s recent credit rating downgrade underscores increasing concerns over its financial stability amid declining revenues.

Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to raise global tariffs to 15% following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed his previous tariff authority unlawful. The court’s decision, which was a decisive 6-3, concluded Trump overstepped his bounds under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Employing a previously unused provision of the Trade Act of 1974, the administration aims to enforce the new tariffs, affecting trade agreements with countries like the UK and Australia. As concerns mount over increased costs for businesses and consumers alike, industry leaders warn of escalating economic uncertainty in the wake of this significant policy shift.

Ulysse Nardin has unveiled a striking new timepiece, the FREAK X, in collaboration with the Gumball 3000 rally. Limited to just 150 pieces, this edition features a bold black and orange color scheme and is crafted from innovative upcycled aerospace carbon fiber. Priced at £35,000 ($46,400), the FREAK X continues the watchmaker’s tradition of technical innovation and unique design, blending rally-inspired aesthetics with advanced horological features, including a no-dial concept and a 72-hour power reserve.

Fossil is reviving its iconic Big Tic Y2K Limited Edition in 2026, blending nostalgia with modern flair. First launched in 1999, this timepiece seamlessly merges analogue and digital displays. The new models feature vibrant animated flame graphics and a pocket watch variant, enhancing its appeal as a collectible accessory. With a focus on playful design and retro aesthetics, Fossil aims to capture the spirit of the late 1990s, inviting a new generation to enjoy this whimsical classic.

UK retail sales saw a significant rise of 1.8% in January 2026, marking the largest monthly growth since May 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics. This surge was driven largely by strong performances in the non-food sector and automotive fuel, despite a decline in supermarket and department store sales. Online spending also continued to grow, up 1.3% year-on-year, although physical visits to retail outlets fell due to above-average rainfall. Chief economist Grant Fitzner noted that while overall sales improved from previous months, they remain stagnant compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Boston’s Back Bay has emerged as a premier destination for watch collectors, boasting luxury retailers such as Patek Philippe and Rolex. The latest addition, Material Good, introduces a lavish showroom dedicated to rare independent watch brands, enhancing the city’s appeal. Co-founder Rob Ronen emphasized the importance of community in their choice to expand into Boston, reflecting a commitment to creating personalized experiences for clients. As Material Good prepares to launch in Dallas, its Boston location promises a unique blend of luxury timepieces, art, and fine jewellery, all within an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Citizen has unveiled a captivating limited edition watch in collaboration with French design studio seconde/seconde/, introducing a unique timepiece that blends pixel-art aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. Named Tsuyosa, meaning “power” in Japanese, the watch features a distinctive katana-shaped minute hand and design elements reminiscent of retro video games. Limited to just 3,600 pieces, each representing the seconds in an hour, the watch combines practicality with playful design, highlighted by a sapphire crystal bracelet and a bold blue dial. Romaric André of seconde/seconde/ reflects on the creative merging of French and Japanese influences in this collaborative venture.

G-Star has ventured beyond its denim heritage with the launch of its first-ever collection of watches and jewellery in collaboration with JDM Swiss Group. The new line showcases a raw, engineered design ethos, tailored for urban living, with prices ranging from £43 to £148. Featuring pieces that blend structural integrity with bold aesthetics, the collection includes striking options such as the CUBE series and practical items like the ROVIC. G-Star aims to establish a comprehensive accessories brand, highlighting durability and contemporary style.

Luxury watch prices have surged by 26% over the past year, driven by a remarkable 70% increase in gold prices and the looming impact of new tariffs on Swiss imports. This volatile landscape has transformed solid gold watches into coveted assets for collectors, appealing both as stylish possessions and strategic investments. With controlled production and heightened demand, the luxury watch market is poised for continued growth, leaving buyers grappling with the urgency of impending price hikes. As scarcity models and inflation intertwine, the allure of these timepieces has never been greater.