Month: February 2026

Abdulmagied Ahmed Seddiqi, a pivotal figure in the UAE luxury retail sector, has passed away, leaving a profound legacy in the high-end watch industry. As co-founder of Seddiqi Holding and former CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi, he transformed the family business from a modest watch trade in Bur Dubai into a leading retail powerhouse representing over 100 prestigious brands. His vision and leadership have shaped Dubai’s luxury retail landscape, with the third generation of the Seddiqi family now continuing this tradition.

Bell & Ross has launched the BR-03 Diver Black Bronze, a new professional dive watch that balances traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality. Featuring a distinctive bronze case crafted from maritime CuSn8 alloy, the 42mm watch is designed to develop a unique patina over time. With a glossy black dial and enhanced visibility thanks to Super-LumiNova-filled indices and hands, the BR-03 is water-resistant to 300 metres and meets ISO 6425 standards. This model is not only suitable for diving but also versatile for everyday wear, embodying the brand’s philosophy of merging performance with style.

This Valentine’s Day, the art of gifting watches takes center stage, offering more than mere timekeeping but a lasting expression of affection. Swatch’s playful duo features heart motifs and candid sentiments, while Harry Winston’s diamond-studded timepiece presents whimsical elegance in a limited edition. Blancpain’s Mini Villeret stands out with a heart-cut diamond, epitomizing sophistication, and G-SHOCK’s new BABY-G combines practicality with charm, perfect for modern relationships. These exquisite timepieces encapsulate the sentimentality of love, making them ideal gifts for the occasion.

Brellum has launched a striking limited edition Duobox 39mm Ice Blue watch, with only 46 individually numbered pieces available. Designed to cater to diverse wrist sizes, this stunning timepiece features an iridescent ice blue mother-of-pearl dial, enhanced by Super-LumiNova hands. Inside, it houses the COSC-certified BR-110 automatic chronometer movement, ensuring precision and reliability. Accompanied by both a stainless steel bracelet and a luxurious white leather strap, the watch marries elegance with functionality, retailing at CHF 3,190. For those seeking a blend of style and sophistication, the Duobox is a notable addition to the luxury watch market.

Loquet London has unveiled a vibrant new collection of handcrafted charms, featuring pieces made from 18k gold, diamonds, and an array of colorful gemstones. Among the highlights are the Diamond Evil Eye Charm, symbolizing protection, and the North Star Charm, which encourages trust in one’s inner guidance. Founded in 2013 by Sheherazade Goldsmith, the brand reinvents the classic locket for today’s discerning consumer, promoting a blend of personal meaning and modern aesthetics.

The Betts Group has made a significant entry into the UK jewellery market with the launch of Single Mine Origin (SMO) gold from the Bellevue Mine in Western Australia. Bristol’s Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery is the first retailer to adopt this sustainably sourced gold, promising traceability and a commitment to environmental responsibility. Bellevue Mine is set to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025, utilizing a hybrid renewable energy system. The Betts Group further enhances its sustainable ethos by offering recycled silver sourced from medical waste, as it strives to lead the jewellery industry towards more responsible sourcing practices.

Bremont has launched the Stealth Black edition of its Terra Nova Jumping Hour watch, featuring an all-black design that melds modern aesthetics with historic timekeeping. Quickly following the sold-out success of its 2024 predecessor, this new model boasts a diamond-like carbon coating for enhanced durability. The watch, powered by a sophisticated BC634 movement, offers a unique montre à guichet-style display and is available for £4,550 or $5,200.

Luxury watchmaker Hublot has appointed global superstar Jung Kook as its latest brand ambassador, marking a significant collaboration revealed in Seoul. The partnership aims to merge the realms of music and horology, showcasing Hublot’s legacy of innovation, including its pioneering gold-rubber fusion. As Jung Kook connects the worlds of time and performance—having previously mesmerized audiences at the FIFA World Cup—Hublot’s CEO applauds his boundary-pushing creativity and influence. The upcoming launch of the Big Bang Original Unico in 2026 is set to epitomize this groundbreaking collaboration, signifying a new chapter in both the artist’s and brand’s narrative of evolution and originality.

The Watch Register has reported a noteworthy increase in luxury watch registrations, with 10,000 new entries logged in 2025 alone. This surge reflects a 29% rise in online checks for pre-owned watches, predominantly driven by concerns over theft, particularly surrounding Rolex timepieces, which accounted for 44% of total checks. The database identified 1,375 watches as stolen, a 21% increase from the previous year, signalling the industry’s proactive stance against watch-related crime and the effectiveness of data sharing in combating such issues.

Bonhams has officially opened its new US headquarters in New York City’s culturally rich 111 West 57th Street, adjacent to the historic Steinway Hall. Spanning 42,000 square feet across four floors, the venue features an 80-foot glass atrium and dedicated auction rooms for a variety of sales, including fine art and automobiles. The launch is marked by a series of exhibitions celebrating both modern and historic artistic contributions, aimed at enhancing engagement with collectors and art enthusiasts. Executives highlighted the significance of this new space as a testament to Bonhams’ commitment to the future of art and culture in the US.