Day: 10 April 2026

Swiss watch exports faced a mixed performance at the start of 2026, with January marking a 3.3% decline followed by a notable recovery in February with a 10% rise. Notably, the US market emerged as a strong player, posting an impressive 28.9% increase in sales, propelled by high-end brands, despite challenges in markets like Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. As Swiss watchmakers prepare for their annual showcase in Geneva, industry analysts remain cautiously optimistic, highlighting the shift towards luxury timepieces amid fluctuating global trends.

Nominations are now open for WatchPro’s 2026 Power List, recognising the key figures and businesses shaping the watch industry. Categories include Brand Champions and Retail Titans, alongside accolades for Inspiring Independents, Vintage and Pre-Owned Pioneers, and Industry Tastemakers. This initiative aims to reflect authentic impact and peer recognition. The final list will be unveiled at an exclusive JCK event, with submissions closing on 20 April. Industry professionals are encouraged to participate and celebrate their influential colleagues.

Fraser Hart’s turnover has plummeted by 60% since 2019, with the jeweller reporting an operating loss of £2.6 million for the fiscal year ending June 2025. Despite stagnant sales of £34.9 million year-on-year, the company noted improvements amidst challenging high street conditions. With net assets standing at £32.3 million, Fraser Hart is committed to expanding its online and physical presence across the UK and Ireland, aiming to revitalise its operations following significant setbacks in previous years.

Enzo Conticello, sentenced to over two years in prison for the theft of a unique Fabergé egg and matching watch, valued at $2.8 million, remains tight-lipped about the location of the stolen items. The extravagant pieces were snatched from a woman outside a Soho pub in November 2024. Despite Conticello’s conviction, the Metropolitan Police’s investigation continues as they seek to recover the valuables. Detective Constable Arben Morina emphasized the significant impact of the theft on the victim, urging anyone with information to assist in the ongoing search.

Cartier has announced a three-year partnership with The King’s Foundation aimed at revitalising the art of watchmaking through a new postgraduate training programme. Titled “The King’s Foundation and Cartier: Decorative Métiers d’Art in Watchmaking,” this initiative will offer five months of intensive training to postgraduate students, complemented by specialized project work. Applications open on April 27, with successful candidates set to hone their skills at Dumfries House in Scotland and Cartier’s Maison des Métiers d’Art in Switzerland. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship in an industry facing rapid change.

Watches and Wonders continues to shape the landscape of the watch industry, exerting a profound influence on both retail and pre-owned markets. The event not only introduces exciting new models but also generates substantial speculation, particularly surrounding discontinued references. The retirement of models such as the Milgauss has intensified collector demand, while shifts in interest towards iconic pieces like the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” provide insights into market dynamics. As the event concludes, the true pulse of collector sentiment is revealed, highlighting the critical interplay between immediate retail launches and the long-term influence on the secondary market.