Month: April 2026

Debates over the pricing of pre-owned Rolex watches have become a common topic in online forums, as buyers and sellers grapple with differing opinions on value. This ongoing discourse highlights the complexities of price discovery in the luxury watch market. The value of a watch is not merely a matter of condition and provenance, but also reflects the broader market dynamics influenced by auctions and collector trends. Savvy collectors navigate this landscape by understanding price variability and the factors underpinning each transaction, embracing the fluid nature of this vibrant marketplace as integral to successful collecting.

The Watches and Wonders 2026 event in Geneva has set new records, attracting nearly 60,000 unique visitors and featuring an unprecedented number of exhibiting brands. The event marked a significant shift towards engaging younger audiences, with strong attendance from both industry professionals and the public. Highlights included major product launches and a global reach of nearly one billion impressions across social media. The next edition is scheduled for spring 2027, promising to continue this momentum in the world of luxury watchmaking.

In a notable shift, Britain has emerged as the second-largest market for Swiss watch exports, with sales rising by 3.2% in March. This growth contrasts with an overall dip of 1% in export value, as the U.S. market—the largest—saw a slight decline of 1.6%. France’s positioning is bolstered by tax advantages linked to re-exports, while the Middle East has faced significant export losses amid regional conflicts, particularly impacting Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Asian markets show cautious signs of recovery, hinting at evolving dynamics in the global watch industry.

Georges Kern has been appointed CEO of the newly established House of Brands, overseeing an ambitious portfolio that includes iconic watchmakers Breitling, Universal Genève, and Gallet. With Jean-Marc Pontroué stepping in as CEO of Breitling, the group aims to amplify its presence across various market segments. Universal Genève has officially launched with competitive pricing, while Gallet targets the affordable luxury space through strategic partnerships. As the company evolves, executive leadership changes and potential brand expansions are set to shape the future of this luxury watch conglomerate.

As Watches and Wonders concludes, the conversation around the luxury watch industry shifts towards the need for a deeper, more nuanced analysis of innovations and trends. Editor Rob Corder highlights the overwhelming influence of secondary market dealers on social media, urging a return to balanced and informed discussions that reflect the craftsmanship and history of watchmaking. With the rise of prominent influencers, Corder emphasizes the importance of diverse expert perspectives to enrich industry coverage and preserve the integrity of critical narratives amidst the fervor of social media. The luxury watch sector is called to prioritize in-depth analysis over mere hype, paving the way for a more thoughtful exploration of its future.

Beaverbrooks Harrogate is set to celebrate its first anniversary with an exciting event from May 1 to 4. Shoppers can participate in a ‘spin the wheel’ game for a chance to win prizes worth over £650 and enjoy a £75 discount on purchases over £500. The store, known for its luxury watches and diamond collections, has made significant contributions to the community, partnering with local charity Henshaws. Store manager Clare Watson expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing the importance of community support in reaching this milestone.

Geneva’s Time to Watches event in 2026 marked a notable surge in attendance, drawing 10,450 visitors—a 10% increase from last year—as 87 brands showcased their innovations. Shifting away from conventional exhibition norms, the event emphasized interaction and enjoyment within watchmaking. The vibrant Las Vegas theme set the stage for future editions, highlighting a renewed focus on human connection between collectors and artisans. Organisers crafted an engaging atmosphere with workshops and a central gathering space, fostering a community spirit among enthusiasts and professionals alike. Looking ahead, the event will transition to Las Vegas in late May 2027, promising an exciting blend of business and camaraderie.

At the Watches and Wonders event, Gerald Charles unveiled its first perpetual calendar and the Mini Maestro, receiving an enthusiastic global reception. CEO Federico Ziviani highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation, emphasizing how independent watchmakers are redefining the industry by championing creativity and craftsmanship. The unique design of the Mini Maestro, crafted with a focus on femininity and brand identity, marks a bold new direction for Gerald Charles, while Ziviani’s approach to brand ambassador relationships underscores the importance of authenticity in luxury watchmaking. As the landscape shifts, independent brands are poised to challenge the dominance of their larger competitors.

Rolex has emerged as the leading target for counterfeiters, with the Submariner topping the list of seized fake watches in the US, according to a recent report from Customs and Border Protection. The value of the counterfeit watch market has reached staggering levels, with $1.44 billion in potential sales lost to fakes in fiscal 2024. A substantial 90% of these counterfeit goods originate from China and Hong Kong. As the prevalence of fakes rises, experts urge consumers to stay vigilant and informed about authenticating luxury timepieces, particularly high-profile models like the Rolex Daytona and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

INHORGENTA 2026 has firmly established itself as Europe’s leading marketplace for jewellery and watches, attracting over 25,000 visitors from 94 countries. The event showcased a notable expansion in the watch sector, featuring over 120 brands, including esteemed names like MeisterSinger and Maurice Lacroix. Highlights included immersive demonstrations of craftsmanship and an educational programme in collaboration with the Fondation Haute Horlogerie. With the next edition set for February 2027 in Munich, INHORGENTA continues to affirm its significance as a global platform for the jewellery and watchmaking industry.