Day: 1 July 2026

Louis Vuitton has unveiled its Monterey Ceramic ‘Charm’ Watch at the Men’s Spring/Summer 2027 fashion event in Paris, signaling a bold new chapter for its iconic timepiece lineup. Featuring a vibrant green and glossy black ceramic design, the watches embody a modern twist on the classic LV II model from 1988. Equipped with the in-house LFTMA01.02 automatic movement and characterized by their distinctive pebble-shaped case, these watches highlight the brand’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. Set to launch on 26 September 2026, the collection promises to reinvigorate interest in the Monterey series, as showcased by celebrity attendees.

François-Henri Bennahmias has unveiled plans for his new luxury watch brand, N3W5, following his tenure as CEO of Audemars Piguet. With prices ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 CHF, the brand aims to capture the high-end market and has secured 30 million CHF in funding from private investors. N3W5’s debut collection, featuring innovative mechanical movements and designs crafted in collaboration with renowned enamel artist Anita Porchet, will launch at Dubai Watch Week in 2027, with retail sales expected to commence the following year.

In an unprecedented feat for the auction house Phillips, watch sales have soared to a record $235 million in just the first half of 2026, driven by landmark events in Geneva, Hong Kong, and New York. The Geneva auction became the most lucrative in history, while New York celebrated the highest total ever in the Americas. A standout moment was the F.P. Journe watch, which sold for a staggering $13.9 million, marking a new record for independent watchmakers. With 30% of bidders new to Phillips and 35% under 40, the market for luxury timepieces is witnessing a dynamic shift towards independent brands.

Rolex has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the National Geographic Society by becoming the Founding Donor of the newly redesigned Base Camp in Washington, D.C. This hub aims to immerse the public in the world of exploration through interactive displays and exhibitions, including the landmark Rolex Explorers Landing. With a collaboration spanning over 70 years, the partnership is set to bolster climate change research through the Perpetual Planet initiative, highlighting the ongoing commitment to scientific exploration. The annual Explorer of the Year award also acknowledges remarkable contributions to conservation, celebrating innovators like Krithi K. Karanth.