Day: 6 July 2026

Gerald Charles has made a significant foray into the padel world by appointing world No. 1 Gemma Triay as its ambassador. Triay, a trailblazer in the sport with 52 career titles and four consecutive seasons at the top, aligns perfectly with the brand’s commitment to precision, performance, and passion. Renowned not just for her athletic prowess, Triay also advocates for equality within professional padel, making this collaboration particularly notable. Further details about this partnership are expected in the coming months.

Luxury watches are becoming increasingly accessible to cryptocurrency enthusiasts, with a recent study revealing that nine percent of high-end brands now accept Bitcoin as payment. Notable retailers such as TAG Heuer, Hublot, and Watches of Switzerland are leading the way, catering to the growing number of crypto millionaires. As the digital asset market flourishes, the watch sector’s early adoption of cryptocurrency transactions positions it at the forefront of a new luxury economy. Major auction houses like Sotheby’s are also joining this trend, indicating a shift in how high-value items are bought and sold. With over 241,700 individuals holding assets worth more than $1 million in cryptocurrency, the intersection of luxury and digital currencies is set to expand further.

The Swiss watch industry is grappling with a renewed threat from affordable quartz alternatives, prompting a significant reevaluation of its traditional mechanical timepieces. Once the epitome of luxury, the mechanical watch market is shrinking, with Swiss exports dwindling to just 5.2 million units compared to quartz exports of 9.4 million. Rising production costs and declining consumer interest in high-priced luxury watches—exemplified by steep markdowns in the secondary market—are forcing iconic brands to reassess their strategies. As shoppers increasingly turn to more economical and accurate options, the allure of mechanical watches, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship, struggles to compete with both the emotional and practical appeal of quartz timepieces.