Month: July 2026

Nominations for the renowned WatchPro Awards will close at midnight on 7 August, ahead of the ceremony set for 23 November at London’s One Marylebone. Celebrating excellence in the watch industry, this year’s event will feature categories spanning retail, brand development, and leadership, with finalists chosen by industry peers. Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies looking to connect with key decision-makers in the sector. For more information, visit the WatchPro Awards website.

Loupe, the luxury retail arm of the Beaverbrooks Group, is set to expand its footprint with the launch of a new showroom in Sheffield, formerly H. L. Brown, renowned for its Rolex offerings. This marks Loupe’s fourth location, joining existing showrooms in Milton Keynes, Croydon, and Preston. Managing director Anna Blackburn emphasised the brand’s commitment to providing a personalised luxury shopping experience, while also hinting at potential new partnerships on the horizon. With over a century of family heritage, the Beaverbrooks Group continues to uphold its legacy of exceptional service and quality in the world of high-end watches and jewellery.

The pricing gap between Rolex Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) partners and the secondary market has lessened, with premiums falling from 40% to around 30% since late 2022. Notably, The 1916 Company offers the lowest premium at 15%, positioning itself competitively within the evolving landscape. Data from Morgan Stanley highlights a global median CPO premium of 30.2%, while participating retailers report significant sales growth, with median revenues rising from $578,000 to $899,000 in just over a year. The programme continues to attract new retailers, although the pace of expansion has slowed.

China’s GDP growth has slowed to 4.3% in the second quarter of 2023, failing to meet the government’s target and down from the 5% recorded in the previous quarter. While exports surged by 27%, underscoring a robust manufacturing sector, weak domestic demand poses challenges, particularly for the luxury watch industry, which has seen declining sales amid rising costs and uncertain external pressures. Analysts warn that while manufacturing remains strong, an uneven consumer recovery could hinder the luxury market, with Swiss watchmakers particularly affected by reduced demand in China.

Recent analysis by Morgan Stanley has revealed a promising outlook for the luxury Swiss watch market, with seven of the eight brands studied showing improved value retention compared to previous quarters. Leading the pack, Patek Philippe boasts a value retention score of 15.4%, whereas Cartier is the only brand facing a decline, attributed to rising retail prices. Notably, Tudor’s Black Bay collection suffers significantly with a value retention decline of -35%. As the secondary market demonstrates better health, this shift impacts investors and retailers alike, highlighting the intricate dynamics of brand appeal in a competitive landscape.

The upcoming Geneva Watch Auction: XXIV is set to feature the first commercially available Chronomètre à Résonance, estimated to fetch between CHF 500,000 and 1 million. Serial number 022/99R, the earliest available for public sale, was acquired in 1999, predating the model’s official launch. This exceptional timepiece, cherished by its original owner, highlights a growing interest in early F.P. Journe creations, following Phillips’ successful sale of historic models this past year.

The luxury watch market is undergoing a transformative shift as recent auction sales of timepieces exceeding one million dollars reveal an expanding interest in independent watchmakers. Collectors, particularly younger buyers, are increasingly prioritizing craftsmanship and storytelling over speculative investments. With notable engagement from millennials and Gen Z, who now represent a third of bidders, the auction scene has flourished, witnessing a 64% increase in participation compared to last year. As the community embraces neo-vintage pieces and lesser-known brands, the focus is firmly on appreciation rather than mere monetary gain, signaling a maturation within the world of watch collecting.

The British Retail Consortium has launched its Buy into Retail Manifesto, calling for vital reforms in employment, business rates, and energy costs to address the pressing challenges faced by the retail sector, which employs 2.8 million people across the UK. With rising expenses burdening the industry, the manifesto outlines ten proposals aimed at revitalising high streets and supporting job creation. Central to the agenda is a robust crackdown on retail crime, a significant concern for businesses like jewellery and watch retailers. Chief Executive Helen Dickinson emphasised the need for supportive policies to ensure that retail can continue to thrive and contribute to local economies.

Oris CEO Rolf Studer champions a transformative approach to sustainability, embedding it deeply within the brand’s identity rather than treating it as a mere marketing strategy. In recent initiatives, including collaborations for ALS awareness and marine conservation, Oris aims to foster genuine engagement in responsible practices. As younger consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, Studer asserts that a collective industry shift towards holistic, meaningful partnerships is vital for lasting impact. This commitment reflects a broader ethos at Oris—where craftsmanship meets a responsibility to both people and the planet.

Peter Wong has been appointed as the new vice chair of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), set to join the committee in 2024. Succeeding Mehdi Saadian as chair in 2028, Wong aims to enhance education, training, and industry representation. He emphasizes the importance of talent retention within the jewellery sector and expresses a commitment to engaging with the diverse NAJ membership, ensuring their voices are heard. Saadian praised Wong’s integrity and dedication, highlighting a collaborative future for the association.