Month: 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.

As America gears up to celebrate its 250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026, the watch industry is embracing this historic milestone with a flurry of commemorative timepieces. Notably, Hamilton revives a military classic, the Khaki Field Mechanical, echoing US Air Force heritage. Tiffany & Co. proudly displays a restored Astronomical Clock, originally from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, while Col&McArthur pays tribute to the founding spirit with a design featuring a musket ball. Breitling and other brands join the celebration, releasing limited editions adorned with the official America250 logo. These timepieces not only mark a celebration of American history but also offer collectors a chance to own a piece of it.

The Damiani Group’s acquisition of Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier has officially been confirmed, enhancing the Italian luxury brand’s portfolio alongside esteemed names such as Damiani and Venini. With plans to elevate Baume & Mercier’s global presence through expanded retail channels, the integration marks a strategic move in Damiani’s long-term growth strategy. Richemont, the former owner, will provide interim operational support during this transition. While the financial terms remain undisclosed, executives from both companies express optimism about the future of the historic watchmaker under new stewardship.

Donald Trump’s foray into the watch industry has reportedly generated $4.7 million in its inaugural year, as revealed in recent financial disclosures. Launched in 2024, Trump Watches operates under a licensing agreement with TheBestWatchesOnEarth LLC, allowing the former President to capitalize on his brand. With a retail outlet at GetTrumpWatches.com, the collection ranges from accessible pieces around $1,299 to luxurious models like the $100,000 Trump Victory Tourbillons. Industry estimates suggest the brand’s impact on wholesale sales could be as high as $94 million, reflecting a notable entry into the competitive celebrity watch market.

Sotheby’s is launching an online luxury auction in Abu Dhabi, running from June 23 to July 10, 2023, with an estimated total value of $6.6 million to $9.7 million. The auction, featuring over 30 high-end collectibles including 13 distinguished timepieces and luxury handbags, reflects Sotheby’s commitment to expanding in the Middle East. Notable highlights include the Richard Mille RM35-03 Rafael Nadal wristwatch and extraordinary jewellery pieces from Hemmerle and Bulgari. This initiative follows the success of Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, aiming to engage the growing community of luxury collectors in the region.

As consumer demand for transparency grows, the watch industry stands out by championing sustainability and longevity. Mechanical watches are crafted for durability, supporting a circular economy through repair and a thriving pre-owned market. Leading brands like Detrash and ID Genève are harnessing innovative, recycled materials, while seasoned names like Panerai and Oris are adapting to eco-conscious practices. This shift reflects a broader expectation among luxury consumers, who now prioritize sustainability alongside timeless craftsmanship. The full feature delves deeper into these trends, exploring whether the industry has long embraced sustainable values or if a new paradigm is on the horizon.

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.