Day: 10 September 2026

Stuller has launched its 2027–28 Fine Jewellery catalogue, introducing over 900 new styles, including a fresh demi-fine jewellery section featuring various metal types. The updated catalogue prominently showcases lab-grown diamonds and customisable pieces, allowing consumers to tailor their jewellery to personal preferences. Moreover, enhancements to neckwear designs come with updated layouts and pricing. To celebrate this launch, Stuller is hosting a crossword competition, offering participants a chance to win a $1,000 account credit.

TH March has teamed up with ValuCert to revolutionise post-purchase customer engagement in the retail sector. This partnership aims to tackle the frequent loss of communication between retailers and customers after a sale, a gap that often leads to missed opportunities for ongoing relationships. By integrating expert valuations and digital records, retailers can enhance the ownership experience, covering insurance, servicing, and eventual asset replacement. The collaboration, supported by the National Association of Jewellers, underscores a shift towards fostering long-term customer connections in the jewellery and watch industry.

Swiss watchmakers are facing a critical juncture as they grapple with a disconnect between their strategies and consumer priorities, according to recent insights from Deloitte. The survey of 6,500 consumers reveals that buyers are prioritizing the price-to-value ratio over the allure of new product launches, highlighting a preference for multi-brand retailers that allow for comparison and choice. As the industry contends with labor shortages and escalating costs, the emotional appeal of watches as personal artifacts is becoming more significant than mere technical innovation. Physical retail remains indispensable, with consumers eager to engage with high-value items in store, making it essential for brands to realign their approaches to meet evolving market demands.

Apple has launched the Apple Watch Ultra 4, enhancing its health monitoring capabilities with the new S11 processor for improved heart rate accuracy. Featuring a significant battery life increase—up to 50 hours under normal use and 84 hours in low power mode—the device introduces a Readiness score that tracks users’ daily activities, training, and sleep. Following a period of decline, Apple is experiencing a resurgence in smartwatch shipments, signaling a renewed competitive edge in the market. The Ultra 4, priced from $799, is set to hit the shelves on September 18.

Signet Jewelers has significantly raised its full-year earnings forecast by over 10%, buoyed by a successful second quarter that saw sales reach $1.5 billion, a 2.2% rise from the previous year. The company’s UK operations outperformed their US counterparts, achieving 6% sales growth. Operating income surged to $87.5 million, compared to just $2.8 million last year, reflecting robust demand for higher-priced items. The retailer plans to initiate a $125 million share repurchase programme to enhance capital returns, while its CEO expressed confidence in the company’s position heading into the busy holiday season.

Watch enthusiasts in the UK will have the exclusive opportunity to view the winning watches from this year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) before anyone else in the world. The exhibition will take place at the Watches of Switzerland in Knightsbridge from November 19 to 23, following an invitation-only preview on November 18. Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group, expressed pride in hosting this showcase, celebrating the artistry and innovation of watchmaking. A global tour of the shortlisted timepieces will also begin later this month, starting in Mumbai.

Arnaud Michon has been appointed as president and CEO of Messika Americas, transitioning from his successful tenure at Omega USA within the Swatch Group. With over a decade of experience in the luxury sector, including significant roles at Cartier and Chaumet, Michon’s appointment is met with anticipation among retail executives, eager to see his vision for Messika unfold. His deep understanding of the jewellery market and insights from his wife, a former marketing director for the brand, position him well to drive growth and innovation in the company. CEO Jean-Baptiste Sassine expressed excitement about their upcoming collaboration, emphasizing the potential for shared successes in the luxury jewellery space.