Year: 2026

A new dual-branded showroom has officially opened in Marlton, New Jersey, marking the first Mayors Jewelers location beyond Florida and Georgia. The 4,505 square-foot space at The Promenade at Sagemore features separate entrances for each brand, offering an extensive selection of luxury watches and high-end jewelry. This strategic expansion by the Watches of Switzerland Group underscores its commitment to retail growth in the U.S., blending the rich heritage of Mayors Jewelers with a premium shopping experience.

Phillips has unveiled its highest-value online watch auction to date, featuring nearly 90 lots, with bidding running until October 9. The auction’s standout item is the Voutilainen 28Sport Limited Edition, anticipated to fetch between $120,000 and $240,000. Other highlights include coveted models from Patek Philippe and Rolex. Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman of Phillips, noted the “extraordinary momentum” in the watch auction market, drawing attention to the blend of independent innovation and renowned craftsmanship that characterizes this exceptional sale.

London Watch Week is set to return on 18 November at the historic Royal Exchange, featuring a new one-day event dedicated to luxury watch brands. Curated to enhance the festive atmosphere of the Square Mile’s Christmas celebrations, the event will showcase prominent watchmakers and designers, connecting enthusiasts with industry experts. Brands such as Bremont and Christopher Ward will take part, with more names to be announced. Attendees can expect a unique experience that blends exquisite craftsmanship with seasonal cheer.

Wolf has launched its Bella Den Jewellery Safe, a sophisticated solution for those with extensive collections of jewellery and valuables. Showcasing a signature pleated design in an elegant ivory finish, the safe features three removable trays, allowing for organized storage of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Exclusively part of Wolf’s Bella collection, this new offering underscores the brand’s dedication to blending style with practicality, ensuring collectors can store their treasured items securely.

William Morrisson Jewellers, Inverness’s oldest jeweller, has listed its business for sale with an asking price of £150,000. Founded in 1902 and located in the historic Victorian Market, the establishment has become synonymous with expert craftsmanship, particularly in engagement and wedding jewellery. As it seeks new ownership, the local community watches closely, reflecting on over a century of shared history and craftsmanship.

In a recent episode of Talking Shop, Scott Erickson, Vice President of Sales at HappyOrNot, shed light on the evolving landscape of retail customer experience. He highlighted the innovative capabilities of HappyOrNot in capturing real-time feedback, offering a global perspective on consumer sentiments. The insights from the Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report challenge traditional metrics of customer satisfaction, urging a shift towards more sophisticated measures that align with the rapid changes in the retail environment.

Antiquorum is poised to make a significant impact in the US auction market with its upcoming sale on October 18 in New York. The Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces auction will feature eight exceptional F.P. Journe watches, including the striking Centigraphe Souverain. Also on offer are rare pieces from iconic brands such as Patek Philippe and Richard Mille, catering to both seasoned collectors and new bidders. The auction underscores Antiquorum’s renewed commitment to the US, with options for in-person, online, and telephone participation.

The WatchPro UK Awards are set to mark their tenth anniversary, with finalists unveiled across 26 categories, celebrating the finest in the UK watch market. This year introduces new retail categories, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape. Winners will be decided through public votes and expert judges at a black-tie gala on November 23 in London. Voting is now open, inviting enthusiasts to play a part in recognising excellence within the sector.

A rare 1943 Patek Philippe watch once owned by legendary voice actor Mel Blanc is set to steal the spotlight at FutureGrail’s upcoming auction, running from October 2 to 6. With bidding estimated between $70,000 and $110,000, this exquisite timepiece, along with a selection of vintage and modern luxury watches, is expected to attract collectors. Blanc, known for his iconic roles in animation, was also a passionate watch collector, making this auction a unique opportunity for enthusiasts.

In a poignant chapter for Seiko U.K., managing director David Edwards finalized the company’s accounts before his death in July. The firm reported a slight revenue decrease to £27 million and an operating loss of £215,000, yet net assets stood at £28 million. Despite pressures on the luxury market, demand for Seiko remains robust, bolstered by consumer preference for quality at a fair price. Globally, the company’s watch sales surged by 16% in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strong performances across a diverse range of product lines.