Year: 2026

Time & More UK has reported a staggering 100% increase in sales for 2025 and is forecasting a further 50% rise for the next financial year. Founded by Duncan Harris in 2020, the independent watch distributor has thrived on its focus within the sub-£500 market, tapping into consumer desire for quality and value. With an expanded partnership with The JDM Swiss Group and retail collaborations that include major chains and independent retailers, Time & More is poised for continued growth in a competitive industry.

Daniel Bing has been appointed as Bremont’s global chief marketing officer, returning to the UK after a successful seven-year stint with Vacheron Constantin. His extensive marketing expertise, particularly in the US market, will be pivotal as Bremont experiences rapid growth—now the company’s largest market. Under Bing’s leadership, Bremont is set to unveil its most significant launch in two decades: a Supernova chronograph that will journey to the Moon’s South Pole, marking a unique milestone in the brand’s history.

Women in Watches is set to make waves in Miami, following successful gatherings in London and New York. The upcoming event, held alongside the TIMELUXE Watch Summit, aims to connect over 80 attendees from various sectors of the watch industry. Featuring panels that spotlight careers and evolving design preferences for female consumers, the initiative seeks to foster a supportive environment for women while embracing inclusive participation from men. This promises to be a vital platform for networking and sharing insights, paving the way for future growth and collaboration in the sector.

Research by WGSN reveals that the future of consumerism, particularly in the watch sector, is moving away from traditional metrics of age and income. The emerging consumer group known as “The Restorers” prioritises emotional well-being and mindful consumption over mere product ownership. They seek calmness and social connection, favouring brands that emphasise craftsmanship and sensory experiences. In an era marked by digital overwhelm and climate anxiety, the buying experience—focused on community engagement and storytelling—has become more important than the product itself. Brands are urged to foster local connections and humanise technology, catering to a generation craving authenticity and significance in their purchases.

A recent survey reveals that 80% of UK adults believe Saturday jobs are crucial for youth employment, with overwhelming support from those aged 55 and above. The retail sector, which historically accounts for 23% of youth employment, has seen a significant decline, losing nearly 400,000 jobs over the past decade. The British Retail Consortium is calling on the government to implement supportive measures for flexible entry-level roles, warning that proposed reforms could hinder opportunities for young job seekers. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson emphasized the importance of preserving these roles as vital stepping stones in the careers of young individuals.

Time+Tide is launching FounderFest, an exciting new event for independent watchmakers, featuring seven brands presenting music-inspired timepieces. Taking place in New York, London, and Melbourne on September 19-20, attendees can enjoy a unique blend of design and music, with tickets priced at US$20, £10, and AU$10. Following the event, exclusive watches will be available online for 24 hours starting September 22, showcasing the innovative spirit of microbrand craftsmanship.

Independent watchmaking is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing segment of the luxury asset class, defying trends in the broader watch industry. With limited production by individual artisans, high-value timepieces are now dominating market growth, accounting for a staggering share of value amidst an overall decline. As collectors increasingly prioritize unique craftsmanship over corporate brands, watchmakers like F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour are not only securing higher auction prices but also redefining what scarcity means in the luxury market. This evolution points towards a future where genuine artistry, rather than mass marketing, shapes the landscape of luxury investment.

Frasers Group has secured a £40 million acquisition of the iconic Harvey Nichols, gaining control of six stores, including the flagship location in London’s Knightsbridge, and its online operations. The takeover, which involves transferring over 1,000 employees, aims to bolster Frasers’ position in the luxury retail market, but comes amidst plans for significant restructuring following challenging financial performance for the department store. Chief executive Michael Murray highlighted the necessity for “meaningful change” as the retail group embarks on this transformative journey.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, luxury brand Louis Vuitton has teamed up with Californian customiser Singer to reimagine the iconic Porsche 911, creating two unique models that embody precision craftsmanship and luxurious travel. Priced at an estimated £2.5 million, the vehicles feature bespoke interiors adorned with Louis Vuitton-inspired detailing and a distinctive convertible design, allowing for an immersive driving experience. This partnership not only pays homage to the classic 911 but also elevates it with the sophistication emblematic of both brands, promising a synthesis of artistry and automotive excellence.

As Parliament takes its summer break, news editors often sift for engaging stories to fill the void. In parallel, the watch industry also experiences a seasonal slowdown, giving rise to an intriguing collection of avant-garde timepieces unveiled in 2023. Highlights include the Schaefer & Companions x Motomichi collaboration, featuring a captivating watch adorned with glow-in-the-dark eyes, and Hautlence’s Retrovision ’64, reminiscent of a ‘Star Trek’ communicator. MB&F pushes the envelope further with a Transformer-inspired watch, while Jacob & Co pays tribute to the cinematic classic The Godfather with a musical timepiece. This whimsical landscape of horology illustrates that even in quieter times, innovation and artistry remain at the forefront.