Year: 2026

Lunn’s Jewellers, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury jeweller, has been shortlisted for the Family Business of the Year award at the British Business Awards 2026. Founded in 1954, this family-run business is competing alongside industry giants like Warburtons and Taylors of Harrogate. With over £12 million invested in renovations and boutique expansions, Lunn’s significant contributions highlight the vital role of independent luxury retailers in a consolidating market. Marketing director Suzanne Lunn expressed pride in the recognition, reflecting the family’s commitment to quality and tradition in luxury retail.

Swiss watchmaker Mauron Musy has announced a strategic partnership with FundTime LLC, marking a significant step in its expansion into the United States market. FundTime will serve as the exclusive distributor for Mauron Musy, known for its commitment to innovation and independence in watchmaking. The company produces approximately 300 luxury watches annually, priced up to $30,000, featuring cutting-edge designs, including the patented no-Ring gasket-free water resistance solution. Co-founder Christophe Musy emphasizes the brand’s dedication to challenging industry norms, while FundTime’s Lior Arussy highlights the unique blend of Swiss precision and visionary design that sets Mauron Musy apart in the competitive landscape of independent watchmaking.

Christopher Ward has boldly acknowledged the influence of Rolex in its latest Sealander GMT collection, reflecting a trend in a market often resistant to such admissions. The watches benefit from significant enhancements, including a new movement that extends the power reserve to an impressive 65 hours. With improved design features and a diverse array of sizes and colors, the re-launched collection maintains competitive pricing, providing consumers with stylish options without the usual luxury mark-up. Attendees at the launch event were particularly taken with the attention to detail and craftsmanship, exemplifying Christopher Ward’s commitment to quality in watchmaking.

This year’s Watches and Wonders event showcased a range of exceptional timepieces, highlighting a mix of innovation and classic elegance. While brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe opted for a safer approach amid economic uncertainties, standout designs emerged from Parmigiani and Baume & Mercier. Notably, the Parmigiani Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux captivated with its clever pusher mechanism, while the Baume & Mercier Clifton Perpetual Calendar offered remarkable value with its chic guilloche dial. Vacheron Constantin’s GMT watches also impressed, seamlessly blending functionality with sophistication. In contrast, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus 5610/1P-001, with its flawless design, promises to be a timeless treasure for connoisseurs.

Richard Mille has renewed its collaboration with Fondation Beyeler, furthering its commitment to contemporary art and cultural excellence. The partnership celebrates its fourth year with the launch of “Engadin. An Art Journey Volume II,” which explores the artistic allure of Switzerland’s Engadin Valley through five unique perspectives. Highlighting both renowned and hidden cultural treasures, the publication is a tribute to the region’s remarkable blend of art and landscape. CEO Peter Harrison emphasized their shared values of creativity and craftsmanship, while Fondation Beyeler’s director Sam Keller expressed excitement for the continued journey of inspiring storytelling in art.

Watches of Switzerland has unveiled a new luxury showroom in Edina, Minnesota, marking a significant expansion in the U.S. market. The group’s revenue contribution from the U.S. has surged from 24% to 48%, with sales eclipsing $1 billion for the first time. Following recent acquisitions, including that of Deutsch & Deutsch, the company now operates 66 locations across the country. Driven by soaring demand and a strategic growth trajectory, its share price has risen by 45%, highlighting the robust performance amidst a fluctuating market landscape.

H. Moser & Cie. has unveiled an exclusive timepiece in collaboration with Bucherer, designed specifically for the upcoming Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix. The Pioneer Tourbillon, a limited edition model aimed at just 28 discerning customers, features a striking blue fumé dial contrasted by a vivid pink flange, evoking the vibrant aesthetics of Miami’s renowned Art Deco architecture. Priced at £59,900, this sophisticated watch not only showcases advanced horological craftsmanship but also allows wearers to customize their look with an interchangeable rubber strap, underscoring both style and performance.

Steve McQueen’s preference for the Heuer Monaco over the Omega Speedmaster during the iconic film “Le Mans” has solidified the watch’s status in horology and motorsport. Originally, the Omega was slated for the film; however, McQueen chose the Monaco in homage to his friend and fellow racer Jo Siffert. The Heuer Monaco, a pioneer in non-automotive sponsorship in Formula One, is set to come under the hammer at Sotheby’s New York on June 15, with estimates reaching between $500,000 and $1 million. This sale comes amid a growing trend in celebrity watch values, showcasing the Monaco’s enduring appeal and cultural significance.

A Cartier London Crash watch has set a new record, selling for $1.99 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction, marking the highest price ever achieved for the brand. With only three of its kind produced in 1987, this sought-after timepiece drew intense competition, highlighting the escalating demand for vintage luxury watches. Other notable sales included a 1973-74 Cartier Asymmetric that sold for an astonishing $850,000, while a rare Patek Philippe chronograph commanded nearly $2 million. Sotheby’s celebrated the auction as a significant milestone, achieving the highest total for any watch auction in Asia.

Swatch Group’s shares have suffered a significant decline of 35% over the past five years, as the company’s profits plummeted from CHF 800 million to a mere CHF 25 million. In stark contrast, rival Richemont saw its stock soar by 61%, driven by strong demand for luxury brands like Cartier. The competitive landscape is shifting, with Japanese watchmakers such as Seiko, Citizen, and Casio steadily gaining market share and experiencing remarkable stock increases. As Swatch grapples with these challenges, investors are increasingly urging a re-evaluation of the company’s strategic direction in a market increasingly dominated by high-quality, affordable alternatives.