Watches news and archive

Swiss watch exports to China plunge 50 percent in September

Zurich - Swiss watch exports suffered their steepest fall this year in September, pulled down by a 50-percent plunge in sales to China, the industry's federation said Thursday. It marks the latest sign of weakening demand in the world's second-largest economy, which has hit Europe's luxury sector. Sales to Hong Kong also fell 34.6 percent during...

Business

Watches of Switzerland snaps up editorial platform Hodinkee

The Watches of Switzerland (WOSG) has set its sights on an expanded audience through the acquisition of Hodinkee, an editorial content provider for luxury watch enthusiasts. The move builds on an ongoing Long Range Plan at the group, which aims to “leverage existing growth opportunities by growing sector leadership online”. This latest...

Business |CEO Interview Featured

Wolf opens first physical store in 190 years: The business behind luxury watch cases

The watch industry has experienced a well-received boom in recent years. One niche aspect of this market that is often overlooked by outsiders, but retains importance among watch enthusiasts, is that of boxes and cases for the cherished accessory. It is a market, alongside jewellery boxes, that Wolf has been championing for 190 years, yet it is...

Fashion

The UK is the fake watch capital of the world, a study reveals

A recent analysis by Watches2U has unveiled a startling trend in the global market for counterfeit timepieces, with the UK emerging as the epicentre of online searches for fake watches. This development comes in the wake of a 2023 report that identified over one million counterfeit watches circulating in the UK market, accounting for a...

Retail

Paris: Galeries Lafayette opens pre-owned watch and jewellery space

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, the flagship department store of Galeries Lafayette in Paris known for its Art Nouveau Dome, has opened a dedicated space for pre-owned watches and jewellery. On LinkedIn, the Galeries Lafayette group explained that the opening of this new space reflects a strong demand from its clientele. Located on the ground...

Business

Charles Leclerc invests in Chrono24

Formula One driver Charles Leclerc has invested in Chrono24, the online marketplace for luxury watches, for an undisclosed amount, following in the footsteps of famed footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who invested in 2023. Leclerc, who is second placed in this year's Formula One championship and just won his home race at the prestigious Monte Carlo...

Fashion

Swiss watch brands making time for India

Swiss watchmakers are increasingly turning their sights towards India thanks to a new free trade agreement that is due to gradually open the doors for luxury timepiece exports. While some brands are already in the starting blocks, others are waiting to see whether India will become a new land of plenty. "India represents enormous potential,"...

Fashion

Patek Philippe chief not worried for top-end Swiss watches

Patek Philippe's chief says he is not anxious about the prospects for top-end timepieces, despite Swiss watch exports slowing overall after three years of spectacular growth. Thierry Stern told AFP he was "not worried about the high end" of the market during the Geneva watch fair, which brings together 54 major brands at Swiss watchmaking's...

Fashion

Chrono24 launches authentication programme

Chrono24, the online marketplace for luxury watches, has launched a new ‘Certified’ authentication programme to provide transparency and a guarantee in vetting pre-owned timepieces for collectors. The programme will be available for pre-owned timepieces above 1,000 euros from professional and private sellers. The certification includes a...

People

The 1916 Company announces leadership appointments

The 1916 Company, launched in late 2023 by merging WatchBox, Govberg, Radcliffe, and Hyde Park Jewelers under one unified brand, has announced new leadership appointments and retail expansion plans for “continued growth”. The watch and jewellery group has named Justin Reis as chairman and John Shmerler as the chief executive officer, while Danny...

Fashion

Casio to celebrate Baby-G anniversary with Hello Kitty

Watch brand Casio is collaborating with Hello Kitty, a character from the Japanese entertainment company Sanrio, on a new Baby-G shock-resistant watch. The collaboration watch marks both the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty and the 30th anniversary of the Baby-G and is based on the BGD-565, which inherits the design of the first Baby-G model. The...

Fashion

Is Shenzhen China's new fashion hub?

As 2023 concludes, China’s largest jewellery wholesale market in Shenzhen has witnesses a substantial surge in consumer interest for gold and jewellery, reflecting an escalating market demand. Located in the Guangdong Province of southern China, Shenzhen is known for its technological innovation, but is swiftly establishing itself as a...