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Kari Voutilainen is stepping back from his day-to-day executive role at Urban Jürgensen, where he has worked alongside co-CEO Alex Rosenfield for four years to relaunch the brand. Voutilainen will transition to focusing on watchmaking and development while remaining a shareholder, board member, and senior strategic advisor.
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Pragnell, the jeweler based in Stratford-Upon-Avon, achieved record sales of £100.5 million in the 2024-25 financial year, marking a significant milestone as it became the sixth largest jeweler in the UK. Despite a 6% increase in revenue, rising costs related to retail expansion led to an
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Rolex is set to implement a significant price increase across its product lines starting January 1, 2026, with an average hike of 7 percent. Gold models will see the largest increases of about 9 percent, while steel models will rise by approximately 5.6 percent. For instance, the no-date
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Rolex prices in the United States are set to rise by an average of 7% starting in January 2026, as revealed by a leaked analysis of the Rolex Master Catalog. Prices for steel watches will increase by approximately 5.6%, while gold models will see a rise of nearly 9%
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Watchfinder & Co., a pre-owned watch business owned by Richemont, has reported an 18% increase in sales, reaching £110 million for the 2024-25 financial year, reversing a trend of declining sales that began in 2021. The UK remains its largest market, generating £93 million, while sales from the
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Monobrand watch boutiques are increasingly popular, reflecting a shift in the retail landscape for luxury watches. These dedicated stores allow brands to create immersive environments that align closely with their identity, offering customers a curated experience that prioritizes brand messaging. Despite challenges in the retail sector, numerous brands continue to
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Swiss watch exports to the United States experienced a drastic decline of 52.3% in November, primarily due to a significant 39% tariff on imports. Although the tariff rate has since been reduced to 15%, the damage to the American market appears to be lasting, with luxury watch prices in
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Omega has been named the Official Timekeeper of TGL, a new team golf league designed to promote a faster-paced and modern competition format. This multi-year partnership will see Omega supporting TGL’s signature 40-second shot clock, emphasizing the importance of precision and timing in the league'
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Titan Company Ltd., India's leading watchmaker, is set to introduce its most ambitious creation yet, the Jalsa, a limited edition watch that merges artistry and horology. The Jalsa features a hand-painted marble dial by renowned Indian miniature painter Shakir Ali, showcasing the Hawa Mahal, a historic palace
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Cartier has achieved remarkable growth in the UK, recording sales of £251 million ($335 million) for the financial year ending in March 2025, marking an 11% increase. This growth outpaced its parent company Richemont, which saw a 5.5% rise in UK sales to £277 million ($370 million). Operating profits
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Collected is a new platform designed to enhance trust in the pre-owned watch market, which has historically lacked transparency and structure. Founded by Tim Bender and Zach Scott, the platform aims to provide safeguards for both dealers and consumers through features like contracts, community engagement, and automated services. Instead
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Aston Martin has expanded its brand into the world of luxury accessories with the launch of its first Watches and Jewelry Collection, developed in collaboration with Timex Group. The collection is anchored by two main themes: ‘Timeless,’ which features vintage-inspired watches that pay homage to the brand's
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Chrono24 has partnered with the International Watch & Jewelry Guild (IWJG) to become the exclusive online marketplace sponsor for the guild, which represents nearly 9,000 members across 77 countries involved in the trade of watches and jewelry. This collaboration aims to enhance both online and in-person buying experiences
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Swiss watchmakers have increasingly opted to produce fewer watches at higher prices over the past two decades. Export data reveals a significant rise in average export prices, from CHF 469 in 2005 to CHF 1,618 in 2024, a 244% increase that contrasts sharply with a general inflation rate of
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Louis Vuitton has unveiled the five finalists and jury members for the second edition of its Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. This year attracted a significant number of entries from independent watchmakers globally, highlighting the increasing interest in both the prize and independent horology. After thorough evaluation by a committee
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La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton is set to host the biennial Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives for the second time, following the inaugural edition won by Raúl Pagès. The prize aims to celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of the independent watchmaking industry. For the 2025-2026 edition,
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Bulova and Stetson have partnered to celebrate their shared heritage and craftsmanship with a new collection of men's automatic watches, timed to coincide with Bulova's 150th anniversary. This collaboration honors the historical connection between the two brands, which began in 1930 through family ties and has
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Gerald Ratner is attempting to buy back the UK retail operations of Signet Jewelers, which includes the H. Samuel and Ernest Jones brands, 34 years after he lost control of the company. Ratner has criticized the US-based management for neglecting the UK division, arguing that their focus on the
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Breitling has unveiled a special blue and black version of its Superocean Heritage for Bucherer, marking a return to exclusive pieces for the retailer now owned by Rolex. While many brands previously created unique blue editions for Bucherer, this trend seems to have diminished since the acquisition, raising questions about
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Vacheron Constantin has expanded its presence in the United States by opening two new boutiques in Atlanta and Palm Beach, continuing a retail legacy that began in 1832. The Atlanta boutique, situated in Phipps Plaza, is designed to reflect the brand's heritage while incorporating elements of the city&
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The Swiss watch industry is experiencing its first employment downturn since the post-Covid era, with about a quarter of companies utilizing the country's short-time work program to manage staffing while avoiding permanent job cuts. The government has extended this program's duration in response to
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Richemont's watch and jewelry division has achieved significant growth in the UK, with sales increasing by 5.3% to £277 million ($372 million) for the financial year ending March 1, 2025. This surge in turnover is accompanied by a remarkable 155% rise in operating profit, reaching £32 million
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Watchfinder & Co., owned by Richemont, has reported an 18% increase in sales, reaching £110 million ($147 million) for the 2024-25 financial year, marking a reversal from previous declining trends since 2021. The UK remains the company's largest market, contributing £93 million ($124 million), while Europe and
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The Bonhams London Fine Watches sale showcased a remarkable array of rare and collectible timepieces, drawing competitive bids from collectors worldwide. Notable models included pieces from prestigious brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Voutilainen, with the auction achieving exceptional results. The standout items were two wristwatches by Kari Voutilainen,
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Weston Jewelers, originally a small 1,000 square foot store in Fort Lauderdale, has grown into one of the largest watch and jewelry retailers in the U.S. under the leadership of Ed Dikes and his family. They have expanded from a single location to multiple showrooms, including a prominent
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Jaeger-LeCoultre has opened its first boutique in Chadstone, Melbourne, marking the brand's second standalone location in the city and introducing a new boutique concept in Australia. This opening follows a period of growth for luxury watch brands in Chadstone, which has become a hub for watch collectors,
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The Seiko Pink Panther watch, launched as a limited edition, sold out almost instantly upon its release. Priced at £390, this vibrant pink timepiece is inspired by the cartoon character associated with the classic Pink Panther movies, particularly promoting the upcoming 2026 Marvel remake. The watch features a classic Seiko
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In a dramatic heist reminiscent of a movie plot, four French nationals executed a luxury watch burglary in Canberra, stealing items worth over $10 million, including the highly coveted Patek Philippe 5711 'Tiffany' and Richard Mille RM88 'Smiley'. The thieves meticulously planned their operation, traveling from
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In 2025, the Swiss watch industry faced significant challenges, particularly highlighted by the imposition of a 39% tariff on Swiss timepieces by the U.S. government on Swiss National Day, August 1st. This unexpected turn prompted a swift response from industry leaders, culminating in negotiations that ultimately reduced the tariff
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Rolex's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program is adapting to better compete with the unregulated grey market. Initially, watches had to be at least three years old to qualify for resale with official tags and a manufacturer-backed warranty; this requirement has since been reduced to two years. Additionally,
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Breitling's sales in the UK have fallen by 24.1% to £58 million ($77 million) during the 2024-25 financial year, reflecting a challenging retail environment and economic backdrop. Despite the brand's efforts to expand its retail presence with 26 monobrand boutiques and 75 authorized multibrand
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An ultra-rare Rolex Daytona Paul Newman, crafted from solid 14k yellow gold, is set to headline Antiquorum's Monaco auction on December 12, 2025. This model, known as Lot 181, has an opening bid of €550,000 and is anticipated to reach up to €1 million. It is
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Tariffs on Swiss watch imports to the United States have been reduced from over 39% to a maximum of 15%, effective retroactively from November 14, 2025. This decision aims to provide significant relief to importers, allowing them to claim refunds on the higher tariffs paid in the preceding months. The
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CHP Caliber, a new distributor based in New York, is making significant strides as it approaches the end of its first year, confirming partnerships with three new retailers and adding two watch brands to its portfolio. The company aims to serve as a bridge between independent watchmakers and U.S.
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Cartier has recently opened a new boutique in Palm Beach, Florida, continuing its expansion strategy in affluent locations. This latest store showcases both Swiss watches and fine jewelry, following a significant investment in the brand's Miami Design District showroom. The boutique is located within the historic Royal Poinciana
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Signet Jewelers has reported a 2% decrease in sales for its UK operations, attributed to store closures and increasing competition from rivals such as F. Hinds and Beaverbrooks. The company operates 81 Ernest Jones and 167 H. Samuel stores in the UK, significantly reduced from 272 a year ago. The
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F. Hinds, a well-established jewelry and watch retailer in the UK, has demonstrated remarkable growth in a challenging economic environment, with sales increasing by 4% to £86.3 million for the fiscal year ending March 30, 2025. This performance starkly contrasts with the 2% growth reported by the luxury
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A recent trade agreement between Switzerland and the United States has officially reduced tariffs on Swiss goods to 15%, retroactive to November 14. This change is particularly beneficial for the Swiss watch industry, which had been facing high tariffs of 39% imposed in August, one of the steepest rates for
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Dress watches have evolved over the last century from a practical accessory into a sophisticated symbol of elegance. Initially created to complement formal attire, these timepieces transitioned from bulky pocket watches to sleek wristwatches as tailoring styles changed in the early 20th century. After World War I, the wristwatch gained
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Studio Underd0g has acquired Horologium, a UK-based firm that assembles and provides after-sales services for its watches. Having previously held a minority stake since July 2024, Studio Underd0g completed the purchase on December 3, 2025, although the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. Horologium, established in 2020,
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Patek Philippe is anticipated to reverse recent price hikes and cuts to dealer margins that were implemented following a significant increase in import tariffs on Swiss watches. After the U.S. raised tariffs by 39% in August, the luxury watchmaker raised prices by approximately 15% in September. This adjustment was
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The recent auction at Sotheby’s New York showcased an impressive collection of pocket watches, with the most valuable lots including three pocket watches and one clock, collectively fetching over US$16 million. The highlight was the "Grosse Pièce," Audemars Piguet's most complicated watch, which sold
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Sotheby's recently auctioned the Audemars Piguet 'Grosse Pièce' No. 16869, which sold for an astounding $7,736,000, breaking previous records for the brand. This pocket watch, regarded as one of the most historically significant pieces made by Audemars Piguet, far exceeded its conservative estimate of
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Rolex has applied for a patent for a new type of optical atomic clock that incorporates an innovative "mitigation laser" to reduce errors caused by light shifts. This compact two-photon rubidium vapor optical clock is designed to counteract the light shifts that occur during the measurement process,
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Francis Ford Coppola's personal F.P. Journe FFC prototype set a new record at Phillips' New York watch auction, selling for an impressive US$10.8 million, including fees. This remarkable sale marks the watch as the most expensive sold in 2025 and establishes it as the
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Francis Ford Coppola's personal F.P. Journe FFC prototype recently set a record at Phillips New York Watch Auction XIII, selling for an astonishing $10.755 million. This sale marks the highest price ever achieved for an F.P. Journe wristwatch, surpassing the previous record of $8.3
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Cartier is currently positioned as a strong contender against Rolex's long-standing dominance, particularly among younger watch enthusiasts. The brand is benefiting from a resurgence in popularity for smaller, vintage-style watches, bolstered by endorsements from celebrities like Taylor Swift and Timothée Chalamet. This momentum is being strategically
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Watches of Switzerland Group has experienced a notable rise in shares by nearly 5% following the announcement of its financial results for the first half of the 2026 financial year, indicating strong performance despite the challenges posed by tariffs. The company's sales reached £845 million ($1.1 billion)
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At Dubai Watch Week, WatchPro engages in a lively discussion with Nico Leonard, showcasing the latest developments in the watch industry. The event features a variety of news, including the opening of a new Patek Philippe showroom by Polacheck, a unique auction featuring a Tiffany co-signed Rolex, and TAG
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Polacheck’s, a fourth-generation family-owned jeweler located in Calabasas, California, has opened a new Patek Philippe showroom adjacent to its flagship multibrand store. Established in 1921, the jeweler has been serving the San Fernando Valley community since 1988 and is recognized as a WatchPro Award winner. The main