Watches news and archive

Watch brand Fossil rebrands to reach “next generation” of consumers

Watch and accessories brand and retailer Fossil is rebranding with a new brand identity that celebrates its nearly 40-year heritage as it looks to usher in a “new era” of the brand to connect with the next generation of consumers. The rebrand is a complete overhaul of Fossil’s branding across all touchpoints and aims to offer a modernised brand...

Business

Rolex SA to acquire luxury watch group Bucherer AG

In a strategic move, Rolex has announced it will acquire Bucherer, the well-known watch retailer. Despite the acquisition, Bucherer will maintain its unique identity and operational independence. The integration is awaiting approval from competition authorities. The decision comes after Jörg Bucherer, due to the absence of direct heirs, chose to...

Business

Swiss watch exports up 11.8 percent in H1

Swiss watchmaking maintained its steady growth trajectory in the first half of the year, mirroring the trends seen in 2022. Despite a high basis for comparison, exports demonstrated resilience, with most markets experiencing an increase. Notably, China and Hong Kong showed a strong rebound, said the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) in...

Business

Watches of Switzerland posts record FY revenue as profits widen

Watches of Switzerland has hailed a record year for revenue, which was up 25 percent on a reported basis and 19 percent on a constant currency basis from the prior year. The London-listed group made revenue of 1.54 billion pounds in the year to April 30, with sales in its luxury watch division up 28 percent - and representing 87 percent of total...

Business

Cristiano Ronaldo invests in Chrono24

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has invested in Chrono24, the online marketplace for luxury watches, through his CR7 SA company, for an undisclosed sum. Ronaldo, known for his love of timepieces, joins the likes of previous Chrono24 investors, including Bernard Arnault’s family investment company Aglae Ventures, General Atlantic, Insight Partners...

Business

Katchin marketplace for jewellery and watches expands in Europe

Katchin, the marketplace created specifically for jewellery and watches, is expanded into Germany and France after a successful launch in the UK in January. The marketplace, backed by the Fossil Group in partnership with technology company Mirakl, was launched to offer a new way to shop accessories by bringing together “the most sought-after...

Business

Citizen joins the Leather Working Group

Watchmaker Citizen has become a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG) to promote the use of sustainable leather. LWG is an international non-profit organisation comprised of tanneries, traders, suppliers, technical experts, as well as brands and retailers. The group is dedicated to conserving the natural environment and providing consumers...

Business

Richemont launches digital platform to deter global watch and jewellery theft

Luxury brand holder Richemont announced the launch of a new digital platform called Enquirus that will help to reduce watch and jewellery related crime. This solution brings together stakeholders from multiple levels, and facilitates cooperation beyond borders between security forces and insurance associates, while enabling free access for...

Fairs

Geneva watch show opens in throes of banking turmoil

The Geneva watch fair opened Monday buoyed by booming growth in the watchmaking industry, but insiders warily eyed the banking sector turmoil, evoking painful memories of the 2008 financial crisis. Industry professionals were upbeat on the first day of the Watches and Wonders annual fair, where 48 prestigious brands including Rolex, Patek...

Fashion Featured

Gen Z driving the second-hand luxury watch market

Swiss watches are in high demand these days, but sales of second-hand timepieces are also booming, driven by Generation Z buyers who want luxury goods but are also sustainability-minded. The global second-hand watch market is estimated at nearly 20 billion Swiss francs (21.7 billion dollars) and could reach 35 billion francs by 2030, according...

Fashion |Jewellery Featured

Katchin the new marketplace for jewellery and watches launches

A new global marketplace created specifically for jewellery and watches, Katchin has launched in the UK, backed by the Fossil Group. Katchin aims to offer consumers a new way to shop for accessories, bringing together “the most sought-after names together in a one-stop-shop” alongside curated content and how-to-style guides. The platform, built...

Business

Watchmaker Bremont secures 48.4 million pounds in funding

British watchmaker Bremont has secured an investment of 48.4 million pounds (59 million dollars) following a record year. The funding came from investors Bill Ackman and his affiliate, alongside existing investor Hellcat LP. “This new capital will enable us to invest in marketing, distribution, and talent,” said Bremont co-founder Giles English...