The selection of modern & vintage timepieces totaled more than 3 million CHF in sales at Antiquorum. Due to circumstances, the auction was held as an online live auction with bidders from 24 countries. The highly appealing Jaeger-LeCoultre and IWC selections drove a lot of interest with an average hammered price above their high estimates. The always growing interest in Omega watches has been again demonstrated by lot 150, a Speedmaster. Rolex, which continues to be in great demand by collectors, represented 25% of the lots entrusted for the sale. It’s interesting to underline new trends and future collector pieces such as lot 280 & 281, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref 15002.

The impact of the coronavirus epidemic began to be felt on Swiss watch exports in February. The value of exports contracted by 9.2%, to 1.6 billion francs. However, this does not yet fully reflect the actual situation in certain markets. Declines were seen in all sectors. The damage was limited for watches priced over 3,000 francs, which remained at almost the same level as last year. Several markets held firm, however most Asian markets fell, often posting very sharp declines. The United States (+17.8%) continued the upswing seen in January and benefited from a favourable base effect. In Asia, Hong Kong (-42.0%) recorded its worst monthly decline in the last 20 years, while China plunged by 51.5%. Japan (-2.1%) fell only slightly, while the United Arab Emirates (-26.3%) and South Korea (-11.2%) declined more sharply. In Europe, there was a decline in the United Kingdom (-18.9%), but surprisingly, continued growth in Germany (+7.3%), France (+12.6%) and Italy (+5.0%).

Rolex has announced it will close its watchmaking facilities across Geneva, Bienne and Crissier for ten days, effective on the 17th of March. The closure is just one of many across the world, as many companies temporarily shut down and encourage employees to work from home to halt the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The spread has continued in many regions across the world, and Europe is now being described as the epicenter. Rolex is not the first watchmaker to be affected by the coronavirus, but looks to be the first to shut up shop for two weeks. Earlier this year, LVMH donated US$2.2 million to the Red Cross Society of China, to help combat the virus. Days later, Richemont donated US$1.4 million.

Eager to pay tribute to the exceptional personalities who give a new meaning to what success means in the 21st century, Montblanc has welcomed Stan Wawrinka to its family of friends. Renowned for his unfailing determination, the tennis champion has already won 16 singles titles on the ATP circuit, including three Grand Slam tournaments. He is an exemplary embodiment of the new values of success, displaying unwavering enthusiasm for his career along with an exceptional mindset. “Montblanc became part of my professional and personal life years ago as their products are real life-companions and I am delighted to integrate the Mark-Maker family,” says Stan Wawrinka.

Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier have announced a collaboration to present the Women’s Pavilion, celebrating women change-makers all over the world. The Women’s Pavilion takes a new look at the contribution of women and their impact on society, shining a light on the countless achievements, past and present, that have driven forward economies and enhanced their communities. The Pavilion will play an exciting role in The World’s Greatest Show of human brilliance and achievement, as it celebrates women, known and unknown, from every land, culture and religion, who are still making history and stimulating change. In the spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, the Women’s Pavilion will also spotlight the breadth and wealth of female expertise that is inspiring and empowering global citizens to create a better future.

Ulysse Nardin is the first luxury manufacturer to deploy blockchain certification to all its collections. Remember that blockchain is a technology that can be used to store and transmit information or transactions. It is a global digital database shared among multiple users that can, at any time, using a cryptographic system, verify the validity of information, add data and record a transaction. Ulysse Nardin’s approach used here is to store the “digital signature” of all PDF warranty certificates in the form of a “hash” – i.e. an encrypted string of characters – on the Bitcoin blockchain. Therefore, a digital document like a warranty certificate in this case, when protected on the blockchain, becomes tamper-proof. Another advantage is that this certificate becomes extremely useful for the after-sales service (a reliable transaction history) or when it is offered as a gift or resold (used market).

In addition to its roles as official timekeeper of renowned culinary contests and reviewer of the world’s finest restaurants in its corporate magazine “Lettres du Brassus”, Blancpain has adorned the wrists of famous chefs for more than three decades. Surrounded by a circle of friends, past and present encompassing more than 100 Michelin stars, the Manufacture is now expressing its close connection with the famous Michelin Guide through a new collaboration. Blancpain and the Michelin Guide thus intend to work together in promoting their touchstones of excellence, passion and expertise. This long-term and wide-ranging partnership will make its mark on the international gastronomic scene. Every year, more than 20 events and guides will celebrate haute cuisine, from Shanghai to Paris via New York and Tokyo, to mention only a few locations.

Hublot announces that it is now the Official Partner of UEFA Women’s EURO 2021™ and all UEFA Women’s football competitions. The news means that Hublot becomes a UEFA 360-degree partner of all UEFA-men’s and women’s senior club and international football competitions. Hublot will serve as the international tournament’s Official Partner, providing the now iconic Hublot electronic referee boards used by fourth officials to indicate additional time and substitutions. The partnership also covers the UEFA Women’s Champions League FinalTM, the UEFA European Women’s Under-19TM Championship, the UEFA European Women’s Under-17TM Championship and the UEFA Women’s Futsal EUROTM, the hardcourt, indoor football tournament.

The year began well for Swiss watch exports, which have not yet been affected by the coronavirus epidemic in China. In January, Switzerland exported the equivalent of 1.8 billion francs, which represents a 9.4% increase compared with 2019. The number of items, however, still continues on a downward trend, despite a clearly favourable base effect. Watches priced at over 500 francs (export price) grew strongly in January, both by value and the number of items. Below this threshold, the trend remained negative, particularly for watches priced at under 200 francs. Most markets maintained a steady pace during the first month of the year, including the United States (+15.2%), China (+6.9%), Japan (+14.9%), Singapore (+23.1%) and South Korea (+41.1%). Hong Kong was ranked second (-25.0%), posting its fourth consecutive month of very sharp decline. The United Kingdom (-13.9%), the largest market in Europe, suffered from an unfavourable base effect and also fell significantly.