Philippe Dufour is setting salerooms alight; WatchBox has invested in De Bethune; Chrono24 has secured LVMH-backed funding; Watchfinder is presenting all the James Bond watches in its Paris showroom; Richard Mille has launched a certified network for its pre-owned watches… for watch fans, the moving and shaking is on the pre-owned market.
He is an actor of immense talent, with more than five decades of stage and screen appearances. Fortunately for us, at the age of 79, Sir Patrick Stewart, alias Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men, has no plans to take his final bow.
In September this year Vacheron Constantin introduced a stainless steel version of a 1955 chronograph that no end of collectors would love to own. And for good reason, as the Cornes de Vache is the only watch by Vacheron Constantin to feature distinctive "cow horn" lugs.
The quartz revolution traumatised the Swiss watch industry to such a degree it is rarely documented. No longer, thanks to this short read. Part two: from electromechanical watches to smartwatches.
When all balance springs were metal, Swatch Group's Nivarox enjoyed a virtual monopoly. The most widespread alternative, patented silicon technology, is also the property of a handful of manufacturers. However crucial it may be, mechanically and strategically, the balance spring is about materials science, not horological genius.
With the vintage trend showing no signs of abating, now is the time to pay tribute to the iconic watches worn by late, great celebrities. Brands happily revisit legends from the past while at auction, watches with celebrity provenance are achieving record amounts.
Rolex is one of the most prevalent and powerful brands of the past century. Though its presence spans globally, it is a particularly potent force in the United States. From strategic partnerships to strategic business moves, Rolex has carefully positioned itself at the centre of American culture, resulting in one of its top markets worldwide.