A year of the rabbit for watch brands?
China, which weighed on watch exports at end 2022, will be the key to activity in 2023, a year that opens with mixed prospects. Will China’s impact on luxury sales be as great as in 2021?
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What next for the pre-owned market?
Once dismissed as a hang-out for unscrupulous traders touting fakes, in little more than a decade the pre-owned watch market has grown to remarkable proportions and is expected to surpass sales of new watches. Consultancy firm LuxeConsult predicts this reversal in roles for 2033.
"English gentlemen, please fire first"
After a 9.5% fall in exports over five months, the Brexit vote makes for an even more uncertain future for Swiss watch brands. Particularly as the UK has weathered a difficult year so far with some tremendous growth.
Reinventing the wheels of time
Breitling, Lang & Heyne and Piaget have all presented a new type of wheel this year. Made from silicon or gold, their purpose is to improve performance. All three are made not by machining, but using erosion or material growth technology.
What now for watch distribution?
Flagging demand, a strong Swiss franc, competition from smartwatches, changing consumption habits… multiple factors are prompting watch brands to rethink their strategy. Particularly distribution.
Breitling – Made for great depths
While most Breitling watches are born to fly, the brand is also reputed among professionals for its instruments designed to conquer great depths, such as the Avenger II Seawolf. Water-resistant to 3,000 m (10,000 ft), this model flaunts all the distinctive characteristics one would expect from a champion of the abyss.
Romain Gauthier, a man with a plan
Resolve and patience, talent and hard work have got Roman Gauthier where he is today. A watchmaker as well as a specialist component supplier, he continues our series of portraits of contemporary artisan-watchmakers who take a different approach to the measurement of time.
Bovet – Industrial anniversary
When Pascal Raffy acquired the Dimier 1738 Manufacture in June 2006, he gave Bovet 1822 absolute control over its developments.
