Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has paid almost £300,000 to buy a Cartier watch once owned by Jackie Kennedy. Celebrity news website TMZ reports that Ms Kardashian was an anonymous bidder at a Christie’s auction, paying $379,500 for the watch. TMZ says auction sources described the Cartier as a gift to the former wife of […]
Posted inEDITOR'S CHOICE, FEATURES, IN MAG, INTERVIEWS, NEWS, UK
The art of distribution according to Argento Fine Products
Argento Fine Products is marking 20 years distributing fine jewellery and watch brands in the UK this year. The family-run business, co-owned by Giuseppe and Claudia Ferro, has a reputation for building lesser-known brands into winners in this market including the introduction of Roger Dubuis and Frederique Constant to this country. In 2017, the company […]
Posted inINTERNATIONAL, LEAD STORY, NEWS, UK
Global Swiss watch exports rise by 9% in May
Swiss watchmakers are beginning to breathe more easily as green shoots of recovery since the start of the year are blossoming into strong growth in most global markets. Exports to China shot up by 34.4% in May, compared to the same month in 2016, according to the latest data from the Federation of the Swiss […]
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Casio returns to Carnaby Street with G-Shock store opening
Casio has relocated its London flagship store for G-Shock from Covent Garden to London’s iconic fashion destination Carnaby Street, the second time it has had a shop on the street. The G-Shock store had a soft opening this week ahead of a formal launch in July. Mark Gladwin, divisional manager for Casio’s Timepiece Division, told […]
Posted inOthers
Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair reaches out to British trade professionals
This year’s Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, along with Salon de TE will take place from September 5-7 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is expected to feature over 810 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions. In 2016, the fair attracted over 20,000 buyers from around the world. Salon de TE, an […]
Posted inNEWS, UK
Collectors Club created to share top end timepieces with paying members
Serial entrepreneur and avid watch collector Tariq Khan has created a private members club for luxury watch enthusiasts. The Collectors Club is not a member’s club in the sense of a private saloon in London’s St James’s, but a virtual network of watch connoisseurs who want to wear the world’s rarest timepieces. Mr Khan developed […]
Posted inEDITOR'S CHOICE, NEWS, UK
£161,000 Patek Philippe grand complication tops Bonhams fine watch auction
A Patek Philippe manual wind split second chronograph wristwatch with perpetual calendar and moon phase in platinum was the star lot at this week’s Bonhams sale of Fine Watches and Wristwatches auction, with a hammer price of £161,000. The watch contributed to total sales of £1,744,125 and a sell through rate of 75%. Jonathan Darracott, […]
Posted inLEAD STORY, NEWS, UK
Henry London sales propel Peers Hardy into Sunday Times list of fast-growing companies
The successful launch of Henry London watches has propelled Peers Hardy into the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table of Britain’s fastest-growing mid-market private companies. The Solihull-based distributor, which has enjoyed growth surges with Ice Watch and Daniel Wellington over the past decade, launched Henry London as its own brand in 2015. The watches […]
Posted inLEAD STORY, NEWS, SMART WATCHES, UK
Timex partners with nanotech pioneer to revolutionise watch movements of the future
Micro Electromagnetic Systems (MEMS) have been spoken about as the next disruptive technology in watchmaking for several years thanks to their precision, simplicity, compact dimensions, price and low energy consumption that makes them an attractive way to power and regulate traditional timepieces and connected hybrids. French-based business SilMach is a pioneer in the development of […]
Posted inNEWS, UK
SNEAK PEEK: Inside Mappin & Webb’s refurbished Glasgow flagship
Mappin & Webb has re-opened its Scottish flagship boutique in Glasgow at the entrance to the famous Argyll Arcade on Buchanan Street after a three month refurbishment. The 2,280 sq ft boutique occupies two floors joined by a marble staircase. The store sells Breitling, Jaeger LeCoultre, Chopard, Cartier and TAG Heuer watches alongside its high end jewellery portfolio of […]
Posted inNEW PRODUCTS, NEWS, UK
IN PICTURES: 40mm editions of the Hermès Arceau
Hermès has created a modern classic with is Arceau family, first created by Henri d’Origny in 1978 and reissued in 2017. The distinctive features of the Arceau watch are its italic font inspired by the elegance of a galloping horse, along with its asymmetrical lugs. This year the watch is offered in blue lacquered or […]
Posted inEDITOR'S CHOICE, NEW PRODUCTS, NEWS, UK
Raymond Weil returns to The Beatles partnership for Abbey Road limited edition
After celebrating its 40th anniversary with The Beatles in 2016, music loving Raymond Weil continues its collaboration by releasing a watch paying homage to Abbey Road, the last album recorded by the band. The Beatles “Abbey Road” Limited Edition Maestro is being issued as a numbered series of 3,000 pieces priced at £995. “I’m a […]
Posted inEDITOR'S CHOICE, NEW PRODUCTS, NEWS, UK
Retailers start to take delivery of Gucci’s boldest collection of watches to date
The 2017 collection of G-Timeless watches from Gucci Timepieces is hitting retailers this month. The latest lineup plays with new silhouettes, motifs, techniques and colours taken directly from Gucci catwalk fashion. The G-Timeless Slim watch is now available in 29mm and 36mm sizes. Using different shades of mother of pearl, the dials are adorned with Gucci’s […]
Posted inNEW PRODUCTS, NEWS, UK
Mr Porter and Ressence collaborate on two limited edition timepieces
Online gentleman’s store Mr Porter is offering two limited edition timepieces from independent Swiss watchmaker Ressence. Mr Porter will launch the Ressence Type 1 MRP in two varieties: first is the Type 1PN MRP Grade 5 polished Titanium with Night Blue metallic dial in a 42mm case, limited to 12 timepieces and priced at £15,360. […]
Posted inEDITOR'S CHOICE, NEWS, UK
Powerful luxury fragrance distributor brings Cavalli watches to the UK
Kenneth Green Associates (KGA) has created a watch distribution subsidiary that will bring Cavalli watch brands to the UK. Established in 1990, family-owned KGA is the UK’s premier distributor of fragrances from some of the industry’s biggest names including Cartier, Bulgari, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Elie Saab and many more; working with the UK’s biggest department stores […]
Posted inINTERNATIONAL, NEW PRODUCTS, NEWS, UK
Grand Seiko takes inspiration from Japan’s night sky for rose gold edition of its Spring Drive
Grand Seiko has created a rose gold edition of its Spring Drive 8 day power reserve. The watch houses the same movement as the original Spring Drive introduced in 2016, but has a completely new look. Not only is the case made from 18ct rose gold, the watch face is designed to look like a Japanese […]
Posted inEDITOR'S CHOICE, LEAD STORY, NEWS, UK
Inter City Group promotes Mohamed Master to managing director
Inter City Group (ICG) has announced the appointment of Mohamed Ali Master to become the company’s managing director. ICG is a British-based business that distributes licensed watch brands around the world. Mr Master joined the company in 2009, and has been promoted from commercial director and head of ICG’s mass retail division to the role of managing […]
Posted inEDITOR'S CHOICE, GALLERIES, NEW PRODUCTS, NEWS, TRENDS, UK
TRENDS: British fashion watch brands revive 1960s trend for square watches
Olivia Burton, Henry London and Larsson and Jennings are pressing retailers and consumers to get over their fear of square watches. There is perceived wisdom among watch shops that square does not sell, but that is being challenged by three brands known for hitting hot trends before they go mainstream. Olivia Burton continues to see […]
Posted inNEWS, UK
Tudor releases raft of merchandising collatoral for its Heritage Black Bay S&G
Tudor watch retailers have access to a new package of lifestyle images and videos featuring the new Tudor Heritage Black Bay S&G, unveiled at this year’s Baselworld and available in stores this month. The watch is used in Tudor’s current advertising campaign featuring new brand ambassador David Beckham. The Heritage Black Bay S&G is a new […]
Posted inEDITOR'S CHOICE, NEWS, UK
EXCLUSIVE: Watch brand backed by Dragon’s Den sold to Channel Islands entrepreneur
A Guernsey businessman has bought Dragon’s Den-winning watch business, Slappie. Scott Carre, who will run the operation from St Peter Port premises, fought off stiff competition to acquire the company, which launched online in 2010. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. Sales of the buckle-free, silicone slap watch soared after appearing – […]