Watches
Watches hold a unique position in the jewellery trade, blending craftsmanship, design, and technology to create enduring appeal for consumers and lucrative opportunities for retailers. From luxury Swiss timepieces to emerging British watch brands, the sector continues to evolve with shifting trends, innovation in materials, and changing customer expectations. Jewellery Focus covers the watch industry from a trade perspective, offering news on brands and launches, market analysis, retail insights, and updates on supply chain and distribution. Our coverage equips jewellers, distributors, and suppliers with the intelligence needed to navigate this dynamic segment.
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Jan- 2026 -13 JanuaryAppointments
Christie’s appoints new global managing director for luxury
Global auction house Christie’s has appointed Kimberly Miller as global managing director for luxury, promoting her from her previous role as regional managing director for luxury in the Americas. Miller will be based in New York and will oversee Christie’s global luxury business across live and online auctions and private…
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2 JanuaryRetailers
Tiffany and Co launches Lunar New Year pendant
Tiffany and Co has launched a Knot mini key pendant for the Lunar New Year, debuting in China on 1 January ahead of a wider rollout in 2026. The pendant is crafted in 18k rose gold and set with a pink sapphire. It draws on the company’s Knot collection, which…
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Dec- 2025 -30 DecemberRetailers
MadaLuxe acquires majority stake in jewellery brand Ippolita
Global luxury brand MadaLuxe Group has acquired a majority stake in Ippolita, the New York-based fine jewellery brand founded by designer Ippolita Rostagno. The acquisition adds Ippolita to its portfolio of fashion and lifestyle brands spanning ready-to-wear, leather goods, footwear, accessories, watches, home and spirits. Financial terms of the transaction…
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29 DecemberRetailers
Hugh Rice Jewellers appoints Hannah Hirst as retail director
Hugh Rice Jewellers has appointed Hannah Hirst as retail director, adding her to the board as part of efforts to strengthen the business and enhance the customer experience. Hirst has been promoted from her role as procurement manager, a position she has held since 2021. She has worked at the…
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19 DecemberDesigners
LVMH appoints Laura Burdese as chief executive of Bulgari
LVMH has appointed Laura Burdese as chief executive of Bulgari, with effect from 1 July 2026. Burdese, who is currently deputy chief executive of the jewellery brand, will succeed Jean-Christophe Babin, who is stepping down after 12 years in the role. She will report to Stéphane Bianchi, group managing director…
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17 DecemberRetailers
Richemont UK FY sales rise 5% to record £277m
Richemont has revealed that its UK sales rose 5.3% to a record £277m for the year ended 1 March 2025. Furthermore, the company’s gross profit rose from £113.6m to just under £124m with operating profit almost tripling from £12.5m to £32m. Meanwhile, its net profit for the year jumped from…
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15 DecemberAppointments
Responsible Jewellery Council appoints new standards committee co-chairs
The Responsible Jewellery Council has appointed Sara Yood and Eduard Stefanescu as co-chairs of its standards committee, as the organisation continues work on updating its global responsible business standards. Yood is president and chief executive of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee, while Stefanescu is sustainability manager at precious metals firm C.HAFNER.…
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10 DecemberRetailers
Mappin and Webb returns to Birmingham with new showroom
Mappin and Webb has reopened in Birmingham after more than 20 years, with the Watches and Switzerland Group unveiling a refurbished showroom beneath the Burlington Hotel on New Street. The 260 sq mt site follows a seven-month rebuild and sits close to the city’s Jewellery Quarter. The group said the…
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9 DecemberDesigners
Alexandria launches debut men’s high-end collection
Alexandria, a new London-based men’s high jewellery brand, has launched with a collection of 18k gold rings influenced by historic leaders including Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and Genghis Khan. The company, founded by Ryan Bernell, aims to offer what it describes as a more distinctly masculine approach to fine…
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4 DecemberRetailers
Watches of Switzerland revenue and profits surge ahead of festive trading
Watches of Switzerland has reported a surge in its revenues and profits for the 26 weeks to 26 October 2025 (H1 FY26), and said it is “well positioned” to enter the holiday trading period. The group reported a 6% increase in adjusted EBITDA to £69m, while group revenues rose by…
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