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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Feb- 2021 -4 FebruaryRetailers
‘Robust’ online sales offset store closures at Watches of Switzerland
Watches of Switzerland has welcomed a period of strong trading in its third quarter ended 24 January 2021, with group revenue up by 6.6% to £272.6m despite the ongoing pandemic. This was bolstered by a “robust” e-commerce performance in the UK, which offset continued store closures throughout the period. UK…
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1 FebruaryDesigners
Swatch sales drop by almost a third
Swatch has announced that sales for 2020 fell by almost a third due to Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns affecting business. The watch manufacturer saw sales dropped to CHF 5.95m (£4.45m) over the period, resulting in a total net loss of CHF 53M (£43m). Known for brands such as Omega, Tissot…
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Jan- 2021 -21 JanuaryTrade Organisations
CMJ appoints two new board members
The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has appointed two new board members to replace members who have retired. Peter Simpkins of Simpkins Jewellers became a new retailer board director on 1 January 2021, replacing Jason Allum of Allum and Sidaway who had served on the CJM for eight years. Judith…
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15 JanuaryAuctions
Christie’s prepares for La Dolce Vita auction
Christie’s has announced its La Dolce Vita online auction will take place from 20 January to 3 February. The online sale will include over 75 examples of fine jewellery and iconic designs from the most renowned Italian and international jewellery houses. Among the jewellery represented at the auction will be…
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8 JanuaryRetailers
LVMH completes Tiffany & Co acquisition
LVMH, the luxury products retail group, has announced its acquisition of luxury jeweller Tiffany and Co. The sale is set to transform LVMH’s Watches and Jewellery division and complement the group’s distinguished Maisons. Following the closure of the deal, LVMH also announced several leadership appointments, including Anthony Ledru, the former…
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7 JanuaryEvents
CuleM Watches launches January ‘Unsale’
Celem Watches has launched its January ‘Unsale’ this week which, in lieu of discounts, sees the brand doubling its donations to charity partners and accelerating the expansion of its CuleM Forest for each watch sold. The Swiss watch manufacturer has the initiative to set a new, sustainable standard for the…
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Dec- 2020 -21 DecemberAuctions
Christie’s Luxury Market reports record online sales
Christie’s has seen an accelerated shift to online sales during the pandemic, with around 136 records being set across jewells, watches and handbag sales. During the pandemic, Christie’s saw a 41% increase in luxury lots sold in online auctions, a 82% rise in the number of luxury online sales and…
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18 DecemberNews
Watches of Switzerland launches virtual boutique
Watches of Switzerland has announced that it will be using the Vee24 platform to create a ‘virtual boutique’ for customers seeking guidance and inspiration while shopping for luxury watch brands. The group said that following a surge in online sales since May 2020, it has “raised the bar” in how…
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17 DecemberRetailers
Watches of Switzerland profits soar in half-year results
Watches of Switzerland has reported an increase in its half-year profits, with profit rising to £36.2m in the 26 weeks ended 25 October, up from a £9m loss reported the prior year. Total sales fell 2.6% on a constant currency basis to £428.7m in light of forced lockdowns and other…
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11 DecemberNews
Vincero Watches sees 120% UK revenue surge
Vincero Watches has announced a surge in its international growth with a 120% increase in revenue in the UK. The group saw international revenue increase by 87% in the Netherlands and 44% in Australia as well as an international conversion rate growth by 31% year-on-year. The watchmaker also announced it…
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