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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Dec- 2016 -20 DecemberRetailers
Barnsley jewellers ‘forced’ to close in the New Year due to demolition plans
A family-owned jewellery store in Barnsley is set to close its doors in the New Year following plans to demolish parts of the town centre. Some retailers have told the BBC that they have had to close their businesses due to a “lack of council support” in relation to the…
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7 DecemberDesigners
FF Group reports revenue jump despite “volatile” markets”
FF Group – owner of Links of London and Folli Follie – has posted revenues of €956.2m (£814m) in the first nine months of the year, despite “volatile” markets. The posted revenues were a 9.2% increase on the same period last year when the company reported revenue €875.5m. Earnings before…
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Nov- 2016 -23 NovemberRetailers
Signet’s UK division reports strong third quarter
Signet Jeweler’s UK division, which owns H Samuel and Ernest Jones, reported a 3.6% increase in same-store sales in the third quarter of its 2016 financial year. Despite a 3.3% fall in the number of transactions due primarily to lower sales in fashion watches, the 13 weeks ending 29 October…
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16 NovemberCurrent Affairs
Hatton Garden BID launches area’s first ‘Christmas gift guide’
The Hatton Garden Business Improvement District (BID) has launched the jewellery quarter’s first Christmas gift guide, in a bid to capitalise on festive spending. Created to promote Hatton Garden and its fine jewellery offering, the guide will showcase over 50 pieces of jewellery including precious designs, bespoke pieces and luxury…
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15 NovemberWatch Focus
Patek Philippe watch fetches record £8.8m at auction
A Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel established a new world record for any wristwatch to be sold at auction when it went under the hammer on the weekend. The timepiece – believed to be one of only four of its type to exist – was sold at Phillips’…
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8 NovemberEconomy
BRC: Jewellery and watch sales continue to grow in October
Favourable exchange rates have produced another strong month for jewellery and watch sales, according to new figures. The latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG Retail Sales Monitor found jewellery and watches to be the best performing sector – out of 12 – as both like-for-like and total sales increased…
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Oct- 2016 -18 OctoberCurrent Affairs
New luxury boutique opens after extensive refurbishment
Mappin & Webb has opened a luxury boutique in Tunbridge Wells following extensive refurbishment. The new 750 sq. ft. boutique features a dedicated Rolex sales area as well as a comprehensive collection of Mappin & Webb fine watches and jewellery. The new boutique is located in a historic grade 1…
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11 OctoberDesigners
Jewellery and watch profits up 4% for LVMH
The jewellery and watches division of luxury goods group (LVMH) has reported a 4% increase in revenues for the first nine months of the year. The division was boosted by a strong performance from Bvlgari, which continued to gain market share. The brand showed “major creative” momentum by enhancing its…
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Sep- 2016 -27 SeptemberDesigners
Links of London owner posts strong results for H1 2016
The FF Group – owner of watch and accessory brands Links of London and Folli Follie – has posted strong first-half results despite an “adverse global environment”. Consolidated revenues for the group reached €653m (£567m), compared with €594m (£516m) in the same period of 2015 – an increase of 9.8%.…
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7 SeptemberRetailers
Watchfinder looking to expand following surge in sales
Pre-owned watch retailer, Watchfinder, is looking to expand after it announced that on average over 12 months it has both sold and purchased one watch every 30 minutes. In the last year Watchfinder has sold an average of 560 Rolex, 175 Omega and 126 Tag Heuer watches each month, with…
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