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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Oct- 2014 -7 OctoberEconomy
Jewellery and watch market to grow by 1.8%, says Mintel
Research company Mintel has estimated that the watch and jewellery market will grow by 1.8% by the end of 2014. According to its ‘Watches and Jewellery Retailing – September 2014’ report, this year’s growth has been driven by rising consumer confidence and the expansion of the watches sector. Gold is…
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Sep- 2014 -30 SeptemberEditor's Blog
The Argyll Arcade robbery is a stark reminder that security is key
It was rather disturbing to see in the mainstream news this week that Glasgow’s iconic Argyll Arcade – populated with a string of quality jewellers – had been targeted by armed men wielding axes. It was worse to discover that their haul totalled some £250,000 worth of watches. Images circulating…
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25 SeptemberCurrent Affairs
Armed robbery worth £250,000 in Glasgow’s Argyll Arcade
An armed robbery in which four masked men wielding axes raided Glasgow’s Argyll Arcade has resulted in the loss of £250,000 worth of watches, it was revealed today. When the story first broke last week, it was not clear how much jewellery had been stolen, but according to a BBC…
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25 SeptemberWatch Focus
IWC to open first UK boutique in London
Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has announced plans to open its first UK boutique in London, set to open before the end of the year. The new boutique, which will be located at 138 New Bond Street in Mayfair, will offer clients a “unique and dedicated brand experience.” Georges…
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24 SeptemberWatch Focus
Watchfinder receives £6.2m investment
Pre-owned watch retailer, Watchfinder has received a $10m (£6.2m) investment from private equity. The investment was funded 50/50 by Piton Capital, a specialist marketplace investor, and Beringea, a growth capital investor managing the ProVen Capital Trusts. A company statement said that the investment would be used to “broaden the company’s…
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23 SeptemberRetailers
Beaverbrooks adds Tudor watches to stock roster
Beaverbrooks the Jewellers has announced the introduction of Tudor watches to its range. Tudor, which is part of the Rolex group, has a history stemming from Hans Wilsdorf, a leading figure in the Swiss watchmaking industry and the founder of Rolex. In 1946 Wilsdorf founded Tudor with the aim of creating timepieces with all…
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23 SeptemberWatch Focus
IWC launches two watches in association with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton
Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has announced the launch of two special edition watches, in association with Formula 1 drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. The watches, the Ingenieur Chronograph Lewis Hamilton and the Ingenieur Chronograph Nico Rosberg will both be limited to 250 pieces. The Hamilton model has “technical…
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11 SeptemberOpinion
COMMENT: Why are diamonds a man’s best friend, too?
The word ‘diamond’ comes from the ancient Greek adámis which means ‘unbreakable’. Known to be one of the hardest substances on earth, diamonds date back billions of years. Diamonds have been treasured throughout history, with a rise in the 19th and 20th Centuries. This increase is due to technological advances, a…
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11 SeptemberWatch Focus
Guess launches Breast Cancer Awareness watch
Guess Watches has announced the launch of its 2014 Special Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Watch. The ‘Sparking Pink’ special edition will feature a combination of sport design and chic fashion inspiration and will be available around the world this autumn. Its face will include the iconic, international, symbol for breast…
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Aug- 2014 -29 AugustEconomy
Signet Jewelers report 17.1% UK sales increase in second quarter
Signet Jewelers, the parent company of Ernest Jones and H.Samuel, has reported a total increase of 17.1% in UK sales in its second quarter financial results. Same-store sales increased by 4.4% in the same period, while total sales reached $162.9m (£98.2m) in the UK. Online sales in the UK increased…
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