Antje Heepmann

Certifications play an immensely important role in the watch industry. While some attest to the authenticity of a watch, others serve as a testament to its quality or, more specifically, to the quality of its movement. The most renowned certification in the latter category is issued by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), headquartered…

Forbes magazine recently ran the headline: "The Lord of the Marketplaces." It was referring to Tim Stracke, who joined Chrono24 as CEO in 2010 and turned the marketplace, founded in 2003, into a leading global online platform for pre-owned luxury watches.  And that in a segment for which the "Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Insights 2024"…

You don't believe in the significance of zodiac signs? To be honest, neither do I. At least not most of the time. Well, maybe sometimes. When astrologers only attribute good qualities to my sign. I'm an Aries. Opinions about its characteristics are known to vary widely. Incidentally, the most common zodiac sign worldwide is Virgo. Be…

With the official partnership that has now been announced, the Swiss institution FHH is entering into its first long-term collaboration with an international watch and jewellery trade fair. Following the initial cooperation during this year's Inhorgenta, the 2026 edition will feature an expanded and reorganised FHH Cultural Space in Hall A1.  "Together, we are shaping…

When it comes to bold and extravagant timepieces, LVMH brand Hublot is undeniably a master of its craft. Yet the maison is equally adept at embracing subtlety, dressing itself in the elegantly modern guise of the Classic Fusion collection. Back in 1980, the very first Hublot watch set the stage for what is now an…

If you think the watch and the concept of a limited customer base sound familiar, you're right – at least almost. To mark the 40th anniversary of The Cartier Collection – a collection of jewellery, watches and accessories launched in 1973 that exemplifies the brand's style – the Tank Louis Cartier Platinum Limited Edition was…

With the release of the new Aqua Terra in a 30-millimetre format, Omega is openly targeting women. The accompanying campaign My Little Secret, featuring strong women from the worlds of music, fashion, theatre and cinema reveal their styling secrets, makes it evident that this is a ladies' watch. But wait a minute! Do ladies' and…

The manufacturer from Le Sentier now also runs a chalet. Why? The question is more than justified. But it initially brought another mystery to mind: what is the secret to the success of classic mechanical watches? I think there is hardly any other product that has been so successful for such a long time without…

To mark its 160th anniversary, Zenith gifts the watchmaking world a new Chronomaster Original, housed in stainless steel and with a blue dial. The line, launched in 2021, represents the legitimate heir to Zenith’s 1969 A386 – one of the first chronographs equipped with the legendary high-frequency El Primero calibre in stainless steel. An icon…

The extravagant watch brand, founded in 1995, and the celebrity body artist have teamed up for their third watch creation. The Excalibur Dr. Woo Monotourbillon Episode III merges the worlds of watchmaking and tattoo art, showcasing the profound similarities between Roger Dubuis and Brian Woo, alias Dr. Woo. The latter is considered one of the…

This year's Watches & Wonders, featuring 60 top brands, took place from 1 to 7 April and once again set a new visitor record with over 55,000 visitors (2024: 49,000). The organisers are not changing the concept: four days for trade visitors from 14 April 2026 will be followed by three days for the general…

Since April of this year, visitors to the new IWC Schaffhausen boutique in Hamburg have been able to immerse themselves in the world of the Swiss watchmaker. Now the store, operated by jeweller Wempe, has officially opened – and it turns out that Swiss and Hanseatic virtues are a perfect match. ‘With the timeless design…