Editorial

The fifth LVMH Watch Week, which took place in Miami from January 28 to February 1, was proof of LVMH's ambition to become ever more influential in the watch sector, in which it is now the fourth largest power after Rolex, Richemont and the Swatch Group. To this end, the family-owned business is gearing up…

Geneva is the city of watchmaking, and many of the largest and best-known watch manufactures in the region have long opted to confine their points of sale to the city centre. F.P. Journe, however, is different. Located in a historic building on Rue de L'Arquebuse dating from 1892, very close to the flagship boutiques around…

When we published our extensive story on the Piaget Polo almost exactly a year ago, we wondered what the future might hold for this classic watch. Would the horology house ever return to the original design, which differs so very significantly from the modern Polo? https://youtu.be/z-VoHHneJWA?si=LHeCaqr6zRcI1SD_ The article was published under the title 'The Evolution…

With 35 international branches and around 800 employees, luxury watch and jewellery retailer Wempe is one of the largest of its kind. Given its size, it’s no surprise that the retailer also sells its own creations in order to save on margins, so to speak. But without a coherent story, business for Wempe would probably…

It's been 16 years since Victoria Beckham launched her eponymous clothing line. Now, in 2024, the Victoria Beckham brand is a key fixture at Fashion Week, offering playful blends of masculine and feminine tailoring alongside unfailingly sophisticated designs. What better partner, then, than horology house Breitling, which continues to be recognised as one of the…

To those relatively new to watches, the term ‘independent’ can often appear to be thrown around like a cheap joke on Christmas Day, making them wonder what on earth the term actually means? Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet are privately owned watchmaking firms and so, at least in a business sense, ought to be considered…

The luxury goods group LVMH has just promoted Frédéric Arnault to CEO of the LVMH Watch Division, and Julien Tornare to the new CEO of TAG Heuer, as the group continues to massively expand its competencies in the watch segment. But what impact might this have upon the entire watch industry? What is owner of…

Despite iconic watch models in their 51-year history, many collectors and connoisseurs of fine mechanics do not necessarily associate Porsche Design with the term 'watch manufacturer'. And yet Porsche Design's Swiss subsidiary, Porsche Design Timepieces AG, is currently developing something that could turn the Swiss watch world upside down and revolutionise it. An exclusive visit…

It’s been another extraordinary year for us all, and the watch world is no exception. That is why the Swisswatches team sat down once more to comprise a list of our top watches of 2023. From anniversary models to world firsts, we are presenting you 24 special highlights to emerge from the ever-surprising Swiss watch…

The Wempe branch on Munich’s Weinstrasse has been an integral part of the city for half a century, and has been managed by Marc Autmaring since 2009. Over the past 14 years, the engaging and determined manager has succeeded in further developing the location, tapping into new target groups and promoting close cooperation with renowned…

‘Born to dare’, ‘Don’t crack under pressure’, ‘Live for greatness’ – every brand has a mantra by which it defines itself. Swiss watch manufacture Rado, aka the self-proclaimed ‘Master of Materials’, stands by the words: ‘If we can imagine it, we can make it. And if we can make it, we will.’ But, in a world in which watch brands grapple with mineral composite fibres and dabble with concrete cases, where exactly…

Here's why Montblanc manufactures diver’s watches – and is proving more successful at doing so than ever before. Behind every successful wristwatch, there tends to be a particular person advocating it. For over three years, the man behind Montblanc has been Laurent Lecamp. Paying a visit to him in Villeret proved to be a valuable…