Swiss watchmaker Breitling and other industry players are responding to the 39% U.S. tariffs by stockpiling inventory to avoid immediate price hikes, while the Swiss government is negotiating for better trade terms. If no agreement is reached within three months, prices may increase globally, impacting exports and jobs. Retailers in the U.S. have also prepared by increasing stock, but the industry faces significant challenges if tariffs remain high.
The article highlights a dozen new watch releases from brands like Breitling, Tissot, Unimatic, and others, showcasing innovations and special editions across various styles, including divers, chronographs, and collaborations, emphasizing the industry's continuous evolution and creativity.
Victoria Beckham launched her collaboration with luxury watch brand Breitling in New York City, showcasing her chic style in a sheer black top and flared trousers. The Breitling Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham Collection features six styles with prices ranging from £4,700 to £23,750, and only 1,500 pieces are being made. Despite previous financial struggles, Victoria's fashion brand has turned a profit, with revenues up by 42% to £58 million, and the business expanding into new products and global markets.
This week's Pre-Owned Picks from the Hodinkee Shop feature a selection of exquisite timepieces, including a neo-vintage Grand Seiko with exceptional craftsmanship, an anniversary edition Omega Speedmaster '57 paying homage to the original model, a refined Breitling Navitimer without the chronograph function, and a versatile Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra ideal for summer wear. Also highlighted is the Zenith Chronomaster Original, showcasing the brand's iconic El Primero movement.
Breitling has revamped its Premier Chronograph line with a 42mm, B01-powered form, featuring applied Arabic numerals, syringe-style hands, a new sub-register layout, and new dial text that reads "Chronograph Premier." The watch is powered by the B01 chronograph movement from Breitling, redesigned and made slightly trimmer in 2022, with 70 hours of power reserve and COSC certification. The Premier comes in five new dial options of black, blue, salmon, green, or cream, and an 18k red gold model, also on a strap or bracelet, with prices ranging from $9,100 to $39,700.
Breitling has announced the latest additions to their Top Time line of '60s automotive-themed chronographs, with the Top Time Classic Cars Collection being fitted with an in-house chronograph movement and a new model inspired by the Ford Thunderbird. The collection features four colorways representing classic cars, including the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Thunderbird, Shelby Cobra, and Ford Mustang. The watches are 41mm wide, have a Breitling B01 automatic chronograph movement, steel cases, and 100 meters of water resistance. The Top Times are priced at $8,000 on a leather strap or $8,440 on a steel mesh bracelet.
