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Richemont Sells Baume & Mercier to Damiani Group; Van Cleef & Arpels Unveils Poetry of Time Exhibition in Riyadh
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Market News
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Richemont Sells Baume & Mercier to Damiani Group
Richemont has agreed to sell Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier to the Italian, family-owned Damiani Group, concluding a long-running strategic review of the brand, which Richemont acquired in 1988. While no transaction value was disclosed, the sale reflects Richemont’s strategy to streamline its portfolio and refocus on the higher end of luxury. Positioned in the competitive accessible luxury segment, Baume & Mercier proved challenging within Richemont’s ecosystem. For Damiani, the acquisition strengthens its watchmaking ambitions. Richemont will continue to provide operational support for at least 12 months following closing, expected in summer 2026. |
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Company News
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Van Cleef & Arpels Presents Poetry of Time Exhibition in Riyadh
Van Cleef & Arpels presented the Poetry of Time exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offering a unique encounter with the Maison’s poetic vision of time and its most enchanting watchmaking creations. Hosted at Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, the exhibition invited visitors into an environment inspired by astronomy, nature, love, couture, fairies, and ballerinas. True to its vision, the Maison conveyed dreams and emotions through each creation, blending inventiveness and fantasy. The exhibition highlighted the craftsmanship of watchmakers, jewelers, enamellers, and automaton specialists, showcasing techniques such as miniature painting, sculpted gold, guilloché mother-of-pearl, and retrograde movements, celebrating the poetry of every moment. |
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Damiani Unveils Casa Damiani Seoul: A New Flagship of Italian Elegance in Korea
Damiani has opened Casa Damiani Seoul, its flagship store in Korea, located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. The boutique inauguration took place on January 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Guido Damiani, President of the Damiani Group, and Stray Kids’ I.N, the Maison’s global ambassador. Prominent guests included Illit, Jaewook Lee, Nayoung Kim, Ryeowon Jung, and Yeeun Shin, while singer Hwasa performed. The interior combines Calacatta marble, fine leather, and geometric motifs inspired by the Belle Époque collection, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to reflect Damiani’s distinctive aesthetic and vision.
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Product Launch
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Bvlgari Unveils the Art of Gold at LVMH Watch Week 2026
For LVMH Watch Week 2026, Bvlgari celebrates the Art of Gold, reinterpreting its iconic Monete, Tubogas, Serpenti and Lvcea collections through a dialogue of heritage and modernity. Highlights include the Maglia Milanese Monete in rose gold, the gemstone-set Tubogas Manchette cuff, the refined Serpenti Seduttori Automatic, and Lvcea with poetic Urushi dials. Beneath their golden radiance beat Bvlgari’s in-house calibres, notably the Piccolissimo and Lady Solotempo Automatic, showcasing the Maison’s unique dual identity as a Roman jeweller and a master Swiss watchmaker. |
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Geneva Collection Unveils New Time-Only Creations Honoring Gérald Genta
The Geneva collection introduces two refined time-only creations in rose gold and white gold, celebrating ‘l’Esprit de Genève’ and the artistic legacy of Gérald Genta. More than a place, Geneva embodies creativity, refinement, and unpretentious horological mastery. True to Mr. Genta’s savoir-faire, the collection showcases audacious yet elegant sculptural forms, highlighted by an updated cushion-shaped case that balances softness and precision. Meticulously crafted in-house, the case plays with light through polished and satin finishes. A distinctive two-segment minute track dial enhances visual harmony, transforming everyday timekeeping into understated art on the wrist. |
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DANIEL ROTH Introduces the Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton
DANIEL ROTH introduces the Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton, an openworked reinterpretation of one of the Maison’s most iconic creations. Conceived in the spirit of La Montre Objet d’Art, the timepiece preserves the classical proportions and architectural purity of the original design while revealing the beauty of the new manually wound calibre DR002SR, created exclusively for this model. Rooted in the brand’s historic vocabulary, the Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton marks a new chapter in the revival of DANIEL ROTH, moving beyond faithful reinterpretation. Notably, the Extra Plat was never skeletonised during Mr. Roth’s founding era, underscoring its contemporary significance. |
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L’Epée 1839 Presents La Regatta: A Métiers d’Art Tribute to Rowing Elegance
L’Epée 1839 reimagines La Regatta through unique Métiers d’Art clocks, showcasing Grand Feu enameling by David Kakabadze Enamel. Inspired by a racing skiff, La Regatta’s vertical design reflects the elegance, strength, and precision of rowing. Its eight-day power reserve and aligned vertical gear train echo the harmony and posture of a rowing crew. Each enamel layer, carefully built through successive firings, captures light like rippling water, adding depth and richness. Combining sport and craftsmanship, La Regatta offers serenity, balance, and rhythm, transforming timekeeping into a graceful, meditative experience where precision and artistry flow in perfect unison. |
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U-BOAT Introduces the Chimera Damasco Bronze, A Bold Limited Edition
U-BOAT unveils the Chimera Damasco Bronze, a limited edition of 300 pieces that reinterprets the bold spirit of the Chimera collection through one of Italo Fontana’s most iconic materials. Featuring a 46 mm steel case with a Damascus-steel bezel, each watch displays a unique grain enhanced by bronze accents. The two-level Clous de Paris dial adds depth, while blued hands and bronze details create a warm visual contrast. Powered by a customized Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement, the timepiece offers 100-meter water resistance, a sapphire caseback, and a hand-finished Tuscan leather strap. |
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Alpina Introduces the Solar-Powered Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre
Alpina unveiled the Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre, its first-ever solar-powered watch, marking a new milestone in the brand’s pioneering spirit. Powered by a Swiss-made La Joux-Perret calibre, the watch delivers up to 10 months of autonomy and reactivates in just 10 seconds once exposed to light. One minute of light powers a full day, while the pulled-out crown extends autonomy up to four years. Housed in the robust Alpiner Extreme case, its translucent dial discreetly captures light, underscoring Alpina’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and outdoor adventure for both men and women.
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Exhibitions & Events
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GPHG Awards Ceremony Returns to Geneva on 7 November 2026
The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) will return on Saturday, 7 November 2026, rolling out the red carpet in celebration of exceptional watchmaking artistry. The 26th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony will take place at Geneva’s iconic Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, bringing together leading figures from across the watchmaking industry to honour the year’s most outstanding horological creations. In the months ahead, members of the GPHG Academy will be invited to propose timepieces for consideration, followed by brand submissions and successive rounds of voting conducted in collaboration with the Jury to determine the 2026 prize winners. |
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GemGenève 10: Celebrating Craftsmanship, Creativity, and the Future of Luxury
The tenth edition of GemGenève will celebrate the intersection of business, artistic creation, and the transmission of know-how. The Geneva-based event highlights rare expertise, supports emerging artists, and promotes métiers d’art, offering a human-centered vision of luxury. By focusing equally on jewellery, gemstones, craftsmanship, creativity, and the future, GemGenève fosters inspiration and innovation across the industry. Originally conceived by Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber, the show maintains its cross-cutting ethos, combining sales and education in a dynamic format. GemGenève 10 will take place from 7–10 May 2026 at Palexpo, Geneva, uniting passion, talent, and excellence. |
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Celebrity News
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Amina Khalil Shines at the Joy Awards in Chopard
Amina Khalil attended the Joy Awards Ceremony in Riyadh adorned in Chopard Haute Joaillerie. She wore a necklace featuring 110.72 carats of heart-shaped rubies, 20.07 carats of pear-shaped diamonds, 6.51 carats of round diamonds, and 2.21 carats of additional diamonds, paired with earrings showcasing 8.41 carats of pear-shaped diamonds, 1.37 carats of round diamonds, and 1.47 carats of marquise-cut diamonds, all exquisitely set in 18-karat white gold. Each piece highlighted Chopard’s artistry, perfectly complementing her red-carpet elegance.
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Balqees Dazzles in Messika at the Joy Awards
Emirati singer and Friend of the Maison Balqees stole the spotlight at the Joy Awards, adorned in exquisite Messika jewelry. For the occasion, Balqees wore the Disco Pulsation necklace and earrings, paired with the Star Chaser ring - an effortlessly striking look that highlighted her natural elegance. |
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