PRIMETIME March 2024

The new episode of PRIMETIME, Watchmaking in the News is here! And there’s a lot to talk about that might shift the market in the near future.

📝 First, we talk about the free trade pact signed between India and Switzerland along with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The new reality will come into effect in 2025 and open enormous possibilities for the expansion of Swiss watch brands in this strategic growth territory of India.

📊 We checked the latest report on the watch market performance in 2023 released by Oliver R.Müller and his LuxeConsult in collaboration with Morgan Stanley and revealed 3 interesting trends.

🌚 The new MoonSwatch Moonphase is also on our radar this month (with the video of the secret phrase), as well as some noteworthy developments within and with the Swatch Group that might influence its future on the stock market.

💰An interesting scoop to speculate on is related to the Sandoz Family Foundation and the Parmigiani group. However, we’ve been told by Sandoz that they are not commenting on rumours, so it’s better to wait for the official statements.

🔨 We present the upcoming non-conventional watch sale organised by Sotheby’s in partnership with the self-proclaimed outcast watch magazine “heist out”. Pretty cool idea, rare and interesting lots and a really fun concept of a catalogue. Timepieces are on view in Geneva at « La Corne à Vin », Rue de Lausanne 47b, 8-10 April | 4:00PM-8:00PM. Check them online here: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/rough-diamonds?locale=en&lotFilter=AllLots

 🏎️ Christie’s as well have some great cards in the sleeve with timepieces coming from none other than the race king Michael Schumacher. The sale is on May 13th in Geneva: https://www.christies.com/en/auction/rare-watches-including-the-property-of-michael-schumacher-23037-gnv/

🏢 Meanwhile, Phillips is moving to a new location which has a lot of potential but may lack privacy this time. But let’s wait until the first sales in May.

⏰ Only Watch is also testing the grounds for the comeback which this time may be less eagerly anticipated by brands as well as the collectors.

💸 And a bit of a “sharing economy” scam from Japan to spice up the day with a warning to stay vigilant about your timepieces.

🎲 In our watch department, we present you the new AP Social club opened recently in Milano, the Frederique Constant x Seconde/seconde Slimline Moonphase Date Manufacture, the new Octo Finissimo Automatic for the 140th anniversary of Bulgari, the H.Moser & Cie. Streamliner Perpetual Calendar Concept Smoked Salmon, and three exceptional timepieces from La Fabrique du Temps of Louis Vuitton.

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