Core Viewpoint - Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns regarding Rolex's relationship with President Donald Trump, suggesting that the company may be attempting to secure tariff exemptions through this association [2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Rolex hosted President Donald Trump at the U.S. Open, which has led to scrutiny over whether the company is leveraging this relationship for potential tariff benefits [2][4]. - The invitation to Trump has drawn parallels to actions taken by other companies like Apple and Nvidia, which have made domestic investments since Trump's return to the White House [3]. Group 2: Political Context - Warren's letter to Rolex's CEO, Jean-Frederic Dufour, questions the company's motives and suggests an inquiry into its practices [2]. - The presence of high-ranking officials alongside Trump at the U.S. Open, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, highlights the political connections that may influence corporate strategies [4].

By Rocky Swift and Kevin Buckland TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average ended lower on Tuesday, dragged by a stronger yen and profit-taking after the index climbed past the key 44,000 mark earlier in the session. The Nikkei 225 Index surged as much as 1.24% to an unprecedented 44,185.73 before closing 0.4% lower at 43,459.29, snapping a three-day rally. The broader Topix finished the day down 0.5%. Shares started strong, continuing sharp gains from Monday, on prospects for increased government ...

JUST IN: 🇭🇰 Hong Kong's Top Win International officially becomes AsiaStrategy, now accepting Bitcoin for luxury watches.Saylor started a global trend. 🚀 https://t.co/aLd2WJsiIO ...

Industry Trend - Swiss watch exports returned to growth in July after a steep drop the previous month [1]

Core Viewpoint - Seagull Watch Group has reissued China's first military chronograph, the Seagull 1963, which combines historical significance, advanced engineering, and affordability, gaining global recognition [1][11]. Group 1: Historical Context - Project 304 was initiated in 1961 by the Chinese Ministry of Light Industry to reduce dependence on imported chronographs for the Air Force [4]. - The Tianjin Watch Factory, now known as Seagull Watch Group, developed the first military-spec column wheel chronograph movement, resulting in the "Type 304" wristwatch [4][6]. - The original chronograph was issued to Chinese Air Force pilots, marking a significant achievement in China's industrial self-sufficiency [6]. Group 2: Product Features - The Seagull 1963 features a 38mm stainless steel case, vintage cream dial with red and gold markers, syringe-style hands, and a domed hesalite crystal [6]. - It is powered by the hand-wound ST19 column wheel chronograph movement, a direct descendant of the original Project 304 caliber [6]. Group 3: Market Positioning - The Seagull 1963 is priced at approximately one-tenth of an equivalent vintage-inspired Swiss column-wheel chronograph, making it highly accessible [8]. - The watch is recognized for its authentic history as a reissue of a pivotal Cold War military instrument, technical merit with sophisticated architecture, and visual appeal with a vintage design [9]. Group 4: Industry Impact - The Seagull 1963 is considered essential for collectors interested in significant milestones in global watchmaking, showcasing China's capability in complex horological challenges [11]. - Its popularity suggests a potential shift in perceptions regarding accessible, historically significant mechanical watches [11].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that U.S. consumers are facing significant price increases on various imported goods due to high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which will ultimately lead to higher costs for households [1][4][7] - The average effective tariff rate on imported goods in the U.S. has reached 18.3%, the highest level since 1934, which is expected to increase average household spending by $2,400 by 2025 [4] - The tariffs are projected to cause a short-term price increase of 18.2% on computers and electronic products, with long-term increases of 7.7% [1][4] Group 2 - Apparel and footwear prices are expected to rise significantly, with short-term increases of 40% for shoes and 38% for clothing, and long-term increases of 19% and 17%, respectively [1] - The tariffs on Swiss watches, which are currently set at 39%, could lead to a short-term price increase of 39.7% for these products [5] - The tariffs are anticipated to lower the U.S. GDP growth rate by 0.5 percentage points annually in 2025 and 2026, and increase the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points by the end of 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Seagull Watch has launched its flagship line of high-complication timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2025, indicating a significant shift in the luxury watch market [1] - The company offers fully in-house complications priced under $4,000, challenging traditional luxury pricing models dominated by Swiss manufacturers [2] - Seagull's engineering capabilities rival those of Swiss peers, with full vertical integration allowing for the production of high-quality components in-house [4] - The brand's direct-to-consumer strategy and community engagement have led to significant sales and recognition in the market [6][8] Company Strategy - Seagull emphasizes transparency and direct-to-consumer sales, avoiding traditional distribution networks and heritage branding [6] - Monthly livestreams on platforms like TikTok have proven successful, selling over 1,500 high-complication watches regularly [6] - The company aims to democratize high complications, making advanced horological engineering accessible to a broader audience [6] Market Trends - A 2023 McKinsey study indicates that heritage branding accounts for 78% of premium watch pricing, a model that Seagull is actively challenging [8] - The trading volume of pre-owned Seagull chronographs has increased by 340% on Chrono24 since 2022, reflecting growing market interest [8] - Over 120 independent microbrands are now utilizing Seagull-manufactured movements, showcasing the brand's influence in the industry [8] Industry Recognition - Seagull's pieces have been included in auction houses like Christie's under "Affordable Icons," highlighting the brand's rising status [8] - The brand is redefining luxury horology by focusing on mechanical performance rather than marketing mystique [10] - Industry experts note a shift towards engineering-led horology, suggesting that traditional narratives may be losing relevance [10]

Industry Highlights - Rolex launched its first new collection in over a decade [1] - The biggest watch show featured timeless timepieces [1] - Vacheron Constantin showcased its timepieces [1] Product Innovation - The watch show displayed the world's most complicated wristwatch [1]

Limited-edition collection debuts glow-in-the-dark Echo Wave and a convertible G-SHOCK timepiece DOVER, N.J., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Casio America, Inc. is excited to announce a first-of-its-kind collaboration between G-SHOCK, the brand known for its uncompromising toughness, and global footwear icon Crocs. Together, the two cultural powerhouses introduce a limited-edition collection that blends rugged utility with street-ready design, pushing the boundaries of self-expression and functional fa ...

Core Insights - The report titled "Watches - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights" provides a comprehensive analysis of the global watch market, covering luxury, smart, and traditional wristwatches, with insights from over 200 countries [1][2] - It includes detailed profiles of major watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and TAG Heuer, along with market projections and trade dynamics through 2030 [1][2] Product Coverage - The report encompasses various types of watches including wrist-watches, pocket-watches made of precious metals, and other types including stop-watches [3] - It highlights the most promising products and best-selling items within the market [11] Country Coverage - Statistical data is provided for 200 countries, with detailed profiles of the 50 largest consuming countries including the USA, China, Japan, and Germany [3] - The report identifies top overseas markets for exporting products and the most profitable markets [6][11] Data Coverage - The report includes global market volume and value, per capita consumption, and forecasts market dynamics in the medium term [6][12] - It also covers global production, imports, and exports, along with price developments [12] Company Coverage - Major watch brands and manufacturers are profiled, including luxury brands like Audemars Piguet, Chopard, and Richard Mille, as well as mass-market brands like Casio and Fossil [5][7] - The report provides insights into the largest producers in the market and their profiles [12] Reasons to Buy - The report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as investors and consultants, providing vital insights for informed decision-making [8][9]