With Geneva Watch Days approaching, August was a bit quiet in terms of new watch releases. Instead, we were met with the bombshell revelation that Rolex has purchased Bucherer, giving the crown control of perhaps the biggest multi-brand retail conglomerate in the world. In other news, Tissot dropped a charming new iteration of a fan favorite, and our Ariel Adams shared his perspective on why more and more luxury brands are dipping their toes into the pre-owned space. Courtesy of the Superlative Podcast, we sit down for an engaging interview with renowned watch dealer and Gruebel Forsey co-founder Steven Rostovsky to hear about his journey in the watch industry. From around the Web, we learn about a Piaget robbery in Paris, Eric Wind picks his top 10 watches of all time, and we’ll explore the burgeoning “camp” retro watch trend.

1. Rolex Buys Swiss Bucherer Watch Retailer Group. What Now?

We’ll start with what was, no doubt, the biggest news in the watch world last month: Rolex has purchased historic multi-brand retailer Bucherer. While only time will tell exactly what the long-term implications of this surprising move will be, it’s safe to say that the most powerful watch brand in the world just became even more so, as Rolex will now hold a major presence in consumer-facing sales for the first time. In this insightful article, Ariel Adams helps us see the bigger picture by providing historical context regarding the relationship between Rolex and Bucherer, as well as what this could mean for the future of the two brands.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

2. New Release: Tissot PRX Digital Watches

Is it just me, or has Tissot really hit its stride recently? Hot on the heels of the release of its new Sideral in June, the brand has surprised us with a digital version of the PRX. Dubbed “the gateway drug into the world of integrated bracelet sports watches” by Sean Paul Lorentzen, the PRX has skyrocketed in popularity since its initial release in 2021, becoming one of the brand’s most successful models among enthusiasts. The PRX Digital builds on the line’s success in an approachable, 70’s-inspired package that oozes novelty and charm.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

3. Ariel’s Thoughts: Why So Many Luxury Watch Brands Are Getting Into The Pre-Owned Business

Over the last few years, we’ve seen several luxury watch brands enter the pre-owned space, with brands like Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Cartier unveiling “certified pre-owned” programs whereby they buy back and sell pre-owned examples of their watches through authorized retailers. As Ariel Adams explains, this is an interesting development, as traditionally, luxury watch brands have had nothing to do with the pre-owned market. However, with the pre-owned market booming in recent years, many brands have changed their stance, hoping to get in on some of the action. In this article, Adams takes an in-depth look at why this is a growing trend, as well as the implications it has for the future.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

4. SUPERLATIVE: Brand And Customer Relationships With Steven Rostovsky Of Rostovsky Watches

If you haven’t checked out the Superlative podcast yet, you’re missing out. While there are a ton of watch podcasts out there these days, very few offer the level of insight into the watch industry that Superlative does. This episode features an interview and engaging discussion with legendary L.A.-based watch dealer and Gruebel Forsey co-founder Steven Rostovsky about his personal trajectory in the watch business, and what he has learned along the way.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

5. Armed Robbers Steal Millions in Jewels From Piaget’s Paris Flagship Store in a Daytime Heist

Early last month, armed robbers raided a Piaget boutique in Paris, getting away with no less than $15 million worth of watches and jewelry. Occurring just three months after a similar robbery at a Bulgari boutique in France, this break-in is part of a concerning trend, with watch robberies and burglaries on the rise since the loosening of COVID restrictions in 2021.

Source: Robb Report

6. My Top 10 Watches Of All Time By Vintage Specialist Eric Wind

As one of the most respected and well-known vintage watch dealers and collection curators in the game, Eric Wind knows a thing or two about what makes a great watch. In this listicle, he selects his top 10 watches of all time. While his picks include some of the usual suspects (ex: Rolex Submariner, Omega Speedmaster), he also throws in some offbeat choices, such as the Vulcain Cricket and Zenith “Covergirl” reference A3818. Moreover, it’s interesting to read his thoughts on why each of these choices made the cut.

Source: WatchPro

7. 6 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Watch

I think most watch collectors can acknowledge that the thrill of the chase and acquiring a new timepiece provide vastly different feelings. In my personal experience, I have often been swept away by the “idea” of adding a particular watch to my collection, only to realize that the piece isn’t my cup of tea once I actually own it. To help us avoid this pitfall, the folks over at Time and Tide have put together a handy list of questions to ask ourselves before pulling the trigger on a new watch.

Source: Time and Tide

8. Camp Is The Latest Retro Trend — What Makes A Watch From The 1980s Cool?

The 1980s have never been regarded as a particularly noteworthy decade for horology. During that time, the Swiss watch industry was experiencing a bit of an identity crisis, as mass-produced quartz watches had become more popular than traditional mechanical timepieces. In an attempt to stay relevant, many luxury watch brands cut costs and became more experimental with their design language, resulting in oddball watches that can be described as “campy.” While watches in this category (such as the Ebel Classic Sport Chronograph pictured above, the Omega Constellation “Manhattan,” and the TAG Heuer S/el) have never been thought of as particularly collectible, they are arguably becoming more so, especially among those who grew up in the 80s and 90s. As this article explores, the “camp” aesthetic is also making its way into various relevant modern designs, such as the Tissot PRX and Tudor Royal.

Source: Fratello Watches