The Roundup: the “All Around the World” Edition

Each week, EWC will be gathering horological industry news, cultural conversations and moments surrounding our favorite topic: timepieces. Happy Friday; here’s what’s on our watch.

Remembering Giorgio Armani Through His Watches

Photo courtesy of Annie Leibovitz.

Last week, we lost a fashion icon: Giorgio Armani. The beauty of being a legend in fashion or watches, is that your legacy lives on through your creations and collections. Armani had an impressive personal watch collection. It included several pieces from Patek Philippe, from a 37mm Ref. 5110J world timer in yellow gold to a Ref. 5101P-010 10-day tourbillon in platinum with a salmon dial and Breguet numerals as well as a perpetual calendar Ref. 5940R-001 with a cushion-shaped case in yellow gold. Armani also collected pieces from independents like F.P. Journe, including a 39mm Chronometre Bleu in tantalum, as well as heavy hitters like an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 56175ST.

Sotheby’s Reveals an Exceptional Set of Patek Philippe Timepieces Hitting the Auction Block

Following the announcement of its first auction to take place in Abu Dhabi last month, Sotheby’s has just revealed a rare set that will be up for sale. The Patek Philippe Star Caliber 2000 will make its grand debut at the auction block this December for the first time. The set of four pocket watches was created to honor the new millennium and is estimated to achieve $10 million.

The Next Price Increase in the Wake of Trump’s Tariffs

In far less exciting news concerning the powerhouse Maison Patek Phillipe, the brand has declared a 15% price increase in response to the 39% tariffs President Trump has placed on Swiss exports in the U.S. The new pricing will go into effect across America this coming Monday, September 15th.

A. Lange & Sohne Takes London

As part of a longstanding partnership with the Concours of Elegance, one of the most prestigious automotive shows in the world, A. Lange & Sohne took center stage at the most recent event outside London. On the picturesque grounds of Hampton Court, the German Maison presented two new watches: the 1815 Tourbillon in platinum with a black enamel dial and the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds with a rose gold dial.

New Week, New Watches

In addition to the new duo from A. Lange & Sohne, several other incredible models landed this week. At its 150^th anniversary event in Hong Kong, Audemars Piguet introduced a new 38mm Royal Oak and Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendars. Breguet also unveiled the next novelty in its 250^th anniversary year: the Marine Hora Mundi 5555 with a striking enamel dial. In addition, Jaeger-LeCoultre added another special enamel piece to its catalog with the Reverso Tribute Enamel Xu Beihong. Last but certainly not least, Grand Seiko revealed two new models: the SLGC006& SLGW007.

A Decade of WatchTime and WindUp

Next month, the watch industry will flock to NYC for the monumental 10^th anniversary of the WatchTime and WindUp fairs. WatchTime will showcase a record 44 brands, with anchors like Breguet, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie., MB&F, Piaget, Ulysse Nardin, Urwerk, and Zenith. Alternatively, WindUp is a larger scale event celebrating over 140 independents with brands like Baltic, Brew, Furlan Marri, Studio Underdog, and Zodiac on display.