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Watches & Jewellery

A couple looking at jewellery

Inside this issue

• An industry is bucking a global trend. And it is not just down to Chinese consumers

• Choreographer George Balanchine found inspiration for a ballet in his relationship with Van Cleef & Arpels - -

Content

Newly affluent keep sales sparkling

Rachel Sanderson finds an industry bucking a global trend. And it is not just down to Chinese consumers

Movements: Emotions run high amid timepiece turmoil

Haig Simonian considers a pact that allows Swatch to shake off its status as a ‘supermarket’ for rivals

Wilhelm Schmid: Petrolhead drives the Richemont treasure

Haig Simonian talks to a former car salesman about his change of direction

Michael Balfour: Highly regarded figure in world of watches

Simon de Burton looks back at the varied career of an industry character

Industry news: An existential outlook for small brands

Haig Simonian on a spate of takeovers that has coincided with a squeeze on movements

AHCI: Top tips on how to join exclusive club

Meehna Goldsmith talks to a woman who has broken into a man’s world

Minute repeaters: Pinnacle of horology is back in favour

Nicholas Foulkes on a complication inching its way out of the shadows

Solar power: Light at the end of a very small panel

Big watchmakers are all starting to take advantage of advances in technology, writes Syl Tang

Silicon: Patek takes big dose of watch wonder drug

Timothy Barber reports on advances in horology’s new frontier

1970s revival: Time to pull on those flared trousers

Timothy Barber charts a return to the decade that style supposedly forgot

Piaget: Clever ways at root of hip crowd appeal

Auction round-up: Roll up, roll up for stars of the shows

Department stores: Big shops begin to raise their game

Birmingham: Provincial auctioneer starts to go global

Online innovation: Expert sets out to capture and keep neglected consumers

Watchfinder: E-tailer shakes off car boot sale image of pre-owned timepieces

Fashion: A swirl of milky moonstone beads among the frocks

Imitations: Why good fake sparklers fly off the shop shelves

Cartier Time Art: Collection looks back in time – and to the future

Ambassadors: Genuine fans beat ad campaigns in marketing strategy

Game, set and watch

Mumbai: The business in India’s bold, bright traditions

‘Upcycling’: How to rearrange your mother’s engagement ring

Former Soviet Union: Something flamboyant for the oligarch

Hallmarking: High metal prices shine a light on ancient guarantee

Luxury jewels: A game that even the grand names will play

Balanchine’s Jewels: Romance at the heart of a fairytale partnership

Careers: Craftsmanship catches on in unlikely places