May is here, which means we’ll be taking a look at some of last month’s standout articles by our team here at aBlogtoWatch, as well as some noteworthy news bits from our friends across the Web. To kick things off, we revisit Ariel’s annual April Fools post, which posits that Panerai will be unveiling a new program (dubbed “PanerAI” that will use artificial intelligence to design Panerai products. Next is an insightful recap of this year’s Watches and Wonders show, in addition to an examination of the state of the luxury watch industry in 2023. Next, our team takes a closer look at a couple of new releases from Rolex and Montblanc. Finally, we’ll check out eBay’s new Certified by Brand retail program, by which watch brands will sell new luxury timepieces on eBay for the first time.
From around the Web, we have an article about the future of the secondary market and the implications of brand “Certified Pre-Owned” programs going forward, as well as a preview of some exceptional independent pre-owned watches available through the very first auction by Ineichen Auctioneers. Speaking of exceptional indie watches, we take a look at Collective Horology’s latest collab: the Czapek Antarctique P.04 “Lanikai.” Let’s get into it!
1. Panerai Develops Powerful AI To Design Novel Watches
As has become customary, our own Ariel Adams celebrated April Fools with a tongue-in-cheek exposé on an aspect of the watch industry. This year, the honors go to Panerai, who (according to Ariel) has developed a foolproof strategy for keeping its new product offerings fresh and relevant. This new hypothetical initiative, cleverly dubbed “PanerAI,” employs artificial intelligence as a means to designing compelling new products. A commentary on stale watch designs, Panerai’s history, and the emerging use of artificial intelligence as a creative tool, this piece is both thought-provoking and fun.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
2. Watches & Wonders Geneva 2023: State Of The Luxury Industry Recap
In the last week of March, members of the luxury watch business traveled to Switzerland for Watches and Wonders 2023. With Baselworld and SIHH ending as a result of the pandemic, Watches and Wonders has effectively become the industry’s largest trade show. This piece features an insightful look into this year’s show while considering how brands have adjusted their product and marketing strategies in the wake of an evolving market and other different business challenges over the last three years.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
3. The Definitive Guide To The 2023 Steel Rolex Daytona Watch Vs. Previous 116500LN Version
Love it or hate it, the Daytona is undoubtedly one of the most iconic, relevant, and sought-after watches of all time. At this year’s Watches and Wonders show, the crown unveiled a new version of its classic chronograph, and in true Rolex fashion, the new model looks almost exactly the same as the previous generation. However, there are a few details here that are worth a closer look — most notably the new movement, a larger case, and (*gasp*) a transparent caseback on a Rolex sports watch!
Source: aBlogtoWatch
4. Hands-On: Montblanc 1858 “Unveiled Secret” Minerva Monopusher Chronograph Watch
In my opinion, the Montblanc 1858 “Unveiled Secret” Monopusher Chronograph is an extremely interesting watch and a sleeper hit from this year’s batch of new releases. In 2007, Montblanc acquired Minerva — the renowned Swiss brand famed for its exceptional handmade chronograph movements. Accordingly, the brand has a rich source of heritage and prestige to tap into when designing and developing chronograph wristwatches. While there have been hits and misses in Montblanc’s product offerings that feature Minerva movements, the 1858 “Unveiled Secret” Monopusher Chronograph is a thoughtfully-devised, novel timepiece that is an apt representation of both Minerva and Montblanc.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
5. eBay Launches Certified By Brand Retail Program To Sell Watches Directly From A Selection Of Brands
While there are more ways to purchase watches online than ever before, it can also be difficult for buyers to know who to trust when buying a watch. Over the last few years, eBay has made meaningful strides in offering a safer and more trustworthy online watch retail environment for those looking for a pre-owned watch. Most notably, its Authenticity Guarantee program ensures that all watches purchased above $2,000 are automatically sent to third-party experts to confirm authenticity before they are shipped to the buyer. While eBay has traditionally been associated with the pre-owned watch market, the new eBay Certified by Brand retail program gives watch, luxury handbag, and jewelry brands the option to sell new models directly to consumers with eBay’s robust buyer protections, providing a safer and more varied retail experience for both brands and enthusiasts.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
6. The Economics Of Brands In The Secondary Market
It has long been said that the secondary watch market will eventually eclipse the primary market in terms of revenue, and as evidenced by the recent unveiling of Certified Pre-Owned programs by both Rolex and Audemars Piguet, various prominent luxury watch brands are putting themselves in a position to capitalize on this. Using empirical data and interviews with various industry experts, this piece considers the future of the secondary market and how brands can benefit from running Certified Pre-Owned programs.
Source: A Collected Man
7. Ineichen Auctioneers’ Impressive Selection Of Indies At The May 2023 Sale
This Spring, Ineichen Auctioneers will be participating in its very first auction season in Geneva. On May 9th-11th, the Zurich-based house will present an impressive selection of watches entirely dedicated to independent and small creative brands. This article takes a look at some of the most impressive offerings, including a piéce unique Gerald Genta Tourbillon Sonnerie, a Vianney Halter Classic with a salmon dial, a Roger Dubuis Sympathie Chronograph, and more.
Source: Monochrome
8. In Conversation With Akio Naito: Grand Seiko, The Pursuit Of Perfect Watchmaking
In this video, Revolution’s Wei Koh catches up with Mr. Akio Naito, President of Seiko Watch Corporation, who will soon celebrate 40 years with the company in 2024. It’s a fun watch from start to finish, with Mr. Naito sharing the trajectory of his journey at Seiko, as well as the key milestones in his career that parallel the company’s expansion. It’s particularly interesting to hear his insights about the new Grand Seiko Kodo Constant Force Tourbillon, as well as his vision for the future of the brand.
Source: Revolution
9. Introducing The Czapek Antarctique P.04 Lanikai x Collective Horology
Founded in 2018 by childhood friends and veteran collectors Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, Collective Horology has made it its mission to create interesting, thoughtfully designed collaborative watches for enthusiasts. Collective’s latest release, the Czapek Antarctique P.04 Lanikai for Collective Horology, features a mesmerizing turquoise enamel dial inspired by Hawaiian waters. Another gorgeous release from Collective, the P.04 took more than three years to develop and release, and it was most definitely worth the wait!
Source: Monochrome