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The Business of Fashion

Robin Swithinbank

Robin Swithinbank is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. Swithinbank is a London based journalist, editor, and speaker who specialises in luxury watches. His work has appeared in The New York times, The Financial Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and more. He is the host of The Luxury Society Podcast and frequently speaks at international events on the state of the luxury watch industry.

    Luxury

    LVMH’s Zenith Embarks on 3-Year Overhaul, May Shed Hundreds of Staff

    The watchmaker, which aims to move upmarket, will close stores and discontinue collections in a bid to stem losses before reemerging in 2029.

    Luxury

    Why Did Chanel Invest in Mid-Tier Watchmaker Ebel?

    Chanel joined independent watchmaker F.P. Journe in the $66.5 million purchase of the Swiss brand, a big bet as mid-range watches are hardest hit by an industry slump.

    Luxury

    Patek Philippe Is Not for Sale, Says Owner Thierry Stern

    The owner and president of one of the biggest names in Swiss watchmaking said he plans to hand the multibillion-dollar business to his two sons.

    Luxury

    Why Watch Brands Like Hublot Are Eyeing Art

    An inflated dog balloon watch – Hublot’s tie-up with Jeff Koons unveiled this week – reflects the brand’s attempt to expand beyond sports and marks the industry’s increasing embrace of art.

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    Luxury

    At Geneva Watch Days, Brands Fret About Fate of Suppliers

    An industry temperature check in Geneva showed executives concerned about component suppliers as the polarisation of the Swiss watchmaking sector deepens.

    Luxury

    Why Watchmakers Should Pay Attention to Gen Z

    The digitally native generation has been pulled in by nostalgia for vintage mechanical watches, especially unusual designs, but can traditional watchmakers leverage the attention?

    Luxury

    Is State Aid the Swiss Watchmaking Sector’s Fig Leaf?

    Switzerland’s support for watchmaker jobs has been extended another year, but a wider structural problem looms.

    Luxury

    Did a Chaotic Drop Damage Swatch’s Audemars Piguet Collaboration?

    Robin Swithinbank assesses resale prices and brand risk after the Swiss watch group cancelled the launch of the Royal Pop pocket watch.

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    Luxury

    Can a Buzzy Audemars Piguet Tie-Up Boost Swatch?

    As fans camp out in front of stores for the 'Royal Pop' collaboration, analysts weigh in on the collaboration’s potential.

    Luxury

    What Watch CEOs Said in Geneva

    In his latest briefing, watch industry expert Robin Swithinbank reports back from the Watches and Wonders fair. Plus, dissecting the latest Swiss watch export figures.

    Luxury

    Watches & Wonders: Who’s Here, Who’s Not and What to Expect

    In his latest briefing, watches expert Robin Swithinbank takes the temperature as the Swiss watchmaking industry kicks off Geneva Watch Week. Audemars Piguet’s return, heavyweight no-shows, the mood amongst CEOs and more.

    Luxury

    Is the Luxury Watches Recovery on Hold Again?

    In his latest bi-monthly briefing, watches expert Robin Swithinbank examines how the war in the Middle East is weighing on growth prospects and offers a preview of the sector’s flagship annual fair, Watches & Wonders.