INSIGHT-RADAR: News Briefs from the Watch Industry
Sports and positive financial results—the latest watch news is sure to put you in a good mood. INSIGHT-RADAR brings you the most important brief updates from the international watch industry.
This edition of Insight-Radar’s watch news focuses on the sports partnerships and initiatives of Parmigiani Fleurier, Richard Mille, and Longines, as well as positive news from the Watches of Switzerland Group.
Parmigiani Fleurier Presents a Famous Watch Enthusiast
Parmigiani Fleurier is delighted to welcome another prominent ambassador: Maya Yoshida. As captain, he led the Japanese national team through several World Cup tournaments, from which he retired in May 2026 after 127 international appearances. Nevertheless, as one of the most successful Japanese defenders of his generation, he remains in the spotlight.
In contrast, four years ago he discovered Parmigiani Fleurier in a watch boutique in Paris—a brand that stands for understated luxury and quiet elegance. Following the stainless steel Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Date, Maya Yoshida has now also discovered the Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux.
“It is a philosophy of creation rooted in craftsmanship and underpinned by true technical mastery. The more I delved into its history, the more I understood the sincerity behind it, and the deeper my connection to it became.” parmigiani.com
WOSG Releases Financial Results Amid Speculation About a Sale
Amid rumors of a takeover, the British watch retailer Watches of Switzerland Group (WoSG) has published its results for the 2025/26 fiscal year, which, due to the fiscal calendar used, exceptionally spanned 53 weeks instead of 52, ending on May 3, 2026. During this period, revenue rose by 11 percent to 1.828 billion pounds (up 13 percent on a currency-adjusted basis), while operating profit increased by a remarkable 49 percent to 170 million pounds.
The U.S. replaced the U.K. as the most important market. Revenue in the U.S. rose by 18 percent to 927.2 million pounds (up 24 percent on a currency-adjusted basis), accounting for 51 percent of consolidated revenue. Revenue in the UK and Europe rose by a comparatively modest 4 percent to 900.7 million pounds. It should be noted that WoSG is no longer active on the European mainland.
A key growth driver was the business in certified pre-owned watches, particularly the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program. The pre-owned segment now accounts for more than 8 percent of the company’s total revenue in the luxury watch segment. thewosgroupplc.com
Tadej Pogačar is Richard Mille’s new brand ambassador
Cyclist Tadej Pogačar has had an outstanding 2026 Tour de France so far and is considered the clear favorite to win his fifth Tour title. Richard Mille has now officially introduced him as its new brand ambassador, formalizing a partnership that has been in place since 2021 through the sponsorship of UAE Team Emirates.
Few athletes have left such a rapid and lasting mark on their sport as this Slovenian. After drawing attention to himself with a third-place finish at the Vuelta a España in 2019, he went on to win the Tour de France just one year later, becoming the youngest winner of the race since 1904. In 2024, he became only the third rider in history—and the first since 1987—to achieve cycling’s “Triple Crown” with victories at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France, and the UCI Road World Championships. In 2025, he defended both his Tour de France title and his world road race title—achievements he celebrated with the Richard Mille RM 67-02 on his wrist.richardmille.com
Longines Expands Its Partnership with the Commonwealth Games
Longines has been the official timekeeper of the Commonwealth Games since the 1962 Games in Perth, marking more than 60 years of partnership with this historic multisport event. The partnership will continue at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Longines will serve as Official Timekeeper and Presenting Partner. In addition, the Swatch Group brand will provide the official watch for the event, which will feature approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories.
During the Games, from July 23 to August 2, 2026, visitors to the Longines House in Glasgow can learn more about the brand and its role in sports timekeeping through an exhibition and talks on various topics. Visitors can also discover the special edition of the HydroConquest, limited to 2,026 pieces and dedicated to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. longines.com
Model: HydroConquest 2026 Commonwealth Games
Movement: L888.5, automatic, 72-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel, ceramic bezel, 39 and 42 x 11.7 mm, water-resistant to 30 bar
Strap: Rubber with a folding clasp and micro-adjustment system
MSRP: or €2,250
