INSIGHT-RADAR: Industry News in Brief
In INSIGHT-RADAR, we bring you the latest news from the watch, jewelry, and luxury industries. This time, Van Cleef & Arpels is opening a new boutique in Madrid, Swarovski reports rising sales driven by particularly strong jewelry sales, and Tommy Hilfiger is continuing its campaign featuring British actor Lucien Laviscount. Panerai, meanwhile, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its historic Florentine boutique with the “Immersion” exhibition.
Van Cleef & Arpels Opens a New Boutique in Madrid
The new boutique of the French haute joaillerie and watchmaker, located in the heart of Madrid, offers a glimpse into the often poetic design world of the company—founded in Paris in 1906 and part of the RichemontGroup since 1999.
The boutique at 8 Calle de José Ortega y Gasset is located in a historic building and features custom-designed décor created specifically for the boutique. At its center is a staircase that serves as an eye-catching focal point thanks to its ornate stucco work and pearlescent patina. A light-filled glass atrium, known as the “Winter Garden,” also features a bar lounge. In the basement, a salon decorated in shades of green creates a harmonious connection to the floral decor of the entrance area.
To mark the opening, the Madrid boutique will host the exhibition “Welcome to the World of Van Cleef & Arpels.” It showcases a selection of creations that illustrate Van Cleef & Arpels’ expertise and creative spirit over the decades. vancleefarpels.com
Swarovski Grows in the First Half of 2026
Swarovski Crystal Business closed the first half of 2026 with a six percent increase in organic revenue. On a like-for-like basis, revenue rose by eight percent. The jewelry business remained the key growth driver, posting an organic increase of eleven percent.
On a comparable basis, business grew regionally by 11 percent in Asia (including the Middle East), 10 percent in the Americas, and 5 percent in Europe. Growth was particularly strong in Japan (32 percent) and the U.S. (12 percent); Greater China, by contrast, posted a decline of 2 percent. The figures presented by Swarovski on August 13 are currency-adjusted, preliminary, and unaudited.
Lucien Laviscount Presents Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger is continuing its collaboration with British actor Lucien Laviscount. He is the face of the global Fall/Winter 2026 campaign for watches and jewelry, which launches in September. The campaign was photographed in New York.
The collection ranges from the black Hampton sports watch and the sleeker Bryant to the Mia and Abby ladies’ watches. It is complemented by jewelry featuring nautical compass motifs and heart pendants. The watches are manufactured and distributed by the Movado Group under license from Tommy Hilfiger.
Exhibition Celebrating the Anniversary of the Panerai Boutique in Florence
In 2026, Panerai will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its historic boutique in Florence’s Piazza San Giovanni with “Immersion,” a new exhibition that explores the brand’s identity from a contemporary perspective. The exhibition will be on view at the Museo Marino Marini from September 10 to 19.
“Our heritage at Panerai is much more than just a historical narrative; it is the foundation of our technical expertise and the guiding star that shapes our vision for the future,” explains Emmanuel Perrin, CEO of Panerai.
“With ‘Immersion,’ we tell our story from a different perspective and shift the focus from the past to how the spirit of the Maison is expressed today. By combining tradition and innovation, our instrument watches become protagonists and indispensable gear for contemporary adventures.”
The exhibition paints a contemporary portrait of the brand and offers insights into the origins of the family-owned company. panerai.com
