INSIGHT-RADAR: From George Daniels to INDIES.NYC and Bovet
George Daniels in Singapore, Franck Muller in Monaco, and the role of gold refineries: INSIGHT-RADAR brings together watchmaking, retail, and provenance. Also featured are the Paris premiere of *Le Rendez-Vous*, independent watchmakers at INDIES.NYC, and Bovet’s new campaign film, “Time to Choose.”
George Daniels 100: 22 Watches in Singapore
Phillips, in association with Bacs & Russo and The Hour Glass, will showcase 22 watches by George Daniels at IAMWATCH 2026 in Singapore. The exhibition “George Daniels 100 – The Genesis of Artisanal Watchmaking” honors the British watchmaker in the year of his 100th birthday. Among the highlights are the Space Traveller I and II, which, according to the organizers, will be displayed together in public for the first time.
These two pocket watches illustrate the evolution of an idea. After Daniels sold the first Space Traveller, he revisited the concept for a second watch and added a chronograph to measure mean solar and sidereal time. The Space Traveller II remained his personal watch until his death in 2011. Daniels also became known for the Co-Axial escapement and his reference book *Watchmaking*, through which his influence extended beyond his own timepieces.
The exhibition will take place from November 12 to 15 at The Singapore EDITION Hotel, 38 Cuscaden Road. November 12 is reserved for invited guests; the exhibition will be open to the public from November 13 to 15, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time each day. On November 14, a new documentary about Daniels will also be screened in advance. Another stop at Phillips in London is planned for early 2027.
Franck Muller: Imperium Debut at Zegg & Cerlati
Franck Muller and his long-standing business partner, Zegg & Cerlati—with whom he has collaborated for more than 20 years—dedicated The One boutique on Monaco’s Place du Casino to the Geneva-based brand for an evening. The highlight was the first public presentation of the Imperium 37 mm Ladies and Jewellery models. Tina Zegg and Franck Muller CEO Nicholas Rudaz welcomed customers, collectors, and guests.
The new models carry on the distinctive case design of the Imperium line introduced this year, complementing it with feminine color schemes and decorative accents. Live demonstrations of watchmaking and dial production provided insight into the manufacturing process. For retailers, this format shows how a product launch can be combined with personalized consultation and visible craftsmanship.
Truly Precious: The Role of Gold Refineries
On October 29 at 4:30 p.m. CET, the Truly Precious Foundation will explore the role of refineries in the jewelry supply chain in a webinar titled “Refineries: The Hidden Gatekeepers.” The guest speaker is Patrick Schein, founder of Gold by Gold and chairman of the board of the Alliance for Responsible Mining.
The focus is on proof of origin, accountability, and the question of how the growing use of recycled gold relates to the livelihoods of artisanal mining communities. Refineries serve as a crucial link between raw materials and processing facilities. Participation is available via Truly Precious’s free community platform; the webinar can be found in the Knowledge Hub under “Live Webinars.”
Francéclat: Le Rendez-Vous Brings French Brands to Paris
With Le Rendez-Vous, Francéclat tested a new format for French jewelry and watch brands. The premiere took place from October 2 to 5, 2026, during Paris Fashion Week. According to the organizer, 24 brands exhibited; buyers came from 70 countries. The most important source markets included Italy, Japan, the U.S., Spain, and Germany.
The program combined brand presentations with discussions on design, retail, and the industry’s development. According to the organizers, more than 40 participants from companies and institutions such as Sotheby’s, NellyRodi, the Comité Colbert, and L’École des Arts Joailliers took part. An interactive map also highlighted 125 events in Paris. The concept thus leveraged the international attention generated by Fashion Week to integrate jewelry and watchmaking into a broader creative context.
INDIES.NYC: Independent Watchmaking in Direct Conversation
The fourth edition of INDIES.NYC brought together independent watchmakers and their audience on October 15, 2026, in New York’s Flatiron District. The organizer reports that 25 independent watchmakers from nine countries and approximately 700 guests attended. From 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., collectors, journalists, and industry representatives gathered in a deliberately intimate salon setting.
The lineup included Kallinich Claeys, Felipe Pikullik, Atelier Pieters, and Bradley Taylor. Workshops of varying sizes and creative approaches were thus represented side by side. The portraits of the participants also highlighted unusual works, such as the mechanical vinylophone by VonKa & Berna. The focus of the gathering was on engaging with the people behind these projects: How are in-house calibers developed, which parts does a small workshop manufacture itself, and how does an idea evolve into a watch? For independent ateliers in particular, this direct connection is a vital part of their outreach.
Bovet: “Time to Choose” as a Cinematic Brand Portrait
Bovet is unveiling a new campaign film titled “Time to Choose.” The film focuses on the brand and its watchmaking; Bovet cites universality, timelessness, and passion as its guiding principles. The release thus draws attention to the company’s identity and the significance of a conscious choice.
With this film, Bovet enhances its product presentations with a brand portrait. Craftsmanship and a personal relationship with time form the framework for the campaign.
