AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
CollectionsMar 18, 2015
TAG Heuer to partner with Intel on smartwatch
Smartwatches are a focus at Baselworld 2015, and the biggest announcement so far belongs to TAG Heuer, which is teaming with Intel and Google on a connected device.
Members of the press crowd into the TAG Heuer booth at Baselworld Thursday, where brand CEO Jean-Claude Biver, shown here speaking, made what he called his “biggest announcement ever.” This is the watch industry veteran’s 40th Basel fair.
Basel, Switzerland—Just hours after the official opening of Baselworld 2015, TAG Heuer announced that it was partnering with Intel Corp. and Google Inc. on a Swiss-made smartwatch that will be out by the end of the year.
Though TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver revealed no details about the device--including price, functionality, design or compatibility with iOS devices--at a press conference held at 2 p.m. local time at the brand’s booth, Reuters reported prior to the official announcement that it will be a digital version of the brand’s classic black Carrera.
Joined on stage by employees of both Intel and Google, Biver did say when asked how his company’s device would differ from Apple Watch that, “Apple Watch looks like Apple. TAG Heuer will look like TAG Heuer. TAG Heuer will have the DNA of TAG Heuer.”
He also confirmed that enough of the watch will be assembled in Switzerland to receive the “Swiss made” label.
TAG Heuer’s early-in-the-show announcement comes amid much smartwatch buzz at Baselworld this year, which kicked off little more than a week after Apple unveiled the Apple Watch in Cupertino, Calif.
There is a new smartwatch from Fossil, which also partnered with Intel; Vector is slated to launch one at an event scheduled for Thursday evening in Basel; and Breitling has the new B55 Connected, which the brand confirmed to National Jeweler is just a concept piece at this stage.
In addition, Swatch Group just unveiled a Swatch watch that connects with a smartphone and will roll out near-field communication chips for other brands--one of which is said to be Tissot--in the coming months, though it doesn’t seem the Swiss watch giant is interested in going head-to-head with Apple. Chief Executive Nick Hayek has said, “We don’t want to produce a mini mobile phone on your wrist. Others can do that.”
While brands scramble to answer the smartwatch question, Swiss industry leaders seem to think that smartwatches and traditional wristwatches can co-exist, the same claim many in the diamond industry make when asked about lab-grown diamonds.
There is room, they said, for both smart devices and those who appreciate the craftsmanship of a mechanical watch.
The industry’s latest sales data seems to support this claim.
Jon Cox, an analyst for Kepler Cheuvreux who follows the watch industry, said the bulk of the Swiss watch industry’s sales are in high-end, complicated models. While
devices like Apple Watch pose a threat to lower-priced brands, “It’s hard to believe an Apple Watch is going to take away share from a $17,000 watch. If you can afford a $17,000 watch, you can get a $500 smartwatch (too).”
Show organizers also noted at the Baselworld opening press conference held Wednesday that these new devices could raise the profile of watches, both smart and not, among members of the younger generation, many of whom now just pull out their cell phone when they want to know what time it is.
RELATED CONTENT: A watch from Apple could lift the bunch
It is a boost the modern watch industry badly needs.
Baselworld Executive Director Sylvie Ritter acknowledged at the opening press conference that there are a number of challenges facing the industry, including slowing growth in markets like Russia and China.
According to figures shared by François Thiébaud, president of the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee, Swiss watch exports inched up only 2 percent year-over-year in 2014. While the industry recorded a 4 percent year-over-year increase in January, forecasts for 2015 have been revised downward due to the deteriorating global economic environment.
More on Collections
The Latest
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
