As Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari, prepares to hand over the reins of the brand to Laura Burdese next July, he outlines the brand’s significant future potential, the growth drivers presented at Watches and Wonders, and the strategy designed to win back a younger clientele.

As space exploration has once again made headlines since the Artemis-2 mission, the IWC Schaffhausen brand has been focusing on technological innovations related to the next space age for several years now. During the unveiling of new releases at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, Luxury Tribune had the opportunity to meet with Chris Grainger-Herr, who has led IWC for nine years.

On April 8, to mark the first International Diamond Day and at the initiative of the Natural Diamond Council, Antwerp is opening the doors of the world’s oldest and largest diamond market to the public for a special event. The Belgian hub is undergoing a profound transformation: while more than 80% of natural rough diamonds pass through it, it faces pressure from lab-grown diamonds, the demand for traceability, and the shift in value toward the rarest gems.

New private clubs for the ultra-wealthy and ultra-luxury offices are the latest craze among financiers in the French capital. The move toward higher-end offerings in this capital-attracting sector comes with very high prices, but that isn’t deterring members. The trend is even expected to accelerate. Xavier Niel and Rasmus Michau are betting on it.

With more than 2.25 billion cups consumed every day, coffee represents an industry worth nearly $200 billion. Between moving towards higher-end, new consumption habits, supply tensions, and a growth-driven Chinese market, its price is skyrocketing. The sector is now attracting the attention of premium players, such as Johan Pesenti, a pioneer in New York.

In Geneva, on the first day of Watches and Wonders, Cartier highlighted an increasingly difficult balance to strike in the industry: fueling desirability for its iconic timepieces while ensuring that its offerings remain affordable for a broader clientele. Louis Ferla, CEO of Cartier, and Arnaud Carrez, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Cartier outline the company’s strategies.

While the truce in the Middle East has temporarily eased concerns, it has not alleviated the multifactorial crisis that has been affecting the watchmaking sector for nearly two years. As Watches and Wonders Geneva opens its doors on April 14, and as new geopolitical challenges destabilize the industry, what prospects are emerging for watchmakers and subcontractors in 2026?

A haven for American billionaires, a real estate powerhouse, and a leading cultural and sporting destination, Miami now brings together all the growth drivers for luxury. Having welcomed over 28 million visitors in 2024 and preparing to generate $1.3 billion in economic impact from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city is attracting private capital, wealthy individuals, and Swiss watch brands alike—from the Design District to the ultra-secure enclaves of Indian Creek.

India has reduced import duties on Swiss watches from 22% to about 15%, under a special trade agreement. Industry leaders in both Switzerland and India reveal how this may impact the growth of the Swiss watch market in India.

Between opening clinics and Longevity Hubs, creating an investment fund, and developing a residential real estate project, Simone Gibertoni is accelerating La Clinique La Prairie’s international expansion. Faced with the arrival of new players boosted by artificial intelligence, the Swiss group is strengthening its ultra-premium model based on medical expertise, technological innovation focused on longevity, and customer experience.

While the high-end segment now captures most of the value in watchmaking, the Geneva-based manufacture Frédérique Constant—owned by Citizen group since 2016—continues to pursue a strategy of ultra-competitive pricing. A demanding positioning that raises questions about the model’s profitability. Interview with its CEO, Niels Eggerding.

The Australian star designer has created some of the most iconic objects of our time, from the Apple Watch to the upcoming electric Ferrari. His forty-year career is the focus of a retrospective exhibition at Château La Coste in Provence, which is home to a world-renowned contemporary art center.

According to projections from UBS’s 2025 Global Wealth Report, more than $83 trillion is expected to change hands by 2045 in the Western world. An increasing share of this wealth will be controlled by women. The art market, which has always followed the flow of capital, is undergoing a major transformation. According to experts, women have a completely different approach to collecting. A profound shift is underway.

From traditional ultra-luxury to hybrid ecosystems blending wellness, real estate, gastronomy and culture, the global hospitality industry is entering a new phase of diversification—one in which local identity has become a key strategic lever.

At the head of Audemars Piguet since 2024, Ilaria Resta is accelerating the transformation of the family-owned brand. Between financial structuring, broader outreach to the general public, and investment in innovation, she explains the strategic vision for 2040 designed to secure growth.