Robin Swithinbank

New CEO Julien Tornare plans to reinforce the brand’s value proposition by investing in bold design, craftsmanship and growing the company’s cultural impact beyond football. “It’s not just because something is luxury that people are willing to pay any price,” Tornare said.

Tourist shoppers have flocked to Japan to take advantage of top-quality shopping and a weaker yen. Seiko Group president Akio Naito breaks down how the watchmaker’s high-end brand — sometimes referred to as the ‘Japanese Rolex’ — plans to keep up momentum after beating the market this year.

Two underdog watchmakers with centuries-old histories have had to furlough workers in a slowing luxury market. But CEO Patrick Pruniaux sees opportunity ahead as the brands endeavour to stand on their own in the wake of a sale by Gucci-owner Kering.

Georges Kern talks to BoF about the state of the Swiss watch sector, next steps for the Breitling brand and why brands hiking prices without product upgrades will suffer.