Article of the week
The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

News Rolex Shocks the Watch World: Iconic Brand Takes Over Bucherer in a Remarkable August Move

Does that mean anything?

In a strategic move that signifies Rolex's entry into direct consumer sales, the Swiss watch giant has acquired Bucherer AG, a prominent luxury watch retailer with a global presence of over 100 stores. This acquisition integrates Bucherer's expansive retail and distribution network into Rolex's fold, enhancing its visibility and stature in the luxury watch market.

The collaboration between the two brands is not new. Bucherer's historical ties with Rolex trace back to 1924 when Ernst Bucherer partnered with Rolex's founder. This relationship has stood the test of time with Bucherer retailing Rolex watches across many of its outlets. Notably, Jörg Bucherer, the founder's grandson and the last active link to Rolex's founder, made the acquisition decision, partly due to a lack of heirs. In honor of their shared history, Jörg will remain as the honorary president.

Despite the acquisition, Bucherer is set to retain its independence and will continue its operations under its established name. Furthermore, it's emphasized that their relationships with other retailers will remain unaffected.

This move by Rolex, already a leader with annual sales of over 1.2 million watches, not only strengthens its position but also opens doors for a broader range of watch sales through its outlets, marking a deviation from its traditional model. The financial intricacies of the deal, however, have not been disclosed.


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