Financials

Watches of Switzerland Rolls Out Rolex CPO Program in US

FinancialsAug 15, 2023

Watches of Switzerland Rolls Out Rolex CPO Program in US

The retailer described early results as “encouraging” and said it will introduce the program in the U.K. in September.

Watches of Switzerland American Dream mall
Watches of Switzerland started rolling out the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program at its U.S. stores in the middle of July and will take it to the U.K. this fall. Pictured is the retailer’s new store in the American Dream mall in New Jersey and the adjacent Rolex boutique.
Braunstone, England—Watches of Switzerland initiated its U.S. rollout of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program last month and said the reception so far has been “encouraging.”  
 
The U.K.-based retailer announced the development last week alongside the release of its results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, ended July 30.   
 
The quarter was marked by a strong performance in the United States, where revenue grew 10 percent at constant exchange rates to £163 million ($207 million). Watches of Switzerland said an increase in sales volume drove the growth. 
 
The retailer launched the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program in the U.S. in mid-July.  
 
Rolex SA announced plans to begin certifying pre-owned watches in late 2022, marking a major shift in policy for the luxury giant and making waves in the lucrative secondhand watch market.  

The company certifies secondhand watches that are at least three years old, and they are available for sale only through official Rolex retailers.  
 
The program launched at Bucherer boutiques in Europe and the United Kingdom before coming to Tourneau/Bucherer stores in the U.S. this spring. 

Watches of Switzerland said its clients have “react[ed] positively to the authenticity and guarantee of quality that the Certified Pre-Owned seal represents.”  
 
It is on track to launch the program at its U.K. stores in September.  
 
Also during Q1 in the U.S, Watches of Switzerland opened a new multi-brand store at the American Dream mall in New Jersey while a renovated and expanded Mayors store reopened in Dadeland, Florida. 
 
The company also opened TAG Heuer and Grand Seiko stores in Topanga, California.  
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
Globally, Watches of Switzerland’s first-quarter sales were down 1 percent to £382 million ($484.7 million), which was in line with company expectations. 
 
Luxury jewelry sales (down 15 percent) dropped more than luxury watch sales (down 2 percent), reflecting in part the overall slowdown in jewelry sales.   
 
E-commerce sales slipped 2 percent.  
 
Looking to the year ahead, Watches of Switzerland said it is not changing its guidance for the year; it still expects sales to reach £1.65 billion to £1.70 billion ($2.09 billion to $2.15 billion), with year-over-year growth of 8-11 percent at constant exchange rates.  
 
Despite the bullish outlook, the retailer said it doesn’t expect consumer confidence to improve in the back half of the year. It bases its guidance on how much supply it anticipates getting from key brands, as well as store openings, closures and renovations.  
 
In FY 2024, Watches of Switzerland plans to open 20 stores dedicated to single brands in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. It also plans to expand a number of mono-brand stores, including the Rolex boutique at The Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida, this fall.  
 
In addition, the retailer expects to open a multi-brand showroom at One Vanderbilt in New York early next year.  
 
Commenting on the quarterly results, CEO Brian Duffy said, “We expect to return to more normalized growth rates in the balance of the financial year.  
 
“Our full year guidance for another year of strong growth remains unchanged, underpinned by our supply visibility, client Registration of Interest lists (for in-demand watches) and strong pipeline of showroom openings, refurbishment and investment, as luxury watch demand continues to outstrip supply.” 
 

The Latest

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

Gemological Institute of America headquarters
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are Converging

The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.

De Beers Venetia diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo

Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Lisa Bridge and Alexis Padis at AGS Conclave 2024
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President

Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.

Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Jesse Cole Savannah Bananas
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana

Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.

John Mayer Audemars Piguet
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition Watch

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024

The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.

Jared Goff Presents Jared Jewelers’ Donation to Give Merit
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to Jared

The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.

Stock image of police crime scene tape
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.

Kirsty Hume models Pippa Small Venus collection
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ Collection

Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.

Aerial shot of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues

The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea in 18-karat yellow gold
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024

The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s Day

Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.

Hannoush Jewelers Queensbury NY location
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York

Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.

203-carat, 116-carat, and 42-carat diamond
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024

A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.

William Ruser: The Jeweler Who Charmed Hollywood book cover
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William Ruser

Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo modeling Jacquie Aiche’s Rebel Heart collection
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo

The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.

American Gem Society Conclave logo 2024
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.

Virtual Diamond Boutique
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’

The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.

Signet Jewelers employees and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.

Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace

A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

China Pearl collage
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China Pearl

The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.

Printed and digital AGS Ideal grading reports
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed Form

From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy