Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
Michele Introduces Its First Smartwatch
The Fossil-owned brand is looking to regain the ground it’s lost to all the smart devices in its price range.
New York--Fossil-owned watch brand Michele has introduced its first smartwatch in an effort to better compete in a price range now crowded with smart devices.
The Michele Hybrid Smartwatch (labeled “hybrid” because it looks like a traditional watch but has smart functions) is 38 mm, comes in four color ways with an alligator strap that is interchangeable, and can receive notifications, track sleep and steps, control music, ring the wearer’s phone and direct the phone to take a picture.
The timepiece has a traditional watch face, so the buttons on the side are what the wearer uses to set and control the smart functions, which can be customized via its app.
The case of the Michele smartwatch is 38 mm and it retails for $495.
One independent jeweler who carries Michele, Sean Dunn of J.R. Dunn Jewelers in Lighthouse Point, Florida, said at his store, they are “super excited” about Michele coming out with a smartwatch and the possibility it brings to lift sales for the brand.
“A lot of watch brands, especially those that hovered around the $500 to $2,000 price points, have had challenges in the recent years. One cannot help but think that wearables and smartwatches contributed to some of that, even if it was a small part,” he told National Jeweler via email. “Fossil is smart by jumping into the game and we are thrilled to have the Michele Connected Hybrid to offer online and in store. We hope that this push by Fossil and the big boxes will reignite sales even for the independents like us.”
Dunn added that if the Michele smartwatch performs as well as the TAG Heuer smartwatch has in his store, he will be “elated.”
Fossil is selling the watch online at Michele.com as well as at department and specialty stores.
The Latest
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.