As the global luxury timepiece industry continues to navigate a shifting economic landscape, all eyes remain firmly fixed on the United States. This week on The Business of Watches podcast, hosts are joined by Hodinkee editors TanTan Wang and Griffin Bartsch to regroup, unpack, and thoroughly recap the massive phenomenon that has become New York Watch Week. Spanning major events and activations from INDIES.NYC and the FHH Forum to WatchTime and the Windup Watch Fair NYC, Wang and Bartsch take listeners through the definitive highs and lows of what is widely recognized as the premier calendar week for the American watch world.
The timing of this deep dive couldn’t be more pertinent. The rapid and relentless rise of the U.S. market to the absolute pinnacle of global timepiece destinations has now been thoroughly confirmed by hard trade data. Recent figures indicate that Switzerland imported more than CHF 4.3 billion worth of watches to the United States, cementing the country’s position as a titan that accounts for roughly 17 percent of overall global Swiss watch exports. This remarkable milestone represents a sustained increase driven by a structural surge in enthusiasm, collector interest, and consumer spending that took root in the post-pandemic era and has continued to mature.
Yet, this extraordinary growth brings forth critical industry questions. Analysts and enthusiasts alike are left wondering whether such rapid expansion is entirely sustainable over the long term, and critically, whether the broader watch industry is doing enough to genuinely cater to distinct American tastes and everyday consumer needs. Is the current strength of the U.S. market merely a fleeting diversion amid broader global volatility, or is it a permanent fixture that brands must design for from the ground up?
To answer these pressing questions, Wang and Bartsch evaluate the myriad products, exhibits, and brand activations conjured by some of the world’s most prestigious watchmakers within the largest market for luxury and premium timepieces. Throughout the episode, the discussion zeroes in on who is getting the formula right, who is missing the mark, and what global brands must do to win the hearts and minds of American watch consumers heading into 2026 and beyond.
The scope of New York Watch Week has grown exponentially, turning the city into a bustling crossroads for independent watchmakers, historic Swiss Maisons, and passionate collectors. During their conversation, the Hodinkee editors highlight prominent happenings across the metropolis, ranging from the exclusive spaces cultivated by independent powerhouses like MB&F and their dedicated New York lounge to established retail concepts like Casa Panerai. They also touch upon broader cultural shifts in the city, including real estate developments in neighborhoods like Williamsburg that continue to shape the backdrop for luxury retail and private collector communities.
The dialogue also shifts toward the mechanical artistry and novelties that captured attention during the week. From sophisticated complications showcased by independent and historic brands—such as pieces from Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth—to rugged technical marvels like the G-SHOCK MRG-D5000 "Blue Rose Project" crafted in sapphire, the breadth of horological craftsmanship on display in New York proved astonishing. Listeners are treated to expert commentary on recent introductions from across the industry spectrum, including Frederique Constant’s Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar in a striking burgundy limited edition, Oris’s redesigned ProPilot Calibre 111, Urwerk’s futuristic UR-300 Time Quantum, and Ressence’s sleek Type 10 DN "Dark Night."
Further expanding on the rich landscape of modern watchmaking, Wang and Bartsch discuss notable pieces from Tudor, Blancpain, Chopard, and collaborative projects like the Ming x Massena Lab 57.09 ‘Secret Honey.’ Independent watchmaking naturally commands a significant portion of the analysis, touching upon conversations with industry leaders such as Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, CEO of Fears, alongside exciting debuts from independent creators like Stéphane Pierre with his namesake brand’s ‘l’Impétrant’ and the Bradley Taylor Ardea.
Beyond high-end complications and independent ateliers, the podcast explores accessible and design-forward timepieces that have captured the imagination of urban collectors, including offerings from Dan Royter, the Autodromo Group C Turbo Sport, and Brew’s clever Metric Chrono Taxi. These pieces reflect a vibrant intersection of design, automotive culture, and everyday wearability that resonates deeply with the contemporary American enthusiast base.
As the discussion draws to a close, the episode reflects on institutional gatherings like the FHH New York Watch Summit, historical retrospectives by brands like A. Lange & Söhne celebrating decades of watchmaking heritage in the city, and the sheer scale of consumer engagement seen at public-facing exhibitions hosted at venues like the Javits Center and local pop-ups. Ultimately, New York Watch Week serves as a powerful barometer for the global watch industry, proving that American enthusiasm for horology shows no signs of slowing down.
