The Jewelry District Podcast: Tariffs, American Watchmaking Revival, Executive Shifts

JCK’s Victoria Gomelsky and Rob Bates discuss U.S. tariffs on India, their impact on the watch industry, the revival of American watchmaking, and leadership changes at Ben Bridge and Kendra Scott.

The Jewelry District Podcast Highlights

This week, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates explore three key developments shaping the jewelry and watch world.

• Tariffs on India

  • The U.S. has imposed new tariffs on Indian goods.

  • What does this mean for jewelry and watch buyers?

  • Short-term: higher costs for importers.

  • Long-term: possible shifts in sourcing and pricing.

  • How will this affect your buying decisions?

• Impact on the Watch Market

  • Watchmakers face higher costs as trade tensions grow.

  • Will U.S. buyers shift toward local production?

  • Are tariffs creating room for smaller brands to compete?

• American Watchmaking Revival

  • Victoria reports on a revival of U.S. watchmaking.

  • New workshops and brands are emerging.

  • Can American-made watches gain a foothold in a market dominated by Swiss and Japanese names?

• Executive Shuffles in Jewelry Retail

  • Ben Bridge and Kendra Scott announce leadership changes.

  • What do these moves signal for the future of these companies?

  • How should you view such changes as a customer or industry insider?

Monsieur Vo

Get to know Jimmy Ly, a fine chef and watch collector.

Useful links:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/meet-the-power-couple-who-share-restaurants-and-rolex

https://www.monsieurvonyc.com

Heard On The Street

 Watches don't just tell the time. They tell us who we are----or who we could be.

UltraLuxe Singapore 2022

October 21-30, 2022 at Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road, Singapore. A first of its kind luxury festival curating exclusive offerings in jewelry, watches, fashion and lifestyle by independent brands. Must visit.

Useful link: http://www.ultraluxe.io

Jeju Noodle Bar

A Korean inspired cuisine. Get to know Douglas Kim.

Useful links:

https://www.jejunoodlebar.com

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-chef-owner-of-americas-first-michelin-starred-noodle-shop-dishes-on-his-watches

Heard On The Street

An artist can only succeed commercially over a sustained career if a robust resale market can be created for their works. Logically the same should hold for fine watches, whose makers plan on being around for decades or even generations to come.

Heard On The Street

There is a saying that a good watch is the best thing a man can have on his arm after a beautiful woman with commonsense and humility.

Heard On The Street

Like diamonds, colored stones, wine or art, collectible watches are vessels for stories. That is what much of their value derives from.

Heard On The Street

There's nothing more sentimental than your father's watch. You should think about that when you are gifting your son or daughter or wife a watch or vice versa. That piece will be on the wrist of their children one day.

Random Thoughts

What's the same about watch and car collecting? It's about the people. Collectors often say that it is the human aspect that they treasure the most. Who designed the item, who built it, who owned it previously? Who owns a similar item? Where can I meet them and share interest and passion? Such questions explain the enduring popularity of car shows, car rallies, watch shows, and even online watch forums.

Swiss Watchmaking And Circular Economy

Hundreds of thousands of diassembled watch components, faulty watch factory pieces, and unsold watches are taken off the watch market in Switzerland in order not to feed the grey market. They are sort, ground, and recycled in the strictest of secrecy. A truly fascinating story. Must read.

Useful links:

https://precyclingsa.ch

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-watchmaking-industry-embraces-the-circular-economy

State Of Fashion: Watches And Jewellery

A new report from global consultancy McKinsey & Co., in collaboration with New Jersey-based The Business of Fashion, has identified six seismic shifts that will impact luxury jewelry and watch retailing in the next five years. Must read.

Useful links:

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion-watches-and-jewellery

https://www.businessoffashion.com

Heard On The Street

An artist can only succeed commercially over a sustained career if a robust resale market can be created for their works. Logically the same should hold for fine watches.

Our Favourite Uses Of Typography In Watches

It's fascinating to see how brands have evolved over the years and used typography to help refine their designs and turn them into iconic timeless designs we see today. Simply brilliant.

Useful link: 

https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/favourite-typography-watches

Heard On The Street

Watch purchases are like sex. They are much nicer when they are not transactional.

Dimepiece

Brynn Wallner. Conversation. Women. Watches.

Useful links: https://www.instagram.com/dimepiece.co I https://dimepiece.co

Armin Strom Lady Beat

One reason the Lady Beat is so successful is because it has been designed by women.

Useful link: https://www.arminstrom.com

Furlan Marri Tasti Tondi

A good storyteller.

Useful link: https://furlanmarri.com

Random Thoughts

There are three classes of watches: fun pieces that one can enjoy without considering economic consequences; investment pieces that have established market values and can serve as the core of a well-curated collection; and patronage pieces, usually by independent watchmakers, that promote watchmaking's creative arts.

Montblanc Original Minerva 1930s Military Chronograph

Re-editions of early references are rare. From past to present.

Useful link: https://www.montblanc.com/en-cy/discover/campaign/1858