Today 4

Daily Analysis — 2025-08-14

Audemars PiguetInhotecLuisaViaRomaWatchfinder & Co.The Attico
Luxury WatchesLuxury Fashion
SwitzerlandItalyUnited KingdomSouth Korea
Amid a softening luxury cycle and new U.S. tariffs on Swiss watches, Audemars Piguet moved to secure supply by taking a majority stake in precision manufacturer Inhotec, while e-tailer LuisaViaRoma entered a restructuring phase and suspended its affiliate program. At the same time, Watchfinder & Co. leaned into content-led commerce with a Stylist in Residence, and The Attico accelerated brick-and-mortar expansion with its first Asian boutique in Seoul.

Key News for Today

Audemars Piguet takes majority stake in Swiss precision maker Inhotec to deepen vertical integration.

Why it matters: Tighter control over critical components buffers supply risk and preserves know‑how as Swiss watchmakers face demand softness and tariff pressure.

Impact: Could improve margins, lead times, and product pipeline resilience for AP while keeping Inhotec’s multi‑brand client revenues intact.

What to follow: Watch AP’s production capacity, mix of in‑house components, and North America sales trends as U.S. tariff effects filter through.

LuisaViaRoma suspends affiliate program and pursues protective legal measures amid restructuring.

Why it matters: Cutting an acquisition channel signals liquidity and profitability strain at a major luxury e‑commerce player, with ripple effects for brand distribution.

Impact: Expect lower near‑term traffic and GMV, potential vendor payment friction, and market share shifts to rival platforms and direct channels.

What to follow: Monitor GMV, cash runway, take rate, and affiliate traffic recovery plans in coming quarters.

Watchfinder & Co. appoints Ilaria Urbinati as first Stylist in Residence and launches a curated pre‑owned watch edit.

Why it matters: Content‑driven curation can boost conversion and average order value in pre‑owned, reinforcing category leadership and differentiation.

Impact: Likely incremental traffic and higher sell‑through of spotlighted SKUs, enhancing brand equity in the pre‑owned luxury watch segment.

What to follow: Track web traffic, conversion rates, AOV, and sell‑through of the curated edit alongside social engagement metrics.

The Attico opens first Asian boutique via shop‑in‑shop at The Galleria in Seoul.

Why it matters: Physical retail expansion in a top luxury market strengthens brand presence and DTC control, supporting pricing power and clienteling.

Impact: Should lift regional revenue and brand heat if productivity and local resonance meet expectations, but adds fixed‑cost exposure.

What to follow: Watch store productivity (sales per square meter), Korea sell‑through, and APAC wholesale order momentum.

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