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‘Tokyo Future 00’ by YOSHIROTTEN. Jaguar Type 00 Tokyo debut. Join YOSHIROTTEN as he redefines the boundaries of design, sound, and space transforming the concept Jaguar Type 00 into a multisensory experience.
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From new escapements and oscillators to radical chronograph architectures and unprecedented chiming complexity, 2025 revealed a shift in luxury watchmaking. If recent years were defined by consolidation, anniversary-driven releases and cautious evolution, 2025 saw brands increasingly willing to make visible, structural bets on the future of mechanical watchmaking rather than relying on incremental updates or archival reassurance — from industrial giants to high-complication specialists.
Rolex unveiled an entirely new escapement after a decade of development. Audemars Piguet reevaluated its chronograph mechanics from first principles. TAG Heuer replaced the weakest component of the traditional oscillator rather than refining it. Blancpain expanded the limits of chiming watches not by scale, but by acoustic ambition. Even Patek Philippe, long defined by restraint, presented a high complication designed for contemporary wear.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller marks one of the brand’s rare full-collection launches and for collectors — that alone carries weight. Introduced in 2025, it pairs an integrated-bracelet case with a dial unlike anything else in the current Rolex catalogue, defined by a laser-sculpted honeycomb motif that gives the surface depth without sacrificing legibility. The design feels deliberate rather than nostalgic, extending familiar Rolex cues — the Flat Jubilee bracelet, ice-blue dial on platinum, fluted bezel — into a distinctly contemporary register.
What elevates the Land-Dweller into collector territory, however, is the Calibre 7135. Ten years in development, it beats at 5Hz and introduces the Dynapulse escapement, a newly engineered regulating system that reduces friction, improves energy efficiency and allows the movement to measure time to a tenth of a second. Combined with a ceramic balance staff, reworked Syloxi hairspring and visible finishing through a sapphire caseback — still a rarity for Rolex — the Land-Dweller signals a technical direction the brand rarely reveals so openly. As a new platform rather than a variation, it stands as one of the most consequential modern Rolex releases for collectors in 2025.
Zenith marks its 160th anniversary with the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli. Limited to just 50 pieces, it transforms the cosmos into a wearable masterpiece. Its openworked dial, crafted from deep blue lapis lazuli streaked with natural pyrite, shimmers like a star-studded night sky — no two dials are alike, making each watch uniquely personal. Powered by the El Primero 9004 calibre, it is one of the few mechanical chronographs capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, with dual escapements — one for time, the other for the chronograph — propelling the central hand around the dial every second.
The sculptural 45mm case pairs polished steel with a warm, matte gold dodecagonal bezel, reflecting Zenith’s bold, architectural design language. True to the Defy Extreme spirit, three interchangeable straps — steel, black rubber, and black Velcro — allow the watch to move effortlessly from formal to sporty settings. With its rarity and precision, the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli stands as one of 2025’s most exclusive collector-only watches.
Ulysse Nardin writes a new chapter in the story of its Freak collection, this time devoted to material science and high-tech decorative arts. Fresh from Geneva Watch Days is the Ulysse Nardin Freak [X Crystalium], whose most distinct feature is its rotating hour disc made of Crystalium, which was so complex to manufacture that the Freak [X Crystalium] is presented as a limited production of just 50 pieces. The process of creating Crystalium took years to develop and perfect. Starting from ruthenium, a metal that is 10 times rarer than platinum and prized for its strength and shine, days of controlled crystallisation via vapour deposition methods result in shimmering, intricate and irregular fractal-like crystal structures, meaning each disc bears a unique pattern.
Underneath the Crystalium hour disc sits the automatic calibre UN-230, which provides 72 hours of power reserve and operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, while above the Crystalium one finds the flying carousel and the silicon balance wheel and escapement, made by the brand’s silicon lab, SIGATEC, and suspended by a bridge that doubles as the minute indicator.
The Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 is Audemars Piguet’s most technical statement of its 150th anniversary. Limited to 150 pieces, it introduces the entirely new Calibre 8100, marking the first time the Jumbo has combined a flyback chronograph with a flying tourbillon. The significance lies in the chronograph itself: traditional pushers and heart-piece mechanisms are abandoned in favour of a patented rack-and-pinion system that stores energy instead of dissipating it.
This allows ultra-short pusher travel, a lighter touch, an instant minute jump and a near-imperceptible reset — all while eliminating the friction spring that has defined chronographs for over a century. Achieving this within the Jumbo’s historic proportions required glass-box sapphires, a peripheral platinum rotor and lessons carried forward from earlier RD projects. For collectors, RD#5 is a chronograph rethought at a fundamental mechanical level and one that exists only because Audemars Piguet is willing to redesign complications from first principles.
The A. Lange & Söhne Minute Repeater Perpetual sits at the very top of the Saxonia line and represents one of the brand’s most technically concentrated releases of 2025. Limited to 50 pieces in platinum, it combines a minute repeater with a full perpetual calendar, powered by the new manually wound calibre L122.2. The repeater strikes hours, quarter-hours and minutes with no silent gaps, thanks to Lange’s pause-elimination mechanism, while a flying governor ensures controlled, quiet operation without residual buzz. The perpetual calendar is displayed across a four-part black enamel dial made in-house, with indications for day, month, leap year, moon phase and small seconds. Accurate to 122.6 years, the moon-phase display alone features 100 hand-engraved stars. At 40.5mm wide and just 12.1mm thick, the watch balances extreme mechanical density with restrained proportions, making it one of the most uncompromising collector-only complications released this year.
TAG Heuer’s TH-Carbonspring marks one of the brand’s most consequential technical developments in decades, addressing the weakest point of traditional oscillators through material science rather than incremental tuning. Developed over nearly ten years, the carbon-based hairspring is lighter than silicon or metal, impervious to magnetism and far more resistant to shock — qualities that directly improve long-term rate stability rather than theoretical performance. Its debut is deliberately restrained: two forged-carbon flagships, the Monaco Flyback Chronograph and the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport, each limited to just 50 pieces. The spiral dial motifs subtly reference the hairspring itself, while the movements — TH20-60 and TH20-61 — retain familiar architectures to foreground the oscillator’s real-world impact. For collectors, these watches are not about novelty aesthetics, but about owning the first visible step in TAG Heuer’s post-silicon future.
Blancpain’s Grande Double Sonnerie Ref. 15GSQ occupies a space so rare that even seasoned high-complication specialists may encounter only one or two in a lifetime. While grande and petite sonneries already sit above minute repeaters in both difficulty and autonomy, Blancpain complicates the complication by giving the wearer two fully realised chiming systems — a traditional Westminster sequence and a newly composed four-note melody — selectable at will. Achieving this required parallel acoustic architectures, independent energy management via a dedicated striking barrel and micron-level tuning of the governing components that control tempo and pitch.
Unlike historic sonneries built for clocks or safes, this is an integrated, wearable wristwatch with a flying tourbillon, perpetual calendar and a case engineered to be worn daily rather than preserved. Produced at a rate of roughly two pieces per year and assembled end-to-end by named watchmakers, the Grande Double Sonnerie is less a showcase of excess than a demonstration of what modern high watchmaking can still do when technical ambition, acoustic sensitivity and restraint align.
The reference 5308G represents a reorientation of Patek Philippe’s high-complication philosophy toward modern use. The reference 5308G is not Patek Philippe abandoning restraint so much as redefining it on modern terms. Where earlier grand complications prioritised lineage and continuity, the Quad Comp is built around contemporary use: a microrotor architecture to manage height, an instantaneous perpetual calendar to improve legibility, and a modular split-seconds chronograph designed for reliability rather than theatrical exposure. Its scale, dial graphics and serial production mark a clear departure from the museum-grade ideal of references like the 5016, positioning the 5308G as a high-complication meant to be worn, not revered at arm’s length. In doing so, Patek signals a future where maximal complication is no longer a historical exercise, but a living, evolving product shaped as much by modern collectors’ expectations as by the brand’s technical inheritance.
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LUXUO reviews the shifts that reshaped luxury residential real estate in 2025, driven by strategic capital, a leaner but wealthier buyer base and a clear departure from spectacle — setting the framework for investment decisions in 2026.
In 2025, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) shifted away from viewing premium property as a default “safe haven”. Rather than indiscriminate acquisitions, buyers sought strategic criteria such as long-term ROI, liquidity, and tax efficiency. According to Coldwell Banker Global Luxury’s 2025 Trend Report, affluent purchasers are now prioritising value generation over flashy features or status symbols – a mindset experts refer to as “smart luxury”. For example, 30 percent of surveyed luxury specialists identified this strategic-buying approach as a significant market force.
“Affluent homebuyers still see real estate as a safe haven… but they are choosier than in recent years — prioritising investment potential over flashy amenities,” said Michael Altneu, Vice President, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. According to Coldwell Banker, 68 percent of luxury specialists believe purchasers are maintaining or expanding their real estate exposure, indicating long-term confidence in property as a wealth anchor.
In 2025, market activity concentrated among the ultra-wealthy. In several prime metros, transaction volumes in the super-prime segment increased while mid-tier luxury declined. According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2025, family offices and ultra-HNW buyers, often pursuing strategic property or portfolio acquisitions, remained the main drivers of activity. “Investment volumes… are beginning to stabilise, with private capital playing a growing role,” notes the Knight Frank Wealth Report’s research summary.
Another Reddit report cited that ultra-wealthy buyers also accounted for a greater proportion of all-cash sales, which protected purchases from rising interest rates. In important U.S. cities, data showed that more than half of deals over USD 1 million were paid in cash, with the figure climbing to 83 percent in the ultra-luxury condo sector.
In 2025, developers evaluated their product strategy. Where once grandiose, high-volume initiatives were the norm, scarcity-driven, quality-oriented launches gained popularity. Branded villas with respectable hospitality partners outperformed inferior brand tie-ins.
Market data also showed inventory gains — for example, single-family luxury inventory increased dramatically in the first half of 2025 — but well-executed scarce houses continued to attract higher prices. “The luxury sector isn’t bullish or bearish — but it is recalibrating,” observes Michael Altneu of Coldwell Banker.
In 2025, purchase decisions will increasingly be based on practical and wellness-focused design. According to Coldwell Banker research, more than 60 percent of specialists consider indoor-outdoor living as a top buyer priority, with an emphasis on flow, wellness and seclusion. The shift is both practical and experiential; affluent purchasers preferred properties designed for remote work, family harmony and wellbeing over merely Instagram-centric aesthetics. Location is important, but functionality now complements aesthetic luxury.
By 2025, sustainability had progressed much beyond signalling. In luxury residential real estate, it has become a value determinant, affecting pricing, buyer preferences and long-term asset viability. Energy efficiency, resilient building systems and low-carbon materials were no longer considered optional upgrades, but rather baseline expectations — particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, where governmental pressure and buyer sophistication intersected. A Knight Frank report stated that a rising share of luxury buyers now consider energy ratings and sustainability important — directly supporting the idea that energy efficiency is a baseline expectation in many markets, especially Europe: Nearly 49 percent of European luxury buyers rate energy performance as essential, while another 43 percent find it important.
Developers responded by incorporating sustainability into both new construction and high-end retrofitting. Solar arrays, geothermal systems, better insulation, and water-management technologies became increasingly common in high-end homes, not for aesthetics but for performance. Properties with lower operating expenses and future-proofed compliance were more liquid, but inefficient properties faced longer sales cycles and tougher negotiations.
The shift was also generational. Younger ultra-high-net-worth buyers, notably founders and next-generation wealth holders, demonstrated a stronger readiness to pay for properties that adhere to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles – not as a moral gesture, but as a safeguard against regulatory risk and obsolescence. Green certifications and energy ratings began to play a larger role in valuation talks in places like London, Paris, and Singapore.
Crucially, 2025 marked the point at which the market learnt to discriminate between substance and surface. Cosmetic sustainability, which includes token green elements or poorly defined “eco” promises, has lost respect. What mattered were measurable outcomes, such as lower energy use, better interior air quality, and structures engineered to withstand environmental stress. In a recalibrating luxury market, sustainability was no longer a story; it was all about purposeful functionality.
Information cited by the World Luxury Chamber points to a maturing of luxury demand beyond traditional capital markets in 2025. Also, according to Christie’s International Real Estate, cities such as Perth, Madrid and Sofia are attracting affluent buyers not as secondary choices, but as credible luxury destinations in their own right — offering lifestyle-led living, expanding urban infrastructure and relative value absent in more saturated capitals. This shift reflects broader migration and ownership preferences. As remote work flexibility persists, affluent buyers are increasingly willing to trade density for balance without sacrificing connectivity, channelling capital into cities where quality of life, long-term growth and pricing logic align more closely than in traditional global hubs, as noted by Knight Frank.
In 2025, the function of the luxury real estate agent became more clearly defined. As transaction volumes decreased and customers became more discerning, vendors and buyers increasingly requested strategic advice rather than transactional execution. According to Christie’s International Real Estate and Coldwell Banker Global Luxury industry data, properties guided by agents who provided pricing discipline, cross-border intelligence, and access to private networks sold with greater confidence than those promoted indiscriminately.
This transition was more pronounced in the market’s highest tiers. With fewer but wealthier buyers active, successful brokers operated as portfolio consultants rather than sales intermediaries, advising clients on when to list, how to place assets against competing worldwide markets, and, in certain circumstances, whether to trade at all. Knight Frank has observed an increased dependence on comparative city analysis, tax planning, and exit strategy conversations, particularly among family offices and internationally mobile buyers.
Agents that relied solely on visibility — whether through social reach, listing volume, or aspirational branding – struggled to convert interest into closings. In a market characterised by caution rather than momentum, discretion, data, and judgment became the major differentiators. In 2025, credibility sealed the deal.
In 2025, one of the clearest shifts in luxury residential real estate was how success was judged. Sellers and developers became less concerned with headline price tags and more focused on whether deals closed smoothly and on schedule. In a market with more inventory and cautious buyers, a property that could move efficiently through negotiation, financing, and closing — with clear terms and straightforward tax and financing considerations — was often more valuable than one with a high listing price. This reflected a broader trend: investors and owners prioritised predictable results over competitive bidding or high asking prices.
Data from industry sources back this up. According to Coldwell Banker’s Mid-Year Report 2025, luxury property availability grew noticeably, giving buyers more negotiating power and highlighting the value of well-prepared, uncomplicated transactions. This shift was evident across price tiers — from “smart” buyers seeking value to ultra-wealthy cash purchasers who could act quickly and confidently.
At the same time, high-end buyers showed a strong preference for cash transactions and simple, flexible financing options. In many global markets, all-cash deals remained a significant factor in closing transactions, showing that being able to pay quickly or offer reliable terms mattered more than the list price itself.
Taken together, these trends made 2025 a year in which liquidity and contract certainty mattered more than headline pricing. Sellers who prioritised clear terms, thorough documentation, and fair pricing were rewarded with faster closings and fewer deals falling through. In this context, strategic planning and practical execution became more important than aspirational list prices.
2025 will be remembered not for a boom or a crash, but for a reset in luxury residential real estate. Buyers didn’t disappear — they became more selective, choosing well-located, practical homes that offered long-term value, liquidity, and spaces suited to their daily lives. The market shifted toward careful, measured purchases, where substance mattered more than show and thoughtful planning outweighed instinct. By year’s end, the lesson was clear: success in luxury real estate now comes from strategy and informed decisions, not visibility or impulse.
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If you’re looking to diversify your investment portfolio in your pre-retirement years, you may be considering allocating some of your money to gold.
First-time buyers in their 50s and 60s should invest only a small portion of their portfolio toward gold. Here are some simple allocation guardrails for beginners who want to benefit from the protection aspects of gold and price rallies without putting too much money into the alternative asset.
The precious metal can act as a hedge against inflation and safe haven during economic uncertainty. It can also diversify your portfolio, which may be a good idea if you only invest in stocks and bonds.
But there are also downsides. Gold can underperform assets with more growth potential, like stocks, which means investing too much in the alternative asset could mean limiting your long-term growth. Investing in gold can also come with some complications you don’t have to consider when buying stocks or bonds, like storage costs if you’re buying tangible assets, as well as complex financial instruments such as futures and swaps.
And overall, investing in too much of any asset can lead to significant risks in an investment portfolio, so it’s important to build your gold position responsibly.
The amount of your money that should go towards gold should you choose to buy the precious metal will depend on your unique financial situation, including your goals and risk tolerance. But a common approach experts recommend is allocating just 5-10% of your portfolio to gold.
This gives you upside and inflation hedging while allowing you to spread your capital across other investments. People who have higher risk tolerances and fewer immediate income needs can get closer to the 10% threshold. It may also make more sense to make gold a larger percentage of your total assets if you have a lengthy time horizon and receive income from sources like Social Security and pensions. Investment research firm Morningstar defines limited exposure, which is what the firm suggests for gold, as 15% of assets or less.
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Investment strategies aren’t meant to be set in stone. They are fluid and subject to change, especially as you get older and your risk tolerance changes. Investors may put more into gold if their income increases and they have more cash on the sidelines. However, people who want seek volatility in their portfolio may gradually sell off gold and equities.
New investors may want to start at the low end of the range and gradually build their position if it makes sense to do so.
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2025 proved to be a pivotal year for the luxury sector, marked by bold acquisitions, strategic alliances and a wave of leadership changes. As heritage brands and global conglomerates seek to scale faster and secure long-term competitiveness, success increasingly hinges on their ability to create demand, streamline operations and leverage efficiency across supply chains and digital infrastructure. From the consolidation of iconic Italian houses to the rise of younger, globally minded creative directors, the moves of this year signal a recalibration of power in luxury and a renewed focus on heritage, innovation, and market relevance.
In October 2025, Kering and L’Oréal announced a landmark partnership in the beauty and wellness sector, with L’Oréal agreeing to acquire Kering’s luxury beauty operations — including the renowned fragrance house Creed — in a EUR 4 billion strategic deal. Under the terms, L’Oréal also secures 50-year exclusive licences to develop, produce and distribute fragrance and beauty products for Kering’s flagship fashion houses such as Gucci, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta, beginning once existing agreements (such as Gucci’s current contract with Coty) expire. The alliance is designed to leverage L’Oréal’s global reach and operational expertise in beauty while providing Kering with capital to refocus its portfolio and improve its balance sheet amid slowing fashion demand.
This strategic move by Kering, arriving early in the tenure of new CEO Luca de Meo, marks a shift away from the group’s recent diversification efforts in beauty — including a substantial investment in Creed only two years prior — toward a model that prioritises core fashion and luxury leather goods. The long-term licences and joint initiatives in wellness also suggest the industry’s increasing merger of beauty, lifestyle and wellbeing as interconnected segments of luxury consumer demand
LVMH’s Watches & Jewellery division took significant steps in 2025 to bolster its industrial capabilities by acquiring a minority stake in Swiss movement maker La Joux-Perret. This move deepens LVMH’s foothold in watch component manufacturing, enhancing its ability to innovate and meet internal demand for technical movements across brands like TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith, while reducing reliance on outside suppliers. The partnership builds on prior collaboration — for example, on solar quartz movements for TAG Heuer — and reflects a broader industry push toward greater vertical integration and supply-chain resilience in the face of global production pressures.
By bringing movement innovation in-house, LVMH reduces reliance on external suppliers while significantly shortening development and production cycles — a critical advantage in a segment where technical differentiation and time-to-market increasingly shape competitiveness. This vertical integration allows the group to scale production more efficiently, respond faster to market demand and support higher volumes without compromising technical credibility.
The restructuring also coincided with leadership recalibration within LVMH’s watch division, reinforcing a sharper industrial focus alongside brand-led storytelling. Rather than pursuing expansion through volume alone, the group is prioritising precision manufacturing, modular movement platforms and long-term capacity building. In doing so, LVMH signals a broader industry shift where control of supply chains and technical know-how is foundational to growth in luxury watchmaking.
Richemont completed the sale of Yoox Net‑A‑Porter (YNAP) to luxury e‑commerce platform Mytheresa in April 2025. The transaction saw Richemont receive EUR 555 million in cash and no financial debt, in exchange for a 33 percent equity stake in the newly consolidated entity — now renamed LuxExperience B.V., which combines Mytheresa, Net‑A‑Porter, Mr Porter, Yoox and The Outnet under one luxury‑focused digital group.
2025 also saw Richemont undertake a significant leadership reshuffle, appointing a new Chief Digital Officer to oversee its unified e-commerce strategy. The move brings Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and YNAP under a single digital architecture, enabling the group to centralise distribution points, expand online channels beyond traditional brick-and-mortar stores, and leverage first-party data to drive personalised, high-touch sales experiences. This consolidation positions Richemont to scale its online retail faster while maintaining the luxury service standards expected by its clientele.
In March 2025, Donatella Versace stepped down after nearly 30 years as creative director. She was replaced by Dario Vitale (ex-Miu Miu) in April, marking the first time the brand was led creatively by a non-Versace family member. Less than nine months later — shortly after the brand’s acquisition by Prada — Vitale stepped down, leaving the creative reins in limbo.
Following Prada’s EUR 1.25 billion acquisition of Versace in December 2025, the Italian luxury landscape saw a major consolidation of heritage brands. The deal officially closed on 2 December, uniting two of Italy’s most iconic fashion houses under Prada’s stewardship. Donatella Versace had stepped down earlier in March, handing the reins to Dario Vitale, who oversaw the brand from April until his departure on 12 December, shortly after the acquisition. This leadership transition marked the end of an era and opened the door for Prada to reinforce Versace’s “Made in Italy” identity, while integrating its bold, baroque aesthetic with Prada’s disciplined, modernist approach. The acquisition not only strengthens Prada’s foothold in global luxury but also signals a strategic commitment to scaling Italian craftsmanship and heritage brands at a time when international markets are increasingly competitive.
After South Korean e‑commerce giant Coupang completed its acquisition of Farfetch’s business and assets — backed by a $500 million capital infusion — the luxury marketplace entered a period of significant restructuring aimed at returning the business to profitability. Under new ownership, Farfetch narrowed its focus on its core marketplace model and disciplined cost structure, cutting overhead, streamlining operations and exiting unprofitable ventures such as its white‑label commerce solutions and non‑core software services. This shift helped Farfetch narrow losses and position the platform for steadier growth, with executives noting disciplined investment and operational focus as key to its turnaround. Coupang’s logistics expertise is also being leveraged to support international expansion, including enhancing fulfilment and delivery capabilities in key Asian markets such as Korea, where local integration with Coupang’s infrastructure aims to broaden reach and customer convenience. These moves illustrate a pivot away from rapid, unfocused expansion toward a leaner model that cuts losses, strengthens fundamentals and lays groundwork for a more sustainable scale.
2025 has witnessed a notable wave of creative director changes across major and heritage luxury houses, reflecting a broader strategic recalibration in response to evolving market dynamics. Jonathan Anderson exited Loewe after 11 years, with Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez (formerly of Proenza Schouler) stepping in to modernise the brand’s collections. Mugler appointed Miguel Castro Freitas to succeed Casey Cadwallader, while Gucci brought in Demna to lead as artistic director following Sabato De Sarno’s departure. Other shifts included Kim Jones leaving Dior, Glenn Martens taking over Maison Margiela from John Galliano, and Dario Vitale briefly assuming Versace’s chief creative officer role before stepping down after Prada’s acquisition. These leadership moves underscore a trend toward younger, globally minded creatives tasked with revitalising heritage brands, expanding their business reach, and creating demand among newer, younger consumers while retaining the essence of their storied legacies.
In September 2025, fashion titan Giorgio Armani died aged 91, marking the end of an era for one of Italy’s most revered independent luxury houses. Armani had personally guided the brand since founding it in 1975, building a globally recognisable empire renowned for understated elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Following his death on 4 September 2025, the Armani Group moved forward with a carefully planned succession: longtime executive Giuseppe Marsocci was appointed CEO, bringing continuity to operations while a new eight‑member board of directors was established to steward the company’s future. Armani’s will, made public in September, instructs his heirs and the Armani Foundation to sell an initial 15 percent stake within 12–18 months — with priority given to luxury players such as LVMH, L’Oréal or EssilorLuxottica — and permits the buyer to acquire up to 54.9 percent over the following years, or for the company to pursue a public listing if no suitable deal materialises. This direction marks a significant shift for a brand known for its independence, signalling potential new partnerships or capital strategies while honouring Armani’s legacy.
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Nostalgia is a powerful thing. So powerful, in fact, that there has been an overwhelming demand for reboots and revivals all over popular culture. Childhood cartoons are getting modern overhauls, computer games are seeing remakes, motorcycles and home appliances are taking their design cues from the past and more relevant to this magazine, watches are looking into their archives for inspiration.
This fondness for the past, or rather, our memories of the past, is an undeniable generator of strong emotional responses. And in an industry like luxury watchmaking, where everything hinges on the emotional rather than the practical, it doesn’t come as quite a surprise when brands lean into their past to inspire their future.
The contemporary watchmaking industry has always been inspired by its history, taking mechanical watchmaking principles that have existed for centuries, to create miniature machines for the modern consumer, and along the way refining and updating these timekeeping devices with modern sensibilities.
Rado is one of those brands that evoke a sense of nostalgia for many, especially in Malaysia. In the early 2000s, the scratchproof properties of the watch were the driver of its popularity, but it was not the dive-watch silhouette of the Captain Cook that many remember from the past, because the Captain Cook, one of the more popular Rado collections today, was only revived in 2017.
In the early 2000s, it was actually the rectangular shapes of Rado watches that drove this sense of nostalgia. And in 2023, Rado revived one of these geometrical shapes born in the very retro year of 1983, and it was the Anatom.
Just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Anatom, Rado relaunched the collection in December of 2023. At the time, however, the watch came with Rado’s signature high-tech ceramic case, but it was paired with a rubber strap.
I thought the pairing was slightly odd for a debut, as the original Diastar Anantom (more on the naming conventions later) did come with a hardmetal (tungsten carbide) case and a stainless-steel bracelet.
Last year, I had the chance to chat with Rado’s CEO, Adrian Bosshard, and when I brought this ceramic- rubber pairing, he assured me that it wouldn’t be the case for long. Lo and behold, recently Rado finally unveiled the Anatom with a ceramic bracelet to match, and it absolutely deserves its spot on the cover.
So, where does the Anatom come from? To answer that question, we have to go back in time, back to 1983, when the mechanical watch industry was on the brink of collapse. The creation and proliferation of quartz movements threatened the very existence of their mechanical counterparts, rendering them almost obsolete. However, even before the advent of quartz, Rado was already working hard to solve another problem in watchmaking, scratch resistance.
In the annals of watchmaking history, Rado has built a name for itself in its quest for robust, reliable and scratch-proof materials. The Diastar, for example, made its debut in 1962 and with it, a new hardmetal case, which we know to be tungsten carbide. At launch, the spiel for the Diastar was that it was near unscratchable, meaning that the new shiny, gleaming watch that you have just spent money on will stay perfectly shiny even with years of use.
Building upon this quest for ultimate scratch-resistance is the reason that most of Rado’s best-selling watches today are clad in high-tech ceramic. The Anatom, however, was born several years after the debut of the Diastar. In 1983, the first Anatom watch was launched under the Diastar collection, as it too had an ethos of being scratchproof.
The difference, however, was that the Anatom was designed to prioritise human comfort. A watch that was meant to harmoniously meld with the user’s wrists as it was worn. To achieve this, the Anatom, which got its name from the word ‘anatomical’, was designed with a curved case and a fluid metal bracelet that would hug the circumference of the human wrist.
Even these days, with the watch industry being where it is, seeing a curved case on a watch is rare. Back in the 1980s however, the curved profile on the Anatom, was considered damn near futuristic. In fact, that was this futuristic approach that gave birth to the Anatom.
Taking its original inspiration from anatomical, one finds the word atomic cleverly nestled in between. The zeitgeist at the time was one of optimism, of flying cars and space travel, and so the glossy exterior and the sleek build of the watch fit right in. Even the predecessor of the Anatom was given a sci-fi-ish name, V2200. But in the end, they settled with the name Anatom.
It was not easy to achieve this curved profile back in 1983, considering that Rado was working with a hardmetal like tungsten carbide for the case. Back then, it was hard enough to mill the hardmetal into the specific wrist-hugging shape, and the technology wasn’t near ready to create the bracelet in the same hardmetal material, so Rado decided to stick with stainless steel for the bracelet.
Around this time, Rado also began using synthetic sapphire crystals, which were fast becoming harder than the metals used on watch cases. Therefore, there was no more need to protect the normally fragile crystals on the watch, and if you look at the early Anatom designs, these sapphire crystals were cleverly employed as part of the case, giving it an edge-to-edge crystal design.
The tricky bit here is that these sapphire crystals were practically indestructible and as hard as the case, so Rado had to develop special diamond tools (which are harder than sapphire) to mill and shape their crystals.
The measure of success for the Anatom design philosophy is well presented in the telling of its story. It began as an offshoot of the Diastar collection, and over time, the clarity and character of the name Anatom could stand on its own.
Circling back to the contemporary obsession with all things retro, the fact that you can still find vintage Anatom watches in relatively great condition is one thing, but of course, reliability and serviceability, as with all vintage watches, remain a concern.
Thankfully, just recently, Rado had decided to dust off the blueprints and revive this collection. “For its recent line of scratchproof DiaStar watches, the company succeeded in creating a shape conforming to the human anatomy. The collection is known as Rado DiaStar Anatom. Nomen est Omen,” reads the early promotional material for the Anatom.
The Latin term Nomen est Omen roughly translates to, the name predicts the future. And fulfilling this prophecy, if you walk into a Rado store today, more than 40 years after the birth of the Anatom, a new reference of this watch still sits gleaming behind the display glass.
In December of 2023, the Rado Anatom was revived. And of course, the revival brought with it all the modern updates expected from a luxury watch brand of today. At a quick glance, the most obvious update to the Anatom comes in the form of a slightly larger case size, moving from a width of 28 mm to 32.5 mm.
This slightly bigger case also hides the most important update to the Anatom, which exchanges Rado’s old hardmetal construction with their modern signature, high-tech ceramic.
Although the hardness of the hardmetal and high-tech ceramic can be considered quite similar, there are many other benefits to ceramic, like its lighter weight and even its hypoallergenic properties, which allow it to become even more a part of the human anatomy than ever before.
Interestingly enough, the process of making high-tech ceramics doesn’t differ greatly from how they used to make the hardmetal case. The raw form of both cases starts from a powdered material, which is pressure moulded into its desired shape before being sintered at high temperatures, transforming it into the final product.
While hardmetals were limited in colours, high-tech ceramics, on the other hand, could incorporate a variety of pigments. For example, Rado’s True Round Thinline Les CouleursTM Le Corbusier collection is a great representation of the kinds of vivid hues that can be achieved with ceramic.
As of now, the Anatom is available in a stately black ceramic case and for the fans who simply love the shine of hardmetals, the Anatom is also available with the brand’s proprietary plasma high- tech ceramic material.
Although the Anatom was relaunched late in 2023, it is only this year that we have decided to put the collection on the cover of World of Watches Malaysia. And this is because, when the new Anatom debuted in 2023, it came paired with a rubber strap. The original Anatom from 1983 was paired with a bracelet, and so it was only apt that we waited for an Anatom with a matching bracelet before truly celebrating its revival.
Rado’s CEO, Adrian Bosshard, made it clear that there was always meant to be a bracelet for the Anatom, but due to the complexity of making a bracelet out of ceramic, they couldn’t make it in time for the collection’s 40th anniversary. Earlier this year, however, the bracelet option finally came to Malaysia, and it changed the look of the watch completely.
What is perhaps telling about the complexity of this Anatom bracelet is the fact that even as the watch was launched in 1983, Rado couldn’t make the bracelet with the same hardmetal material as the case. Instead, they chose to combine the hardmetal case with a bracelet crafted from the trusty stainless steel.
For the modern revival, however, and in the current playing field, this simply wouldn’t cut it for a luxury wristwatch. And so, Rado spent countless hours in research and development to ensure that they would be able to create a bracelet in the same high-tech ceramic material as the case.
As mentioned earlier,the process of making these high-tech ceramic components isn’t as straightforward as working with something like stainless steel or precious metals. The sintering process, in particular, complicates things as not only does it undergo incredibly high temperatures, which sometimes alter the colours of pigments, but the entire material also shrinks during sintering, so engineers have to be incredibly precise in the control of this process.
The bracelet is made of numerous links that are held together by metal components. Each of these links has to be made individually, and then considering that the bracelet tapers, the links will also have to vary in size. On top of all that, there is also a plasma high-tech ceramic version of this watch and bracelet, meaning everything will have to be treated with the same plasma level of temperatures, which is around 20,000°C.
The result, however, is well worth the effort, as if you put the version with the rubber and ceramic bracelets side by side, it looks worlds apart. The glossy links with the steel or gold coloured parts in between really add to the design aesthetics that is familiar to the Anatom.
And above all, the properties of ceramic that often feel warm and comfortable on the skin are now draped luxuriously around the wrist, making it even more a part of the human anatomy than ever before.
When the Anatom debuted in 1983, quartz was the latest in cutting-edge watchmaking innovation. Today, however, we expect our luxury watches to bring something more emotional to the table. Fittingly, the revived Anatom watch comes with a mechanical movement, its oscillating balance adding a “heartbeat” to the anatomy of the Anatom.
And with it, a soul. The Rado calibre R766 movement trades oscillating frequency for power reserve, beating slightly slower at 3.5 Hz but extending its power reserve to a massive 72 hours. This 3-day power reserve is the sweet spot for many enthusiasts, as if you leave your watch fully wound on a Friday night, presumably to put on your sportier option over the weekend, the watch would still be keeping time come Monday.
With the Anatom now fully revived and offering a plethora of choices, including the ceramic bracelet or rubber strap divide, and even the option of a Jubilé version which adds precious stones to a precious watch, the question we often ask is what is next?
More recently, there have been summer colours added to the Anantom line with vibrant red, lime green and yellow dials that come with the rubber strap in matching colours. What would be interesting is if Rado starts taking all the beautiful hues they can achieve with the True Thinline Les CouleursTM Le Corbusier and applies them to the retro- style design of the Anatom.
For now, however, we still have a beautiful assortment of watches to choose from, the gleaming black high-tech ceramic and a personal favourite, the Anatom in plasma high-tech ceramic, as we wait for the next chapter of this retro revival story.
This story was first seen as part of the WOW #81 Autumn 2025 Issue
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Golden Goose’s new phase of ownership reflects a broader recalibration regarding mergers and acquisitions happening across the luxury fashion industry. The luxury Italian sneaker label has confirmed that the Chinese private equity firm HongShan (HSG) has acquired a majority stake in the business, joined by Temasek and True Light Capital as minority investors. Existing shareholder Permira (alongside other existing shareholders including Carlyle) will retain a minority position, while Silvio Campara will remain as chief executive officer. Marco Bizzarri will step into the role of the non-executive chairman.
This change in ownership follows a stalled initial public offering attempt in mid-2024, when Golden Goose pulled its Milan listing amid European market volatility. Rather than signalling weakness, the aborted IPO appears to have sharpened interest from long-term investors seeking exposure to resilient, brand-led luxury businesses with global expansion potential. HSG’s arrival as the majority shareholder is particularly notable. Formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, the firm has built a reputation for backing category-defining consumer brands across Asia and beyond. Its involvement suggests a renewed strategic focus on international growth, especially in markets where Golden Goose has already demonstrated momentum, including China and Southeast Asia.
Temasek’s participation further reinforces this outlook. The Singapore-based investment company has steadily increased its exposure to luxury and premium brands, including stakes in Moncler and Ermenegildo Zegna Group. Its presence signals confidence in Golden Goose’s long-term brand equity rather than short-term financial engineering.
Earlier this year, Temasek took a 10 percent stake in Ermenegildo Zegna Group through a USD 126 million investment (approximately SGD 170 million), positioning itself as a long-term strategic partner rather than a passive financial investor. In that deal, Temasek emphasised balance-sheet reinforcement, organic brand growth and expansion in underpenetrated markets — particularly across Asia — while also securing board-level representation. The parallels underscore Temasek’s preference for family- or founder-led luxury houses with strong brand equity, disciplined leadership and clear international growth pathways, reinforcing the view that its involvement in Golden Goose is intended to support sustained global expansion rather than short-term restructuring.
The transaction — reportedly valuing Golden Goose at approximately SGD 3.7 billion (approximately EUR 2.5 billion) — brings together a consortium of investors with deep experience in scaling global consumer brands. While the financial terms are yet to be officially disclosed, the deal underscores the Golden Goose’s strong growth trajectory and its appeal as a platform business at the intersection of luxury and lifestyle-driven retail.
Founded in 2000, Golden Goose has built a distinctive position within luxury footwear through its deliberately distressed aesthetic, Italian manufacturing roots and emphasis on personalisation and experiential retail. Under Campara’s leadership, the brand has expanded rapidly, particularly through its direct-to-consumer channel. Over the past five years, Golden Goose has more than doubled its store footprint and significantly increased revenues, reaching SGD 989 million (approximately EUR 655 million) in 2024 despite a challenging luxury market.
Leadership continuity appears central to the deal. Campara’s retention ensures consistency in brand vision, while the appointment of Marco Bizzarri brings heavyweight luxury governance experience at board level. Having previously led Gucci through one of the most transformative periods in modern luxury, Bizzarri’s involvement suggests an emphasis on disciplined growth, brand coherence and operational scale.
Looking ahead, Golden Goose is expected to continue expanding its retail network, deepen its community-led initiatives and invest further in experiential formats such as its co-creation labs and sports-led platforms. The brand has also shown resilience in China at a time when many Western luxury houses are reporting slower growth, positioning it favourably for its next phase. Rather than a conventional private equity exit, this transaction reflects a shift toward strategic capital that prioritises longevity, cultural relevance and global reach. For Golden Goose, the deal marks an affirmation that its unconventional approach to luxury remains commercially compelling.
This deal keeps the IPO option alive while removing short-term pressure. A future listing is more likely to happen once markets stabilise and Golden Goose expands further in Asia. With HSG and Temasek on board, one can expect Asia’s role in luxury to become even more significant, with a sharper focus on China and Southeast Asia, particularly within the travel retail sector. In this respect, Golden Goose has already performed well in China compared to its luxury peers. The deal also reinforces that brands with strong communities, pricing power and experiential retail still command premium valuations even amid luxury’s current slowdown. Unlike traditional PE exits, this ownership mix suggests continued investment in stores, community experiences and DTC rather than margin squeezing. By prioritising brand-first growth over aggressive cost-cutting, Golden Goose is positioning itself for sustained relevance rather than short-term optimisation. Lastly, when it comes to the governance of the company, Marco Bizzarri’s role indicates stronger board-level oversight as the brand continues to scale.
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In an era where inclusion is becoming a societal imperative rather than a moral option, Nihal Al-Saleh, founder of Life Skills Hub (LSH), is reshaping what it means to empower individuals of all abilities. Under her leadership, the Qatar-based social enterprise has grown into a thriving community space where people with special needs build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.
Nihal’s mission began at home. Her son, who is on the autism spectrum, and her typically developing daughter were among the first to join LSH’s programs. What started as a personal search for a more inclusive environment for her children evolved into a purpose-driven career.
“I wanted my children to grow up understanding inclusion not as a concept, but as a lived experience,” she shares. Her son’s newfound confidence and her daughter’s early empathy became the spark that opened her eyes to a larger systemic gap—a missing link between therapy, school environments, and real social development.
Conversations with co-founders Mika Permenter and Nicole Alexander turned this realization into action. Together, they helped shape Life Skills Hub into a social enterprise grounded in community, belonging, and practical skill-building.
LSH’s programs prioritize social, communication, daily living, and vocational skills. As learners grow, they transition into training that prepares them for independent adulthood and participation in the workforce. Accredited specialists and volunteers work side by side to ensure each individual is supported holistically.
“The most powerful change is seeing society recognize the potential that has always been there,” Nihal notes. “These individuals aren’t just being included—they’re contributing.”
One of her most urgent goals is dismantling the structural and attitudinal obstacles that prevent people with special needs from accessing meaningful work. She pushes companies and policymakers to rethink outdated hiring practices, address accessibility gaps, and design roles that highlight individual strengths.
“There’s a misconception that hiring people with special needs is a risk,” she says. “What we see every day is the opposite—they bring resilience, creativity, and loyalty.”
Through internships, supported placements, and partnerships with employers, LSH is ensuring its learners gain real-world experience and the confidence that comes with it.
True inclusion is not about compliance—it’s about culture. “Design systems where belonging is automatic,” she highlights. “Inclusion shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be built in from the start.”
Among the many success stories is Yousuf, who entered LSH as a young child struggling with everyday routines. With consistent support, he began trying new foods, trusting his surroundings, and building communication skills—gradually shifting from singing his needs to expressing them with intention. His transformation reflects what becomes possible when patience and the right environment align.
Looking ahead, Life Skills Hub is deepening partnerships with ministries, businesses, and developers to create structured pathways from education to employment. The goal: move beyond awareness campaigns to real, systemic inclusion.
“Our vision is a future where individuals with special needs are seen as colleagues and creators,” Nihal says. “Not someday—now.”
As an Omani woman leading transformative change in the Gulf, Nihal’s voice carries both authority and authenticity. Her journey—from corporate energy roles to championing special needs inclusion—is rooted in courage and purpose. “You don’t need perfect conditions to lead,” she says. “Start where you are, and let your determination carry you forward.”
Her message to young women: use your voice, act boldly, and refuse to wait for permission to create impact.
Through her leadership, Nihal Al-Saleh is redefining what inclusion can look like—proving that when the right support is in place, every person has the potential to thrive. Life Skills Hub stands as a testament to that belief, and to her unwavering commitment to building a future where everyone truly belongs.
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This simple change could make a big difference on your utility bill.
I might be just a little biased, but I find this site very soothing. It’s my literal home on the web—built humbly in 2009 with more enthusiasm than expertise and the shoddy wiring (read: early missteps) to prove it.
But it’s not just the grounding tree on top, the calming Buddha logo, or the bright illustrations that fill me with peace. It’s this community. The honest stories. The aha moments. The shared humanity that brings with it a sense that it’s okay—and maybe even beautiful—to be imperfect.
If you too find comfort in this little oasis and appreciate the daily insights and inspiration, I have a feeling you’ll enjoy this year’s day-to-day calendar—my sixth since the first launched in 2022.
Each day’s quote offers guidance, support, or encouragement from me, a site contributor, or an author whose work I’ve found helpful.
With colorful patterned pages, it’s a joyful little addition to your counter or desk, designed to offer a grounding thought to start or guide your day.
More importantly, the quotes speak to the universal struggles we all face—related to happiness, relationships, change, meaning, letting go, and more. So you might find, as many social media followers often note, that the messages feel written just for you.
Or, as one Amazon reviewer wrote, “The messages set the tone for the day. Make it a great one!”
If this sort of thing resonates with you, the Tiny Buddha calendar has been the #1 bestseller in the mind-body-spirit category in both 2024 and 2025—and this year, it seems to be just as popular.
If you’d like to infuse your life with more Tiny Buddha warmth and wisdom, you can grab your copy here.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
Get in the conversation! Click here to leave a comment on the site.