Gerald Charles enlists No. 1 Padel player, Tutima sets its eyes on US market, Windup returns to Chicago

Zach Blass

As summer in the northern hemisphere arrives, we approach the season of the year when Swiss watchmakers take their Vacances horlogères – a tradition since 1937 where workshops shut down in late July and early August for a three-week break. Of course, when Geneva Watch Days comes around, the industry is ramped back up into full force. However, though we are on the eve of a brief slowdown period, there are always horological headlines, especially with an ever-growing number of watch brands from various regions, to dive into.

Gerald Charles names Padel World No. 1 Gemma Triay as ‘Friend of the Brand’

I must confess that, despite being a big fan of tennis, I am not all too familiar with the world of Padel. That being said, it does not take being a Padel expert to know the significance of being a World No. 1 player. According to USA Padel, participation in the burgeoning sport rose from 13.9% of the U.S. population in 2020 to 20.6% in 2025, and it is said that it has grown from an estimated 8 million players worldwide in 2018 to 35 million players globally in the present day.

So it makes sense for a growing independent watch brand to align with a top player that has an impressive record of 52 career titles and multiple world championship victories in a rapidly growing sport. And considering its existing roster of tennis-themed watches built with the racket sport in mind, and strong permeation in the world of professional tennis with ‘Friend of the Brand ‘ Alex de Minaur, it is a natural and wise evolution.

“Padel embodies the same values that define Gerald Charles: precision, intensity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence,” Federico Ziviani, CEO of Gerald Charles, explained. “Gemma Triay is not only the leading player in her sport, but a figure whose leadership and vision extend far beyond the court. We are proud to welcome her into the Gerald Charles family as we open this new chapter for the Maison.”

“I’m so happy to begin this new chapter with Gerald Charles,” Gemma Triay added. “It’s an incredible brand that combines tradition and innovation in such a wonderful way. It’s always special when brands like Gerald Charles turn their attention to padel and put their trust in the moment our sport is experiencing. I couldn’t be more excited to join this new team.”

Time+Tide is known for watch-spotting tennis events, but it seems we may need to pay more attention to the Padel universe down the line.

Tutima is gearing up to double down on the USA market

Glashütte-based watchmaker Tutima revealed this week that it has parted ways with its distribution partner, instead pivoting to serving the American market directly. This announcement comes on the heels of its participation in Time to Watches Las Vegas and the launch of its Patria Special Editions – notably driven by the brand’s new in-house calibre 626.

“The United States is one of the most important markets for fine watchmaking,” emphasises Matthias Stotz, CEO of Tutima Glashütte. “The American watch community is exceptionally knowledgeable and has a remarkable appreciation for independent German watchmaking. Ahead of our 100th anniversary, this step marks a significant milestone in our brand’s international development and reflects our commitment to reliability, cooperation, and trust.”

Clearly, US-based watch lovers are going to see more of Tutima in the coming months – and it is anything but a bad thing.

Windup Watch Fair returns to Chicago this weekend

Lastly, Worn & Wound’s Windup Watch Fair returns to Chicago, with the fair underway from July 10 – 12. As the watch community has come to expect and very much appreciate, over 70 exhibitors will be present to satiate the horological hunger of anyone who passes through the doors – whether a newcomer to the hobby or a seasoned, down-the-rabbit-hole WIS. So, if you are in Chicago, it is undoubtedly a must-visit for any watch lover. A quick shout-out to Wren and Ben’s Watches, who will be showcasing their latest limited edition at Windup this weekend.

The fair is being held at Morgan MFG, 401 N Morgan ST, Suite #100, Chicago, IL 60642, and is open from 12 pm to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Zach and the Time+Tide Team

Zach’s Time+Tide take of the week: Neo-vintage Blancpain are some of the best pieces to look into before it’s too late

I wish I could say I have shared this take completely before people woke up to the opportunities neo-vintage Blancpain watches present, but it may not be too late just yet. Before the Fifty Fathoms became the brand’s most prominent collection, Villeret reigned king. These smaller Villeret watches, offering various degrees of complication from time-only to minute-repeater, remain somewhat undervalued on the secondary market. As the ship is sailing further and further away with a neo-vintage Breguet, the neo-vintage Blancpain ship is by no means stuck in port. The ship is starting to sail, and my advice is to look into neo-vintage Blancpain now before it is too late.

Wrist shot of the week: Dua Lipa rocks a Bulgari Octo Finissimo 37 in 18k yellow gold

Despite its drop down to 30 metres of water-resistance compared to its larger siblings’ 100-metre depth rating, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo 37mm in 18k yellow gold launched at Watches and Wonders 2026 has become my grail Finissimo. In its more compact size and impressive new 72-hour micro-rotor automatic calibre, I still cannot shake just how great the precious monochromatic design felt and looked on my wrist. Clearly, Dua Lipa agrees. As a Bulgari ambassador, she has her pick of the litter, but earlier this week, she was spotted wearing the watch as she was leaving Electric Lady Studios in NYC for the third time in the last week. Does this mean a new album is coming imminently? Maybe. Does the watch look fantastic on her? Definitely.

Time+Tide Shop pick of the week: Norqain Freedom GMT Enjoy Life “Holiday” Limited Edition

Inspired by the thrill of travel and the joy of discovering new places, the new Norqain Freedom GMT Enjoy Life “Holiday” Limited Edition transforms the classic GMT complication into a celebration of adventure. Featuring a colourful world map dial, playful holiday-inspired icons, and a lifestyle-themed GMT ring, it’s the perfect companion for exploring the world. Limited to 500 pieces, one unique watch conceals a Golden Ticket, sending its owner on a dream holiday for two at the luxurious Ayada Maldives Resort.

The Norqain Freedom GMT Enjoy Life “Holiday” Limited Edition is limited to 500 pieces and is available from the Time+Tide Studios in New York, London and Melbourne, including the Time+Tide Shop. Price: £4,885/US$6,490/€5,350/A$9,250 (bracelet) – £4,750/US$6,290/€5,210/A$9,000 (rubber strap)

Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week

Why does Leica make watches?

They may be best known for their cameras, but the watch department at Leica is starting to get a lot of focus. Last week, Russell had the privilege of travelling to the German town of Wetzlar and staying on the Leica campus – exploring the how and why behind Leica watchmaking.

Wren teams up with Ben’s Watches once more for a new red-hot collaboration, the Diver One Obsidian

The Diver One has become the cornerstone of Wren’s collection, and the latest entry, the Obsidian, marks the second collaboration between Wren and watch-social-media sensation Ben Cook.