Latest news with #Icons
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Health
- NZ Herald
Hands Feeling Dry, Cracked or Scaly? 14 Hand Creams To Restore Skin To Its Supple Best
These beauty editor-approved hand creams, balms and salves offer dry, dehydrated or overwashed hands some welcome reprieve. It's no secret that winter can wreak havoc on complexions. The sharp contrast between icy outdoor temperatures and soaring internal heating remains one of the primary causes of trans-epidermal water loss (or TEWL for short). The result? Skin that feels dry, dehydrated, irritated or itchy. The same can be true for hands, especially when factoring in frequent hand washing, which can lead to flare-ups in skin conditions like eczema or contact dermatitis. Thankfully, help is at hand – with a coterie of cosseting serums, creams, masks and more set to restore winter-ravaged hands to their supple best until spring makes its timely return. From the high-end luxury items worth stashing in your handbag, or the pharmaceutical favourites sure to ease symptoms of dryness or discomfort, discover every beauty editor-approved pick below. The Icons L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, $63 A best-seller for a reason, L'Occitane's nourishing hand balm highlights a 20% concentration of shea butter to protect and restore dry to very dry skin. Recently reformulated with 96% natural origin ingredients and a new vegan status, this creamy balm envelops hands in shea butter, argan and coconut oils, which absorb quickly to restore moisture levels. The delicate aroma of sweet jasmine and ylang-ylang makes the ritual of applying hand cream a truly sensorial experience. Not to mention, each tube is crafted from 95% recycled aluminium to ensure a lighter footprint on the environment. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment, $49 The cult-favourite hand cream passed down by generations of beauty lovers, Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Moisturising Hand Treatment features the brand's signature Eight Hour formulation to care for rough or weather-beaten hands. It works overtime to soften dry patches, alleviate cracking and restore the skin barrier, leaving hands hydrated for up to eight hours. The best part? It absorbs quickly, meaning you can apply it on the go without that dreaded sticky or greasy residue. The Luxury Beauty Buys La Mer The Hand Treatment, $219 The golden thread throughout all of La Mer's skin and body care is the addition of its patented Miracle Broth ingredient, sourced from giant sea kelp and fermented over three to four months. Together with key vitamins, minerals and nutrients, La Mer's Miracle Broth is said to transform skin to its calm, smooth and balanced best. In this luxurious hand cream, it works to deeply condition skin and soothe callouses, while alleviating redness and dryness – leaving hands soft, smooth and comfortable all winter long. Chanel Le Lift La Creme Main, $122 The luxury beauty purveyor positions this pebble-shaped hand cream as anti-ageing skincare for hands, thanks to the blend of botanical alfalfa concentration and natural liquorice extract. Together, this potent cocktail helps to firm and smooth skin, while brightening age spots for a more even-toned appearance. It's fast-absorbing and non-sticky, but gentle enough for use on even the most sensitive skin types. Plus, its unique aesthetic makes for a covetable addition to any handbag. The K-Beauty Heroes Dear Dahlia Skin Paradise Sheer Soft Hand Cream, $51 K-beauty brands continue to lead the charge when it comes to affordable yet efficacious skincare, and the same can be said for their approach to hand and body care. A Sephora exclusive, Dear Dahlia's highly moisturising hand cream contains a blend of plant-derived ingredients, including its namesake dahlia variabilis flower extract, to gently nourish dry skin. With ongoing use of its non-sticky formula, expect hands to remain hydrated and healthy-looking. Dr. Jart+Ceramidin Moisturising Hand Cream, $47 The latest product to launch from viral K-beauty brand Dr. Jart+ is this cushiony hand cream brimming with glycerin, ceramides and panthenol. The fast-absorbing formulation is said to create a glove-like moisture layer that leaves hands soft and protected from environmental aggressors. Ceramides remain buzz-worthy in beauty for their ability to fortify the skin barrier and lock in hydration, panthenol is revered for its soothing abilities, while glycerin is a tall glass of water for skin that feels dry or tight. The Fine Fragrances Glasshouse Fragrances Kyoto In Bloom Hand Cream, $38 Glasshouse Fragrances is known for drawing inspiration from notable cities to inspire its suite of luxurious scents, and now it's treading even lighter on the planet thanks to its stylish new look – a 100% aluminium hand cream tube. The new-look packaging houses scents like Kyoto In Bloom, a soft and sensual aroma which highlights zesty top notes of fresh lime, bergamot and citrus, a heart of camellia and lotus, set amongst soft, comforting notes of amber, sandalwood, musk and vanilla. The formula itself combines white turmeric and tamanu oil for hands that stay silky soft. Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Hand & Body Lotion, $132 English Pear and Freesia remains one of Jo Malone's best-sellers and for good reason – the fresh and fruity aroma is a perfectly balanced pick for those who love a touch of sweetness without being cloying. The silky hand lotion couples coconut oil with glycerin to hydrate hands and restore supple skin texture without leaving behind any greasiness. Consider it as part of your fragrance wardrobe, delicate enough to layer well with your favourite perfume for a lasting scent trail. The Sustainability Powerhouses Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, $50 It was Aesop's first foray into hand care, and the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm has been a mainstay in handbags and on bedside tables ever since. Dreamed up in the back room of a Melbourne-based hair salon, what started as a rich oil to use on clients as they waited for their hair appointment evolved into the creamy balm we know and love today. Excellent for those who want instant relief from dryness, Resurrection highlights mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar atlas – all of which contribute to its woody, citrussy and herbaceous aroma. Not to mention each tube is made from 100% recycled aluminium, which can be separated from its cap after use and placed in the recycling bin. Commune Seymour Hand Cream, $164 Hailing from Somerset, England, Commune's selection of botanical body care is packed with potent botanicals and natural oils ranging from coconut, jojoba, rosehip and sweet almond, alongside shea and cocoa butters. Its signature Seymour scent is said to help relax both body and mind, with ripe fruits and woody notes including geranium, grapefruit, galbanum and cypress. A beautiful addition to any bathroom sink, the British beauty brand's stylish vessel is rooted in sustainability – with recyclable aluminium bottles and a durable, reusable pump. The Pharmacy Favourites La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream, $16 La Roche-Posay's signature cicaplast ingredient is the super soother that inspired a skincare range all of its own, including a cosseting hand cream which boosts the skin barrier of dry, damaged and overwashed hands. The dermatologist-recommended formulation features 4% niacinamide and 30% glycerin to soothe, hydrate and restore hands from damage caused by external aggressors. The richly textured product is geared towards those with sensitive or ultra-dry skin, and can even be used on children. Mixa Hand Cream Cica Repair+, $9 French pharmaceutical brand Mixa launched its range of wallet-friendly, efficacious body care in Aotearoa earlier this year, including its Cica Repair+ Hand Balm. The brand claims it resists three washes, ensuring hands remain hydrated and soft for even longer. An added benefit includes the formula's ability to repair rough or bumpy skin, making it an excellent pick for those who work with their hands or spend a lot of time outdoors. The Mask Must-Haves Margaret Dabbs London Overnight Hand Mask, $76 Breaking news: British beauty expert Margaret Dabbs' range of luxurious hand and foot care products is now available from Mecca. Consider this rose and lemon-scented Overnight Treatment Mask for dry, inflamed or ageing hands – simply smooth on to hands before you snooze. Key ingredients include buriti oil for collagen production, firmness and elasticity, plus turmeric, white water lily and calendula to fend off free radical damage and instantly relieve damaged skin. For best results, consider slipping the treatment gloves on top to allow the formulation to fully absorb into the skin. Paume Overnight Hand and Foot Hydration Mask, $69 New Zealand body care brand Paume specialises in products suited to care for hands and feet, including this multi-purpose mask that can be applied to either to help hydrate, soften and condition skin. The unscented, essential oil-free formulation harnesses shea butter, glycerin, panthenol and squalane works its magic while you sleep – zeroing in on dry or cracked hands or heels. The subtle citrus, floral aroma is sure to make applying this before bed a pleasure. More beauty The makeup artist-approved hacks for applying eyeliner to hooded eyes, 12 people who smell good share their signature scents, and more beauty news. What Perfume Are You Wearing? 12 Of Aotearoa's Coolest Creatives Share Their Favourite Fragrance. Scent has always been inherently personal, and for these 12 creatives, it's part of their identity. The Best Eyeliner Hacks For Hooded Eyes & Other Tips From A Top Makeup Artist. Blotted, blurred and lived-in, or ultra-precise and razor sharp, a swipe of black eyeliner always delivers. Here, makeup artist Leisa Welch shares her favourite liner looks to try now, plus tips on how to tailor them to suit a multitude of eye shapes. Is pH Reactive Makeup The Secret To Faking A Healthy, Natural-Looking Flush In Winter? Chameleon beauty products have ushered in a new era of makeup customisation, but how do they work exactly? And are they worth the hype? Ashleigh Cometti investigates. Indy Clinton's Bouf Haircare Has Landed In Aotearoa. Co-Founder Rachael Wilde Shares What To Expect From The Range. The beauty boss shares her excitement with beauty editor Ashleigh Cometti over her selection of cherry-red hair growth products launching in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exciting New Legends Arrive First on Mobile: EA Sports Unveils Icons and Heroes for EA FC Mobile
EA Sports has officially teased the introduction of new Heroes and Icons to EA FC Mobile, making it the first platform to receive these legendary cards before they land on the PC and console versions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The publisher revealed a total of eight football legends, comprising four Heroes and four Icons, via a recent teaser video. This marks a historic change in the EA FC (formerly FIFA) ecosystem, as for the first time, mobile players will now get exclusive early access to some of the game's most legendary names. EA FC Mobile new Icons and Heroes teased: Bierhoff, Fellaini, and more Traditionally, Icons and Heroes have made their debut on console or PC versions, but this year, EA is flipping the script. With no season reset in EA FC Mobile and regular live updates, players on the mobile platform will get to use these legends months ahead of their console counterparts, who must wait until the launch of EA FC 26 in September, 2025. Here's a closer look at the officially revealed Icons and Heroes: Icons Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Already available through the Icon Chronicles chapter. Toni Kroos - Released via the ongoing Legacies Event. - Released via the ongoing Legacies Event. Dunga - Expected to be released on July 26, 2025 as 'ICON-making Challenge as per EA FC Mobile leaks. Oliver Bierhoff - Teased, with an arrival likely in the coming 'After Daybreak' weeks. Heroes Cesc Fabregas Andrea Barzagli Marouane Fellaini Esteban Cambiasso Mario Mandzukic Among these, Cambiasso and Dunga are already confirmed to have special cards in the Mighty Winter segment of the Ragnarok event. Meanwhile, the remaining new Heroes - Fabregas, Barzagli, Fellaini, and Mandzukic are expected to arrive in the After Daybreak phase, which is the second phase of the Ragnarok campaign. While both categories represent elite footballing legends, Icon cards are designated to those retired players who have achieved the epitome of greatness, boasting remarkable achievements throughout their long, consistent careers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Hero cards, on the other hand, pay tribute to the ex-players who may not have reached "Icon" status but still left a memorable mark on the game, particularly in specific leagues, clubs, or tournaments. According to leaks from reliable sources in the EA FC Mobile community, like @madridistaafc, and @mazenfcm, more Icons like Andrés Iniesta, Oliver Kahn, and Marcelo are rumored to be added in future events. However, since it is unconfirmed by EA, this must be considered with a grain of salt. EA Sports' decision to bring Icons and Heroes first to EA FC Mobile signals a major shift in how content is prioritized across platforms. Mobile players now enjoy a front-row seat to the legendary experience, ahead of the PC and console community. With more updates likely on the horizon and Ragnarok's second phase just around the corner, EA FC Mobile is definitely on the right track to level-up its game in 2025.
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Tiffany's $52,000 Patek watch strategy backfires among elite clients
Tiffany & Co., the iconic American jeweler now owned by LVMH, is facing criticism from its wealthiest clients after a controversial sales strategy for an exclusive Patek Philippe timepiece. The limited-edition Nautilus 5711, featuring Tiffany's signature robin's-egg blue dial, became a flashpoint in luxury retail, with customers spending millions on jewelry in hopes of securing one of only 170 coveted watches priced at $52,635. Tiffany sales associates referred to them as 'watch monsters.' These were the obsessives—the affluent clients who believed they deserved one of the rare Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 watches made in Tiffany's robin's-egg blue. To commemorate 170 years of collaboration between the two heritage brands, Patek Philippe produced just 170 timepieces. As demand soared, Tiffany's leadership—led by Americas head Christopher Kilaniotis—recognized an opportunity: they could prompt clients to spend millions on jewelry for a chance to buy the $52,635 watch. Salespeople were allegedly encouraged to guide top clients toward purchases worth $2 to $3 million. There was no official waitlist and no guarantees. Just whispers, strategy—and frustration. 'Everyone wanted that piece,' said luxury watch consultant Oliver R. Müller. 'With rich people, if you tell them they can't have something, they want it. It's the psychology of billionaires.' The release of the Blue Dial came during the pandemic-era luxury boom. For Tiffany, the timing was ideal. The brand had just entered a new chapter under LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, which acquired it for $16 billion in 2021. The acquisition was the largest in luxury history and aimed to reinvigorate Tiffany, whose sales had stagnated before the deal. But what began as a masterstroke of exclusivity has become a cautionary tale—how mishandled scarcity can tarnish brand prestige. Since the Blue Dial's launch, Patek Philippe has closed three of its four boutiques inside Tiffany locations. Former staff say the fractured relationship with the Swiss watchmaker continues to weigh on store revenue and staff morale. Tiffany's press office declined to comment. Executives Kilaniotis and Anthony Ledru were unavailable for comment. However, LVMH maintains that Tiffany's strategic shift—including upscale store renovations and a focus on high-end Icons collections—is paying off. 'We are seeing continued very good progress on Tiffany's transformation plan,' said LVMH Chief Financial Officer Cécile Cabanis in April. Tiffany remains the biggest contributor to LVMH's watches and jewelry division, which also includes Bulgari and Tag Heuer. Despite that, Bloomberg forecasts the division will post a 1% revenue decline when LVMH reports earnings on July 24. Patek Philippe declined to comment on its Tiffany relationship or the Blue Dial's distribution. In a 2021 interview, Patek President Thierry Stern hinted at potential trouble: 'Tiffany executives may not realize how difficult it's going to be to choose the clients.' The financial logic for Tiffany was clear: If even two-thirds of the watches unlocked $2.5 million each in jewelry sales, the company stood to gain nearly $300 million. Sales staff could reportedly earn six-figure commissions on such deals. But the execution left many clients bitter. Sources claim staff were warned not to put any bundling expectations in writing. Everything was discretionary—and often inconsistent. Some loyal clients spent millions and received nothing in return. Others who did receive the watch grew frustrated when they appeared on the secondary market, often depreciating in value. One client sued Tiffany over a $4 million jewelry purchase tied to a delayed custom necklace, ultimately settling out of court. Sources confirm that the client had purchased the jewelry to access the Blue Dial. Another client, who was asked to spend $5 million, walked away and sold off his existing Patek watches from Tiffany in protest. 'I don't shop there anymore,' he said. One entrepreneur from the Tri-State area spent over $2 million, believing the purchase would secure him the watch. Tiffany staff reportedly asked him to keep the amount confidential, since they quoted different spending thresholds to different clients. Eventually, the backlash led Tiffany to make exceptions—allowing some clients to return items valued at over $75,000, which broke company policy, according to sources. While Patek officially framed its boutique closures as part of a 'global consolidation,' insiders claim the Blue Dial controversy played a significant role. Meanwhile, some luxury clients shifted loyalty to rivals like Cartier. According to Euromonitor International, Tiffany's global jewelry market share has dropped by one percentage point since 2022, while Cartier's has increased. In contrast to LVMH's flat watch and jewelry sales, Richemont—owner of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels—reported 14% growth through March 2024. Symbolically, the Blue Dial was meant to close a chapter. The final release of the 5711 model. The beginning of the LVMH era. 'It was my little gift to say congratulations on buying Tiffany,' Stern said in 2021. Tiffany had long served as one of Patek's key U.S. partners. Its dual-stamped dials are highly prized. As hype grew, clients were placed on 'wish lists'—a term deliberately used to avoid saying 'waitlist,' which implied delay and disappointment. When photos of celebrities like Jay-Z, LeBron James, and Leonardo DiCaprio wearing the Blue Dial surfaced in early 2022, frustration deepened among regular clients who had spent millions and still had nothing to show for it. The bundling tactic—requiring jewelry purchases to access the watch—though common in the industry, remains controversial. Watchmakers discourage the practice, and retailers rarely speak of it openly. 'Watchmakers give stores impossible tasks,' said Eric Wind, of Wind Vintage. 'You get three watches a year with hundreds on a list. So it becomes: Who's spending more?' In 2023, a California man sued a jeweler for allegedly pressuring him to purchase $221,000 worth of watches and jewelry to access a specific Patek model, which he never received. In 2024, Hermès faced similar litigation over alleged bundling practices with its Birkin bags—an accusation the brand denies. In April 2022, Tiffany invited top spenders to an exclusive Miami jewelry gala, where staff told guests that spending $2 million or more might secure them a Blue Dial. Clients stayed in five-star accommodations, attended lavish dinners, and bought pieces worth millions. Sales exceeded expectations. However, after the event, some clients who had made large purchases were never offered the watch. Others waited months. Frustration spread. Auction prices for the Blue Dial have since dropped—from $6.2 million in December 2021 to around $1.2 million in 2024, according to WatchCharts. Patek, known for its craftsmanship, discourages the reselling of its watches. Still, Tiffany reportedly failed to vet some buyers. Watching the resale values tumble became the final disappointment for many. Yet the bundling continues. In December 2024, Charlie Ho, a Boston anesthesiologist, was told by Tiffany staff that buying jewelry might help him obtain a gold Patek 5396R. Ho declined. 'I've played that game,' he said. Years earlier, Ferrari told him to buy several cars to earn access to a limited-edition model. He bought five—and never got it. 'I don't want to play the game anymore.'
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Tiffany's £39,000 Patek watch strategy backfires among elite clients
Salespeople were allegedly encouraged to guide top clients toward purchases worth $2 to $3 million (£1,500,000 to £2,250,000). There was no official waitlist and no guarantees. Just whispers, strategy—and frustration. 'Everyone wanted that piece,' said luxury watch consultant Oliver R. Müller. 'With rich people, if you tell them they can't have something, they want it. It's the psychology of billionaires.' The release of the Blue Dial came during the pandemic-era luxury boom. For Tiffany, the timing was ideal. The brand had just entered a new chapter under LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, which acquired it for $16 billion (£12 billion) in 2021. The acquisition was the largest in luxury history and aimed to reinvigorate Tiffany, whose sales had stagnated before the deal. But what began as a masterstroke of exclusivity has become a cautionary tale—how mishandled scarcity can tarnish brand prestige. Since the Blue Dial's launch, Patek Philippe has closed three of its four boutiques inside Tiffany locations. Former staff say the fractured relationship with the Swiss watchmaker continues to weigh on store revenue and staff morale. Tiffany's press office declined to comment. Executives Kilaniotis and Anthony Ledru were unavailable for comment. However, LVMH maintains that Tiffany's strategic shift—including upscale store renovations and a focus on high-end Icons collections—is paying off. 'We are seeing continued very good progress on Tiffany's transformation plan,' said LVMH Chief Financial Officer Cécile Cabanis in April. Tiffany remains the biggest contributor to LVMH's watches and jewellery division, which also includes Bulgari and Tag Heuer. Despite that, Bloomberg forecasts the division will post a 1% revenue decline when LVMH reports earnings on 24 July. Patek Philippe declined to comment on its Tiffany relationship or the Blue Dial's distribution. In a 2021 interview, Patek President Thierry Stern hinted at potential trouble: 'Tiffany executives may not realise how difficult it's going to be to choose the clients.' The financial logic for Tiffany was clear: If even two-thirds of the watches unlocked $2.5 million (£1,875,000) each in jewellery sales, the company stood to gain nearly $300 million (£225 million). Sales staff could reportedly earn six-figure commissions on such deals. But the execution left many clients bitter. Sources claim staff were warned not to put any bundling expectations in writing. Everything was discretionary—and often inconsistent. Some loyal clients spent millions and received nothing in return. Others who did receive the watch grew frustrated when they appeared on the secondary market, often depreciating in value. One client sued Tiffany over a $4 million (£3 million) jewellery purchase tied to a delayed custom necklace, ultimately settling out of court. Sources confirm that the client had purchased the jewellery to access the Blue Dial. Another client, who was asked to spend $5 million (£3,750,000), walked away and sold off his existing Patek watches from Tiffany in protest. 'I don't shop there anymore,' he said. One entrepreneur from the Tri-State area spent over $2 million (£1,500,000), believing the purchase would secure him the watch. Tiffany staff reportedly asked him to keep the amount confidential, since they quoted different spending thresholds to different clients. Eventually, the backlash led Tiffany to make exceptions—allowing some clients to return items valued at over $75,000 (£56,250), which broke company policy, according to sources. While Patek officially framed its boutique closures as part of a 'global consolidation,' insiders claim the Blue Dial controversy played a significant role. Meanwhile, some luxury clients shifted loyalty to rivals like Cartier. According to Euromonitor International, Tiffany's global jewellery market share has dropped by one percentage point since 2022, while Cartier's has increased. In contrast to LVMH's flat watch and jewellery sales, Richemont—owner of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels—reported 14% growth through March 2024. Symbolically, the Blue Dial was meant to close a chapter. The final release of the 5711 model. The beginning of the LVMH era. 'It was my little gift to say congratulations on buying Tiffany,' Stern said in 2021. Tiffany had long served as one of Patek's key U.S. partners. Its dual-stamped dials are highly prized. As hype grew, clients were placed on 'wish lists'—a term deliberately used to avoid saying 'waitlist,' which implied delay and disappointment. When photos of celebrities like Jay-Z, LeBron James, and Leonardo DiCaprio wearing the Blue Dial surfaced in early 2022, frustration deepened among regular clients who had spent millions and still had nothing to show for it. The bundling tactic—requiring jewellery purchases to access the watch—though common in the industry, remains controversial. Watchmakers discourage the practice, and retailers rarely speak of it openly. 'Watchmakers give stores impossible tasks,' said Eric Wind, of Wind Vintage. 'You get three watches a year with hundreds on a list. So it becomes: Who's spending more?' In 2023, a California man sued a jeweller for allegedly pressuring him to purchase $221,000 (£165,750) worth of watches and jewellery to access a specific Patek model, which he never received. In 2024, Hermès faced similar litigation over alleged bundling practices with its Birkin bags—an accusation the brand denies. In April 2022, Tiffany invited top spenders to an exclusive Miami jewellery gala, where staff told guests that spending $2 million (£1,500,000) or more might secure them a Blue Dial. Clients stayed in five-star accommodations, attended lavish dinners, and bought pieces worth millions. Sales exceeded expectations. However, after the event, some clients who had made large purchases were never offered the watch. Others waited months. Frustration spread. Auction prices for the Blue Dial have since dropped—from $6.2 million (£4,650,000) in December 2021 to around $1.2 million (£900,000) in 2024, according to WatchCharts. Patek, known for its craftsmanship, discourages the reselling of its watches. Still, Tiffany reportedly failed to vet some buyers. Watching the resale values tumble became the final disappointment for many. Yet the bundling continues. In December 2024, Charlie Ho, a Boston anaesthesiologist, was told by Tiffany staff that buying jewellery might help him obtain a gold Patek 5396R. Ho declined. 'I've played that game,' he said. Years earlier, Ferrari told him to buy several cars to earn access to a limited-edition model. He bought five—and never got it. 'I don't want to play the game anymore.' ($1 = £0.75)
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Tiffany's $52,000 Patek watch strategy backfires among elite clients
Salespeople were allegedly encouraged to guide top clients toward purchases worth $2 to $3 million. There was no official waitlist and no guarantees. Just whispers, strategy—and frustration. 'Everyone wanted that piece,' said luxury watch consultant Oliver R. Müller. 'With rich people, if you tell them they can't have something, they want it. It's the psychology of billionaires.' The release of the Blue Dial came during the pandemic-era luxury boom. For Tiffany, the timing was ideal. The brand had just entered a new chapter under LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, which acquired it for $16 billion in 2021. The acquisition was the largest in luxury history and aimed to reinvigorate Tiffany, whose sales had stagnated before the deal. But what began as a masterstroke of exclusivity has become a cautionary tale—how mishandled scarcity can tarnish brand prestige. Since the Blue Dial's launch, Patek Philippe has closed three of its four boutiques inside Tiffany locations. Former staff say the fractured relationship with the Swiss watchmaker continues to weigh on store revenue and staff morale. Tiffany's press office declined to comment. Executives Kilaniotis and Anthony Ledru were unavailable for comment. However, LVMH maintains that Tiffany's strategic shift—including upscale store renovations and a focus on high-end Icons collections—is paying off. 'We are seeing continued very good progress on Tiffany's transformation plan,' said LVMH Chief Financial Officer Cécile Cabanis in April. Tiffany remains the biggest contributor to LVMH's watches and jewelry division, which also includes Bulgari and Tag Heuer. Despite that, Bloomberg forecasts the division will post a 1% revenue decline when LVMH reports earnings on July 24. Patek Philippe declined to comment on its Tiffany relationship or the Blue Dial's distribution. In a 2021 interview, Patek President Thierry Stern hinted at potential trouble: 'Tiffany executives may not realize how difficult it's going to be to choose the clients.' The financial logic for Tiffany was clear: If even two-thirds of the watches unlocked $2.5 million each in jewelry sales, the company stood to gain nearly $300 million. Sales staff could reportedly earn six-figure commissions on such deals. But the execution left many clients bitter. Sources claim staff were warned not to put any bundling expectations in writing. Everything was discretionary—and often inconsistent. Some loyal clients spent millions and received nothing in return. Others who did receive the watch grew frustrated when they appeared on the secondary market, often depreciating in value. One client sued Tiffany over a $4 million jewelry purchase tied to a delayed custom necklace, ultimately settling out of court. Sources confirm that the client had purchased the jewelry to access the Blue Dial. Another client, who was asked to spend $5 million, walked away and sold off his existing Patek watches from Tiffany in protest. 'I don't shop there anymore,' he said. One entrepreneur from the Tri-State area spent over $2 million, believing the purchase would secure him the watch. Tiffany staff reportedly asked him to keep the amount confidential, since they quoted different spending thresholds to different clients. Eventually, the backlash led Tiffany to make exceptions—allowing some clients to return items valued at over $75,000, which broke company policy, according to sources. While Patek officially framed its boutique closures as part of a 'global consolidation,' insiders claim the Blue Dial controversy played a significant role. Meanwhile, some luxury clients shifted loyalty to rivals like Cartier. According to Euromonitor International, Tiffany's global jewelry market share has dropped by one percentage point since 2022, while Cartier's has increased. In contrast to LVMH's flat watch and jewelry sales, Richemont—owner of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels—reported 14% growth through March 2024. Symbolically, the Blue Dial was meant to close a chapter. The final release of the 5711 model. The beginning of the LVMH era. 'It was my little gift to say congratulations on buying Tiffany,' Stern said in 2021. Tiffany had long served as one of Patek's key U.S. partners. Its dual-stamped dials are highly prized. As hype grew, clients were placed on 'wish lists'—a term deliberately used to avoid saying 'waitlist,' which implied delay and disappointment. When photos of celebrities like Jay-Z, LeBron James, and Leonardo DiCaprio wearing the Blue Dial surfaced in early 2022, frustration deepened among regular clients who had spent millions and still had nothing to show for it. The bundling tactic—requiring jewelry purchases to access the watch—though common in the industry, remains controversial. Watchmakers discourage the practice, and retailers rarely speak of it openly. 'Watchmakers give stores impossible tasks,' said Eric Wind, of Wind Vintage. 'You get three watches a year with hundreds on a list. So it becomes: Who's spending more?' In 2023, a California man sued a jeweler for allegedly pressuring him to purchase $221,000 worth of watches and jewelry to access a specific Patek model, which he never received. In 2024, Hermès faced similar litigation over alleged bundling practices with its Birkin bags—an accusation the brand denies. In April 2022, Tiffany invited top spenders to an exclusive Miami jewelry gala, where staff told guests that spending $2 million or more might secure them a Blue Dial. Clients stayed in five-star accommodations, attended lavish dinners, and bought pieces worth millions. Sales exceeded expectations. However, after the event, some clients who had made large purchases were never offered the watch. Others waited months. Frustration spread. Auction prices for the Blue Dial have since dropped—from $6.2 million in December 2021 to around $1.2 million in 2024, according to WatchCharts. Patek, known for its craftsmanship, discourages the reselling of its watches. Still, Tiffany reportedly failed to vet some buyers. Watching the resale values tumble became the final disappointment for many. Yet the bundling continues. In December 2024, Charlie Ho, a Boston anesthesiologist, was told by Tiffany staff that buying jewelry might help him obtain a gold Patek 5396R. Ho declined. 'I've played that game,' he said. Years earlier, Ferrari told him to buy several cars to earn access to a limited-edition model. He bought five—and never got it. 'I don't want to play the game anymore.'
