Second coming: Ben Clymer on why he returned to Hodinkee
For the final episode of Season 1, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Ben Clymer, founder and returning president of Hodinkee, the trailblazing platform that reshaped the way the world talks, and shops, for watches. Once hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “the closest thing the watch industry has to a celebrity,” Ben opens up about why he’s back at the helm after a four-year hiatus and what’s next for both Hodinkee and the watch world.From Rolex realities and secondary market inflation to luxury media's evolving role, Ben’s candid insights are a must-listen for anyone interested in horology, branding or building a legacy.Also in this episode:On the Download returns with Benedicte Soteras, unpacking the GLOW Index, DLG’s new metric for tracking how effectively luxury brands leverage newness in China.And Max Peiro of Re-Hub, a DLG (Digital Luxury Group) Company takes us through China's shopping festival fatigue—and how luxury brands must now rethink their calendar playbooks.Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
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Overtaking manoeuvres: Richard Mille’s Peter Harrison on scaling the watch podium
In this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh sit down with Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, to explore how the ultra-luxury watchmaker rocketed from start-up to Swiss powerhouse in just two decades. Peter, who has been with the brand since the early 2000s, offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into the philosophy, partnerships, and precision-engineering that have made Richard Mille one of the world’s most successful watch brands.From selling his first watch to building a network of high-performance ambassadors such as Felipe Massa and Rafael Nadal, to expanding into key growth markets, Peter explains what makes Richard Mille tick—literally and strategically.Also in this episode: DLG’s Benedicte Soteras returns for On the Download, revealing data that shows Richard Mille's online and social momentum is accelerating—especially in fast-growing emerging markets.Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
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Making waves: Explora Journeys president Anna Nash on reimagining luxury ocean travel
In this 10th episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand from MSC Group. Anna shares her journey from land-based luxury at Aman to leading a sea-based brand aiming to revolutionise perceptions of cruising. She discusses her leadership learnings, market insights, and the company's unique approach to redefining modern luxury travel at sea.The conversation touches on:The shift from product-centric to experience-driven luxuryWhy high-net-worth individuals are rethinking cruisingThe power of storytelling and personalisation in luxury travelAlso in this episode:Pablo Mauron returns with insights on the evolving behaviour of Chinese luxury travellers post-COVID.Benedicte Soteras dives into cruise industry search and digital advertising data, revealing which brands are gaining momentum.Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
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Let's go round again: WatchFinder's Arjen van de Vall on pre-owned's bounce
In this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Arjen van de Vall, CEO of Watchfinder & Co., for a deep dive into the fast-evolving pre-owned luxury watch market. They explore how the industry has matured since the pandemic-era boom, how buyer behavior is shifting, and why trust—not timepieces—is the real product Watchfinder sells. Arjen shares insights on market volatility, brand performance, counterfeits, and the company's global expansion strategy.Highlights include:Market correction: Has the post-COVID speculation phase finally settled?Buyer behavior: Why Gen Z and Millennials are embracing pre-owned watchesBrand leaders: How Omega and Cartier are outperforming in the secondary marketAuthentication at scale: Inside Watchfinder’s 60-step process to detect fakesAlso in this episode:On the Download with Benedicte SoterasWatch resale insights from DLG's Sentinel TrackerTop performer: Richard Mille resells at 44% above retailBrought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
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Bumps in the road: Bernstein’s Luca Solca analyses luxury's rough patch
In this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Luca Solca, one of the most respected analysts in the global luxury sector. They explore the current turbulence in the luxury market, from macroeconomic pressures and post-pandemic consumer behavior to creative turnover and digital transformation. Luca offers razor-sharp commentary on everything from Swatch Group’s boardroom drama to China's shifting luxury landscape.Highlight include: The macro view: Is luxury really in crisis, or just correcting after post-COVID exuberance?China's impact: How real estate and consumer confidence are shaping Chinese luxury demand.Luxury’s pricing problem: Have brands pushed price hikes too far?Creative churn: Why soft luxury is facing unprecedented designer turnover.Swatch Group spotlight: A look inside the shareholder drama and what's next for this Swiss giant.Retail recalibration: Why brands are closing smaller stores to focus on flagship experiences.Golden rules of luxury: Growth vs. exclusivity—and why that tension still defines the industry.Also in this episode:DLG Insights: Aude Degrassat discusses Apple’s Vision Pro On the Download with DLG's Benedicte Soteras: Winners: Qeelin, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & ArpelsLosers: Watch brands suffering a 32% YoY drop in ChinaTrend: Extreme polarization in China’s luxury e-commerce performanceBrought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
The Luxury Society Podcast, brought to you by DLG (Digital Luxury Group), brings exclusive insider conversations on the transformation of the luxury industry as it expands its influence across sports, entertainment and culture. Blending data-driven insights, expert analysis and engaging storytelling, it connects executives, visionaries and emerging trends in a dynamic mix of fact, expertise and entertainment.Hosted by Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh.
France