Rolex Increases Prices in UK and US

Welcome to the 69th edition of Maximalist! This ultimate guide is packed with insider insights into the dazzling realms of fashion, art, real estate, travel, jewelry, and horology—giving you all the weekly luxury news ahead of the rest.

Luxury is always evolving, and this week’s edition is no exception. Let’s dive in!

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Markets

On this week’s agenda:

1. Rolex Increases Prices in UK and US

2. Missoni Co-Founder Passes at 93

3. Tag Heuer Replaces Rolex as Official F1 Timekeeper

4. Largest Collection of David Hockney Prints Opens in Palm Springs

Rolex Increases Prices in UK and US

Rolex has implemented price increases across its US and UK markets, effective January 1, 2025. Updates on the Rolex website reveal higher retail prices for several of the brand's iconic watch models.

For the GMT-Master II, the "Pepsi" bezel with a black dial and the newer black and gray ceramic bezel introduced at Watches & Wonders Geneva last year have risen by $100 USD, reflecting an average 0.9% increase. The Oyster bracelet version now costs $10,800 USD, while the Jubilee bracelet option is priced at $11,000 USD.

The Cosmograph Daytona has seen a more significant adjustment. Its steel model with an Oyster bracelet now retails at $15,500 USD, up from $15,100 USD in 2024, a 2.6% increase. In the UK, the same watch now costs £13,600 GBP, marking a 3% rise from its previous price of £13,200 GBP.

For the Oystersteel Submariner with a black dial and bezel (date-less version), prices in the US have increased by 1% to $9,200 USD, while in the UK, it now costs £8,100 GBP, reflecting a smaller 0.62% year-over-year rise.

The Explorer II saw minor adjustments. In the UK, the 42mm Oystersteel model with an Oyster bracelet increased by 0.58%, now priced at £8,550 GBP compared to £8,500 GBP in 2024. In the US, the same model now retails at $9,750 USD, a 1% increase from its previous price.

These updates reflect Rolex's steady price adjustments, maintaining its positioning as a leading luxury watch brand.

Missoni Co-Founder Passes at 93

Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the iconic Italian fashion brand celebrated for its colorful textiles and zigzag patterns, passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on November 20, 1931, in Golasecca, Lombardy, Rosita emerged from a lineage deeply rooted in textile craftsmanship. Her family operated Torrani and Jelmini, a factory established in 1921 specializing in embroidered lingerie and knit accessories. This heritage, combined with her creative curiosity, shaped her contributions to the global fashion industry.

In 1953, Rosita married Ottavio "Tai" Missoni, an Adriatic-born textile artist known for his mastery of color. Together, they founded a small knitwear workshop, Maglificio Jolly, in Gallarate. Their work was part of Italy’s postwar push toward innovative ready-to-wear clothing. Initially limited to three-color stripe designs, their repertoire expanded to include vertical stripes, tartans, jacquard patterns, and, in 1962, the iconic chevron designs inspired by century-old Raschel knitting machines. By the mid-1960s, Missoni had gained international acclaim, with boutiques in Milan, Paris, and New York, and endorsements from influential figures like Anna Piaggi and Diana Vreeland.

The 1970s marked Missoni’s peak, blending art deco influences with a rising demand for handcrafted aesthetics. The brand’s distinctive machine-knit designs resonated with the era’s fascination with eclectic, globally inspired patterns. Rosita's dedication to sustainable practices was evident in her use of fabric scraps for patchwork and rugs. In 1978, the couple’s work was celebrated in a retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.

Rosita and Tai built their life and business in Sumirago, near Golasecca, commissioning a factory and home from architect Enrico Buzzi. Their three children—Luca, Vittorio, and Angela—joined the family business, with Angela succeeding her parents as head of design in 1996. This transition allowed Rosita to focus on the Missoni home line, which showcased her passion for decor and design.

Tai passed away in 2013, shortly after their son Vittorio died in a plane crash. Rosita is survived by her children, including Angela, who has handed over design responsibilities to her daughter, Margherita. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and her brother Alberto.

Rosita Missoni’s legacy is one of innovation, artistry, and enduring dedication to her craft and family.

Tag Heuer Replaces Rolex as Official F1 Timekeeper

TAG Heuer, a luxury watch brand owned by LVMH, has been named the Official Timekeeper for Formula 1 starting in 2025. This new 10-year partnership marks the end of Rolex's tenure in the role, aligning with F1’s 75th-anniversary celebrations.

TAG Heuer has a long history with Formula 1, being the first luxury brand to place its logo on an F1 car in 1969 and the first to sponsor a team in 1971. The brand’s legacy in the sport includes numerous milestones and iconic collaborations.

Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “I am delighted to welcome TAG Heuer as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1... With their focus on innovation, accuracy, and excellence, they are a natural partner.” Antoine Pin, CEO of TAG Heuer, highlighted the alignment of values between the brand and the sport, noting, “In a sport defined by mental resilience, physical strength, strategy, innovation, and performance, it is only natural for TAG Heuer to be at the very heart of Formula 1 as Official Timekeeper.”

TAG Heuer will have a prominent presence on and off the track, including trackside branding, Fan Zone activations, and Paddock Club experiences, reinforcing its commitment to the world of motorsport.

Largest Collection of David Hockney Prints Opens in Palm Springs

“Perspectives Should Be Reversed” runs at the Palm Springs Art Museum through March 31, 2025

A landmark retrospective of David Hockney’s work, titled Perspectives Should Be Reversed, is now on display at the Palm Springs Art Museum until March 31, 2025. The exhibition showcases nearly 200 works spanning the 87-year-old British artist's storied career, including prints, collages, photographs, and digital compositions. Known for his innovative use of technology, Hockney continues to reframe traditional notions of fine art with a vibrant human touch.

Highlights include the titular piece Perspectives Should Be Reversed, a dynamic depiction of friends gathered around a red table, where the scene appears to move toward the viewer. Other standout works feature 25th June 2022, Looking at the Flowers, a colorful digital double-self portrait, and 40-foot-long drawings capturing seasonal shifts in Normandy's countryside. The exhibition also revisits Hockney's early experiments, such as Xerox prints from the 1980s and his pandemic-era iPad drawings.

Collector Jordan Schnitzer, who lent the works for the exhibition, remarked, “Hockney’s exploration of perspective and his ability to create beauty through innovative mediums make him one of the most important artists working today.”

The museum is located at:
Palm Springs Art Museum
101 Museum Drive,
Palm Springs, CA 92262

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