Modern Mining March 2026

PGMs

Platinum watch designs are on the uptick Platinum jewellery fabrication in Europe grew by an estimated 6% in 2025, recording its fifth consecutive year of growth, with the price differential between platinum and gold providing a tailwind. A further boost came from watchmakers, with Swiss watch hallmarking increasing by 28% year-on-year and 3% year-on-year in the second and third quarters, respectively.

Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud selected platinum as its metal of choice for a new watch to celebrate the 75th anniversary.

I ncreasingly, European luxury watch houses have been turning to platinum, and last year saw a plethora of new designs incorporating platinum, which is widely- regarded as the

when it unveiled its new Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller collection. Crafted from 950 platinum, it is offered in two sizes, 36 mm and 40 mm, incorporating a platinum case and bracelet with a dial in ice blue – a colour that Rolex reserves

pre-eminent metal for fine jewellery. In watchmaking, platinum is valued due to its

Platinum jewellery fabrication in Europe grew by an estimated 6% in 2025, recording its fifth consecutive year of growth, with the price differential between platinum and gold providing a tailwind.

for watches made of this prestigious metal.

Chronomètre FB 3SPC.3-4 features a 42 mm platinum case. Seven-year high: Global jewellery demand for platinum increased by 7% year-on-year in 2025 to 2 157 koz, its highest level since 2018, with platinum’s price discount to gold being a key driver. Growth was experienced across most markets, especially China, although the market in India faced weakness as US tariffs negatively impacted demand from platinum jewellery exports. n

purity, density and because it

Meanwhile, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud selected platinum as its metal of choice when launching

does not oxidise. Rolex, Chopard, A. Lange & Söhne, Vacheron Constantin, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, Cartier, and Parmigiani are

a new watch to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi, a renowned watch retailer in the Middle East. Its

among the brands that have recently introduced new platinum watches. Rolex included a platinum watch

March 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  17

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