Now that we’re back from SIHH, normal service is resumed. Here’s your round-up of the week’s watch news, starting with the most enticing corporate rumour we’ve heard in a long time
By Chris Hall

The rumour: Could Patek Philippe be sold"

According to a story on Bloomberg.com last week, rumours in the industry that Patek Philippe could be for sale have intensified. Right now this is nothing more than a rumour, fuelled by speculation from analysts at Berenberg, the German investment bank, who themselves were only following what they cited as “industry sources” talking during SIHH. But it has led to some interesting conversations: what could a Patek sale look like" How much is it worth" And of course – who would buy it" The common consensus is that the Stern family, who have owned Patek Philippe since 1932, would not sell to a private equity fund or similarly short-term investor. Valuations for Patek Philippe vary – Berenberg’s analysts placed it at $8bn-$10bn, while others have suggested it could be closer to twice as much. The list of companies that could afford it is short: the Swatch Group and Richemont would probably struggle, and in any case would be unlikely to acquire a direct rival to Breguet and Vacheron Constantin or A. Lange & Sohne. Kering is possible but unlikely, and some have suggested Hermes, Chanel or even Apple could make a bid. But the most convincing candidate is the LVMH group ...