Pequignet’s newest Concorde is as wearable as a watch can get.

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“Wearable” is an adjective that we throw around a lot. It might not have a codified definition, but it represents a combination of comfort, functionality and versatility.

As silly as it sounds, the easiest way to think about it is that the more wearable a watch is, the more you want to wear it.

For example, the Concorde Titanium from Pequigent maximizes wearability through its size, weight and appearance. The 36mm case, integrated solid-link bracelet and dial plate are all made from titanium, creating a refined, uniform appearance and minimal impact on the wrist.

The Concorde is one of the French watchmaker‘s marquee designs, but it has previously only been produced in steel. It is a smoothed-off take on a 1970s-style integrated sports watch, with a cushion case and rounded bezel.

Because of its shape, the 36mm case size leaves a slightly larger visual impression on the wrist, but being made primarily of Grade 5 titanium, it weighs only 84 grams.

The Concorde Titanium represents the prevailing trend in watchmaking toward smaller cases that are more comfortable and practical for daily wear, and doubles down by cutting weight as well.

Full Metal Jacket

Brushed and blasted metallic surfaces are emblematic of integrated sports watches. Pequignet went all-in with a full metal jacket for the Condorde Titanium, which could come off as brutalist, but feels refined here.

Contrasting the matte sandblasted case and bracelet with the slightly radiant vertically brushed dial creates visual depth within the 9.25mm-thick case.

The minimalist dial, more Bauhaus than Genta, features only black baton hour markers, a printed minute track and the brand name. The blackened steel hands conform to the rounded-off motif, with the hour and minute hands being partly skeletonized and partly filled with Super-LumiNova.

A cog-shaped crown, signed with the brand’s fleur-de-lis logo, is the only sign of the industrial aesthetic tied to integrated sports watches. Even the tank tread-style bracelet, with Lego-shaped solid links, appears soft with beveled edges.

Keeping it in-house

Pequignet was founded in 1973 by Emile Pequignet in Morteau, France, just over the border from Switzerland. After hitting hard times in the 1990s, the small operation rebooted by vertically integrating its production and released its first in-house movement in 2011.

Since its introduction in 2023, the Concorde collection has been powered by the in-house caliber Initial, which has a 65-hour power reserve. The caliber Initial, including a signed decorative rotor, is visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition caseback.

This movement has a patented jumping date complication, but the new titanium reference scrubbed the date window. While knowing your watch has a ghost complication is annoying, the enhanced minimalist aesthetic is a net-positive.

Pequignet named this collection after the Place de la Concorde in Paris, which has an Egyptian obelisk, brought to the city by Napoleon, as its centerpiece. The small obelisks on the bracelet links and crown teeth are a nod to the imperial tourist attraction.

Although small, Pequignet is a proudly French brand that has produced an integrated sports watch that can stand toe-to-toe with the Swiss brands dominating the genre. Even though it doesn’t offer much of a discount, it is ridiculously wearable.

Availability and pricing

The Pequignet Concorde Titanium is available now from Pequignet for €4,800 (~$5,540).

It is worth noting that previous Concorde references have been offered in 42mm and 36mm, conventionally accommodating men and women, respectively, but this titanium upgrade only comes in 36mm. Clearly, Pequignet can read the writing on the wall.

Pequignet Concorde Titanium

Specs

After vowing to retract DEI efforts, Skydance Media received the green light to merge with Paramount.

In February 2025, Paramount joined a list of companies that decided to scale back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the company stated that it was going to align with President Donald Trump’s executive orders, which centered on ending “illegal DEI” to preserve “civil rights and merit-based opportunity.” Actionable items included removing DEI-related factors, such as consideration in federal hiring, promotions, and performance reviews.

Paramount decided to eliminate race, ethnicity, sex, and gender as criteria for numerical goals, as well as policies requiring the collection of demographic data from U.S.-based job applications, unless legally mandated. Additionally, it took away DEI as a qualitative metric in its Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP). This accounted for 5% of the funding tied to representation goals. The company is instead allocating 10% of its STIP to support an inclusion and performance metric.

“With our business objectives firmly in mind, we will continue to evaluate our programs and approach to ensure that we are widening our aperture to attract talent from all geographies, backgrounds, and perspectives,” Paramount said in a press release shared with AFROTECH™ at the time. “That may mean expanding existing programs while ending others. As our policies continue to evolve in the future, we will be sure to share those updates with you.”

It added, “To be the best storytellers and to continue to drive success, we must have a highly talented, dedicated, and creative workforce that reflects the perspectives and experiences of our many different audiences. Values like inclusivity and collaboration are a part of the Paramount culture and will continue to be.”

Skydance Media Seeking To Merge With Paramount

Paramount’s stance also came amid a looming merger with Skydance Media that was awaiting approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). David Ellison, founder of Skydance Media, has affirmed that DEI programs at Paramount Global will remain a part of the past. In a letter from July 22, Skydance Media doubled down even further on this sentiment.

“Paramount no longer will maintain an Office of Global Inclusion and will not have any teams or individual roles focused on DEI,” Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon, Skydance Media general counsel, wrote in a three-page letter to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Furthermore, McKinnon added that Paramount will eliminate “references to DEI in its public messaging, including on its websites and social media,” as well as remove DEI language in “internal messaging and training materials.”

Additionally in the letter, Skydance Media stated it will assess “complaints of bias or other concerns” in regards to CBS, a subsidiary of Paramount, to uphold “viewpoint diversity,” Variety reports.

“To promote transparency and increased accountability, Skydance also will commit, for a period of at least two years, to have in place an ombudsman who reports to the President of New Paramount, who will receive and evaluate any complaints of bias or other concerns involving CBS,” McKinnon wrote, per Variety. “New Paramount’s executive leadership will carefully consider any such complaints in overseeing CBS’s news programming.”

FCC Approves Merger

On July 24, the FCC approved Skydance Media’s merger with Paramount, mentions NBC News. The deal is valued at $8 billion.

“Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly. It is time for a change,” Carr said in a news release, per the outlet. “That is why I welcome Skydance’s commitment to make significant changes at the once storied CBS broadcast network. In particular, Skydance has made written commitments to ensure that the new company’s programming embodies a diversity of viewpoints from across the political and ideological spectrum. Today’s decision also marks another step forward in the FCC’s efforts to eliminate invidious forms of DEI discrimination.”

Acquisition adds performance tracking and race management solutions

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) has acquired MYLAPS, a leading Dutch provider of integrated timing, live tracking and performance analysis tools that helps create the ultimate sports experience for millions of athletes and spectators. With operations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, MYLAPS supports elite brands and race management companies around the world with easy-to-use data-driven technology solutions for running, cycling, motor sports and equine competitions.

“We are excited to bring MYLAPS and their trusted timing technologies into the Garmin family and believe the combination will transform the competitive experience for our passionate customers. Together, we look forward to setting a new standard for performance-focused training and race-day technology.”
–Brad Trenkle, Garmin Co-Chief Operating Officer

“Since 1982, MYLAPS has been a global leader in sports technology, inventing automatic sports timing and revolutionizing how athletes, racers and events measure performance. We are excited to team up with Garmin to bring unparalleled training, timing and event management solutions to its extensive global community of performance-minded customers.” 
–Camiel Slaats, MYLAPS Managing Director

MYLAPS is headquartered in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and globally employs more than 200 full-time associates. Financial terms will not be disclosed.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the aviation, automotive, fitness, marine and outdoor markets. Dedicated to helping people make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog. 

About Garmin 
Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2025 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Krista Klaus
Garmin International, Inc.
913-397-8200
[email protected]

SOURCE Garmin Ltd.

The connected fitness brand tightens platform security following third-party interference, introduces new Authorized Partnership Program

Echelon Fitness is rolling out new firmware-level security measures across its equipment line, including jailbreak detection technology aimed at preventing unauthorized app usage and protecting both its users and intellectual property.

The move comes after the company identified an external application—developed by a third party in Italy—that bypasses Echelon’s system architecture to connect with its machines. According to Echelon, the app enables users to link their equipment to an unofficial platform for a fee, raising concerns over device integrity, user safety and licensing violations.

In response, Echelon is actively exploring legal action under the DMCA and warns that continued use of unauthorized third-party apps will void product warranties. The company says its newly implemented detection system will identify compromised devices and restrict certain features to prevent further misuse.

“To protect our innovation and the safety of our users, we’re reinforcing our ecosystem against exploitation,” said Echelon Founder and CEO Lou Lentine. “This isn’t just about code—it’s about ensuring that connected fitness evolves with integrity.”

At the same time, Echelon is introducing an Authorized Partnership Program for developers and brands interested in integrating with its fitness hardware through secure, approved channels. Participants will gain access to official APIs and technical support to build within the Echelon ecosystem without compromising security or violating IP rights.

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The company says its focus remains on providing flexible user experiences. Core functionality through “Freestyle Mode” remains free, while premium subscription plans offer access to Echelon’s extensive on-demand workout content, scenic rides and gamified training environments.

After revealing plans last month to split the company into two publicly traded entities, Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the corporate names and senior leadership appointments for both of the newly formed companies. Under the new structure, Luis Silberwasser will remain Chairman and CEO of TNT Sports in U.S., which will fall under the “Discovery Global” banner that also includes Bleacher Report (B/R).

When the company separates in mid-2026, “Streaming & Studios” — which will be home to Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios, as well as their film and television libraries — will be called Warner Bros., while “Global Networks” — which will include CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., Discovery, and free-to-air channels across Europe as well as digital products such as the Discovery+ streaming service and Bleacher Report (B/R) — will be called Discovery Global. The properties of Discovery Global deliver content to 1.1 billion unique viewers in 68 local languages across 200 countries and territories.

The leadership team at Warner Bros. includes David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, who will serve as President and CEO, as well as:

• Pam Abdy, Co-Chair and CEO Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
• Priya Aiyar, Chief Legal Officer
• Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max
• Bruce Campbell, Chief Operating Officer
• Mike De Luca, Co-Chair & CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
• Channing Dungey, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. TV Group
• Robert Gibbs, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer
• James Gunn, Co-Chairman and CEO, DC Studios
• Lori Locke, Chief Accounting Officer (reporting to the Chief Financial Officer)
• JB Perrette, CEO & President of Streaming and Games
• Peter Safran, Co-Chairman and CEO, DC Studios
• Avi Saxena, Chief Technology Officer (reporting to Perrette)

“We will proudly continue the more than century-long legacy of Warner Bros. through our commitment to bringing culture-defining stories, characters and entertainment to audiences around the world,” says Zaslav. “Over the past several years, we have made important strides across the business, launching and investing in a profitable, global streaming service and reinvigorating our studios to return them again to an industry leading position. With our unmatched portfolio of storytelling IP coupled with our incredible creative partners, and now an executive team of proven, bold, and committed creative and corporate leaders, we are in a strong position to launch and continue to meaningfully grow a company worthy of our storied past.”

The leadership team at Discovery Global includes Gunnar Wiedenfels, CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, who will serve as President and CEO, as well as:

• David Duvall, Chief Technology Officer
• Amy Girdwood, Chief People & Culture Officer
• Ryan Gould, President, US Ad Sales GTM (reporting to Zeiler)
• Anil Jhingan, Chief Development Officer
• Kasia Kieli, President and MD, Poland and CEO, TVN
• Fernando Medin, President, International
• Scott Miller, President, Distribution (reporting to Zeiler)
• Fulvia Nicoli, Executive Vice President, Content Strategy & Insights (reporting to Zeiler)
• Brian Rauch, Chief Accounting Officer (reporting to Woodford)
• Luis Silberwasser, Chairman and CEO, TNT Sports
• Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO, CNN Worldwide
• Sue Underwald, Chief Legal Officer
• Bobby Voltaggio, President, US Ad Sales Platform Monetization (reporting to Zeiler)
• Fraser Woodford, Chief Financial Officer
• Gerhard Zeiler, President, US, UK & Germany, Discovery+ and Chief Content Officer

Wiedenfels comments: “As we prepare for the launch of Discovery Global, our enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead only grows thanks to our leading portfolio of beloved brands and programming, our worldwide footprint for adults, kids, and families, and now the experienced and talented leadership team who will ensure strong operational execution to drive strategic investments and deliver compelling content to global audiences.”

Warner Bros. has begun searches for both the Chief Financial Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer roles, while Discovery Global is looking to hire a Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer.