Market News

Swiss watch exports increase by 2.8% in September 2014 with 8.2% increase in the Middle East

Swiss watch exports progressed in line with the first eight months of the year, continuing a positive trend and recording a high value. The increase was 2.8% compared to September 2013 to a level of nearly 2 billion francs. Watch exports recorded growth both in value and volume terms. Most price segments registered upturns, with the exception of the 500-3,000 francs range, which saw its value decline by 3.7%. Watches costing less than 500 francs rose by 5.0% in volume terms and 602% by value. Above 3,000 francs, growth by value was up 4.9%. In the Middle East, the Swiss watch exports recorded 8.2% increase in value compared with the same period in 2013. Among the 15 main markets for watch exports, only two recorded a downturn in September.

Antiquorum Auctioneers and Mishal Kanoo hosted two-day exhibition of Modern and Vintage timepieces in Dubai

Antiquorum Auctioneers, the world's premier auctioneers of modern and vintage timepieces, together with Mishal Kanoo, Deputy Chairman of The Kanoo Group, hosted  two-day exhibition on November 1st & 2nd, 2014 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai. The Dubai-based event placed the spotlight on the exceptional Singing Bird Cage Clock and an outstanding Patek Philippe Ref. 2499, Third Series in addition featuring more than 200 exclusive timepieces. Antiquorum will be hosting its ‘Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces’ auction on November 8th & 9th, 2014 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva.

UAE named among most improved business-friendly economies

The UAE has been named one of the top 10 economies in the world for improving the business environment for local companies. The World Bank's Doing Business 2015 report said the UAE had enhanced the administrative efficiency of its land registry, improved access to credit information, and strengthened minority investor protections during the past year. Globally, the report ranked the UAE 22nd, up three places on last year's list, making it the highest placed country in the Middle East for doing business. The World Bank Group report found that amid unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, local entrepreneurs faced challenging circumstances in the past year.

Abu Dhabi International Airport has achieved a 23.9% increase in passenger traffic

Abu Dhabi Airports has reported a 23.9% increase in passenger traffic during the month of September as compared to September 2013. The airport’s passenger statistics showed that 1,696,651 passengers used the airport during the month, growing from 1,369,051 in September 2013. Aircraft movements increased to 13,070 in September 2014, recording 14.9% growth when compared with 11,379 movements logged in September 2013. Cargo activity handling rose to 67,881 tonnes representing a 9.6% increase when compared to 61,913 tonnes in September 2013.

Company News

Audemars Piguet releases Sir Nick Faldo's Defining Moments video

Audemars Piguet launches the sixth video in its series of intimate discussions with its Ambassadors, this time with Sir Nick Faldo. One of the world’s legendary golfers, he shares the turning point in his professional and personal life, when he went on to win his first Major at The Open in 1987, after spending two years perfecting his swing. Audemars Piguet has strong ties with the world of golf, and in particular with Sir Nick Faldo who became the first ever brand ambassador in 1989. The video depicts Sir Nick Faldo’s embodiment of Audemars Piguet’s spirit, “To break the rules, you must first master them”.

Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates its fourth year as major partner of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival

Jaeger-LeCoultre supports the creative ingenuity of filmmakers with its four-year partnership with the 8th Abu Dhabi Film Festival was started on October 23rd to November 1st 2014, Jaeger-LeCoultre was actively involved in all the highlights of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, one of the largest and most influential international film festivals in the Middle East. Jaeger-LeCoultre was honored to welcome Carmen Chaplin, Friend of the Brand, as guest of honour during the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

de GRISOGONO launches its newest creation the “Crazy Skull”

de GRISOGONO unveils its newest creation, the “Crazy Skull” at its newly inaugurated Parisian showroom. In a beautiful Haussmann-style building on Rue Boétie, a 350-square meter flat has entirely been transformed into a luxurious personal salon. The “Crazy Skull” was projected onto the façade of the building. Dressed for the occasion, the warm and cosy setting invited to a bespoke and meaningful de GRISOGONO experience. “Crazy Skull” has up to 45 carats of stones, from the skull to the tongue, some of them cut from raw stones to carve the nose and every single tooth. Its mouth is set with an invisible setting of gleaming white baguette-cut diamonds. When its lower jaw is triggered, “Crazy Skull” sticks out its playful set tongue.

Hublot awards has the “Best Striking Watch”

At Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève 2014, Hublot was awarded the Best Striking Watch with the CLASSIC FUSION CATHEDRAL TOURBILLON MINUTE REPEATER. Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot attended Geneva’s Grand Theatre to receive the award.

Product Launch

Bremont introduces new classic polished chronograph into the ALT1-C collection

Bremont introduces the new ALT1-C/PW classic polished chronograph. As with the rose gold model, this classically designed timepiece is based on the iconic ALT1-C collection. The ALT1-C/PW is Bremont’s first non-limited edition polished steel watch that will form part of the core collection and will only be produced in limited numbers each year. The case is polished and hardened stainless steel Bremont Trip-Tick construction with PVD treated case barrel. Case back is with Stainless Steel with integrated flat crystal. Dial is etched with metal with off-white ground colours and treated steel hands. Strap is in black alligator with stainless steel pin buckle.

Montegrappa presents Fortuna Timepieces

Fortuna timepieces achieve the seemingly impossible task of uniting a sport watch with a dress watch. Every Fortuna wristwatch exhibits the qualities that are embodied in the classicism of the definitive dress watch: clarity, legibility, an absence of clutter. But there is another side to the Fortuna watch’s personality. With the ascent of larger diameters as the definitive preference for the modern connoisseur, Fortuna watches are housed in rugged cases. The Fortuna Chrono Sport states its intent with a decidedly tough look, while the more formal yet equally robust Fortuna Chrono and Fortuna Three Hands – offered in a choice of colours and finishes.

Officine Panerai reveals Radiomir 3 Days GMT Oro Rosso – 47mm

Officine Panerai presents a rare special edition of the Radiomir in red gold. The new Special Edition is a harmonious combination of the deep blue of the dial and the alligator strap with the warm glow of the case made of red gold. The case is polished in red gold with removable wire loop strap attachments. The bezel is polished in red gold. Dial in Blue with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Alligator strap and polished red gold buckle.

Vertu unveils its first handset created in collaboration with Bentley

The ‘Vertu for Bentley’ handset, with its combination of audio performance and curated services, delivers a unique sensory experience. It is the first joint product release from the new five-year partnership, which was announced in July. The ‘Vertu for Bentley’ smartphone is swathed in quilted calf leather, in the classic Bentley shade of Newmarket Tan, and stitched with a diamond pattern.

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