Market News

Swiss watch exports flat in March

Swiss watch exports were flat year on year at $1.87 billion (CHF 1.65 billion) in March. Wristwatch exports dropped 1.1% to $1.75 billion, while the number of units shipped decreased by 3.8% to 2.1 million. The value of other products grew by 19% to $45.7 million. Exports to the United Arab Emirates rose 1.4% to $99.9 million. During the first quarter of 2014, total Swiss watch exports rose by 4.5% to $5.61 billion, providing a good start to the year for Swiss watchmakers. The number of wristwatch units sold rose 1.5% to 6.4 million units.

Abu Dhabi International Airport passenger traffic increase up to 15.1% in Q1 2014

Abu Dhabi Airports has reported a 15.1% increase in passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2014 at Abu Dhabi International Airport, as compared to Q1 2013.  The airport’s passenger statistics showed that in the first quarter of 2014, a total of 4,560,169 passengers used Abu Dhabi International Airport, a 15.1% increase over Q1 2013. Aircraft movements rose to 35,844 in Q1 2014, representing 11.8% growth compared with 32,062 movements logged in Q1 2013. The month of March 2014 has seen in parallel a 15.2% increase in passenger numbers compared to March 2013.

Oman GDP grows by 2.8% in 2013

Oman's gross domestic product (GDP) based on a market price which takes into account taxes and subsidies rose by an annual by 2.8 per cent at the end of 2013, according to the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Total GDP amounted to RO30.63bn at the end of 2013, compared with RO29.8bn at the end of 2012. Based on producer prices, the sultanate's GDP grew by 3.4 per cent over the same period, to RO31.84bn at the end of last year from RO30.8bn at the end of 2012.

UAE hotels occupancy increase 84% in March

Hotels in the UAE saw occupancy rise 1.1 per cent to 84 per cent during March, compared to the corresponding period a year ago. However, visitors payed slightly lower room rates, according to STR Global, a provider of hotel data. The average daily rate (ADR) in the country touched Dh871.91, down 0.2 per cent, while revenue per available room (RevPAR -a benchmark for performance) stood at Dh732.67. The UAE has 120 hotels in the pipeline with 34,671 rooms, according to the STR Global Construction Pipeline Report for March.

Jaguar Land Rover sales increased by 36 percent

Jaguar Land Rover has announced that its sales in the Middle East and North Africa rose by 36 percent in the fiscal year which ended in April. The company said it achieved an all time sales record in March as MENA became its third fastest growing region in the world and its fifth largest market. "The results are a continuation of the manufacturer's year on year record breaking sales performance, with growth exceeding that of the overall premium passenger and SUV segments in the region," the company said in a statement. Led by the flagship Jaguar XJ, the luxury brand delivered its highest ever monthly sales recorded in March, up 40 percent compared to March 2013.

Trafalgar Kuwait presents ARAB WOMAN AWARDS 2014

The Arab Woman Awards Kuwait 2014 was announced on Tuesday April 29 2014 at press conference held at an exclusive by-invitation only red carpet event at the Sheraton Kuwait Hotel & Towers and was presented by leading Kuwaiti organisation - the Trafalgar Company . The glamorous high-profile event was attended by the winners and their families, VIP members of society as well as media and film personalities including; Egyptian actress Dalia El Beheri and Egyptian TV personality Mohammed Al Hakim. The 2014 Kuwait award winners include H.E Sheikha Shaikha Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah who was awarded the Inspirational Woman of the Year accolade in recognition of her humanitarian work for charity organizations. The Arab Woman Awards was presented by the Trafalgar Company and supported by luxury brands including Chopard, de Grisogono and Aigner among other partners. The overarching aim of the Arab Woman Awards is to highlight and recognise the outstanding contribution by women.

Company News

Montblanc presents Black & White Week in Dubai

Montblanc’s Black & White Week event took place in Dubai recently. Held at the Rira Gallery in DIFC and hosted by Jérôme Lambert, CEO of Montblanc International, the stylish event was attended by VIP guests, Montblanc collectors and friends of the brand to celebrate the 90th year since the iconic Meisterstück was created. 

CHARRIOL inaugurates pop-up store in Paris

CHARRIOL Geneva has initiated a new "Friends of the Brand" collaboration, starting with French fashion designer Nathalie Garçon. CHARRIOL recently inaugurated pop-up store in Paris inside the Nathalie Garçon boutique in the trendy 2nd district, where CHARRIOL watches, jewellery and perfumes for ladies and gents, including the iconic St. Tropez and Celtic collections, will be distributed and sold until the summer. The boutique is situated inside the beautiful Vivienne Galérie.

Misahara makes its debut in the UAE

Misahara announced the launch of its brand in the MENA region, with Dubai as its first stop which was held at AtelierM in the Dubai Marina Mall. The Nation’s glitterati rubbed shoulders with the VIP’s and media to welcome the brand to the UAE. The event iterated the cohesion of Misahara’s brand values that embrace and espouse UAE cultural norms and diversity.

Product Launch

Eberhard & Co. presents Gabriele D’Annunzio

Eberhard & Co. pays tribute to the author from Pescara with a brand new interpretation of the Extra-fort model, produced in an edition that is limited to just 150 pieces, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of D’Annunzio’s birth. An automatic chronograph with steel case and a face that reflects the great personality of the man to whom it is dedicated: black with white contrasts, personalised with the author’s signature, the 150th anniversary date and the famous motto “Ardisco non ordisco” - in a Liberty style font. D’Annunzio’s signature is also etched on the back; this special Extra-fort is available with a crocodile strap or “Chalin” steel bracelet.

Carl F. Bucherer presents Patravi ScubaTec. Watch

Carl F. Bucherer presents the newest member of the Patravi family: the distinctive Patravi ScubaTec diver’s watch. The bezel of the Patravi ScubaTec can only be rotated counterclockwise, so that the diver’s safety is guaranteed in the event of any accidental manipulation. The hands and markers are coated with super luminova material that glows light blue in the dark. The glowing blue markers, the marking on the first quarter of the bezel, and the notch of the same color on the crown are symbolic of the sea. The two manta rays are depicted in relief with a 3D effect. The unique combination of steel and two ceramic colors on the bezel is set against a background in a sporty ceramic blue shade that has been exclusively created for Carl F. Bucherer.

Perrelet unveils TURBINE XL VEGAS collection

Perrelet presents TURBINE XL VEGAS collection; Perrelet brings three new Turbine timepieces to life in XL 48 mm-diameter versions: Turbine XL Poker; Turbine XL Playing with Fire; Turbine XL Roulette. The Turbine XL Poker reveals when the titanium turbine spins at full speed and turn by turn displays a fan of cards decorating the under-dial: a pair of sevens and two Royal Flushes, one spades and one hearts. Gold ignites the under-dial of the Turbine XL Playing with Fire. According to the speed of the turbine’s rotation, the gold shines, erupting in glowing splendour between the blades. The Turbine XL Roulette is dedicated to the queen of gaming saloons. The red and black divisions of the famous “wheel of fortune” compose an original motif. All the watches in the Turbine XL Vegas collection feature black PVD-coated steel cases and are fitted with black rubber straps.

Emporio Armani launches an exclusive timepiece for UAE

To celebrate 20 years of business in the United Arab Emirates, Emporio Armani Watches launches a special edition timepiece. This collector's item, of which only 300 individually numbered pieces have been produced, features a rubber strap and a bespoke dial inspired by the UAE national flag. The serial number is engraved on the back of each case, while the quartz chronograph movement ensures impeccable performance. The limited edition of 300 pieces will be available in the Emporio Armani store at Mall of the Emirates from October 2014.

Exhibitions & Events

Vacheron Constantin inaugurates the photographic exhibition

Vacheron Constantin recently inaugurated the photographic exhibition “TRANSMETTRE. Percorsi di sapere”, fourth edition’s first event of European Artistic Crafts Days, with the participation of Sandrina Bandera, Superintendent and Director of Pinacoteca di Brera, Franco Cologni, President of the Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte and Tiziana and Gianni Baldizzone, the two photographers. For the fourth consecutive year, Vacheron Constantin is renewing its support for the European Artistic Crafts Days. The exhibition showcased 80 pictures.

Sotheby's Geneva to start the sale of Important Watches

Sotheby’s Geneva announces sale of Important Watches on the 14th of May 2014, Sotheby’s Geneva has gathered a selection of more than 300 timepieces, which demonstrate the central tenets of the art of fine watchmaking and the values which are at the heart of its success. This spring’s event brings together a selection spanning two centuries: led by a beautiful group of automatons and music boxes.

36th MidEast Watch & Jewellery exhibition was at Expo Centre Sharjah

The 36th MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show started from April 29 to May 3 at Expo Centre Sharjah. The five-day MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show was opened by Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Sea Ports and Customs. The opening ceremony was attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah; government officials, dignitaries and industry representatives. From latest trends and superior creations to customised jewellery and designer works, the most popular jewellery show of its kind in the region showcased designs that tell a story, express an emotion, create a mood or capture a moment.

Pair of Natural Pearls auctioned for a record $3.3 Million

On April 28, 2014, Doyle New York auctioned a pair of rare natural pearls for $3,301,000 a world auction record for a pair of natural pearls. They were purchased by an anonymous telephone bidder. The staggering price far surpassed the prior world record for a pair of natural pearls set last year.

Celebrity News

Kate Upton wears CHANEL jewelry for the Premiere of "The Other Woman" at Los Angeles

Kate Upton recently wore "Soleil" earrings in white gold, yellow and white diamonds, an "Anneaux Célestes" necklace and "Plume" rings in white gold and diamonds and an "Eventail" cuff in white gold, black and white diamonds by CHANEL Fine Jewelry for Premiere of "The Other Woman" at Los Angeles.

Leigh Lezark wears Fabergé jewellery at the Fabergé Big Egg Hunt Auction at Sotheby’s in New York

Leigh Lezark wore recently the Fabergé Devotion Aquamarine ring featuring an oval santa maria blue aquamarine and round white diamonds set in platinum and the Charmeuse de Jour ring featuring round and rose-cut white diamonds and moonstones set in gold and sterling silver.

Be constantly updated on the latest Watch & Jewellery Business markets of the Middle East, as well as information on competitors, promotions, product trends, industry analyses, appointments, new product introductions & developments and market research.

Our weekly 'Arabian Watches & Jewellery Business Newsletter Broadcast' is distributed to over 22,000+ industry executives, Watch & Jewellery manufacturers and distributors, retailers, investors and media consultants globally.

Unsubscribe / Submission of News / Open Forum / Obtaining our news distribution / Confidentiality Important Copyright Notice / Disclaimer

Developed by We Do Web