Salon des Grandes Complications returns to Saudi Arabia with two editions; Dubai destroys Dh1.2 billion worth counterfeit goods; Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy surges to 81% in February.

   
 
 

Interviews

 

Exclusive Interview with Koji Naka, Managing Director of CASIO Middle East.

1. In 1983, the legendary G-Shock was first launched to set a new standard as the first unbreakable watch. Can you reflect back on the progress of the G-Shock in the Middle East region and its position nowadays?

G-SHOCK enjoys a big market value and wide following in the Middle East, especially in the young segment of the population. We have successfully connected with the Arab youths by offering them a timepiece that perfectly fits their style, character, and taste. Whether they are into music, arts, and sports, we have wide collections to suit their personality. In fact, we are now known in the regional communities as ‘status and character expression watch.’ Graffiti artists in Saudi Arabia, for instance, only wear G-SHOCK watches, so do hip-hop and R&B artists in the UAE. When it comes to sports, we recently collaborated with Mr. Mohammed Balooshi after we found out that Motocross enthusiasts are G-SHOCK lovers as well. We are aiming high, and our aim is to be part of the lives of the Arab youths wherever they are.  

Moreover, G-SHOCK can withstand the region’s tough weather conditions and environments. It can survive any type of harsh conditions, making it even more popular among discerning Arab customers. 

2. G-Shock is known for its unique structure, functionality, solid material and its unique design. Are the above characteristics still represent the DNA of the brand today?

Absolutely. G-SHOCK is known for its toughness, elegant design, and technology, which are the three key elements that add value to our clientele’s daily experiences. People support trendy, stylish, technology-driven, and durable watches, leading us to develop and design unique models according to their needs, wants, and preferences. We create watches that suit everyone.  

3. Following the 35th Anniversary of the G-Shock celebration in New York back in November 2017, how would you assess the UAE tour celebration?

Our 35th anniversary celebration held in Dubai on February 28, 2018 was a huge success. We were overwhelmed by the turnout. Many Arab loyal fans of G-SHOCK showed up to express their love and support for the brand. We are highly inspired. We hope to duplicate this success in other areas as well. Presently, we are planning to launch similar tour in Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. Apart from commemorating our achievements over the past 35 years, our anniversary event is also an opportunity to interact and engage with our loyal fans – whether they are into arts, sports, music, and other cultural activities. We hope to spread and promote G-SHOCK’s DNA in the region. 

4. Are you launching G-Shock limited edition in the Middle East?

Yes, we are. We aim to deliver G-SHOCK message to as many people as possible and one way to do this is to collaborate with talented people such as artists, musicians, and athletes. Last year, we partnered with key organizations and individuals in the UAE to reach out to our local target market. For instance, we collaborated with Virgin Mega Store to release G-SHOCK limited edition to celebrate the UAE National Day. We are also working with Mr. Balooshi, an Emirati Motocross champion who participated in Dakkar, the toughest motor race in the world. More similar partnerships are now in the pipeline. We are very much open to discussing exciting opportunities with our fans in the region. 

5. How is the G-Shock watch presence and penetration among the young generation in the Middle East region?

The Arab youths love G-SHOCK just like the rest of the world.  Besides the young, those who belong to the age group of 40-50 also prefer our brand. For example, professionals love to wear our MRG series to accessorize their suits as they go to work. Many young people are G-SHOCK supporters but we are still working towards becoming a number 1 brand in this segment. 

6. How many standalone shops for G-Shock you have in the Middle East region and what is your expansion plan for the region.

Currently, we have 20 point of sales across the region but we aim to increase our presence even further. Our target is to build more than 50 points of sales so we can be closer to our customers. As we work towards this target, we are also simultaneously expanding our geographical coverage by building our operations in Egypt and other countries in Maghreb and Levant regions. We tell our customers that we will be neighbors soon, and this is part of our commitment.   
 
 
 

Market News

 

Salon des Grandes Complications returns to Saudi Arabia with two editions

Following the success of the inaugural Salon des Grandes Complications (SDGC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2017, the event returns this year with more international watchmakers participating, in two cities. The exhibition will debut in Jeddah at the Jeddah Hilton Hotel from 9th-12th April and move to Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh from 16th-19th April. 

Salon des Grandes Complications offers an informative and social platform where aficionados from across the Middle East gather, and haute horlogerie is celebrated. 

Revered mechanical masterpieces will be displayed, encompassing the newest innovations, historial savoir-faire and inimitable craftsmanship. Visitors are invited to delve into fine watchmaking and get up close and personal with timepieces that are amongst the best in the world, interacting with watchmakers and designers themselves. 

The event is set to include both celebrated traditional maisons and niche independent companies such as Armand Nicolet, Armin Strom, Blancpain, Breguet, Fabergé, Franck Muller, Girard-Perregaux, Greubel Forsey, Harry Winston, Hysek, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Panerai, Quinting, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin and Zenith with the support of retailers Al Fardan Jewellery, Abdullah Said Binzagr Jewellery & Watches and Platinum Sands.
 

Dubai destroys Dh1.2 billion worth counterfeit goods.

More than 26 million fake goods seized in Dubai in 2017 worth Dh1.19 billion were destroyed by authorities on March 13. The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector of Dubai Economy led the crushing of the counterfeit goods in a special ceremony attended by trademark owners, law firms, and the media. Mohammad Ali Rashid Lootah, CEO of CCCP, was present alongside Ebrahim Behzad, Director of Intellectual Property Rights Management at Dubai Economy. The crushing was done to protect consumers, officials said.
 

Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy surges to 81% in February.

The high influx of winter travellers is keeping Abu Dhabi’s hospitality and leisure industry upbeat, with hotel occupancies soaring in the peak season. The average hotel occupancy rate reached 81 per cent in February, up by 5.1 per cent from a year earlier and the highest for the month in nine years. According to figures shared by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, there has been a huge influx of travellers from Asian countries, especially India and China.
 
 

Company News

 

Audemars Piguet opens its first AP House in Asia.

Audemars Piguet opens their first AP House in Asia. Designed as an authentic home away from home for lovers of the Audemars Piguet brand, the new AP House concept in Hong Kong has been created in collaboration with some of the Manufacture’s valued clients. 
 

Richard Mille boutique opens in Riyadh.

Richard Mille announces the opening of its flagship store in Riyadh. The Boutique is located on Prince Mohamed Bin Abdul Aziz Street (also known as Al Tahlia Street), home to a vibrant urban community and one of the most exclusive luxury retail destinations in Saudi Arabia.
 

ANONIMO remains Official Timekeeper of Leopard Racing.

On the eve of the Grand Prix of Qatar, the traditional opener of the MotoGP World Championship, ANONIMO reconfirms their strong bond with Leopard Racing for the fourth consecutive year. With an enviable portfolio of two world titles (2015 and 2017) in last three seasons, the exclusive brand inspired by Italian roots will be present on the Moto3 bikes which are ready to shine under the lights on the nights of the 16th to 18th March at the Losail International Circuit. 
 

Halda teams up with hypercar manufacturer Rimac.

Halda Watch Co 1887 will design and produce a special edition watch exclusively made for Rimac, producer of the world’s fastest electric hypercar. The new all-electric hypercar, the Rimac C_Two has debuted at this year’s Geneva Car Show and is a true game changer. 1,914 hp create incredible acceleration of 0-60 mph in 1, 85* sec and 0-300 km/h in 11, 8* sec.
 

Ulysse Nardin partners with free diver and photographer Fred Buyle.

Ulysse Nardin announces its partnership with free diver and photographer Fred Buyle. Underwater explorer, Buyle has spent most of the last three decades beneath the surface of the seas capturing images in the watery depths with just a camera, available light and one breath of air.
 

TAG Heuer & Gulf Oil International: A full-colour partnership.

TAG Heuer announces that a global partnership has been signed with Gulf Oil International, which will see the development of new activities and new editions, including the Monaco Gulf which was presented on the occasion of the signing, with the immediately recognisable famous blue and orange stripes. 
 
 

Product Launch

 

TAG Heuer presents the first Aston Martin special edition chronographs.

The Tag Heuer chose the International Geneva Motor Show to unveil the two watches honouring Aston Martin and Aston Martin Racing. These two chronographs showcase the DNA of the British brand. The design of the prestigious TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 is inspired by the geometric shapes specific to Aston Martin's sports cars, and the technical, sporty TAG Heuer Formula 1 adopts Aston Martin Racing's lime essence colour.
 

KERBEDANZ introduces "The world's largest Tourbillon displays ultra-precision".

Maximus by the KERBEDANZ is a jewel of micromechanical perfection. Plus, it has a unique winding system. Maximus houses calibre KRB-08, with its giant central flying tourbillon, boasting a straight-line lever escapement and a 27mm cage diameter. Its energy is produced by 4 parallel barrels built around a central wheel mounted on a ball bearing. The piece boasts a total of 415 components, including 73 comprising the tourbillon cage crafted in titanium, weighing 1.35 grammes.  
 

LANG & HEYNE presents Anton Flying Tourbillon.

Lang & Heyne is now expanding the line with the Anton, its first tourbillon model. The new model comes in a rose gold or platinum case - 40 mm long, 32 mm wide and 9.4 mm thick. Featuring double sapphire crystals, it offers water resistance to 30 metres / 100 feet. Characterized by black Art Deco numerals, blue accents and steel blued or gold hands, matched to a brown or dark blue alligator leather strap with shark leather lining, and a white or rose gold folding clasp.
 

Sicis introduces their newest clock – HIVE.

Sicis Jewels designers wanted to represent in this watch the beauty of the nature and the industriousness of the bees. In the dial, tiny blue tesserae, shape the white gold cells of a beehive. Besides, a flower always in micromosaic, whose petals are modeled with 'jacketed tesserae' in shades of black and white. The case has visible clock movement, and a special decoration with 'customized micromosaic'. The crown is embellished with a cabochon sapphire.
 

A. Lange & Söhne wins “Golden Balance” with the Tourbograph Perpetual “Pour le Mérite”

A.Lange & Söhne wins this year’s vote for the “Golden Balance” has resulted in first prize: In the top category “watches priced over 25,000 euros” the winner was the TOURBOGRAPH PERPETUAL “Pour le Mérite”, launched at SIHH 2017. The fifth masterpiece in A. Lange & Söhne’s “Pour le Mérite” series combines the impressive fusée-and-chain transmission with a tourbillon, a chronograph, a rattrapante function and a perpetual calendar.
 

Audemars Piguet presents Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph.

Audemars Piguet first 2018 timepieces arrive in Middle East - The pink on grey version of the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph for men is 42mm in diameter, with an 18-carat pink gold case perfectly balanced by either a hand-stitched grey alligator or rose gold bracelet and complementary dial. The watch is powered by the natural movements of the wrist.The grey ruthenium-toned dial features the signature Méga Tapisserie pattern, ivory-toned counters.
 

Mother's Day gift ideas from Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. presents Schlumberger® Sixteen Stone ring, Etoile three-row ring and Tiffany Metro ring in platinum and 18 karat gold with diamonds for Mother’s Day gift. 
 

BVLGARI presents Le Gemme Reali

Bulgari presents Le Gemme Reali, the “royal gems”, the new trilogy of Eaux de Parfum for women that enriches its Haute Parfumerie collection, Le Gemme. Transforming precious gemstones into fragrances, Le Gemme seamlessly bond the worlds of High Jewelry and Fragrances, representing the highest expression of Bulgari’s quest for the “Gems of Nature,” sourced from all over the world both as precious stones and as the finest ingredients for its perfumes. 
 
 

Celebrity News

 

Stars shine in BVLGARI at the 90th Annual Academy Awards

BVLGARI celebrates the 90th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 4, 2018 with actress and presenter Zendaya Coleman, Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey, actress and presenter Ashley Judd, stars of nominated film "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" Samara Weaving and Abbie Cornish and Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsey Vonn who wore Bvlgari on this special night.
 

Charlize Theron in Messika at the 'Gringo' premiere in Los Angeles

Charlize Theron shines in Messika Paris at the world premiere of 'Gringo' at the Regal LA Live Stadium 14 in Los Angeles. Charlize chose to pair her outfit with the striking Maya earrings, the Siren Song bracelet and the Madeleine double ring, novelties from the 2018 High Jewelry collection. 
 

Hailey Baldwin shines in BVLGARI’S iconic Serpenti collection.

Model and TV personality Hailey Baldwin wears BVLGARI on stage at the 5th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards held at the Forum in Inglewood. Co-hosting with DJ Khaled, the striking beauty rocked twin Serpenti High Jewelry pieces, a bracelet on one arm and watch on the other, with coordinating Serpenti earrings. 
 
 
 
 

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