Interviews

Graham’s grand designs

Luxury watchmaker Graham’s CEO Eric Loth aims to maintain the brand’s exclusivity and uniqueness by sticking to the policy of limited editions and a limited amount of boutiques worldwide. “Graham remains a specific and niche brand and will not increase its production capacity to feed boutiques around the world,” says chief executive.

For the exclusive collectors, Graham will also present a skilled flying tourbillon displayed with a beautifully hand-painted moon retrograde in limited edition only at Basel World 2012. Firm on long-lasting and qualitative relations with local distributors and retail partners, Loth shares his thoughts and visions with prestigious Arabian Watches and Jewellery magazine. Below are excerpts from the interview:

- How important is the Gulf region in particular and the Middle East in general for Graham watches?

Graham has successfully developed its presence in Middle East since 2000, beginning in the UAE with Seddiqi family and then in Qatar and Saudi Arabia with Ali bin Ali family. I mention these two families because they were among our very first business partners in the world and still are among our most important partners.

- What is the profile of Graham buyers in the Middle East compared to other regions?

We have identified that a majority of our customers in Middle East are local people, followed by the European tourists. Our buyers in most case are wealthy and courageous men who have entrepreneurs mind. In most cases, our buyers like the appearance and look of our watches, but also their technical features and uniqueness. Middle East buyers behave similar to those in UK, Italy and France. However with different choice within the colours proposed, green has the priority on our racing timepieces.

- Is Graham considering establishing exclusive boutiques in the region?

For the time being, Graham remains a specific and niche brand and will not increase its production capacity to feed boutiques around the world. It is in our long-term plan to develop a limited amount of boutiques around the world in conjunction with its local partners, but we shall not start such implementation before 2014.

- Graham is a high-end premium watch manufacturer, while football and rugby are considered sports for the common people. How do you make the connection with your brand? What marketing objective does this sponsorship serve?

If you think that Rugby is a sport for common people, so please pay a visit to all major universities in UK to see that most of upcoming decision makers are educated there. Whatever their origin may be, they are playing rugby to learn about team-play, strength, courage, resilience and fair play. All kind of values are endorsed by Graham. This is the reason Graham invested in the Six Nations rugby tournament as the official Timekeeper (each of the referees wearing a Graham to time this prestigious tournament). The football comes to another approach, as Graham only sponsors Al Ali team from Dubai. I would challenge you here again, inviting you to a game to see that all the people seating in the premium lounges are of the highest reputation and importance. Football is a new source of interest in Middle East for many wealthy men. Most probably, this is due to the future world championship that will be held in Qatar in 2022.

- What will Graham showcase during the Basel World 2012 through your independent participation?

Graham is independent and, as you mentioned, participates within its proper location near to the fair. Also, this clear independence drives Graham to a greater flexibility and innovativeness than its global competitors. Graham will present a new Chronofighter version, the fourth in its history, but also a revolutionary diver’s concept, fully functional until 2,000 feet and several reengineered products in Chronofighter Oversize and Silverstone lines. For our exclusive collectors, Graham will also present a skilled flying tourbillon displayed with a beautifully hand-painted moon retrograde in limited edition only.  

- What are the foresee trends and directions with watches in 2012?

We have identified a clear trend toward values, replacing progressively the older trends dedicated to show off and Bing bling. World buyers of luxury goods, and more especially of luxury watches, are becoming increasingly attracted by the product values (for the money spent) and everlasting classicism within brand’s DNA. There is also a preference from today’s buyers for clear brand values and genuine brand’s history. There, Graham is taking a new leadership in the market with its valuable novelties and its unique history that began in 1695 with the election of George Graham as a freeman of the worshipful clockmakers’ company in London.

- When would we expect the Basel novelties to be available in the Middle East?

As Middle East is one of our five strategic territories, we will place our novelties in the market from May 2012.

- Which of your watch models are most popular here?

We have actually two leading models sold in Middle East. One is the Chronofighter GMT green and the other one is the Silverstone GMT Flyback blue and yellow. Both display a sophisticated chronograph movement, with double disc big date and second time zone GMT.

- What are the challenges in the current global circumstances?

We love challenges at Graham. We are facing an increased competition from the larger groups and their strong distribution power in most markets. Chinese customers are the best buyers but do not easily buy Chronographs for the time being, only naming two of our today’s challenges. However, we have answers for both challenges by maintaining a long lasting and qualitative relation with our local distribution and retail partners and to move our products faster than others in the right direction.

Market Report

Chopard as main sponsor of the Kuwait Concours D’Elegance

The 3^rd Edition of the Kuwait Concours D’Elegance competition was launched on the 15 February 2012 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al Ahmed Al Sabah and with sponsorship of Chopard. The event is regarded as one of the greatest competition for classical cars worldwide and is unique not only in the Gulf region but across the Middle East. The four-day competition closed on 18 February 2012. During the Concours D’Elegance, Chopard displayed two very prestigious models of watches at the Concours D’Elegance. These included the L.U.C Engine One tourbillion and the Mille Miglia Racing in Pink for the feminine car fans. Chopard offered the trophies for the winners at Concours d’Elegance, an automobile competition that judges the designs and styles of the participating elegant, sumptuous classic cars.

Market News

Swatch Group to expand its Swiss headquarters

The Swatch Group has recently announced that it will begin a large-scale expansion and renovation of its main campus, erecting new buildings for the Swatch and Omega brands and redesigning existing buildings on Rue Jakob Stampfli. According to Swatch Group, plans call for a new central structure along the Gottstattstrasse that will be elevated on pillars and will house functional areas for Swatch and Omega, as well as serving as a meeting area for visitors and pedestrians and housing museum space for Swatch, Omega and Swatchmobile. Situated between this new building and the existing Omega buildings will be a visitors’ entrance called “Omega Plaza”. It is anticipated that the buildings will be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2015.

Cartier to enchant the world again with a cinematic work of art

Today, 4 March 2012, Cartier will unveil “The Odyssey”, a film of 3’30 that was two years in the making with a team of fifty talented people from around the world, including directors, set designers and musicians, all working with the same passion that inspires Cartier’s artisans. “The Odyssey” expresses the vital energy of a sovereign Maison. This film, which recounts an ongoing legend suffused with over 160 years of history, is the epic story of the King of Jewellers moved by its passion for creation and for interacting with the world’s cultures. The heroine of this short film is the panther, the icon of Cartier since 1914. The emblematic creature goes on an imaginary voyage, between dream and reality, leaving its mark on the continents that have enriched Cartier style. Through this film, Cartier offers a unique moment of escape, inspired by the desire of enchant, to share its passion and to communicate its values.

Sotheby's Geneva to auction the "Beau Sancy"

Sotheby's Geneva has announced that its sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels on 15 May 2012 will be led by the Beau Sancy, one of the most important historic diamonds ever to come to auction. Passed down through the Royal Families of France, England, Prussia and the House of Orange, the celebrated diamond has been the privileged witness of 400 years of European history. Weighing 34.98 carats, the modified pear double rose cut diamond comes to the market with an estimate of $2-4 million. Commenting on the forthcoming sale of the Beau Sancy, David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Department in Europe and the Middle East and Co-Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland said: “The Beau Sancy is one of the most fascinating and romantic gems ever to appear at auction and it is an immense privilege for Sotheby’s to handle the sale”.

BOVET 5th Hollywood Domino

On 23 February 2012, the fifth annual Hollywood Domino gala presented by BOVET 1822 was held in the legendary Sunset Tower Hotel, Los Angeles. The 300 guests present, mostly from the movie world, took part in a game of “Hollywood Domino” benefiting “Artists for Peace and Justice”, an organization founded by Paul Haggis and which funds and coordinates a broad-ranging programme of education, health and dignity, which is currently focusing on the children of Haiti. In the end, it was actor Jon Hamm (Mad Men) who proved himself equally talented at a game table as on a film set, winning both the round and the Cambiano Chronograph donated by BOVET 1822. The timepiece was personally presented to him by Pascal Raffy, owner of BOVET 1822 and of Manufactures DIMIER 1738.

Company News

CEO OF Vacheron Constantin appointed as a “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”

During the preview of the “Masques a Demasquer” exhibition, held on February 21^st at the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva, the French Ambassador to Switzerland, in the name of the French Minister of Culture and Communication, appointed Juan Carlos Torres, CEO of the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin, a “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). This distinction was awarded to a man who for years has committed himself, both on a personal level as well as on behalf of the company he leads, to promoting the world of arts and culture that represents the very foundations of knowledge and therefore the source of true progress.

Montblanc Oscars Brunch

Montblanc hosted a special brunch on the day before the Oscars at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air.  VIP guests and personalities from the world of entertainment were invited to view pieces from the Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco. It was a final chance for special celebrity guests to choose a unique piece to wear on the red carpet at the Oscars, and for Hollywood to celebrate the style and majesty of the 20th century’s most revered leading lady: Grace Kelly. HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene made a special appearance at the brunch to the delight of other guests. For the first time, Montblanc showcased the complete Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco, a tribute to the timeless iconic elegance of Princess Grace of Monaco.

Maurice Lacroix announces new brand ambassador

Maurice Lacroix is pleased to announce that Henrik Fisker is the new Ambassador of the brand. Henrik Fisker is the Founder of Fisker Automotive and designer of some of the world’s most iconic sports cars. Henrik always believed that high performance could be eco-friendly too and created his Electric Vehicle extended range (Ever) luxury car, the “Karma”. With this development, Henrik added a new chapter to the history of the automobile. At Maurice Lacroix, we share his innovative spirit, creating our unique Swiss movements and award-winning designs by hand said Henrik.

Product Launch

Ulysse Nardin Opens Second U.S. Boutique at the Aventura Mall

Ulysse Nardin has announced the opening of its second mono-brand boutique in the United States at the Aventura Mall. The 775 square-foot boutique features a collection of over 100 of its finest timepieces, including three models from the Boutique Exclusive line, all presented in a sophisticated, nautical inspired setting. The Aventura based boutique is an addition to the U.S. headquarters and flagship boutique both located in Boca Raton. The Boutique Exclusive line includes the Blue Toro, the Freak Diavolo Platinum, and the Blue Executive Dual Time.

HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble by MB&F

On November 24th, at Belles Montres in Paris, the mystery was finally revealed: “Razzle Dazzle” and “Double Trouble” are in fact the names of two pinups, inspired by real pinups who adorned the noses of aircraft during WW2 and who made their way all the way to the fuselages of two HM4 limited editions. Their titanium cases are studded with real rivets. The dual dials glow and sparkle with a warm vintage patina, created using a special blend of paint mixed with very fine copper particles and cream-colored Super-LumiNova. The highlights of these very special aircraft are the two pinups – cut out of the titanium fuselage with micro-drills and then individually hand-painted by award-winning miniature painter Isabelle Villa – just like those which aircraft crews lovingly painted on the nose of their aircraft.

Vertu launches Constellation Quest Ferrari

Mobiado launches the Grand Touch Aston Martin

Mobiado presented the second phone in its new Aston Martin collection.  The Grand Touch Aston Martin is the resulting combination of sophisticated form and beauty with state of the art mobile functionality. Timeless and understated, sophisticated and distinctive.  The Grand Touch Aston Martin body is precision CNC machined from solid aircraft aluminium and anodized to produce an elegant hard surface for demanding everyday use. The gold version is CNC machined from solid brass and plated with yellow or rose gold. The Grand Touch Aston Martin is available in five engineering styles: Black with Black MOP, Black with Gold MOP, Silver with White MOP, Yellow Gold with Ebony Wood, and Rose Gold with Ebony Wood.

Celebrity News

CHANEL at 84th Annual Academy Awards

On 26 February, Australian actress Rose Byrne, who presented the Oscar for Best Short Documentary, wore "Lueur d'un Soir" earrings in white gold, black and white diamonds and pearls, a "Cascade de Diamants" cuff in white gold and black and white diamonds, and a "Nuage de Glace" ring in white gold, black and white diamonds and pearls, CHANEL Fine Jewelry.

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