Market Report

Patek Philippe clock watch records at New York sale

The Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication No. 97912 sold for $2.3 million at Christie’s, becoming the highest-grossing Grand Complication from the brand ever sold at auction. The pink gold open-face, minute-repeating chronograph clock watch, made in 1898, also is the most expensive watch ever sold by Christie’s New York. An American private buyer purchased the clock watch, which was called “history changing” by Christie’s and given a pre-sale high estimate of $1.5 million. Overall, Christie’s New York auction of Important Watches achieved $7.9 million, with 87 percent sold by lot and 94 percent sold by value. A world auction record also was set for a Rolex Ref. 5036 when one example sold for $171,750. Timepieces from Patek Philippe dominated the auction, accounting for the top four highest-achieving lots.

Market News

Swiss Watch Exports increased by 6%

According to the recent reports by the Swiss watch Federation, the Swiss watch exports grew 5.7 percent year on year to $1.92 billion (CHF 1.78 billion) in April 2013 vs the same period in 2012. The Wristwatch exports increased 6 percent to $1.83 billion (CHF 1.7 billion); while the number of units shipped fell 4 percent to 2.1 million. Exports to China and Hong Kong fell 22 percent and 6.7 percent respectively.

Company News

Chopard’s Happy Sport’s 20th Anniversary

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Chopards’s new happy sport watches collection will offer a chance to personalize models by means of a playful and exclusive service available through the Chopard boutique network. Pink or Blue sapphires or tsavorites; a steel bracelet or a glossy leather strap; moving elements spinning between two sapphire crystals and shaped like fish, a poetic snowflake, clover or a lucky horseshoe, stars or butterflies are among many options.

Vacheron Constantin revealed its latest watches in the Middle East

Yassin Tag, brand director Middle East and India has revealed the arrival of Vacheron Constantin latest ladies collection in the Middle East. The new collection was presented in an elegant style at the lounge Fashion Avenue at the Dubai Mall. For this specific occasion, Vacheron Constantin has built an elegant stand with a beautiful display.

Rolex new boutique is opened at Weygand Street in Beirut

Rolex boutique has opened its doors at a new location in Downtown Beirut. After introducing the brand to Lebanon 9 years ago at Allenby Street, A&S Chronora announced Rolex’s new location at 11 Weygand Street on the eve of a worldwide store concept renewal. Located within an exceptional building and featuring a distinctive interior design concept. The Boutique is located at the corner of Samir Kassir’s peaceful garden and fountain.

Boucheron announced the reopening of their Boutique

The Maison Boucheron announced the reopening of its boutique at 32 rue du Faubourg St. Honore. It welcomed its customers to a brand new concept unheard of in France, inspired by the codes of the Parisian private mansions.

Montblanc Supports Lang Lang International Music Foundation Gala

Montblanc announced that the Chairman of their Cultural Foundation. Lang Lang has been the Chairman of Montblanc’s Cultural Foundation, which honors contemporary patrons of the arts who employ their time, enthusiasm and money to foster up-and-coming artists and their projects. Lang Lang for the first time hosted a concert to benefit his eponymous charitable foundation. Alec Baldwin hosted the inaugural gala for music enthusiasts, artists.

Montegrappa supports Forbes Middle East in honoring the top companies in the Arab world

Forbes Middle East had hosted a gala dinner and awards ceremony to honor the achievements of top companies in the Arab world and Montegrappa Middle East was the proud gifts sponsor at this event. The chief guest of this private evening was H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister for Culture, Youth & Community Development, and UAE. The event was attended by top executives from across the GCC region. It honored companies from various sectors, including Oil & Gas, Telecom, Energy and Finance.

Officine Panerai opens its first Boutique in Oman

Officine Panerai opens the new signature boutique in Muscat, Oman. The new Officine Panerai boutique is in collaboration with Al Qurum Jewellery, one of the foremost Omani companies in the watch and jewellery industry. The new boutique is located in the plush Royal Opera House Muscat, the leading arts and culture organization in the Sultanate of Oman.

Pasquale Bruni wins the Andrea Palladio International Jewellery Awards 2013

Pasquale Bruniwas is the winner of the Andrea Palladio International Jewellery Awards 2013, an international prize that VICENZAORO, the gold and jewellery expo at Fiera di Vicenza. Mandala, the iconic collection by Pasquale Bruni, won the “Best Italian Jewellery Brand Collection 2012-2013” category that rewards outstanding research and innovation. Eugenia Bruni, Creative Director of the Maison, accepted the award at the opening of VICENZAORO Spring.

Mouawad is shining on Geneva's Lakefront rooftops

The city of Geneva has adorned its rooftops with neon signs advertisements. The most of the signs are equipped with LED lights. If you add to the picture, the “Flower Clock” and the “Jet d’eau” then you have an iconic image of Geneva’s landscape. The Mouawad is brilliantly shining on the roof of the Gustave Ador Quai. The LED sign is 17 meter long.

Louis Vuitton participated for the 4th time to the ONLY WATCH Auction

Louis Vuitton participated for the 4th time to the ONLY WATCH Auction by offering a unique Tambour Spin time Regatta watch, designed in collaboration with Paul Pettavino and the Louis Vuitton team. The hours are revealed by cubes rotating. It offers two functions: chronograph and regatta 5-minute countdown; visually indicated on the dial by 5 rotating cubes.

Richard Mille congratulated Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is the first player ever to win 8 times the same Grand Slam tournament. Richard Mille congratulated Rafael Nadal for his energy and determination in returning on the international competition scene. This Roland Garros victory rewards Rafa. Rafa wears an RM watch during all tournaments.

Girard-Perregaux honored iconic Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar

Girard-Perregaux honored iconic Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar at the premiere of his latest film I’m so excited (Los Amantes Pasajeros) in NewYork City. The private event was hosted by The Cinema Society and featured a screening of Mr. Almodovar’s latest movie at the Sunshine Theater.

JEANRICHARD’s new partner Nik Wallenda

JEANRICHARD launched its partnership with high wire master Nik Wallenda. The new partnership with Nik Wallenda is based on the principles of those who embark on a new journey, reflecting the art of life in its collections, as Wallenda does in his daily activities. In the same way that Wallenda enjoys the challenge of walking on a wire.

BUBEN&ZORWEG supports Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Charity Program

The charity program of the former governor of California and the House of BUBEN&ZORWEG formed recently a good relationship. The charity founded by Schwarzenegger runs special development programs aimed at helping young people get off to a good start into a successful future. BUBEN&ZORWEG supports Schwarzenegger‘s charity organisation “After-School All-Stars” in the form of a generous donation. As the 38th governor of the state of California and re-born actor is also an enthusiastic watch collector.

Magellan Watch has won the “Winner Watch Architecture”

The Couture Design Awards was held at Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Among the eleven categories of jewelery and four categories of watches, the Magelluna won as the Winner of Watch Architecture at the Couture Design Awards that was held recently at Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. The Magelluna is recognized for its metuculous hand-crafted work and hand-painting.

Product Launch

Najwa Karam the new face of Mouawad Women’s Watch Line

Mouawad announced 2 days ago that superstar singer Najwa Karam as the face of Mouawad’s La Griffe, the recently launched signature luxury watch collection for women. Najwa will appear in a new print and TV advertising campaign for Mouawad’s La Griffe. The singer will also be seen wearing items from the La Griffe collection at a series of high profile events and appearances during the year. The partnership is the latest in a series of collaborations between the multi-platinum, best-selling recording artist and Mouawad, which has seen Najwa appear in Mouawad jewellery on the red carpet and in TV shows including Arabs Got Talent, as well as in her own music videos.

Bremont and the Bletchley Park Trust announced the release of the new “Codebreaker”

Bremont Watch Company and the Bletchley Park Trust announced that they will be working together on the release of the new Bremont limited edition watch that will incorporate historical artifacts from Bletchley Park. It will be called the ‘Codebreaker.’ the ‘Codebreaker’ is made with a beautiful and unique Flyback chronograph GMT automatic movement and will incorporate some relevant historical artefacts from Bletchley Park. Part of the rotor of the watch is made from the wheel of an original Enigma machine.

La Montre Hermès launched the Arceau Petite Lune, an eternal gift for Eid

The Arceau Petite Lune is the newest moonphase by La Montre Hermès. This 38mm feminine timepiece was launched by the famed Maison during Baselworld. The Arceau Petite Lune is an eternal gift for a loved one during Eid Al Fitr, when the sighting of the moon marks the commencement of celebrations. This collection comprises two versions with a shimmering white or black mother-of pearl dial. The hours are marked off on sloping Arabic numerals reflecting the original Arceau model and extending a graceful invitation to discover time.

Jaeger-LeCoultre revealed its new Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater consist of a single part extending from the heel to the actual gong itself, the design has a square cross-section rather than the traditional round cross-section, and a larger surface area that comes into contact with the hammer, which for its part can also strike with increased force. The gongs meanwhile were made out of a material for which Jaeger-LeCoultre possessed, and still possesses, the exclusive and confidential formula. A succession of technical innovations were inspired by the Calibre 947, which consolidated its place in the history of watch sound when in 2009 Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled the first minute repeater watch with a two-week power reserve combined with a regulator display.

Pomellato presents Victoria in White Agate

Pomellato has brought together lace and white, two of the trends for the latest additions to its Victoria collection. The new earrings and pendant feature stunning white agate in rose gold, which being coordinated and contrasted with any summer outfit. Traditionally crafted in jet only, Pomellato’s signature Victoria openwork pattern now exists in brilliant white agate. Still paired with rose gold.

Salvatore Ferragamo introduced its new timepiece The Lungarno

Salvatore Ferragamo’s automatic collection timepiece The Lungarno is the inspiration for the case design which combines architectural perfection with Florence’s sense of harmonious beauty. Lungarno associates classical lines with the performance of haute horologerie and contemporary design. The “shape in shape” case unites round and square shapes in an extremely sophisticated aesthetic proposition. The range is completed by four time-only automatic versions, featuring a steel case with contrasting IP gold bezel and a soleil dial in champagne, black or silver hues, juxtaposed with dark brown and black straps and steel or two-tone bracelets.

Versace’s new watch collection Vanitas & DV One Skeleton

Vanitas watch for women & DV One Skeleton watch for men is the new collection from Versace. The finely crafted enamel dial has an exclusive relief pattern in the baroque style that is strewn with studs or diamonds, with the Medusa standing out prominently. The IP rose gold case is personalized by the Greek key engraved on the bezel. Vanitas comes with two straps: one in super soft leather, and the other, larger with the leather decorated with studs. The collection makes use of the same shades as the Versace Vanitas line of accessories: black, ivory, red and blue.

Milus launched new Zetios Chronograph ZCRC3 with a tribute to footballer Roberto Carlos

Milus payed tribute to the famous footballer Roberto Carlos by launching an exclusive version of its Zetios Chronograph that subtly integrates the colours of the Brazilian flag. The series is limited to three pieces world-wide and one of them is reserved for the star of the leather ball.

deLaCour released its new The City Ego EPISODE W

The City Ego EPISODE W as the intense color of its peridots, citrines, iolites, amethysts and pink tourmalines as well as the brightness of the diamonds, enhance the dial and replaces the Roman numerals. Its keen depth in its dial and its structure remain as sharp and rigorous. The masculine tone is replaced by an incandescent white.

Jaquet Droz Éclipse is presented in 39 MM models

Jaquet Droz’s moon The Éclipse Mother-of-Pearl and The Éclipse Ivory Enamel, the brand’s emblematic complication is now presented in 39 mm models. The Éclipse Mother-of-Pearl with a smaller diameter has been created to combine the brilliance of this material with the brand’s best-loved traditional watch complications: the moon phases. The Éclipse Ivory Enamel starting at the dial with its Grand Feu enameling. This "blank page," which has a subtle beauty of its own, features eight stars – eight being the favorite number of the house – and a moon engraved in red gold.

Exhibitions & Events

Swarovski showcased the new Fall Winter 2013/14 “Secret Treasures” event

Swarovski hosted a sparkling event for the top media and VIPs of the region to showcase the new Fall Winter 2013/14 “Secret Treasures” collection at Voda Bar in Zabeel Saray. The collection named “Secret Treasures,” was inspired by the Silk Road and built around four legendary locations, each of which holds treasures of tradition and beauty. From China to the Himalayas and from India to Venice, “Secret Treasures” revisits emblematic elements with a skillful blend of modernity and sophistication.

Celebrity News

Jordana Brewster wore Carrera y Carrera Jewellery to the cocktail party in California

Jordana Brewster wore Carrera y Carrera cuff to the Women in Film cocktail party hosted by Max Mara and W Magazine at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

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