Interviews

Exclusive interview with Mr. Walter Von Kanel, Longines President

Swatch Group has revealed an excellent double digit profit increase in the last financial year; did Longines 2010 results meet your expectations?

As a member of the Swatch Group, Longines had good 2010 results too.

Which market remains the strongest to LONGINES and why?

We are happy with the developments in Asia. Europe remains a strong pillar whereas the USA made a good recovery.

LONGINES Watches are described as a ‘combination of precision & elegance’. How has the brand reconciled the two concepts into a successful watch model?

The perfect example is The Longines Master Collection Retrograde Moon Phases. With this new timepiece, Longines has successfully combined for the first time the day, the night and the phases of the moon in a symphony of retrograde hands. The Longines Master Collection Retrograde is a combination of the brand’s technical heritage and its unmistaken aesthetical quality. This line, that uses a calibre that was specially developed for Longines, has become the figurehead of The Longines Master Collection.

When talking about “Elegance”, I have to explain that, apart from being the DNA of the brand, it represents one of the four segments of Longines’ collections. The “Elegance” segment comprises the contemporary line, consisting of Longines DolceVita and Longines PrimaLuna, and the classic line, inclusing La Grande Classique de Longines. These models obviously also embody the combination of precision and elegance.

How is LONGINES faring in the Middle East, and how is it keeping up with the constant developments there?

Longines has been growing substantially in the Middle East for the past few years as a result of a complete and successful product/marketing approach. In terms of products, the markets reacted positively to the launches of the brand which have been positioned at a very interesting price point. The latest launch of Longines PrimaLuna couple with a strong above the line campaign was a great testimony to the success of Longines launches appealing to the clients taste in the Middle East. In terms of marketing and distribution, a strong approach towards developing a Longines Boutique network has been put in place – 2011 will witness the opening of at least three flagship stores around the region which contributes to achieving our goals and aspirations towards anchoring the brand positioning as a key player in the market.

LONGINES is also profoundly involved in the world of sports. Please tell us why? What are the concrete benefits of this association?

Since its foundation in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Longines has forged a privileged relationship with sports. Starting in 1878 with the creation of its first sports chronograph and followed by a number of technical breakthroughs in timekeeping technology, Longines remains active today in the world of equestrian sports, tennis, gymnastics, alpine skiing, and archery.

LONGINES will be sponsoring the Dubai World Cup, and has also sponsored the Al Maktoum Endurance Cup recently, how does this contribute to LONGINES plans in the region? And the worldwide marketing efforts via the Dubai World cup as an international premiere event.

These partnerships are great opportunities for Longines to enhance its privileged relationship with equestrian sports and sports timekeeping.  We are very proud to associate Longines to such famous races.

LONGINES joined Ferrari the famous Italian brand to produce Ferrari watches, please tell us more about that joint venture and how important it is to the brand image and style?

Please note that Longines has not recently concluded any partnership with Ferrari.

When we will expect the first Ferrari Longines collection to hit the worldwide markets? Also what is special about this new collection?

Please note that Longines does not anymore produce any Ferrari watch collection.

In the past LONGINES had a working relationship with Ferrari. It was discontinued and now it’s back on track again. Why did this happen? And what does this new relationship bring benefits to the LONGINES watches?

Please note that Longines has not concluded any partnership with Ferrari.

Does this indulgence in the sports world pave the way to introduce more LONGINES professional sports chronographs?

Definitely! This year at Baselworld fair, Longines presents The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record. It combines various elements that make this brand-new watch a modern descendant of the timing instruments created by Longines in the past. Thanks to its exclusive column-wheel movement, it joins the lineage of equipment developed by the brand since 1878, when Longines produced its first chronograph. Moreover, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record has a centre direct-drive second hand with a vernier scale – echoing a mechanical chronograph counter designed by the company in 1966.

Are there any plans to expand your portfolio to include other accessories like jewellery?

No, Longines will continue focusing on watches.

LONGINES list of distinguished Brand Ambassadors is long. Do you hope to induct celebrities from the Middle East in your Brand Ambassador lineup in the near future?

We are constantly thinking about potential new Brand Ambassadors.

Swatch recently signed deal with Liquidmetal Technologies. How will this be beneficial for LONGINES watches?

Longines is not yet involved in this project.

Market News

S.T. Dupont partners with Paris Gallery Group to open four new locations across the UAE

S.T.Dupont has announced the opening of four new locations across the UAE in partnership with Paris Gallery Group. S.T.Dupont’s range of deluxe products will now be available at exclusive points of sale managed by the Paris Gallery Group, including Watch Gallery - Dubai Mall, Paris Gallery Deira City Centre and Al Ain and Karisma - Al Ain. These locations will stock the full range of S.T.Dupont products including pens, lighters, cigar accessories, leather goods and cufflinks.

Antiquorum's March auction hits an outstanding result of CHF 6,457,937

On March 27, Antiquorum held a successful March auction of "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces", closed with the outstanding result of CHF 6,457,937 at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva. Of the 564 timepieces offered, a remarkable 83 percent was sold, representing 138.5 percent by value. The highlight of the sale was the unique collection of 33 erotic watches and animated objects. The other highlight was the Rolex "Oyster Perpetual" an extremely rare 14k yellow gold wristwatch whose cloisonne enamel dial by Marguerite Koch represents the two Americas.

UAE Jewellery inspectors conduct weights examination to protect consumer

Jewellery inspectors are conducting scales examination to have a better assurance that jewellers are complying with caratage and weights in the most transparent manner possible. Recently, Abu Dhabi's Quality and Conformity Council came out with calibration standards that weighing scales used by the jewellery and Arabic perfume retailers need to conform to. The new measures aim to protect the consumer and establish transparent trade practices in place.

Dubai Duty Free posts 13 percent increase in sales in Q1 2011

Dubai Duty Free posted 13 percent increase in sales of Dhs1.25bn ($343m) over the same period of previous year and signaling an excellent prospect for the year ahead. Sales of confectionery continued to grow in the early part of 2011 as sales rose 8 per cent to Dh94 million ($26 million). Other high selling categories included watches and clocks which rose 39 percent, cosmetics rose 20 percent, luggage and travel accessories by 18 percent and ladies fashion by 12 percent.

Company News

Cartier ‘Travel With Style’ Concours D’Elegance 2011

The second Cartier ‘Travel with Style’ Concours has showcased another extraordinary collection of India’s unique Classic Cars on 12 March, 2011 at The Polo Grounds, New Delhi. The capital experienced the mystical opulence and elevated elegance of the Indian Maharajas with a private view of the second ‘Travel with Style’ exhibition celebrating the automotive design and coach building of India’s belle epoque. Mr. Bernard Fornas, President and CEO of Cartier International along with Mr. Louis Ferla, Managing Director of Cartier Middle East and South Asia were present on the occasion.

Jaeger-LeCoultre opens a new page of the Reverso Virtual Museum

In 2011, for the 80^th anniversary of the reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre opened the “Virtual Museum” where all those who wish to can share their inspiration with other lovers of the reverso across the globe. The Virtual Museum “Seen on the Wrist” page introduces outstanding personalities who share their unique stories related to the Reverso, their relationship with time and the connection with the object that enables them to measure and follow time.

Louis Vuitton celebrates the reopening of the Mall of Emirate’s store with Nadim Karam

Louis Vuitton has celebrated the reopening of the Mall of the Emirate’s store paying homage to Dubai. On this occasion, Louis Vuitton paid tribute to children as its fundamental and defining value by the opening of the first ever 'family room' in a Louis Vuitton store with a special collaboration with the Lebanese artist Nadim Karam who unveiled The Travelling Elephant, an artwork created between the artist and a group of Dubai based international children, produced during a unique and emotional children’s art workshop at DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.

James Blunt wears Piaget Polo Forty Five

James Blunt's new video for the single, “If Time Is All I Have”, James appears wearing a classic timepiece from Piaget. This is the third single to be released from Blunt’s multi-platinum selling album entitled “Some Kind Of Trouble”. Throughout the video, which is a stunning portrayal of the fragility of life and the value of love, James wears an elegant Piaget Polo Forty Five chronograph whereas his girlfriend has a gem-set Possession pendant.

Citizen Watch donates $ 1.3 million to help Japan

Citizen Watch is collectively donating $1.3 million to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster relief effort. Citizen Watch Company of America, Inc., (COA), including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, has already donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross. Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd. has announced an additional donation of one hundred million yen ($1.25 million).

Product Launch

Hublot unveils Big Bang Leopard

Hublot unveiled Big Bang Leopard 41 mm Rose Gold watch featuring an automatic chronograph movement. It is a gorgeous masterpiece for lady, bringing little touches of sexy, ultra-feminine glamour. Out with the femme fatale look leopard print, in with the new casual chic, noble, elegant, refined yet wild leopard pattern, which is making its way into this season’s Must Haves.

Spring is blooming at Van Cleef & Arpels

Every year the Maison of eternal renewal celebrates springtime and invites a contemporary artist. For this first celebration of spring, Van Cleef & Arpels honors Helen Amy Murray. Her textile sculptures herald a joyful and blossoming new season. Display windows come to life. The Broderie and Folie des Pres collections celebrate the Maison’s floral inspiration. Their pink and blue hues shine in the candid light of Helen Amy Murray’s imagination.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Lady Steel and Ceramic Chronograph

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Lady Steel and Ceramic Chronograph is the latest in TAG Heuer’s evolution of feminine design that is bold yet far from flashy, understated yet full of sex appeal. Four monochromatic models, with a larger 41mm chronograph circumference, extend TAG Heuer’s Steel & Ceramic watch collection, which debuted with immediate success in 2010. With signature style, sophistication and power appeal, TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 ladies’ timepieces are contemporary classics in the making.

Tiffany & Co. introduces Tiffany Locks collection

Tiffany & Co. has introduced an innovative collection of beautifully designed jewelry. The new Tiffany Locks feature detailed pendants and charms, some of which function as actual locks. Among the options are vintage, heart, arc and round shapes in 18 karat yellow and rose gold or sterling silver. Tiffany Locks also include a heart pendant handcrafted in platinum and covered with pave diamonds. The dazzling design epitomizes the universal symbol of love and reflects all the emotion the heart can hold.

Baume Mercier presents Classima

The new Baume Mercier Classima collection combines the best of watchmaking expertise with the elegant simplicity of a timeless watch. Depending on the model within the collection, the Classima offers dual time zone, useful for any travelling businessman, a power reserve, and a stunning sapphire crystal case back to display the oscillating weight. In terms of design element details, the watch comes with a choice between a 39 or 42 mm size, a “grain d’orge” guilloche decor or a line guilloche decor, and a black or silver dial.

The new DENT Denison wristwatch from the makers of Big Ben

Dent Denison is a classic, three-handed wristwatch made in the finest English tradition. Based on an earlier Dent design, the Denison is a supremely elegant gentleman's watch which will be made in a limited edition of 100 pieces in 18 carat rose gold and 100 pieces in 18 carat white gold. An 'officer' style case back (which provides a perfect blank canvas for engravement and personalization) hinges open to reveal an internal plate sporting a meticulously hand-engraved pattern in the style of the great English designer William Morris.

Pomellato offers Colpo di Fulmine Rings

Pomellato’s new collection, Colpo di Fulmine - Love at first sight features multicolored varieties of garnet, fire opal, blue topaz, peridot and amethyst that are further enhanced by a pave diamond setting adding immense luminosity to the stones. The white gold setting, a first for Pomellato, brings out the delicate rainbow hues of the stones. In addition, the collection also includes a poetic solitaire pendant.

Exhibitions & Events

30th Edition of MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show opens in Sharjah

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah inaugurated the 30^th edition of MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show on 5^th of April at Expo Centre Sharjah. The opening ceremony of the show was attended by Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce ‘&’ Industry (SCCI), Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, officials of various government departments, and members of trade associations. The show will conclude on April 9, 2011.

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