Market News

UAE consumer confidence fifth highest in the world

Consumer confidence in the UAE has remained the highest in the region and fifth highest in the world by end of 2012, with optimism for local job prospects holding steady for 2013, according to research firm Nielsen. In the new survey, released last Tuesday, the research firm, said that even though the confidence index for the UAE and Saudi Arabia fell by one index point in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter 2012, their scores of 113 and 112, respectively, were among the highest reported among 58 countries and above the baseline of 100 which indicated degrees of optimism and pessimism.

Swatch Group exceeded its CHF 8 billion Target

In 2012, the Swatch Group exceeded its eight-billion-franc target for gross sales. In an economic environment that remained extremely nervous, the Group increased gross sales by 14.0% to CHF 8 143 million, one billion more than in 2011. The Board of Directors of the Swatch Group will propose the following dividend for 2012 to the Annual General Meeting on 29 May 2013: CHF 6.75 per bearer share and CHF 1.35 per registered share.

The Dubai mall visitors reached 65 million in 2012

According to The Emaar Properties Dubai Mall is now the world's most visited shopping and leisure destination, after the centre attracted 54 million to 65 million visitors last year. They weren’t just window shopping either at least according to the developer’s figures. They showed that retail sales at the huge development rose by 24 per cent last year. Further expansion is planned to increase the retail space at the Dubai mall by 1 million sq.ft.

Dubai sustains growth trend in 2013

The economy of Dubai looks set to sustain its growth momentum with investor confidence on the return and increasing activity across core sectors such as trade, tourism, manufacturing and even real estate as reflected in the overall business sentiment in the emirate, according to the Dubai department of economic development. The composite Business Confidence Index for Dubai reached 135.9 points in the last quarter of 2012, a 10.8 per cent increase compared to the previous quarter and a two per cent growth from the same quarter of 2011. Optimism was evident as 94 per cent of the businesses that participated in the quarterly business survey, conducted by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai during October-December 2012, said they expected either higher or stable sales in 2013.

Company News

Chaumet unveils high Jewellery collection at the peak of the world

After Paris, Chaumet unveils its high jewellery collection, “12 Vendome” at the peak of the world’s tallest building, of BurjKhalifa in Dubai. Chaumet CEO’s Mr. Thierry Fritsch was present during this revealing of the exclusive high jewellery collection to emphasis on the craftsmanship, Creativity, elegance and the style of the “12 Vendome” collection that will be available from 9th till 17th of February at the Chaumet Dubai Mall boutique. The “12 Vendome” high jewellery collection will also be available at the Doha Jewellery & Watches exhibition at Al Fardan pavilion between the 25th of Feb till the 3rd of March 2013.

Bremont launches into the Middle East

The UK Bremont Watch Company has signed a deal to increase its retail coverage into the Middle East in Partnership with one of the leading Retailers Rivoli Group. In February Bremont will launch into four of the Rivoli Group stores in Dubai At the start of the company’s expansion into the Middle East.

Aigner watch introduces new Boutique in Doha

Aigner’s new boutique was inaugurated at Pari Gallery, at the Lagoona Mall last week. The new Aigner boutique was draped in a design concept that elaborated extensively on the brand’s equestrian essence. The grand revelation represented the premiere of the new shop concept in Qatar. The German fashion house furthered the excitement of the event by premiering their Spring/Summer line of watches and jewelry.

The American Express World Luxury Expo, In Union with Riyadh

The final countdown has begun for the American Express World Luxury Expo, in association with The Saudi Investment Bank, taking place at the magnificent Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 10-12 February 2013. Under the patronage of Her Highness Princess Nouf Bint Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud, Chairperson of Nayyara Exhibitions, the highly anticipated three day exhibition will showcase many of the world’s leading luxury brands and services. Recent developments include the signing of The Saudi Investment Bank as the association partner as well as the confirmed participation of many other world-class luxury exhibitors.

Gucci timepieces & Jewelry launches new addition to the Gucci Grammy collection

The third year of partnership and in occasion of the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry introduced a new addition to the Gucci Grammy collection the Interlocking Gucci GRAMMY watch and among the new initiatives being introduced as part of the partnership in 2013. Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry will also support the Grammy Camp, a special summer program for young music students from around the world with its primary mission to cultivate their talents. Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry will identify 10 exceptionally talented young musicians who will be given the chance to attend the ‘Camps’ taking place in New York and Los Angeles during the Summer of 2013.

JeanRichard presented the winning team of the Trophée Mer Montagne

The Trophée Mer Montagne 2013 was held last January. The Trophée Mer Montagne is an event of elite of sea and mountain rubs shoulders with budding young athletes. The teams, drawn by lots at the start of the competition, are each composed of a sailor, a mountaineer and a young person from the ski station. JeanRichard presented the team of Franck Cammas, Guillaume Vallot, Camille Balbo, winner of this 20th Trophée Mer Montagne, with its eminently masculine and resolutely sporty model, the Terrascope.

Milus new friend of the Brand

Roberto Carlos has become the latest Milus “friend of the brand.” The star footballer visited the company booth at the Geneva Time Exhibition on January 2013 and is now the happy owner of a Tirion TriRetrograde TIRI017. During his scintillating career, Carlos, whose speed and stunning curved shots earned him world-wide admiration, played for the Brazilian national team during for three World Cups. After eleven years with Real Madrid, he went on to captain Dagestan’s Anzhi Makhatchkala team, which he continues to coach after retiring from active football in August 2012.

Celebrating the 50 yrs of Tag Heuer’s Carrera 2013 collection

A half-century after its dramatic arrival on the motor-racing scene, the iconic Carrera, the first sports chronograph designed specifically for professional drivers and sports-car enthusiasts, remains the standard-bearer of TAG Heuer’s unrivalled motorsports pedigree a perfect synergy that began with Time of Trip in 1911. The first car dashboard chronograph, and continues to this day through the brand’s ongoing partnerships with the best individuals and teams in driving disciplines around the world.

Product Launch

Geo.Graham the moon fascination

The Celestial mechanics have been a major scientific quest for centuries as well as a constant source of fascination and inspiration for mankind. GRAHAM celestial manual flying Tourbillon, called Geo.Graham the Moon, which features a perpetual moon retrograde function, embodies the mastery of astronomy applied to high-end watch making. It is a truly unique watch that combines a flying tourbillon with a high-precision retrograde moon-phase perpetual function, the cycle being calculated on the Moon’s exact synodic period for duration of 122 years. At the end of each synodic period, the retrograde mechanism ensures that the Moon jumps back to the beginning of a new moon-phase cycle.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin by Valextra for St Valentine's Day

Jaeger-LeCoultre dresses its Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin with a double-tour strap by Valextra in new season’s colors. A red “ribes”, green “muschio” or beige “cannetè” strap will accentuate the Reverso’s unique and stylish look. Three new color bracelets will be available at Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques around the world starting from St. Valentine’s Day in February 2013. There is an infinite variety of motifs that may be used to personalize a Reverso, including initials, a drawing, a lucky number or a portrait. The Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin, a model paying homage to women’s dreams, remains faithful to the very essence of the timeless classic Reverso watch, embodying an ideal blend of Art Deco style.

Hublot launched its New Collection at Geneva Trade Show

A fantastic first year of collaboration between Ferrari and Hublot is coming to an end. This has been highly successful, both commercially, with the two first Big Bangs in titanium and Magic Gold. The first is the aptly named Big Bang Ferrari "Red Magic Carbon" It is the new symbol of the brand's progress towards virtualization, with its case and its movement designed, developed, and produced entirely at the Hublot manufacture. The Big Bang Ferrari "Red Magic Carbon" is a limited edition of 1000 numbered timepieces. It is also presented in a "King Gold Carbon" version as a limited edition of 500 pieces, and in black ceramic as a limited edition of 1000 numbered pieces.

Istana reveals a new watch winder 6 RT SP RA IV

Istana reveals a new Scatola Del Tempo’s splendid watch winder 6 RT SP RA IV, it is crafted in select materials and has a briar root case with one crystal glass door and is lined inside with leather and pure jacquard silk. It operates on batteries or with a 6 DC adapter and has 10 rotating programs, possibly to customise the box with lock and key. It also includes two trays for 4 leather strap watches, cufflinks, bracelets and pens. Scatola del Tempo in Italian stands for ‘Casket of Time.’ The Scatola del Tempo’s new watch winder 6 RT SP RA IV now available exclusively at ISTANA’s outlet in The Dubai Mall.

Garavelli’s New Collections

Garavelli is launching a new line of jewellery collection; The Coil Collection is the latest creation of prestigious Italian designer Garavelli, produced in the same Valenza (Italy) factory. Coil on the Rocks Collection from Garavelli Coil Collection in a wide collection of colors. Face Collection by Garavelli, that is Face shaped rings, Pendants are also available in this collection. Mercedes Collection defining the new style of comfort with well crafted jewels that ingeniously blends pure diamonds and forms; this is the new Mercedes Collection. Volo Collection Light breeze to encrust a triple ring in white gold and diamonds. Available also matching earrings.

Exhibitions & Events

Cartier celebrated Diamond and Bridal exhibition in Kuwait

The opening of Cartier Legendary Diamond and Bridal exhibition at 360 Mall Kuwait was from the 17th until the 30th of January 2013. This exceptional exhibition presented two exclusive spaces, an exceptional Bridal exposition by Cartier and a photographic museum of Cartier’s Legendary Diamonds.

Celebrity News

Nicole Kidman worth Aed 25 Million Necklace is now on display in Dubai

Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman wore the necklace at 80th Oscar red carpet A of 1400 karat diamond necklace worth Dh25 million is on display at a diamond exhibition at the Deira city Centre outlet of a jewellery retailer, Malabar Gold in Dubai.

Van Cleef & Arpels sparkled with the star

Van Cleef & Arpels sparkled on the red carpet at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills with Catherine Zeta Jones she reflected the “Majestueux” earrings from the Bals de Légende Collection “Art Deco” bracelet from the Van Cleef & Arpels Private Collection.

Madalina Ghenea Wears Damiani to the 'Los Angeles, Italia

The actress Madalina Ghenea wore Damiani jewels during the press conference of the “Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Festival”. Madalina Ghenea will be the ambassador of the Festival which will take place at the Chinese Theater in Los Angeles from the 17th to the 23rd of February, during the Awards Ceremonies period.

Andrea Riseborough Wears Fabergé to the Standard British Film Awards

Andrea Riseborough wore Fabergé Solyanka Emerald Cabochon ring set with an ethically sourced cabochon emerald white diamonds at Fabergé jewellery to the 2013 London Evening Standard British Film Awards at the London Film Museum in London, England.

Celebrities shine in Harry Winston

Jessica Chastain and Hugh Jackman were shining on the red carpet for the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, in Harry Winston diamonds and timepieces and Jessica Alba hit the red carpet for the Producers Guild Awards in stunning Harry Winston gems.

Clive Owen wears Jaeger-LeCoultre at Golden Kamera Awards in Berlin

Clive Owen was honored with The 48th Golden Kamera Award in the category "Best International Actor". On the occasion Clive Owen chose to wear his Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Chronographe watch in platinum.

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