Market Report

Audemars Piguet and Galerie Perrotin celebrates ‘Curiosity’ by Kolkoz

Audemars Piguet and leading art gallery Galerie Perrotin hosted a prestigious party to celebrate ‘Curiosity’, an ambitious new art work by French artist duo Kolkoz created especially for Art Basel in Miami Beach. The party was attended by over 1000 guests, including artists, collectors and gallerists who arrived by speedboat to the iconic modernist structure of the disused Miami Marine Stadium. Guests were able to board ‘Curiosity’, the playful snow covered chalet floating out at sea. ‘Curiosity’, was launched on Tuesday 3 December, the eve of Art Basel in Miami Beach, by Mayor of Miami Tomás Regalado.

Market News

UAE – Emirates of Abu Dhabi's DED captures USD9.5 m worth of counterfeit products

Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) has seized 139,000 tons, or USD9.527 million worth, of counterfeit products during the current year, according to Gulf News. Government entities and private firms plan to fight this phenomenon especially as Expo 2020 approaches and the UAE economy is improving. Sharaf Al Hijazin, from Al Tamimi and Company, a UAE-based law firm, said: "The market is currently ripe, the country is booming and people want to exploit this fact. Counterfeit products in imports and exports are being stopped and seized."

Company News

Maggie Cheung, Nicole Richie and Serena Williams Visit Audemars Piguet booth

Asia actress Maggie Cheung, fashion designer Nicole Richie and professional tennis player Serena Williams visited the Audemars Piguet booth at the Collectors’ Lounge at Art Basel in Miami Beach recently. Maggie, Nicole and Serena each enjoyed a special tour of Audemars Piguet's dedicated space in the Collectors’ Lounge at Art Basel in Miami Beach by Francois-Henry Bennahmias CEO of Audemars Piguet, Xavier Nolot CEO of Audemars Piguet North America and Tim Sayler, Chief Marketing Officer of Audemars Piguet. The presentation features a selection of exceptional historic and contemporary timepieces.

Glashütte Original extended its co-partnership with the Berlinale until 2016

Glashütte Original is official Co-Partner of the 64th International Film Festival Berlin. With the “Made in Germany – Perspektive Fellowship”, the Saxon is also continuing its support of a talented young director from the Perspektive Deutsches Kino section. Conceived for the development of a project, material and screenplay, the fellowship is funded by Glashütte Original. The Berlinale and Glashütte Original will award the fellowship on January 14, 2014. The award ceremony and talk with the press will kick off the Perspektive Deutsches Kino’s press screenings. In 2014, the jury members will be Katja Eichinger, Frieder Schlaich and Andres Veiel.

Montblanc creates Emirates Airline Foundation writing instrument

Montblanc created the Emirates Airline Foundation Writing Instrument to support the philanthropic organization’s efforts.  The Meisterstück Solitaire Classique Ballpoint Pen features a ruby gemstone echoing Emirates Airline’s corporate colors adorning the platinum-plated clip, and a fine engraving of the Emirates Airline Foundation motif in the high-grade stainless steel cap top ring. The Emirates Airline Foundation writing instrument will be available exclusively on board Emirates flights and on www.emirateshighstreet.com from February 2014 with 20% of each sale donated to the Foundation. 

Chopard Group establishes a new company

The Chopard Group achieved a new milestone in its watchmaking development and further reinforced its presence in Fleurier, in the Val-de-Travers, Canton Neuchâtel (Switzerland) by establishing a new company and developing a new brand: LaChronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD SA. Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele intends to bring back to life the memory of Ferdinand Berthoud and restore this substantial watchmaking legacy to its rightful status. Positioned at the very peak of the collections within the Chopard group, La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD will be dedicated to offering exceptional timepieces. The launch of LaChronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD SA will be unveiled by the summer of 2014.

A. Lange & Sohne is now present in Jordan

A. Lange & Sohne has entered the Jordanian market with the opening of its first retail point in the capital Amman.  A. Lange & Söhne hosted an exclusive opening last month together with partner Abu Shakra. Matthieu Dupont, Middle East Brand Director, A. Lange & Sohne and Rami Abu Shakra, CEO & General Manager of Abu Shakra Trading, inaugurated the shop-in-shop with a ribbon cutting ceremony, offering 30 of Amman’s most esteemed collectors an exclusive preview of the collection.

Pure Gold Group invests Half a Billion Dirhams in retail projects

Pure Gold Group announced the company will invest half a billion dirhams to expand its UAE operations in the lead up to Dubai Expo 2020. Pure Gold Jewellers will open an additional 65 stores in the UAE by 2020. The Group will also expand the La Moda Exclusives chain under the supervision of Managing Director, Amran Iqbal, who will head the sizeable investment and expansion plans for an additional 50 new stores for La Moda Exclusives by 2020.

A refurbished Watch Gallery strikes a majestic pose at the Mall of the Emirates

Watch Gallery opened its refurbished store at the Mall of the Emirates. Watch Gallery caters to the demands of the most discerning, fashion-conscious male and female consumers of the UAE. It showcases watches from the simplest to the most elaborate. The retail space is embellished with truly exceptional and alluring timepieces. Collections of urban and classic, simplified and stylised timepieces will thrill watch aficionados.

Schroeder Joailliers Launches in Dubai, UAE

Marz Global launched Schroeder Joailliers in Dubai, UAE. Their jewelry and timepieces will be available in Dubai starting this December at The Empty Quarter Gallery, Dubai International Financial Centre. The launch was attended by Schroeder Joailliers fifth generation owner, Pierre Rossy and Khalid Al Marzooqi, Founder of Marz Global.

Product Launch

Swiss Watch exports grew 1.1% year on year to $2.5 billion till October 2013

Swiss Watch exports grew 1.1% year on year to $2.5 billion till October 2013, according to the recent Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry report.

Jaeger-LeCoultre presents Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931

Jaeger-LeCoultre revealed Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931, the glowing chocolate shade of the watch face and the pink gold of the case, including the traditional gadroons framing the dial. The hours are shown by baton-shaped hour-markers, while the hour and minute hands feature a dagger-type profile. The case is in pink gold and “1000 hours control” indication appears on the case-back. Straps and buckle: Matt brown alligator leather, 2nd strap: in cordovan leather, crafted by “Casa Fagliano” of Buenos Aires and pin buckle in pink gold

Parmigiani Fleurier introduces the Bugatti Super Sport

The Bugatti Super Sport in rose gold, along with its twin in white gold, underlines craftsmanship of the house of Parmigiani Fleurier. The movement of the watch is presented at a 90° angle. On the upside, the balance and escape wheel bridges form an arc, reminiscent of the Bugatti oval. Six sapphire crystals reveal the 333 components of the Bugatti Super Sport. The dial is made from black opaline ovale applique black-gold, Delta-shaped hands with luminescent coating. The strap is an Hermès alligator strap with rose gold folding buckle 18 ct with polished finish.

SAINT HONORE celebrated UAE’s 42nd National Day

SAINT HONORE saluted the leadership and people of the UAE, by issuing a Limited Edition World code watch, on the occasion of the country’s 42nd National Day on December 2. The UAE National Day World code watch is crafted in a unique ceramic matt black case with a matching strap also in ceramic. The watch features a carbon dial emblazoned with the UAE colours on the central counter, exclusive red hands and a rotating bezel marked with 60. The dial bears the inscription Limited Edition on the front. The watch back will be engraved with a map of the UAE and carry the limited edition serial number. 

deLaCour presents The Leap/s

The Leap/s has been revamped. Its case has been reduced in size compared to its counterpart, the Leap Medium Classic (37x 41x 12 mm) and will embrace at the wrist with more discretion. However, it continues to assimilate the Leap Medium Classic, with its infinite feminine curves and luminescent mother of pearl dial and sapphire crystal.

Azimuth launches limited edition SP-1 Landship Battle Tank collection

Azimuth’s store in a store at ION Orchard revealed six limited edition SP-1 Landship watches as part of their Battle Tank Collection. Each watch has been individually hand painted, undergoing an intricate processes to achieve the finished product. Firstly, a fine airbrush was used to achieve the desired camouflage paint scheme. The next process was to achieve the “weathered” effect of the tank by using a mixed medium of paints to recreate the battle worn look. The final markings were then carefully hand applied, using decals to give each watch its place.

Exhibitions & Events

Cartier Le Style et l’ histoire exhibition

The fame of the name and the dazzle of the diamonds have perhaps overshadowed the complex, yet Cartier has played a prominent role in the history of the decorative arts. Cartier designs, from classic pieces worthy of the “kings’ jeweller” to radical Art Nouveau creations, both geometrical and exotic, are an intriguing testimony to the changes in taste and social codes. Cartier seduced the most elegant personalities of the 20th century with jewellery, clocks and watches, and refined yet practical objects. As works of art in their own right, the jeweller’s creations are shown in the context of changing usages and styles.

GJEPC & GII inaugurates the Diamond Detection and Resource Center

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and Gemmological Institute of India (GII) recently inaugurated the Diamond Detection and Resource Center (DDRC) at H-Tower (West), Bharat Diamond Bourse, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E). Chief Guest Ms. Varda Shine - Managing Director of Diamond Trade Company & Guest of Honor, Mr. Paul Rowley - Senior Vice President of Operations Midstream, De Beers Global Sight holders Sales lit the lamp and also inaugurated the center along with Mr. Vipul Shah – Chairman of GJEPC.

Hong Kong International Jewellery & Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (Mar 5-9) in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre; while the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show (Mar 3-7) will be a specialised trade platform for diamonds, loose gemstones and pearls in the Asia World-Expo are expected to draw more than 3,500 exhibitors to showcase the world of finished jewellery, diamonds, precious gemstones and pearls under the two specialized platforms.

Design Days Dubai’s Third Edition will Introduce the World’s Best Collectible Design from 17th to 21st of March

Design Days Dubai, returns for its third edition to deliver a diverse, exhibition-quality collection of compelling, highly-collectible modern and contemporary design pieces and installations, alongside a public program with leading design personalities and industry experts, from 17 – 21 March 2014. Design Days Dubai has grown the number of exhibiting galleries by 20%, with 34 galleries bringing artistic and imaginative design creations to the fair including several regional and world premieres of works.

Celebrity News

Jennifer Lopez wore Swarovski Allegro clutch for the 2013 American Music Awards

Jennifer Lopez wore the Swarovski Allegro clutch for the 2013 American Music Awards.

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