For nearly 145 years, S.T. Dupont master goldsmiths and silversmiths, lacquerers and trunk-makers have created unique and durable objects that are entirely crafted by hand and made in France for exceptional individuals. This legendary and unique know-how, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit true to founder Simon Tissot Dupont, contributes to perpetuating the international aura and recognition of a House that embodies Fine French Craftsmanship. The most important difference is that our products are 100% hand made in France, in our original workshops in Faverges (French Alps) , a small town near the Swiss border. The metalwork, the manual application of natural lacquer, the combination of exceptional materials and the unique savoir-faire transmitted from generation to generation distinguish Dupont lighters. Natural lacquer art is a very ancient know-how dating back more than 3 000 years. But what is special to Dupont is applying this natural and therefore difficult material on a metal surface (as opposed to wood). S.T. Dupont is one of the only brands mastering this unique craftsmanship since the 1930s. Natural lacquer is entirely applied by only very skilled hands. Up to 6 layers are spatulated to obtain its fascinating shine and depth on the products. The lacquer is also resistant to shocks, scratches and fire. Another special savoir-faire is the guilloche technique: with the help of a diamond cut tool, the metal surface receives engravings with various patterns like the Diamond Head decor. For both, the lacquering and the guilloche, S.T. Dupont has been awarded the label “Living Heritage Company” by the French government as recognition for saving and developing ancient techniques.  And what makes Dupont so special? Well, to quote famous rock singer Tina Turner, “It’s Simply the Best”!

2. How significant is the Middle East as a retail market for ST Dupont? 

S.T. Dupont is well-established in Middle east and the brand is already recognized as a leader in the luxury market. The Middle East has been and continues to be one of the most strategic markets for the brand S.T.Dupont , with affluent individual markets and loyal customers helping increase the brand awareness in the region. From a retail perspective, the ME has a highly developed network of luxury shopping malls where the brand is present, and we are striving to be present in many more.

Customers appreciate the S.T. Dupont lighters range, especially those relevant to the cigar universe, Limited Editions and Haute Creation products are also very important niche products. 

For example, Le Grand S.T. Dupont, which is a new range of lighters featuring both a soft flame but also a torch, as well as the new Picasso collection which launched this year - both have been extremely popular with our clients. Our brand signature without question is the Atelier collection which includes writing instruments and leather goods.

We are always looking into expanding the S.T. Dupont retail network, in partnership with our local partners. We are looking for the best opportunities to open new stores in key markets such as KSA and Kuwait 

S.T. Dupont is well-established, and S.T. Dupont need to renew constantly our offer. 

We are convinced that this is what makes the strength of S.T. Dupont.  S.T. Dupont ever since aimed to combine traditional craftsman ship, assuring best quality, with contemporary design. Inspirations come from our huge heritage but also from places all over the world. The made in France is a huge bond for the brand and for the end consumers. Our ambition is to continue this legend in perfect harmony with its roots and a future of promise.  

Our strategy is to grow significantly in retail with an ambitious policy of opening 40% new points of sales. S.T. Dupont will continue to innovate and satisfy its customers, especially the most wealthy and powerful, the ones who are spared by the crisis. S.T. Dupont is well-established, and the brand is already recognized as a leader in the high-end segment. The made in France is a huge bond for the brand and for the end consumers. Our ambition is to continue this legend in perfect harmony with its roots and a future of promise. 

We’ve entered a new digital era; we have adapted our collection and marketing to this new challenge. S.T. Dupont has started to widen its target to include a younger generation with the launch of their very compact flashy and competitive new offer. On the writing instrument side, Initial Pen collection is also proposed to appeal to modern customers with a passion for the art of hand writing. More recently, we’ve entered the world of ultra-thin products with the launch of SLIM 7 lighters, E-Slim lighter, appealing more to a new generation of consumers for whom a minimal design is of interest. This new contemporary model, practical for everyday use and suitable for both men and women.

Likewise, we need to be more inventive and create new content to tell our story via social media such as lifestyle visuals, know-how movies, and storytelling on our ambassadors, our innovations, and our partnerships. Our aim is to transport our heritage into the present and the future by creating trendy collections, such as connecting items to reach new customers.  That is why we have decided to launch a connected leather goods collection and Lighters. As more of our life and work depends on the devices we carry, the chance of losing those devices is an ever-greater risk. To assuage that risk, S.T. Dupont has entered digital universe.

Emaar Malls, a unit of the UAE’s largest property developer Emaar Properties, posted a 10 per cent increase in third-quarter net profit. Revenue climbed 29 per cent to Dh1.13 billion from a year earlier.

Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Souk Al Bahar and other outlets welcomed 99 million visitors during the first nine months of 2018. The number of visitors to Dubai Mall rose 4 per cent in the first nine months of this year to 60 million, said Emaar Malls chief executive officer Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne.

Occupancy across Emaar Malls outlets reached 93 per cent during the first nine months of this year. Emaar Malls currently has a total gross leasable area of 6.7 million square feet.

Online retailer Namshi, in which Emaar Malls has a stake and is included in the company's revenue, posted an 18 per cent year-on-year increase in online sales to Dh607m in the first nine months of this year.

Panerai announce Mr. Gaby Bitarian their new Brand Director for Middle East & India. Gaby has a strong 17-year footprint in the watch industry, and has proven instrumental in Panerai’s growth and development in the region since he joined six years ago. A well-deserved position. 

Cyrus inaugurates its first Flagship Store located in the prestigious Venetian Casino complex in Macau in partnership with Alpha Watch & Jewellery directed by Mr. Jonathan Lee.  During  the  event  of  the  Grand  Opening,  at  the  presence  of  the  Swiss  ownership, the  CEO  Walter  Ribaga  and  the  technical  director,  the renowned master watchmaker  Jean-François  Mojon,  lovers  and  collectors  of  high-end watches, focussed on excellence, could admire the latest Cyrus creations.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Fabergé announce the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg. The Egg rests on an engine-turned, hand-engraved, purple enamel guilloché base of 18 karat white gold. Arms of rose gold define the shape of the egg. The Spirit of Ecstasy, hand-sculpted in frosted rock crystal, standing nobly in her opulent surrounds. The rose gold vanes, embellished with nearly 10 carats of round white diamonds, resolve into swathes of natural amethyst.

The new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Racing Stripes Edition model is presented this year during Rennsport Reunion VI, featuring satin-brushed silver-toned with blue racing stripes on the dial evoking those applied in 1951 to the Cunningham team race cars, Black railway-type transfers and graduated tachymeter scale. Black calfskin leather strap with blue stitching on the outside and a rubber lining inspired by 1960s Dunlop racing tire tread.

Panerai presents the Luminor Regatta Transat Classique, a remarkable new watch for wearing at sea, created in only 150 examples in honour the most thrilling international regatta for classic yachts:  the Panerai Transat Classique 2019. The  watch  has  an  overall  blue  look,  that  being  the  colour  of  the  dial  and  the  rubber  strap,  set off  by  the  solid  brushed  titanium  case  and  its  polished  bezel, Domed titanium back, with Panerai Transat Classique 2019 logo.

Aerowatch announce its collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons LLC in Dubai. The “7 Time Zones” by Aerowatch is a mechanical timekeeping instrument with an unbeatable price/performance ratio, Polished softened white dial and gilt rose polished diamond thread. Blue leather strap with customized steel folding clasp. 

F.P.Journe presents a new design for the Centigraphe Sport and the Octa Sport. The two models are available with a 44 mm diameter case in Titanium grade 5 of anthracite color with an assorted bracelet. The bezel in Titanium and ceramic follows the codes of the Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante with numbers engraved in the Titanium base. For the first time, a new bright yellow dial brings a new intensity to the lineSport with luminescent appliqué numbers surrounded with black as well as sapphire counters with red numbers.

TAG Heuer launch the redesigned Formula 1 Lady series of watches, at its Ultimate Cabana at Nikki Beach Club. The Case options are offered in polished and brushed steel, featuring the tonneau shape. Another new feature of this model is the double-plate system on the dial, which adds contrast, improves legibility and creates an interplay of colours, with options ranging from a blue sunray or silver-plated dial, or set with diamonds for a dash of glamour. 

The watch features a square steel case with rounded edges, engraved with the GG cube pattern on the back. The light blue and silver dial showcases the Gucci logo and a date indicator, and the Ayers strap reveals a printed snakeskin pattern. A range of interchangeable straps is available, these straps are crafted in white, blue, brown alligator, or bright Ayers leather. The timepiece is also offered as a pendant watch, with a delicate steel clasp at 12 o’clock and an accompanying silver chain. 

The Longines Skin Diver Watch steel case is characterised by its striking unidirectional bezel coated in black PVD and enhanced with markers, including a luminescent triangle, which serves as the main indicator for calculating immersion time. Its grained black dial, topped with domed sapphire crystal, features indexes, Arabic numerals and hands covered in Super LumiNova® to ensure optimal reading of time in line. A black rubber strap with a criss-crossed finish completes the look of this characterful watch.