Rolex is the Official watch of Formula 1 from 2013; Cartier’s opens Fine Jewellery creations exhibition at Avenue - Etihad Towers; Rory McIlroy wins the Dubai World Championship

Market News

Rolex is the Official watch of Formula 1 from 2013

Rolex, the leading luxury watch making brand and a pioneer of sports sponsorship, will become a major long-term partner of Formula 1 from 2013 as Official Timekeeper and Official Timepiece. This reinforces Rolex’s commitment to motor racing and its support of global sport at the very highest level and that just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Daytona (2013). Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of the Formula One group stated, “Without question Rolex is the partner of choice for a world class sporting series like Formula One. The brand’s prestige, the excellence of its watches as well as Rolex’s passionate and long-standing commitment to motor sports gives it true credibility. This partnership is something that many people interested in Formula One will have been waiting for and should rightly be excited about. Rolex has incredible sporting heritage and therefore Formula One is the right place for Rolex to be.”

UAE celebrates the launch of Al Manara International Jewellery

Abu Dhabi’s leading timepiece retailer, Al Manara International Jewellery has recently celebrated the launch of its new identity with a magnificent gala dinner at the St. Regis Hotel, Saadiyat Island. VIP guests and media representatives attended the imaginative journey to the new exclusive world of Al Manara International and its world-class brands, featuring 360 degree video screening, live entertainment and an exquisite menu. This celebration was the culmination of an ever-exciting journey of Al Manara International Jewellery this year, following its acquisition by the region’s leading timepiece and jewellery retailer, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, and investment pioneers, Hassan Abdullah Mohamed Group (HAMG).

Cartier’s opens Fine Jewellery creations exhibition at Avenue - Etihad Towers.

Cartier enchants Abu Dhabi once more with an extraordinary exposition of its latest High Jewellery creations in a unique setting inspired by Cartier’s emblematic figure “La Panthère”. “The Panther, a matchless heroine” exhibition aimed to whisk the audience away on a unique journey, born from the desire to share the Maison’s passion, transmit its values and enchant the world. The Panther has been the ultimate emblem of Cartier’s jewellery expertise since the 1930s. Today Cartier’s Panthère collections are still the most highly appreciated jewels, rare and precious symbols of exceptional savoir-faire

Rory McIlroy wins the Dubai World Championship

Audemars Piguet Ambassador Rory McIlroy made five straight birdies down the stretch to overtake Justin Rose and win the Dubai World Championship on Sunday November 25th. The World Number One finished at 6-under 66 for a total 23-under 265, at the European Tour season-ending tournament. In a phenomenal year, McIlroy won the PGA Championship, the second major of his career, and finished number 1 on both sides of the Atlantic in the money rankings. You are encouraged to watch the defining moment series of Rory McIlroy.

Omega’s newest ambassador Shanshan Feng breaks the tournament record to win 2012 OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters

On December 8^th, Omega’s newest ambassador Shanshan Feng ranked among the world's top players as she pulled off a brilliant display to win the 2012 OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters Golf Tournament. Feng closed with an outstanding 267, with 21 under par for the tournament while she dominated the leader board throughout all four days of the tournament. She also broke the previous tournament record of 18 under par held by Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) in 2006 and Kyung Kim (South Korea) in 2009. Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai presented Feng with the trophy. Feng also received the first prize of 75,000 Euros and was awarded the OMEGA Sea master Aqua Terra Co- Axial 34mm in 18K red gold on a leather strap. During the four days of the tournament OMEGA hosted a number of activities at their VIP hospitality chalet - a luncheon for women golfers from the Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Club, a lunch for the media and autograph sessions with their ambassadors Michelle Wie and Shanshan Feng.

Girard-Perregaux Exclusive Timekeeper

Girard-Perregaux, has recently announced the Exclusive Timekeeper and a Founding Supporter of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, scheduled to open in 2016 in Los Angeles. It will be the first U.S. not-for-profit museum dedicated exclusively to the history and ongoing development of motion pictures. The Museum will be located in the historic Wilshire May Company building in the heart of Los Angeles, and will be designed by award-winning architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali. Girard-Perregaux will use iconic images from the Academy's photography collection in GP advertisements and will launch a series of special initiatives. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema.

BLACKSAND is 2012 World Champion at Super Boat Stock Class.

The Geneva watchband BLACKSAND was the winner of the 2012 world championship title in Super boat Stock Class under SBI federation at the 32^nd annual Key West world championship power boat event. The event takes place every year in the first week of November in Key West Florida and is comprised of about 50 Super boats and 100 Pilots from around the world which race a total of three races. The Blacksand offshore powerboat team won two out of three races in its class securing the title as well as being awarded three awards at ceremony which took place on November 11^th 2012. The First award was the world champion Super boat stock title, the second award was for competitive spirit trophy for having participated in all of the years US National Championship races & World Championship races and last but not least BLACKSAND was crowned Best Sportsmanship award for helping their competitor repair damages incurred to their boat during racing.

Harvey Nichols Dubai launches the IPPOLITA Jewelry Collection

Chic jewellery brand by Italian artist and sculptor Ippolita launches this month in the Fine Jewellery & Watches Department at Dubai’s premier fashion store Harvey Nichols. IPPOLITA injects fun and whimsy into the precious world of fine jewellery with a colorful, sculptural aesthetic, creating handcrafted pieces that are feminine, wearable, and cool. This New York based brand has a strong following among celebrities and style makers worldwide who appreciate its creativity and versatility. IPPOLITA transcends traditional design, encouraging wears to layer pieces, stacking and combining the vibrant colors and precious stones to form one’s own collection.

World Top-Ranked Show Jumpers visits Jaeger-LeCoultre in Switzerland

The show jumpers including Edwina Tops-Alexander, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s friend and the world No.1 female rider, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (Sweden) and Sheikh Shakboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan (UAE) visited Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre in Le Sentier, Switzerland. A walk in the factory through different areas of craftsmanship where the process of creation is never ending was followed by a tour of the museum of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s watchmaking history that goes back to nearly 180 years. The final of the GCT season will be held on November 22-24 at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Jaeger-LeCoultre will offer its iconic Reverso watch to the winner of the Global Champions Tour Tournament

Azza Fahmy Jewellery has launched its Culture Collection ‘Nostalgia’

The “Nostalgia” collection is a reminiscent celebration of Azza Fahmy’s most unique and finest creations throughout the past decades. Each piece narrates its very own story. Through each story, one is immersed in a nostalgic state of mind. While remembering past and present cultures. This cultural compilation composed of 28 unique pieces, incorporates a variety of classical pieces with signature Azza Fahmy designs, while expressing various Pharaonic, Ottoman, Classical, and Cultural muses and references.

Company News

Audemars Piguet’s Ambassador Miguel Angel Jimenez won the UBS Hong Kong Open

On November 18, Audemars Piguet Ambassador Miguel Angel Jimenez won the UBS Hong Kong Open. This is Miguel’s 19th win on the European Tour and in fact it is the 3rd time he has won the Hong Kong Open. A five under par final round of 65 graced him a 15 under par total score at Hong Kong Golf Club and one stroke victory over the second. At 48 years and 318 days, Jimenez is the oldest winner in European Tour history.

Christie’s announces the appointment of Frederic Watrelot in Dubai.

Recently Christie’s Dubai appointed Frederic Watrelot as the new Associate Director of Christie’s Middle East. With 15 years of experience, Frederic Watrelot will be supported in his new role locally by the established Christie’s team who have been operating in the region since 2005 and also provide a local point of contact for the international team of watch and jewellery specialists. His intimate knowledge of the world’s leading watchmakers and jewellery brands ensure that Frederic is well placed to advise Christie’s Middle Eastern clients on the purchase and consignment of jewellery and watches from and for Christie’s auctions around the world. A jeweller and a gemologist, he graduated from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in California.

Montegrappa at the Chequered Flag Ball

In its 4th year, the Chequered Flag Ball which was held in Abu Dhabi recently is one of the premier events in this city’s social calendar. For the third time, Montegrappa has been the main sponsor, an opportunity for Italy’s most prestigious house to introduce its hand-crafted pens to an ever-widening audience. Among notables attending the Chequered Flag Ball were singer Leona Lewis, Team GB Olympic Gold Medalist Jessica Ennis, Bollywood star Chitrangda Singh, Italian golfer Matteo Manassero, soul chanteuse Jocelyn Brown, legendary Saudi singer Mohammad Abdo, and – naturally – past and present Formula 1 drivers including Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard. Hosted by Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham and Dubai-based UK TV presenter Tom Urqhart.

Richard Mille supports “Bubba & Friends drive to a Million”

Richard Mille has always been involved in charities, including Action Innocence chaired by Valérie Wertheimer, which helps preserve the dignity and integrity of children on the Internet, Jackie Chan’s Dragon’s Heart Foundation, which supports children living in remote areas, Only Watch, which raises funds for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the Rafa Nadal Foundation, which provides new opportunities for socially disadvantaged young people, and Sentebale, a charity founded by His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales to support orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho and most recently Yohan Blake and his very active YBafraid Foundation in aiding Jamaican children.

Tag Heuer wins the 2012- Aiguille Dor for its Mikrogirder Masterpiece.

The TAG Heuer Mikrogirder has won this year’s Aiguille d’Or, the top prize at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix ceremonies, and the most coveted distinction in the global watch industry. The TAG Heuer Mikrogirder Chronograph is a dual-assortment, ultra high-frequency watch. It is the first timepiece ever created with neither a balance wheel nor a hairspring, and is accurate to an unprecedented 5/10,000 or 1/2,000 of a second. It beats 7.2 million times every hour and has a flying central chronograph hand that rotates 20 times per second.

Tiffany & Co. to Open its First Holiday Boutique at Mall of Emirates, Dubai on 12th of December

For the first time in the UAE, Tiffany & Co. invites the public to share its holiday spirit with a display that will enchant and inspire all who experience it. The Tiffany Holiday Boutique celebrates the idea of coming home for the holidays with charming interpretations of the precious moments families enjoy during this time. An exquisite Christmas tree, artfully decorated with Tiffany ornaments, will form another focal attraction of the Tiffany Holiday Boutique, made more special by a children’s story telling event, carol performances and other activities revolving around the holiday tradition. Each gift is wrapped in the Tiffany Blue Box®, an international symbol of style and excellence. The Tiffany Holiday Boutique will operate from 12th December, 2012 until 12th January, 2013 and is located on the ground floor of the Central Galleria, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.

Jaeger-LeCoultre inaugurates its place Vendome Boutique

On the eve of celebrating the 180th anniversary of its Manufacture, Jaeger-LeCoultre set a rendezvous with fine watchmaking lovers at No. 7, Place Vendôme, the new brand flagship of an impressive 500 m2 area. The largest Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique in the world heralds the new interior design concept: a warm, luminous space where Jaeger-LeCoultre will be to convey at once its past, its present and its future. Jérôme Lambert, Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO, inaugurated the exceptional venue reflecting the prestige of the House by cutting the ribbon alongside Diane Kruger, a friend of Jaeger-LeCoultre and the face of its ladies’ collection, and Guillain Maspetiol, Jaeger-LeCoultre Brand Manager for France.. The guests included Catherine Deneuve, Carmen Chaplin, Isabelle Huppert, Inès de la Fressange, Vincent Perez, José Luis Rebordinos, Olga Sorokina, and Marina Hands.

Product Launch

Blancpain now announces the new Women Quantieme Retrogade Watch

Blancpain has recently unveiled the newest addition to the Women family of watches. Developed in a resolutely romantic and contemporary spirit, the Retrograde Calendar is a perfect expression of refinement and watch making know-how. Attention to detail shines through in this timepiece, where technique is placed at the service of beauty. Aesthetically innovative, the new Retrograde Calendar delights with its surprising dial, featuring mother-of-pearl marquetry and extraordinary detailing. Hour and minute counters are decentralized at 6 o’clock. The calendar is indicated by a retrograde hand, which consistently jumps back to the first day of the month. The ensemble of technical functions are driven by an automatic movement; rendering the timepiece a fine companion for active, modern women.

Concord introduces a new C2 Cookiechip.

Concord introduces a timepiece inspired by two strikingly different yet eminently compatible worlds that collide and coalesce in the C2 CookieChip with its smooth, deep chocolate brown-colored sleekness, the Cookie Chip evokes a smooth, unadulterated and incredibly rich treat – but with the unexpected dash of fast-paced, urban technology that characterizes the information age with its all-important and complex component, the microchip. The C2 CookieChip is technical chronograph perfection encased in solid stainless steel and fitted with an elegant chocolate-brown alligator leather strap. The C2 CookieChip from the Y-12 edition is a dedicated design that represents the sweet influence of information technology in the modern world.

Harry Winston introduces the Ocean Diver Timepiece

The Harry Winston Ocean Diver is water –resistant to 200 meters and a self-winding, three-register chronograph with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power-reserve of 42 hours, capable of timing intervals of up to twelve hours in length. Above or below the waves, the Ocean Diver is an expression of both the spirit of adventure and the uniquely bold design vision of Harry Winston.

Hermes Introduces “In the Pocket” watch

“In The Pocket” is the name given to this pocket-watch that turns into a wristwatch at its owner’s whim. Nestled inside its leather jacket, it reinvents time and highlights the fine leather-working skills of the Maison. The perfectly round In the Pocket model is distinguished by its air of elegant understatement. This proprietary Hermès movement has a 50-hour power reserve, a mainplate circular-grained and snailed in harmony with the finest watchmaking traditions, and an oscillating weight adorned with “sprinkling of H symbols”, an inimitable House signature.

Jet Set watch launches the new “Please Touch” watch

The most fashionable and finger-powered Watch to take you anywhere & everywhere! Ready, Set, Go * It’s time to Touch!. With its 15 ways of outfit combinations, Bubble Touch strikes the market with a new colorful, round shape & playful watch Digital & Touch Screen. 13 digits LCD screen displays hour, minute, second (month, date, and day)

Celebrity News

Penelope Cruz wearing Chopard jewellery to the Campari Calendar 2013

The Campari calendar for 2013 was launched in Milan on November 13^{th 2012}, featuring Penelope Cruz, who was wearing Chopard jewellery The Spanish actress was wearing a pair of rose gold earrings set with rubies (4cts), pear-shaped pink topazes (13cts) and brilliants from the Precious Temptations High Jewellery Collection.

Jennifer Lopez makes an appearance at an intimate dinner event sponsored by Damas’ Magerit

Damas’ Magerit, a Spanish jewellery brand within the Damas international brand portfolio, sponsored an intimate dinner with Hollywood megastar Jennifer Lopez recently at the Cavalli Club, during her visit to Dubai, UAE. The 43 year old arrived with partner Casper Smart, and posed for photographers wearing vampy dark lipstick, and a white ensemble, accented with golds and yellows. The event was attended by VIP clients and Damas management. Magerit is a Spanish jewellery company, with headquarters in Madrid, which offers new ideas and fresh designs into the jewellery world. The brand is retailed exclusively by Damas in the Middle East.

Jamie Foxx Wears Glam Rock Watches in Men’s Health Magazine

Jamie Foxx wearing his SoBe Tech Watch in the new December 2012 Issue of Men’s Health Magazine.

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