Swiss watchmaking posts Strong growth and a record year in December 2021; Bvlgari announces partnership with BAFTA Gala and EE British Academy Film Awards

   
 
 

Market News

 

Swiss watchmaking posts Strong growth and a record year in December 2021

2021 ended on a high for Swiss watch exports, confirming the strong results seen in November (+8.7%) with growth of 8.5% in December, compared with the reference year of 2019. The return to pre-crisis levels during September and positive performance in the fourth quarter produced the best-ever annual results for the sector, at 22.3 billion francs, 2.7% higher than in 2019 and a 0.2% improvement over the 2014 record. All groups of materials supported the December results, which were driven by watches made from precious metals and steel, in particular. Volumes, however, were significantly lower than in 2019, with 230,000 fewer items exported. The fall in volume for the year as a whole was 4.9 million items (-23.8% compared with 2019), with a total of 15.7 million watches exported. The United States (+44.2% compared with 2019) was the leading market last month as it was throughout the year, and recorded one of the highest increases in December. Singapore (+6.5%), the United Kingdom (+13.5%) and the United Arab Emirates (+8.2%) all grew.

 
 

Company News

 

Bvlgari announces partnership with BAFTA Gala and EE British Academy Film Awards

In celebration of its rich cinematic heritage, Bvlgari launches a landmark partnership with the global independent arts charity BAFTA. Bvlgari’s love affair with film has spanned generations with jewellery featuring in over 40 motion pictures, such as on Sharon Stone in Casino or Lady Gaga in House of Gucci, and long favoured by acting royalty, from Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn to Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Zendaya. To commemorate its starring role as Official Jewellery and Watch Partner to the EE British Academy Film Awards, taking place on 13th March, as part of the partnership Bvlgari are launching eight never-before-seen high jewellery creations. These one-of-a-kind pieces, will be seen for the first time when guests walk of the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall. As Official Supporting Partner to the BAFTA Gala, Bvlgari is proud to support BAFTA's largest fundraising event of the year, which aims to raise vital funds to enable BAFTA's year-round learning and inclusion talent programmes.

 

MB&F announces the First Fifteen Years

The MB&F Catalogue Raisonné is a 312-page book (in English) that contains information about every single timepiece produced from the years 2005 to 2020, including prototypes and pieces that were not officially announced before. The book documents all 160 product variations along with over 400 photographs and indicates details such as the model name, reference number, materials, years in production, and the exact quantity produced. The Catalogue Raisonné begins with 30 pages about the history of MB&F written by journalist and watch expert Suzanne Wong. The book is then divided into chapters, documenting the Horological Machines, the Legacy Machines, and the co-creations that have all been meticulously researched and documented by watch expert William Massena, working closely with the MB&F team.

 

Purnell as the Official Timekeeper for AS Monaco

AS Monaco, one of the most esteemed clubs in the world and turning 100 soon, and Purnell rise together with a prestigious partnership. Founded in 2020 with the goal of bringing the tourbillon to the forefront of avantgarde haute horlogerie, Purnell only associates with the best: master watchmaker Eric Coudray, the World’s Fastest Triple-Axis Tourbillon in the world’s most exclusive watches. The brand found a natural association with the world of AS Monaco, the football club from the Principality - a place of renown, regard, and elegance. The partnership between AS Monaco and Purnell will entail an exclusive co-branded timepiece collection, which will be revealed during Spring 2022.

 

Amanqi Consultancy announces the launch of Digital Showroom's fourth season

Starting on 31st January till 18th March 2022, The Amanqi Consultancy is hosting the fourth edition of their Digital Showroom. The agency is set to offer an exciting platform for up and coming luxury labels, through which they can showcase their designs. Focusing on fashion and jewellery brands, the virtual showroom gives brands an incredible chance to connect with buyers, press and key consumers. Fine jewellery brands that will be showcased include La Marquise, Amira Karaouli, Lilor and Toktam, while the fashion section will feature the likes of Nectar Nectar, Wafa Balaswad, Jdeel Boutique and Odeem.

 
 

Product Launch

 

Presenting the Ophion Gilt Spectre Limited Edition

The Ophion Gilt Spectre watch. A luxury wristwatch by independent watch company Ophion in a collaboration with The Limited Edition and Horophile, presented in 39mm sandblasted titanium case on a grey suede strap with pin buckle, in a limited edition of forty pieces. Anthracite colour dial with applied gold Breguet-style Arabic numerals and hands. Sapphire caseback revealing in-house hand finished Swiss made manual winding movement by MHVJ and Soprod, with 120 hours power reserve and 4hz frequency (28,800 vib/hr).

 

Garrard presents its Aloria Collection

This Valentine’s Day, Garrard is shining a light on its contemporary Aloria collection. The heart-shape jewels captivate with their soft curves and radiance. The collection reinforces the message of strength, spirit and unity that sits is at the heart of the collection. Giving the gift of Aloria opens a world of possibilities for today and the future. Inspired by Garrard’s esteemed history of crafting versatile jewels for royalty, these playful pieces can be paired and worn in a variety of ways. The Aloria earrings, calibré cut gemstone rings and pendants are available in a rainbow of colours, with blue sapphire, yellow and pink sapphire, ruby, emerald, and aquamarine, presenting a world of colourful possibilities.

 
 

Celebrity News

 

Jennifer Lopez shines in iconic Bvlgari Jewelry & Serpenti Watch

Actress, musician and entrepreneur, Jennifer Lopez stacked multiple pink gold bracelets from Bvlgari’s iconic Serpenti and Monete collections, along with a stunning Serpenti Spiga watch while promoting her new film, Marry Me. She finished her look with Serpenti Viper pink gold earrings and B.zero1 Rock yellow gold ring with diamonds. 

 
 
 
 

Be constantly updated on the latest Watch & Jewellery Business markets of the Middle East, as well as information on competitors, promotions, product trends, industry analyses, appointments, new product introductions & developments and market research.

Our weekly 'Arabian Watches & Jewellery Business Newsletter Broadcast' is distributed to over 22,000+ industry executives, Watch & Jewellery manufacturers and distributors, retailers, investors and media consultants globally.

Unsubscribe / Submission of News / Open Forum / Obtaining our news distribution / Confidentiality Important Copyright Notice / Disclaimer

Developed by We Do Web