Interviews

Interview with Daniel Riedo, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre

What are your brand’s “star” novelties for the SIHH 2016?

We celebrate the 85th anniversary of the iconic watch, the Reverso. In 2016 we introduce three stylistic expressions – Reverso Classic, Reverso Tribute for men and Reverso One for women – with their own distinct worlds and aspirations. The star model of SIHH is the Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon, a new spectacular tourbillon design in a movement embellished with engraving and guilloche motif.

What are the foreseen trends and directions with watches in 2016?

Classic, understated watches, preferably in discreet materials such as platinum, white gold or steel. Fundamentally, customers are looking for an exclusive, surprising and timeless object. These elements may be expressed through a vintage-inspired dial, colourful dials revealed only on demand, a case with an iconic design such as Reverso, a discreet function such as the True Second function of the Geophysic watch, as well as through useful functions that are both more ergonomic and expressed in an artistic manner. Greater attention is also paid to reliability and quality so as to be able to enjoy the watch on a daily basis and over the long term.

When would we expect the SIHH novelties to be available at boutiques and POS in the Middle East?

We plan to unveil some of the 2016 novelties at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition which is an important event for the Middle East taking place in February. Following the Doha Exhibition, novelties will arrive in our network gradually from April onwards. One must remember that we produce all our timepieces in-house at our Manufacture which explains why not all models can arrive in the markets at the same time.

How is your brand faring in the Middle East?

As the local knowledge and appreciation for fine watchmaking increases, so does the brand awareness and customer base of Jaeger-LeCoultre in the Middle East.

Do you propose to open more independent boutiques in the Middle East?

We are constantly looking to give the best showcase to our timepieces. Through the year we have opened boutiques all over the world, the Middle East being no exception. As of today we have two boutiques in Abu Dhabi, one in Dubai, one in Kuwait City, one in Riyadh and one in Beirut. We will open a boutique in Jeddah early 2016 and we are currently looking at different projects in the Middle East.

Describe your relationship with collectors in the Middle East.

As mentioned earlier, there is a growing awareness for fine watchmaking in the Middle East but there is also a solid base of watch collectors and aficionados. We maintain a regular contact with them, just like friends do. We invite them to events such as the Mostra Film Festival or the British Polo Days, they come to Switzerland to discover or re-discover our Manufacture, they visit our boutiques when they travel etc… These customers are very aware of the latest product launches; we know which numbers they prefer and the ones they want to avoid and we do our best to fulfill their wishes.

What are your brands priorities for 2016?

2016 is a big year for Jaeger-LeCoultre, this is the year during which we will celebrate our Reverso, this is our Icon and we have prepared many surprises which I am sure watch lovers will appreciate.

But as every year, we never stop to invent, create and develop to prepare the future. We are continuously pushed forward by our clients. They want to live intensely and they drive us to more appeal, creativity and surprises. Our Maison which has been in business for almost two century is well equipped to do so.

Did your export figures increase in the Middle East for 2015?

As you know, our Maison does not comment or disclose figures on its performance. We rather focus on our future creation and how to share our emotion of fine watchmaking.

Anything you wish to add?

Luxury is time and space; it is an experience an emotion. Our passion is to spark this emotion in the heart and eyes of our Middle Eastern clients for the years to come.

Market Report

Richemont drops 4% in sales

Richemont recently reported a 4 per decline year on year in the third quarter that ended December 31 even as jewelry sales grew in most regions and product categories. Demand for watches was weak. The slowdown in revenue reflected weaker sales in Europe than in the previous six months and continued decline in sales across the Asian markets.

Market News

Cartier appoints new CEO Cyrille Vigneron

The appointment of Cyrille Vigneron as CEO of Cartier International was announced by the Richemont Group on 6 November 2015, and became effective on 1 January 2016. Cyrille Vigneron, who succeeds Stanislas de Quercize, also joined the Richemont Group Management Committee on the same date.

Company News

Baume & Mercier opens its new Boutique at the Beirut Souks

Baume & Mercier opens the doors to its newest boutique at popular shopping destination, Beirut Souks in Lebanon.  Held in collaboration with its exclusive partner in the country, Atamian Watches, Baume & Mercier’s boutique opening also adds a milestone in the celebration of its 185th anniversary this year. 

Samra Jewellery collaborates with Roaa Al Sabban

Samra Jewellery collaborates with actress and TV Presenter Mrs. Roaa Al Sabban to design a bracelet exclusively for the Gold & Jewellery Theme of the 21st edition of Dubai Shopping Festival. The bracelet’s DSF 2016 edition was launched exclusively in Samra boutique in Mall the Emirates on January 8th. 

HYT introduces H2 Tradition

The H2 Tradition case is polished, microblasted and satin-finished white gold and titanium. To allow for a diamond guilloche finish in rhodium –plated nickel silver on both sides, the main plate. It is the first HYT with delicate lacquered dials and blued hands. The strap is of patent blue alligator and titanium deployant buckle. 

Product Launch

Vertu launches Signature Touch for Bentley

Vertu’s Signature Touch features two-tone Beluga and Hotspur Bentley leather, with Hotspur stitching, the phone also features knurled side keys, a unique pillow rail and sound bar and a 3D Bentley logo. It is Vertu’s highest ever technical performance smart phone. Android 5.1 Lollipop promises improved speed and clarity and Vertu’s full portfolio of services, which comprise dedicated concierge as well as Vertu Life and Vertu Certainty packages ensure a seamless user experience. This allows Signature Touch for Bentley to be personalised with the choice of eight leather colours and 16 stitching options.

Bovet celebrates valentine’s Day

BOVET presents the Lady BOVET For Her and The Monsieur BOVET For Him.
Lady BOVET has enriched its ladies collections with the same quality and performance as its men’s models, but with a size and design that have been ideally defined to suit each individual. A quick and easy maneuver enables the timepiece to be worn on the reverse, revealing an entirely different face. A classic dial displaying the hours and minutes graces the second side of this timepiece. The Monsieur BOVET spotlights the Virtuoso II movement that made its debut in 2014, which is housed inside the Amadeo® convertible case. The patented double coaxial seconds mechanism indicates seconds on each side of the movement, using the same axis yet rotating in opposite directions.
The Bracelet For Him and For Her is full skin alligator, Buckle is of red gold ardillon and chain is gold-plated silver.

Breitling presents Chronomat 44 Blacksteel

Breitling launches Chronomat 44 Blacksteel. The steel case is distinguished by its high-resistance carbon-based black treatment. The unidirectional rotating bezel features black rubber-inlaid numerals and a large luminescent dot facilitating the countdown of flight or dive times. The equally black dial in line with the grand tradition of Breitling pilot’s watches stands out for its three square counters and its red accents reminiscent of instrument panels. The exclusive strap of this chronograph combines a military-style anthracite high-tech fabric exterior with a rubber lining guaranteeing excellent comfort.

Carl F. Bucherer unveils its new Patravi TravelTec

Carl F. Bucherer teams up with its new Patravi TravelTec in Black and Rinspeed’s latest Concept Car “Stos“.  The DLC coating of the new black Patravi TravelTec that is applied in a complex, multi-stage   process embraces the resilience and lightness of carbon. The wafer-thin, crystalline carbon structure ensures an especially high scratch resistance and shock absorption.  The design is completed by a black dial on top of which instruments such as the light colored totalizator, indices and scales create a neat look. Optically, the timepiece convinces with the deep, matt black color that is created by the used percentage of carbon.

Frederique Constant introduces the new Slimline Auto Heart Beat

Slimline Auto Heart Beat by Frederique Constant is available in a polished stainless steel or a luxurious rose gold plated, these new timepieces are visibly masculine and will look stylish on any man’s wrist. These new timepieces incorporate specific codes that enhance its unique character and its extreme simplicity with its thin polished baton-type hours markers, along with a supremely pure dial, either dark grey or silver. The overall design of the new Slimline Auto Heart Beat make them light, both visually and physically. Finally, the Slimline Auto heart Beat is graced with a delicate alligator strap, either black or brown matching the colour of the case.

Istana Jewellers presents the new Pavone Collection from Mattia Cielo

Istana Jewellers’s new Pavone Collection from Mattia Cielo, takes to life a perfect mix of modern industrial design. Each piece lives through movement, light, colour and rhythm — interacting with the body that wears it. Pavone collection has been designed using a unique construction of elements that defies the rules of jewellery-making. Components forged in gold and encrusted with diamonds interlink to form new dynamic objects, which flow with the movements of the wearer.

Ulysse Nardin enchants with limited-edition Hourstriker “Horse”

Ulysse Nardin celebrates this extraordinary animal with its Hourstriker Horse. Crafting a collection of 28 pieces in rose gold or platinum, each edition features hand-carved Jaquemarts on a genuine black onyx dial. In this sound-motion coupling, Jaquemarts move in synchronicity with each strike of a gong. Both horse figurines radiate stunning beauty, as seen in their deeply chiseled muscles, pronounced facial features, and long and voluminous mane and tail. Ample in size, it is also self-winding, has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and is water resistant. Its face cover is sapphire crystal, its case-back, also constructed of sapphire crystal.

Exhibitions & Events

GJEPC hosts India Pavilion at the year’s first jewellery exhibition

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council facilitates the participation of several Indian Exhibitors at the Vicenzaoro January, which has started from 22nd till 27th January 2016. Vicenzaoro, a leading event for the international jewellery industry, is attended by a large number of international companies as well as by visitors and buyers from all over the globe. With around 1500 exhibiting companies from across the globe, presence at the Vicenzaoro is indispensable in the sector as it is the first event on the international calendar.

Celebrity News

Léa Seydoux wore Chopard at the 6th Biennial UNICEF Ball

Léa Seydoux wears a pair of platinum earrings featuring 21 carats of brilliant cut diamonds and an 18ct white gold ring set with a 4cts marquise cut diamond and brilliants, both from the High Jewellery Collection at the 6th Biennial UNICEF Ball.

Taraji P. Henson wore Kimberly McDonald at the Golden Globe Awards

Taraji P. Henson wears Kimberly McDonald earrings set with Gemfields Zambian emeralds to attend the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California.

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