Company News

OMEGA launches the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M”SKYFALL” Limited Edition watch in a style

Omega invited today, Wednesday 24^th of October a selective UAE media to watch the Premier of SKYFALL James Bond movie at the Reel Cinemas at the Dubai Mall. Once again, Daniel Craig reprising the role of the world’s favorite secret agent for the third consecutive time and once again, the 007 agent had in his wrist the OMEGA Seamaster. Like every Planet Ocean, the new watch is ready for underwater adventure. Equipped with a unidirectional rotating diving bezel and a helium escape valve, the watch is water resistant 60 bar / 600 metres / 2000 feet. The watch has a 42 mm brushed and polished stainless steel case and a matching patented screw-and-pin bracelet whose divers’ clasp is engraved with “007”. The rotating diving bezel is distinguished by its matt black ceramic ring with a chromium nitride diving scale. The Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M SKYFALL wristwatch is being produced in an edition limited to 5,007 pieces and is delivered in a special presentation box.

RJ-Romain Jerome Octopus launched in the UAE

Manuel Emch, CEO of RJ-Romain Jerome launched in Dubai today Wednesday 24^th of October, the new RJ-Romain Jerome Octopus watch in conjunction with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. The new Octopus is the very first diver’s watch among the RJ-Romain Jerome family of sports watches. The Octopus, named after the ocean giant that became a powerful symbol in Jules Verne’s famous novel Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, is first and foremost a sports watch but also a genuine diver’s model. CEO Manuel Emch wanted this diver’s watch to be different in terms of both its aesthetic expression and its technical execution. The Octopus features two crowns, one at 9 o’clock to set the watch and a second one at 3 o’clock for the elapsed time controller. It is equipped with an exclusive internal unidirectional rotating sapphire bezel system featuring engraved five-minute graduation. The chapter ring’s markers are enhanced with Superluminova “blue emission” to ensure maximum visibility under the water. The hands are also luminescent.

Breguet hosts international event to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first wristwatch

In order to pay tribute to the creation of the first wristwatch for a Queen (Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples), Breguet flies off to Naples, to where it all began. On October 5 and 6, Breguet took over the Gulf of Naples to celebrate the bicentennial of the first wristwatch, as well as the 10^th anniversary of its “Reine de Naples” ladies collection. Breguet has invited its guests from around the world to take a leap backwards in time and begin by exploring the Reggia Di Capodimonte, originally built for Charles de Bourbon in 1738.

Vhernier officially inaugurates its first boutique in the Middle East

Vhernier, masters of Italian contemporary jewellery has celebrated the inauguration of its first boutique within the Middle East. Located in the lavish Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the boutique boasts the finest jewellery collections of the Italian House, influenced in their design by trends in modern and contemporary art. Representing their first boutique in the Middle East, Vhernier will be operating in partnership with AW Rostamani Lifestyle, one of the most respected corporations in the Middle East, renowned for providing world leading brands and service to exclusive customers in the region.

Perrelet appoints Asia Jewellers as exclusive distributor in Bahrain

Perrelet has unveiled another facet of their strategic regional expansion plan by announcing the appointment of Asia Jewellers as exclusive distributors for the Kingdom of Bahrain. The partnership was finalised with a formal contract between the two companies at the Jewellery Arabia 2012 at the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre.

CHANEL celebrates the 80th Anniversary of "Bijoux de Diamants" in New York

On 9^th of October, CHANEL hosted a private viewing in New York, of 80 new High-Jewelry pieces for the 80th anniversary of the "Bijoux de Diamants" collection, originally created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1932.

Chopard unveils its e-commerce site in US

Chopard has recently announced the e-commerce site, us.chopard.com for the U.S. market only. Now the brand is selling online directly to consumers in the United States via an e-boutique that carries 650 products ranging in price from $100 to $65,000. According to a news release from Chopard, the site is “geared to reach consumers in major metropolitan cities that do have a Chopard boutique or retail partner.” Chopard said the site also is intended to increase brand awareness described by the brand as the site’s “primary goal”and, ultimately, drive traffic to stores in markets where Chopard already is located.

Audemars Piguet golf ambassadors cheer Team Europe’s glorious win at the Ryder Cup 2012

On 30^th of September, Team Europe won the Ryder Cup against the American Team by 14 ½ points to 13 ½ in Medinah, Illinois in the US. Throughout the competition, Team Europe, led by world number one Rory Mcllroy and composed of three other Audemars Piguet Ambassadors, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell, and Ian Poulter, fought hard to retain the trophy on European soil.

Hublot and the WBC raise $1’000’000 for new WBC charities

On 29 September 2012, Hublot and the World Boxing Council co-hosted an exciting evening to honor 12 of boxing’s most admired champions, including Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis, Jeff Fenech, Larry Holmes, Tommy Hearns, Roberto Duran, Azumah Nelson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya and George Foreman, at the world famous Bellagio hotel. Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe, spoke about the partnership between Hublot and the WBC and presented the world-class boxers with their individual Hublot King Power WBC timepiece, in celebration of the inauguration of the WBC Charities. Overall, it was a very successful evening as Hublot and the WBC were able to raise One Million USD, all of which will go to support the charitable initiative of the World Boxing Council.

1915 by Seddiqi announces the panel of judges for the ‘Make it Watch-able’ Competition

1915 by Seddiqi has announced its panel of judges for its ‘Make it Watch-able Competition’ just after its dedicated design workshop at Shelter Dubai. The ‘Make it Watch-able’ competition sets out to engage creative minds in the UAE by giving them the task of translating a radio script into a visual project through animation, photography, illustration, painting, drawing/sketches, cinematography and/or visual arts.  The script is part of a fun radio campaign that was aired by 1915 earlier this year. With an eclectic mix of industry leaders and inspirational figures, the jury is made up of UAE Nationals and Expat males and females of different ages, with one main thing in common- their love and drive for creativity.

New world record for apneiste Genoni, Blancpain ambassador

Gianluca Genoni, multiple world freediving champion and Blancpain ambassador has succeeded the depth freediving record with -160 meters in 3.41 minutes. After official verification of the length of the rope, supervised by the notary public of Rapallo, Gianluca Genoni, has equipped with his faithful 500 Fathoms, set off to establish a new record in the depths of the Mediterranean. On the morning of September 28th, propelled by an electric scooter, he came up several minutes later, holding a tag testifying to the fact that he had reached 160 metres.

Frederique Constant elevates awareness of World Heart Day with ShuQi

On 29^th September, Frederique Constant raises awareness on World Heart Day with Chinese Movie star Ms Shu Qi, Frederique Constant brand ambassador for Greater China since 2008. In collaboration with California’s luxury retailer Chong Hing Jewelers, a public donation ceremony held at Chong Hing’s San Gabriel location to mark the official announcement of Frederique Constant’s first-ever partnership with The World Heart Federation. Frederique Constant’s new partnership announcement closed with a donation check of $50,000 handed over to Dr Ann Bolger by US President Ralph Simons. Nearly a thousand community members and dignitaries attended the event.

Product Launch

Geo.Graham The Moon

GRAHAM celestial manual flying Tourbillon, called Geo.Graham The Moon, which features a perpetual moon retrograde function, embodies the mastery of astronomy applied to high-end watch making. The movement is coated in blue and adorned with constellations of 45 diamonds (0.24 cts) (flange collar: 11 diamonds, dial: 34 diamonds) such as Camelopardalis, Perseus, Cassiopeia, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor and at the centre becoming the North Star’s position. To magnify the moon phase, the pink gold (18K) case with faceted horns is crowned with a Milky Way sapphire painted bezel. It offers you a unique view of the universe through a refracting telescope. The watch is limited edition of 20 pieces. 

Bulgari introduces the new OCTO watch

It is a strong, charismatic personality radiating a distinctive character. Neither round nor square, but a harmonious and balanced symbiosis of the two basic shapes giving rise to the octagon – symbolising the geometry of perfection. Its eight-sided structure framed by a round bezel proclaims a bold yet subtle break with the aesthetic conventions of pure classicism. The powerful identity of OCTO establishes new codes of references in the future world of men’s luxury watches.

Harry Winston presents the Ocean Tourbillon Big Date

The Harry Winston Ocean Tourbillon Big Date is a technical achievement that offers an unparalleled aesthetic experience. The tourbillon is traditionally mounted on the plate of the watch and can only be seen (when it is visible at all) from one angle. The Ocean Tourbillon Big Date, on the other hand, departs radically from the conventional tourbillon construction, to create a "floating tourbillon" –one in which the tourbillon carriage and the regulating organs carried on it appear to float freely in space, and not only that, but do so with no immediately visible mechanical connection to the rest of the movement.

The Dressage watch by La Montre Hermes

The Dressage watch, created by Henri d’Origny, was modernized in 2003, while remaining true to its original aesthetics and becoming lighter. Today, the new collection consists of ten models. These are equipped with the exclusive H1837 movement made for Hermes by the Manufacture Vaucher and adapted so as to come in versions with a large central seconds hand and calendar at 6 o’clock, or with a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock. There are eight variations in steel (four for each movement) with a black or opaline silver dial and a choice of straps in steel or matt black or Havana alligator. Leather is selected in accordance with the noble saddle-making traditions of the House.

New Speed Tracking collection by Formex Watch

Formex Watch SA, the Lengnau-based inventor of the patented active case suspension system, puts a double focus on speed. The company created a watch in collaboration with the fastest human being in the "speed tracking" discipline, an accelerated variant of skydiving. The watches in the Speed Tracking collection embody all of the characteristics of a typical Formex. With a diameter of 46.5 mm, they rank among the larger calibers. The message of the prominent stainless steel case, polished or PVD-coated in black, is clear: ruggedness. The dials are well organized, superbly legible, and color-coordinated with the cases.

Faberge presents its new Christmas collections of cocktail rings

Faberge is synonymous with artistry and craftsmanship and its heritage is inextricably linked with the world’s most iconic treasures and jeweled gifts. For over two centuries gifting has been at the heart of the Faberge story, whether by a Tsar of Imperial Russia to his Empress, or an admirer gifting a Faberge love-token to Elizabeth Taylor. Today, Faberge continues this legacy of creating jeweled treasures for a new generation of devotees. Prices start from a few thousand dollars to the limitless for special bespoke commissions.

Exhibitions & Events

The 17th Edition of Dubai International Jewellery Week

Now in its seventeenth edition, Dubai International Jewellery Week will run from 21-24 November 2012 at Zabeel Hall in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The show is expected to attract thousands of visitors this year, with the largest collection of one-off jewellery pieces and luxury collections, unique watches and stylish designs at exclusive show prices. This year’s event will feature over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries presenting stunning collections of fine jewellery and watches. National pavilions representing retailers from Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Lebanon, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom will be taking part in the exhibition.

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie welcomes two new members

The latest watch brands to join the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, which promotes tradition and innovation through craftsmanship and technology, are relatively young. Christophe Claret, the brand was established in 1989 and has a reputation in the field of grand complications, particularly minute-repeaters, with an impressive 60 different calibres to its name. De Bethune was established only a decade ago, in 2002, but already the annals of the company history include nine patents, 17 world-firsts and 15 proprietary movements. The addition of these two new brands brings the total membership of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie to 27 brands.

The 4th Edition of Geneva Time Exhibition moving to a new venue

The Geneva Time Exhibition, now in its fourth year, is relocating to the very heart of Geneva to a new venue that offers the perfect location for both exhibitors and visitors: the Batiment des Forces Motrices. The move to the city centre will help the next Geneva Time Exhibition, to run Sunday 20 January through Thursday 24 January 2013, emphasize the event’s Geneva roots and boost its international reputation still further. GTE 2013 will host around forty exhibitors, all keen to meet and talk with passionate watch aficionados.

GJEPC appoints new Chairman and Vice-Chairman

On 9 October, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council held its election in New Delhi. The new Chairman of the GJEPC is Shri. Vipul P Shah and the Vice Chairman is Shri. Pankaj Parekh, who will take over responsibilities from the outgoing Chairman, Shri. Rajiv Jain and Vice-Chairman, Shri. Sanjay Kothari respectively. The new members will hold office for the next 2 years.

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