Excerpts from the interview with Mr. Yassin Tag, Brand Manager - Middle East & Indian Sub-Continent, Vacheron Constantin; DMCC unveils ‘Burj2020 District’ concept at 2015 Cityscape Global Conference

Market Report

Excerpts from the interview with Mr. Yassin Tag, Brand Manager - Middle East & Indian Sub-Continent, Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 260th anniversary this year. What challenges, in your opinion, await the brand over the coming decade?

The biggest challenge will be to keep growing in an intensely competitive and rapidly changing marketplace while continuing to deliver exceptional quality, creativity and sustaining the quest for excellence.

In 260 years, Vacheron Constantin has produced many creations, complications, innovative movements and new techniques. If you were to highlight only one in the course of this interview, what would it be?

Without doubt it would be the new Harmony Ultra-thin Grande complication chronograph, the world thinnest self-winding split-second chronograph in platinum. An incredibly beautiful watch esthetically and technically.

Vacheron Constantin commemorating its 260th anniversary introduced the Harmony Collection. How was it received by collectors in the region?

Very well I have to say. Our collectors in the region are most discerning and have already pre-booked almost the entire region’s quota. The new shape inspired from a 1928 vintage chronograph is stunning and the large size of this collection is well appreciated by the collectors. The new Hallmark of Geneva movement with peripheral rotor has exceptional finishing and design.

How is Vacheron Constantin’s distribution system evolving in the region?

The brand’s marketing channels have evolved significantly in a qualitative way in the last ten years. We have opened boutiques in key cities in the region (two in Dubai, one each in Riyadh, and Kuwait), and will soon be in Doha and Jeddah as well. Our valued clients will be able to experience the latest brand feel and variety all over the region. The latest addition is of course our newly opened flagship boutique in The Dubai Mall. It offers a luxurious and exclusive environment with the presence of a watchmaker who will be more than happy to answer any technical question one may have about our unique timepieces.

What is the brand’s production level and where do you want to be?

Today we produce around 25,000 watches annually and we intend to keep our exclusivity intact with a judicious growth.

What can be done to interest the younger generation in Fine Watchmaking? How are you going to entice them to become your potential customers?

Younger generations are already very much interested in fine watchmaking, especially in this part of the world. As far as Vacheron Constantin is concerned they are really attracted by the Overseas and Quai de l’Ile collections.

What do you advise collectors who are interested in Vacheron but cannot yet afford to buy a complication?

We have many timepieces that are at a lower price point than complications. As I said earlier, the Overseas collection and Quai de l’Ile are excellent entry points to the world of Vacheron Constantin.

Which watch would you recommend to someone who is just getting acquainted with the brand?

A watch is so personal that I would not recommend the same watch for everyone, I would need to sit and discuss with the person about his preferences, his lifestyle and many more aspects. But the wide collection offered in the Vacheron Constantin range makes it easy for us to recommend the perfect watch for you!

Which is your all-time favorite watch?

Vintage Vacheron Constantin chronograph reference 4178 from the 40’s is an all-time favorite.

Vacheron Constantin is participating in “Salon des Grandes Complications” in Dubai and Jewellery Arabia exhibition held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. What is your assessment of these participations?

It is always a great pleasure for me to participate in these two exhibitions. It allows us to interact directly with the collectors and share our high watchmaking passion with some of the most knowledgeable connoisseurs of the watchmaking art.

Market News

DMCC unveils ‘Burj2020 District’ concept at 2015 Cityscape Global Conference

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) unveiled its “Burj2020 District,” a mixed-use urban destination for the global business community. The new area, introduced at the recent 2015 Cityscape Global Conference, will include several towers and total more than 1 million square meters. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, unveiled conceptual master plan with renowned super tall tower architects, Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, designers of ‘Burj2020’. According to Adrian Smith, the concept driving the district’s design was inspired by the facets of a diamond, which are “elegant, bold and timeless.” In addition to commercial space, the district will offer 100,000 square meters of retail space and serve the surrounding DMCC Free Zone and Jumeirah Lake Towers.

Dubai diamond trade to grow on Antwerp woes

According to National Bank of Fujairah, Dubai’s diamond trade will grow as the Middle East emirate attracts dealers from the industry’s traditional hub in the Belgian port of Antwerp after one of the city’s main gem lenders closed, depriving buyers of needed financing. Dubai, historically a pearl centre, is growing into a trading hub for the $57 billion (Dh209.36 billion) global diamond market to take advantage of its transport links to India, the world’s biggest importer, and expanding financing available to the industry. Imports into the UAE rose to $5.9 billion last year from $5.1 billion in 2013, according to the Kimberley Process, set up to stop the supply of blood diamonds from war zones.

Arab nations’ GDP expected to grow 2.8% this year

The Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) said Arab economies are expected to grow by 2.8 per cent in 2015 and 3.5 per cent in 2016. The fund revealed the numbers in its September edition of the Arab Economic Outlook Report, containing updated forecasts of economic growth and inflation rates for Arab counties in 2015 and 2016. The report noted that world economic activity has not improved markedly during the first half of the year – contrary to what was anticipated by international organizations earlier this year.

Company News

Chopard is launches its new advertising campaigns Introducing Hilary Rhoda

Throughout 2015, Chopard is launching new advertising campaigns dedicated to the Maison’s four flagship collections. After the Happy Diamonds campaign, launched in April, Chopard unveils the new Imperiale campaign. To embody the Imperiale woman, Chopard has chosen the charismatic and alluring fashion model Hilary Rhoda. The new campaign along with its capsule collection “The Empress Jewellery Box” has been launched during the Venice International Film Festival. The unveiling took place in the presence of our Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele, Hilary Rhoda, Elettra Wiedemann and French Actress Juliette Binoche.

A. Lange & Söhne at Watches & Wonders 2015

A.Lange & Söhne is once again the only watch brand from Germany among the twelve exhibitors who will be presenting their top-tier products at Watches & Wonders 2015 to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 200th birthday of Ferdinand Adolph Lange will be in the spotlight during A. Lange & Söhne’s appearance at the third Haute Horlogerie Exhibition in Asia. New timepieces will also be unveiled in Hong Kong.

IWC Schaffhausen hosts a private Portofino ladies’ brunch in Lebanon

IWC Schaffhausen and its exclusive retail partner in Lebanon, Atamian Watches, hosted a private Portofino ladies’ brunch at the iconic La Crêperie restaurant in Jounieh, Beirut. During the exclusive event, the prominent guests were invited to discover the Portofino 37 mm collection created for watch lovers who prefer a slightly smaller timepiece. The Portofino 37 mm collection is characterized by a classic, timeless design that has helped this watch family to become one of IWC Schaffhausen’s most successful. The Portofino collection has been an expression of understatement and good taste for 30 years and the different versions in the recent collection also reflect the elegance of the Italian coastal port after which the watch family is named.

Baume & Mercier reopens its doors to The Dubai Mall Boutique

Baume & Mercier and long lasting partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons officially reopened their boutique in The Dubai Mall after renovations took place to ensure a unique and intimate client experience. The new design encompasses comfort, elegance, harmony, conviviality, and timelessness – brought to life by the incredible brightness of the space. The boutique is beautifully designed mirroring the brand’s long-standing values of sharing, authenticity and continuity. Customers now have a chance to immerse themselves in the world of the collections, as well as to appreciate the elegance of Baume & Mercier signature areas stretching from the Men’s to the Ladies’ environments which are all imbued with a pervasive sense of luxury and tradition

Product Launch

Audemars Piguet and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons launches the latest novelty for women

In partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Audemars Piguet, presents to the region for the first time its latest novelty for women – the 2015 Millenary collection. Three years in the making, the new Millenary collection is reliable, expertly crafted and beautiful to wear - perfectly complementing the style of the Audemars Piguet woman. The piece features a new hand-wound Manufacture calibre 5201 that has been conceived to perfectly fit the intriguing 18-carat pink gold and white gold oval case shape with a jeweled crown and a diamond setting, that ergonomically follows the curves of the wrist with a choice of shimmering brown, pearly dark grey or beige alligator strap. Inside is a white mother-of-pearl disc printed with roman numerals with an open-design movement revealing the balance wheel, also known as the beating heart of the watch.

Apple and Hermès unveils Apple Watch Hermès Collection

Apple® and Hermès introduced Apple Watch® Hermès, a new collection of Apple Watch in stainless steel with finely crafted leather bands in distinctive styles from Hermès, including the Single Tour, Double Tour and Cuff, while respecting the design and functionality of the Apple Watch. The collaboration merges Apple’s unparalleled product innovation with the heritage, iconography and craftsmanship of Hermès, creating a unique expression of Apple Watch.

Bell&Ross launches its limited edition collections

Bell&Ross presented its latest novelties and limited edition collections in Dubai at Chart Lounge located in the Marina Yacht Club. For the occasion, the Swiss-French watch making brand transformed the interiors of the Chart Lounge into a sporty yet very classy atmosphere. Bell&Ross’ mission is to invent, design and manufacture exclusive and perfectly functional timepieces for professionals working under extreme conditions. This vocation places its creations in the purest Swiss Military and watch making tradition. It results in iconic timepieces that offer absolute performance. To go even further in its quest for excellence, Bell&Ross has made aviation, especially aeronautical instruments a main source of inspiration. Many of its present collections pay tribute to the timekeepers that the military have used throughout history on land, sea or in the air.

delaCour presents its new jewelry timepiece

The Leap is a refined watch with a sophisticated look that subtly combines aesthetics and elegance. In the spirit of delaCour, the curves of the elliptical shaped case, hallmark of the brand, are accentuated on the Leap thus making this timepiece soft and sensual like a woman’s silhouette. The Leap Snow was naturally added to the Leap collection. This jewelry timepiece celebrates beauty with discretion and elegance. An artistic expression of delaCour’s excellence in the field, each piece is a tribute to the magic of time. The shape of this amazing watch draws its inspiration from the timeless models of delaCour as well as the jewelry expertise and know-how of the brand.

Frederique Constant introduces 19th in-house caliber with its new Classic Moonphase Manufacture

Frederique Constant has introduced its 19th calibre, which is in-house developed, produced and assembled. With the new FC-715 calibre, the brand’s designer created a movement with a moonphase complication, which shows the outside a beautiful, classical and elegant timepiece and offers on the inside to every watch lover the delight of a highly technical refined precision-made mechanism. Crafted in harmony with the finest watchmaking traditions, the Classic Manufacture Moonphase comes in a very balanced 40,5mm case, with the choice of either stainless steel or rose gold plated finishing. Defined by its fine and elegant lines, the silver dial with the polished double or single baton-type hour-markers and its dauphine hands is a pure beauty. The disk of the moonphase features a night sky with the moon and stars that add to the watch an undeniably sophisticated touch.

Samsung introduces new its smartwatch

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced the launch of the Samsung Gear S2 smart watch, the company's latest offering as a result of many years of progressive innovation in the wearables category. The Samsung Gear S2 comes in a versatile circular design with an intuitive custom UX and advanced features. The Gear S2's rotating bezel along with the Home and Back buttons ensures users will have a quicker more precise method to comfortably access notifications and applications. It is introduced in two different options the Gear S2 and the Gear S2 classic. The Gear S2 classic is made for users who prefer a more timeless watch design offering a black finish with a matching genuine leather band.

Exhibitions & Events

Rolex spotlight on the “presidents’ watch” in Beirut Lebanon

To complement the launch of the new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40, Rolex has created an exclusive exhibition celebrating the “presidents’ watch”, launched in 1956. The new generation of this symbol of excellence and prestige was unveiled earlier this year. Visitors are invited to discover the history of the Day-Date through information panels, presented on an impressive structure inspired by the model’s iconic President bracelet. In addition to 3D videos, stories, archive photographs and an exploded view of a movement, several of the new collection’s models will be on display. The exhibition will take place at Rolex Downtown Beirut on October 23rd and 24th, 2015.

Celebrity News

Hilary Rhoda wears Chopard at the 72nd International Venice Film Festival

American supermodel and Chopard Imperiale ambassadress Hilary Rhoda unveiled new creations from the Imperiale collection; earrings in 18ct rose gold set with diamonds and amethysts, briolette-cut amethysts (7cts) and amethysts beads, a ring in 18ct rose gold recalling the Imperiale motif and adorned with a 6cts amethyst and a magnificent watch in 18ct rose gold with a mother-of-pearl dial featuring the Imperiale motif set with diamonds on a purple damask bracelet with tone on tone Imperiale motif.

Elisa Sednaoui wears Jaeger-LeCoultre at closing ceremony of Venice Film Festival

On September 12th 2015, Venice Film Festival hostess, model and actress Elisa Sednaoui, looked radiant wearing a Jaeger-LeCoultre Jewellery Riviere 101 Reine timepiece to attend the closing ceremony of the Festival at the Palazzo del Casino in Venice, Italy.

Kristen Stewart wears CHANEL at the Venice Film Festival

Kristen Stewart, face of CHANEL and main female actress in “Equals” film, wore black and navy blue silk top and matching shorts, from the Fall-Winter 2015/16 Act 1 Ready-to-Wear collection. CHANEL Watches: "Boy.Friend" watch in 18K beige gold, opaline guilloché dial and black alligator strap.

Blanca Suarez dazzles in Piaget at Vitoria Television Festival

Blanca Suarez presented in Vitoria Television Festival her new serie "Carlos, King Emperor" on the role of Queen Elisabeth from Portugal. She wore earrings of the Piaget Rose Passion collection. These earrings are an example of creativity and elegance, two characteristics of the Maison. She also wore ring which belongs to the Piaget Rose collection.

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