Dubai shopping malls and private sector businesses back to 100 per cent capacity; Frédéric Arnault is named CEO of TAG Heuer

   
 
 

Market News

 

Dubai shopping malls and private sector businesses back to 100 per cent capacity

Shopping malls and private sector businesses in Dubai are back to operation at 100 per cent capacity from June 3 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Working hours for companies and operating hours of malls should fall within the timings permitted for public movement, which are currently between 6am and 11pm. According to the Committee, shopping malls have the freedom to choose any set of operating hours within the period in which public movement is permitted. The Committee said the decision is part of the gradual reopening of economic activities in the emirate and efforts to restore normalcy, while ensuring precautionary measures are strictly enforced to protect the safety and wellbeing of employees, visitors and customers at shopping malls and companies.
 

Frédéric Arnault is named CEO of TAG Heuer

Frédéric Arnault is named CEO of TAG Heuer. Arnault is replacing the former CEO Stéphane Bianchi, who succeeded Jean-Claude Biver as head of TAG Heuer and LVMH Watchmaking Division (which, in addition to TAG Heuer, includes Hublot and Zenith). Bianchi is now moving on to head the LVMH Watches and Jewelry Division. When Arnault takes the reigns on July 1st, he will arguably become one of the youngest CEOs of a luxury Maison, besting his older brother Alexandre, who is Co-CEO of the German luggage brand Rimowa. And while he is young, as the son of LVMH CEO and Chairman Bernard Arnault, business acumen is in his DNA.
 
 

Company News

 

Audemars Piguet announces the public opening of Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet

The Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet immerses visitors in the Swiss manufacturer’s cultural universe past, present and future. A space of live craft and encounters entwining contemporary architecture, pioneering scenography and traditional savoir-faire, the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet embodies the Manufacture’s free spirit and devotion to the perpetuation of Haute Horlogerie in the Vallée de Joux and beyond. Today, the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet offers a unique perspective of the Vallée de Joux and of the history of watchmaking—an ambitious architectural and museographical project made possible thanks to the creativity and collaboration of a host of experts, including architects, engineers and local artisans, as well as numerous departments within Audemars Piguet. All individuals involved pushed the limits of their craft to reach new heights.

 

Fabergé supports the Hunger Project’s COVID-19 Appeal

On 28th May 2020, World Hunger Day, Fabergé revealed a new Rose Gold Rainbow Surprise Locket, raising funds for The Hunger Project’s COVID-19 Appeal until 31st August 2020. This beautiful piece comes with a heartfelt message embedded within as 50% of the purchase price* from the sale of each piece will be donated to The Hunger Project UK, in support of their work empowering people across Africa, South Asia and Latin America. In conjunction with this launch, Fabergé will also be donating 50% of the purchase price* from sales of their Colours of Love Multicolour and Rainbow Fluted Rings to the appeal. The rainbow has become a symbol of hope, unity and solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic, a reminder that after darkness comes light.
 

OMEGA is the official timekeeper of the 36th America’s Cup

Now, as the 36th edition of the “Auld Mug” approaches, OMEGA announced its role as the event’s Official Timekeeper. This will mark the third time in history that OMEGA has served in the prestigious sailing role, ever since the brand begun its partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand in 1995. Returning to New Zealand in 2021, OMEGA’s timekeeping excellence and long experience in sailing is sure to be highlighted through new technologies and never-seen-before equipment that will enhance every second of racing. With this announcement comes the release of the brand new OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Limited Edition. Presented on a structured rubber strap, the 43.50 mm timepiece is crafted from stainless steel and is limited to just 2,021 pieces. Most notable is the blue ceramic diving bezel, which incorporates white and red liquid ceramic to create a 5-minute countdown for racing.
 

Piaget announces its latest campaign: Extraordinary Women

Piaget brings together some of the world’s most Extraordinary Women in celebration of being a woman today. Perceptions of femininity are constantly evolving as women take control of defining who they are. Whether they identify with being independent, creative, strong, passionate, generous and fun, they are part of a new dynamic where women can be whoever they want to be. Piaget’s Extraordinary Women are exceptional in their fields, ranging from cinema to art, music, design, and artistry. Determination and accomplishment are part of who they are. They all have their own style that they express with Piaget watches and jewellery to allow their femininity to shine through, as well as to give them confidence in the important work that they do.

 

Ulysse Nardin launches e-commerce

On its path of rejuvenating and dynamizing its image, Ulysse Nardin has targeted a new challenge ahead – the e-commerce. Starting June 3rd, 2020 Ulysse Nardin opens its collections online beginning with the UK and USA markets. E-commerce transactions have surged spectacularly due to the lockdown imposed by the health crisis. In response to the current e-commerce boom Ulysse Nardin is using its agility to accelerate its digitalization process, moving forward the launch of its new e-commerce website to the 3rd of June. To mark the occasion of the e-commerce launch, Ulysse Nardin lovers will have the unique and Xclusive opportunity to buy the DIVER X NEMO POINT available exclusively online for the entire month of June. 

 
 

Product Launch

 

MB&F and H. Moser & Cie: an unprecedented two-way collaboration

H. Moser & Cie. and MB&F are both independent, human-scale Swiss companies. They are run by two passionate personalities, longstanding acquaintances who both appreciate and respect each other on both a personal and professional level. The brands have in fact been working together for more than ten years, with Precision Engineering AG – a sister company of H. Moser & Cie. – notably supplying MB&F's balance springs. It is therefore not surprising that MB&F asked Edouard Meylan to take part as a "friend" to help create a Performance Art Piece. In a spirit of sharing and openness, while cultivating the notion of strength in unity, H. Moser & Cie. and MB&F have thus jointly created two models, available in several versions and issued in 15-piece limited series. This number is a nod to the 15th anniversary of MB&F as well as honouring the 15th anniversary of the relaunch of H. Moser & Cie.
 

A. Lange & Sohne offers sporty-elegant ODYSSEUS for Father’s Day

In many countries of the world, Father’s Day is celebrated as a regional holiday to honour fatherhood, paternal ties to children and the influence of fathers in society. Both sporty and elegant, the ODYSSEUS has been created for people with an active lifestyle who do not want to do without the consummate craftsmanship and the technical sophistication of a fine mechanical watch in their leisure time. It makes the perfect companion for an active and multi-faceted gentleman who needs a classy and dynamic timepiece that he can rely on under any circumstances. Including those, when he returns from a busy day at work and enjoys playing with his children. The watch features a large-format date and day display and a water-resistant case. The combination of the iconic Lange outsize date in the classic double aperture with an equally large day display on the opposite side gives a distinctive design.
 

Introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer

Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced two new Memovox models, one permanent edition part of the new Master Control collection, and one limited edition with a novel ‘timer’ indication, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer. Part of the Jaeger-LeCoultre tradition, the alarm function is brought back this year with two watches, the first being a handsome limited edition named Master Control Memovox Timer, which includes a new complication in addition to the alarm. As part of the Memovox collection, it features the signature twin-crown, one to wind the movement and set the time, the second to actuate the alarm function. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer will be limited to 250 pieces.
 

TAG Heuer presents a special edition of its New Connected Watch for passionate golfers

Combining advanced watchmaking technology with a proven passion for golf and the world of sports, TAG Heuer introduces the Golf Edition of the third generation Connected watch launched in March of this year. Designed and developed entirely in-house by an expert team led by TAG Heuer’s Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, Frédéric Arnault, the TAG Heuer Golf app is packed with features to help master the course, such as 3D mapping, hazards distance, shot tracking, scorecards, pro stats and the new Driving Zone feature. It’s built for the very best and will support any player who wants to take their game to the next level. Together with the TAG Heuer Sport app and the range of connected services offered by the new Connected watch and Wear OS by Google ™ it is the ultimate companion, both on and off the golf course.

 

Blancpain showcases the Villeret Ultraplate 38 mm watch with date display

Blancpain has introduced a new addition to the family of Villeret models: an ultra-slim 38 mm-diameter timepiece displaying the date and offering a contemporary take on the collection’s signature codes. Respectively framed by a steel or red gold case, the luminous white or opaline dial is enhanced by 28 gold appliques patiently positioned and affixed by hand to form the Roman numerals. These are swept over by hours and minutes hands shaped like hollowed sage leaves, while the seconds are marked by a slender hand bearing the initials of the founder, Jehan-Jacques Blancpain. This information is enriched by a date display at 3 o'clock, through an aperture sized to ensure optimal visual balance and legibility.
 

Longines unveils new Spirit Collection

Longines has recently unveiled a new collection of instrument watches that pays tribute to this pioneering spirit. Meet the new Longines Spirit Collection, composed of a time-and-date and a chronograph with a chronometer-certified movement. This new Longines Spirit collection is part of the Heritage line, vintage-inspired watches with retro design. However, this collection isn’t per se a re-edition. Instead, the brand combines historical references with modern mechanics and contemporary codes. Launched in two versions, one as a time-and-date watch, the other as an automatic chronograph, both share the same design elements and identical cases. Both Longines Spirit models come in a classically shaped stainless steel case with pronounced lines and facets. The central part combines brushed surfaces with sharp polished accents on the sides and is topped by a raised, muscular bezel, which is also brushed and polished.
 

Celebrate your wedding day with Mouawad Jewellery

For this year’s bride, Mouawad offers a selection of jewelry sets designed to transform wedding days with their exceptional sparkle and to inspire a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Featuring hundreds of diamonds, each set is composed of a matching necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring. Hand crafted by Mouawad artisans, these exquisite adornments leverage Mouawad’s rich heritage of knowhow and reflect hundreds of hours of painstaking attention to detail. White diamonds, the epitome of classic romanticism, are the gem of choice for these extraordinary suites, with each set being a unique work of art. From the classic sophistication of natural floral motifs to making a boldly different statement with the incorporation of Colombian emeralds, Mouawad’s bridal sets are designed to amplify each woman’s unique personality in shimmering style.

 

Frederique Constant introduces its latest connected watch - the Smartwatch Vitality

Frederique Constant has introduced its latest connected watch, the Smartwatch Vitality, bursting with technology and featuring a digital dial revealed on demand. In addition to the features that were key to the success of its predecessors, the Smartwatch Vitality embraces a major innovation in the form of a new generation, integrated sensor developed by Philips Wearable Sensing, which can measure the heart rate directly from the wrist. The Smartwatch Vitality has a dial with two faces – a first at Frederique Constant. The first is characterised by Roman numerals and hand-polished hour and minute hands... chic and contemporary classicism for those who appreciate sophisticated timepieces with a refined look.
 

Montegrappa presents Caduceus & Teacher's Pen

Navy blue is the smart new uniform of Caduceus – Montegrappa’s popular pen made for the medical profession. Fearlessness, selflessness and vocational dedication are just three of the attributes shown by health sector professionals throughout 2020. A shiny palladium Caduceus clip is a badge of honour. Also from Montegrappa’s Professions catalogue is the nostalgic Teacher’s Pen. The brand’s homage to the teaching profession offers a classroom aesthetic and high academic performance. A hardback-shaped presentation case is addressed to ‘The Best Teacher in the World’ and contains a special #1 enamel pin. Both Caduceus and the Teacher’s Pen are available in fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint modes.

 

DELMA launches the Cayman Worldtimer

DELMA expands its impressive portfolio with a new edition to the 70s inspired Cayman collection. First introduced in 2019, the original Cayman pays homage to the brand’s early divers’ watches. This year, the collection grows to include a new model which retains the aesthetic and technical qualities with the addition of world timer functionality. It is dedicated to adventures who seek to discover the wonders of the blue planet above and below the surface from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the pristine lakes of Switzerland. 24 reference cities, one for each time zone, appoint the bidirectional riveted bezel which compliments the polished sunray-brushed dial in nautical black abyss, deep blue and lustrous silver. Luminescent hands and indexes accompany a distinctive triangular 24-hour hand to effortlessly indicate multiple time zones relevant to the wearer.
 
 
 
 

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