Market News

Swatch Group hits CHF 6.4 Billion sales in 2010

Swatch Group 2010 full year sales reached CHF 6 billion, or about $6.2 billion, for the first time in its history. This is an increase at constant exchange rates of +21.8% over 2009 and +12.7% over the previous record year 2008, despite capacity bottlenecks and adverse exchange rates. After a strong month of December with 21% growth at constant rates in the segment Watches & Jewelry, there are already indications in January 2011 of continued double-digit growth.

Richemont posts 23 percent sales increase in Q3

Richemont reported fiscal third-quarter sales were up 23 percent. Total sales for the third quarter ended Dec. 31 increased to $2.19 billion, compared to $1.64 billion in the prior year period, including a 20 percent increase in jewelry sales, a 21 percent bump in watch sales and sales rising 12 percent and 63 percent, respectively, for Richemont are writing instruments and other businesses.

Dubai named as top shopping destination in the world

A latest survey has named Dubai as the world’s top shopping destination among shoppers in the Arab world, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said. The survey by Yahoo! Maktoob Research revealed that 32 per cent of Arab shoppers rank Dubai as the best in a list that included prominent cities such as London, Paris and New York. Shopping festivals such as the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) have further strengthened Dubai's position as a global shopping haven.

Rolls-Royce reveals record sales results in 2010

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has revealed record global sales results for 2010, with 2,711 cars sold during the year. These was a 171 percent increase on the 2009 total of 1,002 cars and more than double the previous company record of 1,212 cars set in 2008. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars saw 2010 sales in the Middle East grow by 100% in comparison to 2009; the region is one of the marque’s most important markets worldwide and has contributed significantly to the outstanding year-end sales result.

Company News

Longines partners with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup

Longines has announced its new partnership with HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club. The Swiss watchmaker is the official partner and timekeeper for this prestigious event which was held on 15 January at the Dubai Endurance City. In endurance competitions, the rider must be in perfect harmony with his or her horse in order to manage its pace over the set distance. The Longines Master Collection Moon Phases in rose gold was the official watch of the event.

Hublot partners with Miami Heat for local charity

Hublot joined Basketball Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley at his home in Miami for a star studded charity evening with proceeds benefiting the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund. Hublot extended their commitment to community driven charities by partnering with The Miami Heat to raise money for the Miami Heat Charitable Fund whose beneficiaries include Jackson Memorial Children’s Hospital, SafeSpace and the Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug-free Community.

Damiani sparkles at the 2011 Golden Globes Ceremony

Damiani was present on the screen and the red carpet during the 2011 Golden Globes, the prestigious awards assigned by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and considered the preview of the Academy Awards. The star-studded event was held in Los Angeles and attended by various celebrities. Brenda Vaccaro, wore pieces from the Flutti collection and Joanna Garcia, walked the red carpet wearing Damiani’s Mimosa earrings and Vulcania ring.

Baume & Mercier launches seaside garden party at SIHH 2011

To commemorate the start of a new chapter in its history, Baume & Mercier invited 950 guests on its spectacular event held on January 17^th in Geneva, Switzerland on the occasion of the SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie). The event was highlighted by the presence of its new ambassador, Gwyneth Paltrow and various international celebrities.

Carl F. Bucherer announces Diego Benaglio as new brand ambassador

Carl F. Bucherer has appointed Diego Benaglio, the Swiss national soccer team goalkeeper as its newest brand ambassador. He is the perfect example of someone with ambition and self-confidence, who can make big dreams come true. Like the independent Lucerne watchmaker he demonstrates the uncompromising determination to go his own way.

Dunhill presents Spring Summer 2011 Advertising Campaign

For Spring Summer 2011, Alfred Dunhill presents a change in communication direction focused on celebrating brilliance. "The Voice" is an honest and elegant portfolio of British men. The format is simple – a series of black and white portraits, each subject dressed in a Dunhill outfit of their own choosing, and an interview with the cast.

Christie's highlights the Spring 2011 sales in the Middle East

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business will hold its 10th sale season in the Middle East. Christie’s who have been holding regular auctions in the Middle East since 2006, recorded an increase of 117% in sales in 2010 has announced the dates for the Spring 2011 season in Dubai. The sale of Middle Eastern Modern and Contemporary art will be held on April 19 and the auction of Jewels and Watches will be held on April 20 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai.

Product Launch

Chopard presents IMPERIALE, a watch of royal elegance

Chopard has presented the new Imperiale watches which are available in several sizes (36 or 40mm in diameter) and are animated by a quartz, self-winding or chronograph movement. The timepieces are sculptured in steel or in rose or white gold. The line comprises diamond-set or all-polished models. They are presented on a metal bracelet or a leather strap. All models are 50-meter water-resistant.

deLaCour introduces José Mourinho as Brand Ambassador and the Mourinho City Ego Collection

deLaCour has announced Jose Mourinho as their Brand Ambassador and the inspiration of The Mourinho City Ego Collection. José Mourinho’s confident and courageous character has been the allegorical connection for the development of this Limited Edition Collection. The Mourinho City Ego Collection transcends a robust yet alluring elegance, destined for the avant-garde whose personality is reflected through the vision that gave life to this unique collection.

Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils the new Reverso Ultra Thin Lady at the SIHH 2011

Jaeger-LeCoultre has unveiled the all new Reverso Ultra-Thin Lady Watch at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2011 (SIHH 2011) watch exhibition in Geneva and has also brought to the world, the new face of the watch in the form of Diane Kruger. Jaeger-LeCoultre, presented Ms. Kruger as the official face of the Reverso Ultra-Thin Lady Watch in the presence of the company’s CEO, Jerome Lambert.

Mouawad “Masterpiece Collection” shines at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Mouawad has showcased its exclusive “Masterpiece Collection” on the runway of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City. The Mouawad “Masterpiece Collection” made a stunning debut paired with the ravaging Victoria’s Secret lingerie down the runway. In addition to these Bombshells, Hollywood’s A-lists’ Paris & Nicky Hilton, along with Kim Kardashian also dazzled in diamonds by Mouawad at the fashion show and at the “Apprentice” Donald Trump event. 

David Morris introduces the Ginkgo Collection

Jeremy Morris conceives the sumptuous Ginkgo Collection from the ginkgo tree. And so, to evoke the qualities serenity and “changeless” which the ginkgo leaf represents in Japanese art, Jeremy conceived “two part” Ginkgo Earrings. Burmese sapphires, rose cut, pear-shaped white diamonds and rare Brazilian Paraiba tourmalines - prized for combining the “brilliance” of diamonds with the “intense” colour of turquoise – lend an electrifying opulence to the earrings.

EBEL offers Classic Sport Timepiece

The EBEL new Ice and Fire watch is a watch of pure emotions. The EBEL Classic Sport dreams of a shimmering mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds that are sprinkled gently like snowflakes over the bezel and hour-markers with a red dial evoking the warm scent of gluhwein, or a fiery sunset on snow-capped peaks.

Exhibitions & Events

HKTDC: 28th edition of Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

From March 4 to 8 2011, one brilliant event will be the focus of the world's jewellery industry. The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show brings together designers and manufacturers of set jewellery and timepieces, as well as traders in loose stones and pearls, to offer their glittering wares to buyers from all over the world. The event will be held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Geneva Time Exhibition gets another remarkable year

After the success of the debut edition in January 2010, Geneva Time Exhibition is already established as the key exhibition platform for the independent watchmaking sector. The irrepressible optimism surrounding GTE 2011 mirrors the industry's impressive economic recovery – reflected in the number of exhibitors at this year's Fair, up 63% from the previous year. The exhibition was held on January 16 to 21 at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG).

WJCEF conducts seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility at VINCENZAORO

The VINCENZAORO First jewellery trade show hosted a high-level seminar about Corporate Social Responsibility in the jewellery industry, conducted by the World Jewellery Confederation Education Foundation (WJCEF) on January 16. The seminar was organised by CIBJO and hosted by Fiera di Vicenza. The seminar highlighted the cooperation that has developed between the international jewellery sector, represented by CIBJO, and the United Nations.

4th Edition of IIJS Signature

Jewelex Arabia 2011

The Jewelex Arabia 2011, the Saudi Arabian International Fine Jewellery and Luxury Watch Exhibition is set to take place from 29 November to 1 December 2011 at the Four Seasons Hotel within Riyadh's iconic Kingdom Centre. Jewelex Arabia 2011 has already attracted space/stand bookings and enquiries from international premium brands, as well as Riyadh’s major jewellery trading agencies.

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