Market News

Swiss watch exports off to a positive start in January 2015

The year 2015 got off to a good start for watch exports, after two less favourable months. At 1.6 billion francs, their value was up 3.7% compared to January 2014. This increase was recorded on an already high base and with one less working day. Steel watches registered a sharp rise in value terms, followed by bimetallic timepieces. However precious metals experienced a slight dip in demand. In volume terms, the level was identical to that of January 2014. The category of other materials showed a decline but this was offset by other segments. The best performances came from the most expensive watches. Timepieces costing more than 3,000 francs (export price) saw their value increase by 7.5%. The 500-3,000 francs segment for its part registered a decline (-4.8%). Products between 200 and 500 francs recorded an increase of several points. Below 200 francs, volumes contracted by 2.6%. The three leading markets for Swiss watch exports set the tone with significant gains. Hong Kong and China recorded above average increases. Meanwhile the United States continued it’s more modest but steady upward trend, after a very strong fourth quarter.

Apple presents Apple Watch

Apple unveils Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch Edition; and also: New MacBook Air retina unveiled. The Apple Watch introduces the Digital Crown, a tool to scroll, zoom and navigate without using the touch display. The Taptic Engine discreetly delivers a gentle tap on your wrist whenever you receive a notification or message. Apple Watch collection features polished stainless steel and space black stainless steel cases. The display is protected by sapphire crystal. Choice of three different leather bands, a link bracelet, a Milanese loop, and a band made from high-performance fluoroelastomer. Apple Watch Sport collection Cases made from lightweight anodised aluminum in silver and space gray. The display is protected by strengthened Ion-X glass. Matching fluoroelastomer band in five different colors. Apple Watch Edition collection A watch case crafted from gold. The display is protected by polished sapphire crystal.

Company News

Chopard presents Happy Diamonds New Campaign

Chopard turns the spotlight on its unique spirit in new advertising campaigns dedicated to four flagship collections - Happy Diamonds, Imperiale, Haute Joaillerie and Classic Racing and set to be released in various phases throughout the year 2015. A cheerful spirit breathes life into the Happy Diamonds Collection. Ever since its creation, the Happy Diamonds collection has distinguished itself by the joyful swirl of precious dancing diamonds. Chopard will reveal the new Happy Diamonds film on April 13th.

Al Manara International Jewelry signed exclusive distribution with Tirisi Jewelry

Tirisi Jewelry launched exclusively with Al Manara International Jewellery in Abu Dhabi at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.
The founders Julian Rotstein and Natascha Zuchouwski introduced Tirisi Jewelry to guests. Each Tirisi creation is crafted in gold, and hand set with a selection of gems that are re-cut and polished to enhance the fire from within. Tirisi Jewelry is presented exclusively with Al Manara International Jewellery, with boutiques located in Abu Dhabi including Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Mall and Al Ain Mall.

Carl F. Bucherer in the new "Budii" concept car by Rinspeed

Rinspeed exhibited its new concept car, the Budii, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Carl F. Bucherer supported the innovative project run by Friend of the Brand Frank M. Rinderknecht with an exclusive, next-generation watch winder, a concept car designed to make driverless travel possible.  The MANERO PowerReserve built by Carl F. Bucherer is mounted on the steering wheel. The status of the power reserve is monitored by video to ensure that the automatic clock never runs out of energy. When the display slips down into the red, the robotic arm of the steering wheel is engaged to function as a watch winder to recharge the power reserve. By helping to ensure that the driver is always on time, Budii proves to be a real "friend on wheels".

Product Launch

Arnold & Son unveils Royal Collection – Constant Force Tourbillon

The Constant Force Tourbillon is part of the Royal Collection. The movement is nickel-silver and steel movement, palladium treated bridges and NAC grey treated main plate with Haute Horlogerie finishing: hand-chamfered bridges with polished edges and brushed surfaces, screwed gold chatons, screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads. Anthracite open dial. The Constant Force Tourbillon is a limited edition of 28 timepieces, and is available in a red gold case with anti-reflective sapphire crystal and sapphire display back for viewing the superbly hand-finished movement. The strap is hand-stitched brown bottier alligator leather with patina.

Chopard presents the iconic Imperiale Collection at Burj Al Arab in Dubai

Chopard together with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons hosted an exclusive preview of Chopard’s Imperiale Collection novelties through a prestigious gathering at Burj Al Arab’s sumptuous Sunset Garden. A diamond-set crown delicately curved like a lotus flower is fitted on the case middle with its pure, sleek sides designed to give the model a lighter touch and an even more lustrous glow. Beneath an exquisite set of arabesque motifs, amethysts reveal the power and beauty of their majestic purple - the imperial colour since Byzantine times. Interlaced three dimensional rose gold lacework outlines the noble profile of a decorative motif which brings to mind the embroidery of the hangings and cushions on which monarchs would place their insignia.

CHAUMET unveils The Class One Watch in the Middle East

CHAUMET presents the Class One Watch, in Collaboration with Artist Loris Cecchini. The volume and light reflections of water come to life on the dial, adorned with lace-like mother of pearl and a satin finished sunburst effect background. The wave motifs delicately overlap onto the white calf-skin watch strap. The watch’s case is a sculpture evoking the patterns of water’s vibrations and is presented in a sheaf. The bracelet is white calf leather embossed with the Loris Cecchini pattern, stainless steel folding buckle.

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