SIHH 2017 witnessed 10% increase in number of visitors; 2017 predictions for the Luxury Industry: adapt to succeed; Dubai Duty Free rethinks prices as post-Brexit pound hits sales

Market News

SIHH 2017 witnessed 10% increase in number of visitors.

The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie reached the record number of 30 exhibiting Maisons for a 2017 edition that more than lived up to expectations. For the very first time, the event was open to the public. There was more to see both in the main aisles and in the Carré des Horlogers, a showcase for artisan-creators and independent workshops, resulting in a unique panorama of contemporary Fine Watchmaking. Already a standout date in the calendar, the SIHH now positions itself as the international venue for watchmaking excellence. This initiative was crowned with success, shown by the record number of visitors for the entire week. This year, attendance rose by 10% to 16’000 visitors including 1’200 Journalists, and 2’500 Public visitors on last day of the exhibition.

2017 predictions for the Luxury Industry: adapt to succeed.

It has become increasingly clear that we are living and working in an environment where it is hard to foresee what happen next. In a difficult economic climate, luxury retailers will have to ensure they invest wisely in their people and practices in 2017, according to a recent report published by Diana Verde Nieto in the luxury society.

In 2017, business rather than government has the chance to lead societies forward. Businesses should focus on building a progressive, inclusive vision for the future: a quality that will be needed in 2017. By taking responsibility for the way they conduct business, luxury companies can hedge against unstable economies, geopolitics, and a faster and faster production schedule. Beautiful product will always be crucial to a luxury company’s success. But companies which can also exemplify innovative, socially aware values through their purpose-driven offerings will find themselves anchored amidst 2017’s political, technological, social and economic changes.

Dubai Duty Free rethinks prices as post-Brexit pound hits sales.

Dubai Duty Free is renegotiating with suppliers after a weaker pound led to lower sales and expects to boost revenue by 5 per cent this year, driven by spending by Chinese travellers.

The government-controlled company, which operates at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest by international traffic, posted a 3 per cent drop in sales to $1.85 billion in 2016. The decline was partly due to the pound’s slump versus the dollar in the second half of the year after Britain voted to leave the European Union in June, the CEO said.

Bulgari's Dubai hotel to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

Dubai’s offshore is going to wear a new sparkle the city’s first, and only, Bvlgari-branded hotel is to open in the fourth quarter of the year and followed by a select number of apartments and “mansions” shortly thereafter. The location is on the man-made Jumeirah Bay Island, off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Road, sculpted in the shape of a seahorse, being built by Meraas, the master-developer.

Company News

Franck Muller inaugurates a new setting for its WPHH show.

To mark its 25th anniversary, Franck Muller is treating its WPHH show which was held from January 15th to 20th 2017 to a brand-new setting in one of the annexes of the chateau of the Grand Malagny estate owned by the group. The brand chose to introduce a special edition of an iconic model showcasing Franck Muller’s creative boldness: the Cintrée Curvex™ watch. They are first engraved into the gold case and then coated with ceramic before being reworked to reveal fascinating relief effects. The enamel dial also bearing these numerals bears a “25th anniversary” logo.

Frederique Constant unveils New Horological Smartwatch Collection.

Frederique Constant’s Sébastien Cretegny, Managing Director Asia, unveils the latest Horological Smartwatch, alongside members of the press; at an elegant breakfast hosted at Fortnum & Mason on January 11, 2017. The new men’s timepieces present a modern twist on the classic look of its predecessors. Arabic numbers replace the traditional Roman numerals, different colored dials such as navy blue, black and silver embellished by four different style leather straps in their black, blue, dark brown or light brown versions turn this watch into a genuine sports model for the active man.

GJEPC hosts India Pavilion at Vicenzaoro Winter 2017.

India Pavilion with 16 exhibitors across categories including jewellery, loose stones and machinery will be part of the Vicenzaoro Winter 2017 which has started from 20th till 25th January 2017 at Vicenza Italy. With around 1500 exhibiting companies from across the globe, presence at the Vicenzaoro is indispensable in the sector as it is the first event on the international calendar.

Product Launch

Perrelet’s new model, the LAB watch.

The new LAB in stainless steel case is in cushion-shaped with soft, rounded lines and brushed and polished lugs. The sapphire crystal case-back is assembled with six screws, forming a sturdy and strong case with a water resistance of up to 5 ATM. A three-dimensional effect is achieved by the various finishes arranged on the multi-level dial, available in three versions (silver, anthracite and black), featuring a central part adorned with vertical lines, while the rim is circular-brushed. The watch comes with a black alligator leather strap and a stainless steel clasp with the Perrelet logo.

Officine Panerai reveals the new Luminor 1950 Sealand 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44mm.

The new Luminor 1950 Sealand 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44mm makes this special edition dedicated by Panerai to the Year of the Rooster unique. The engraved cover protects a grey dial, simple and easy to read, with Arabic numerals. The cover has a small signalling mirror on the back and it is fitted to the Luminor 1950 case, 44 mm in diameter, which is made of brushed stainless steel. The watch is presented with a spare black rubber strap, a special tool for changing the strap and a screwdriver. The watch is supplied with a strap of soft brown leather.

Hermes presents the Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel Platine.

The apparent simplicity of the all-blue-clad Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel Platine immediately draws the gaze. While the date, month, dual-time and leap-year indications are displayed on various counters, a mother-of-pearl moon phase graces an aventurine sky backdrop at 3 o’clock. The elegant and graphic dial melts seamlessly into the surrounding precious platinum case. Abyss blue alligator strap reflecting impeccable leather craftsmanship sets the perfect finishing touch.

Charriol launches 'Fabulous Collection'.

Truly ‘FABULOUS’, this new jewelry collection conceived by Creative Director Coralie Charriol-Paul mixes up CHARRIOL’s hallmark twisted cable motif with a scattering of precious stones. Comprising different ring styles, together with earrings, bangles, pretty pendant or collier necklace. Accented with rubies, rainbow moonstone and citrine, and cable designs in steel, yellow gold or orange PVD, these are pretty delicate pieces that will make any woman feel Fabulous.

MARLI Jewellery for Valentine's Day at Harvey Nichols - Dubai.

Embrace the sensation of unforgettable style this Valentine’s Day with MARLI New York. Minimalist design, geometric forms, cutout shapes, artisanal craftsmanship and innovative use of rich materials, form the hallmark of Marli’s modern and distinctive aesthetic. Marli differentiates itself by transforming precious materials into luxury jewelries that connect to ones intellect and senses creating modern treasures for a new generation of women in search of quality, innovation, uniqueness, and style.

Messika Paris presents the Ophelia Collection.

Equipped with the Skinny system so beloved by Maison Messika, the river becomes sensual and flexible, giving more freedom to the female silhouette and thus liberating it from all mannerism. The necklace framework is forged by hammer to provide a perfect curvature. Each entourage has been reworked in harmony with the stone.

Exhibitions & Events

A. Lange & Söhne to host its fifth Middle East horological exhibition at The Dubai Mall

A. Lange & Söhne from 7 to 15 February 2017 is hosting its fifth Middle East horological exhibition at The Dubai Mall showcasing not only its grand tradition but also shed light on its watchmaking ingenuity and performance in precision watchmaking. A large, 50:1-scale model of the 2016 debut DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL TOURBILLON will take centre stage to emphasize on the brand’s mechanical mastery to the public.

Celebrity News

Marion Cotillard dazzles in Chopard to the premiere of "Allied" in London.

Marion Cotillard wears Chopard yellow gold earring from the Haute Joaillerie collection featuring yellow pear-shaped diamonds, as well as a ring from the La Strada collection in diamonds and in rose gold to the London premiere of her latest movie Allied.

Vaani Kapoor dazzles in Chopard at Dubai International Film Festival.

Vaani Kapoor, the lead actress in the Bollywood film “Befikre” walks the red carpet for the film’s premiere at Dubai International Film Festival wearing earrings from Chopard. The actress wore a pair of white gold earrings with pear-shaped diamonds, round-shaped diamonds and brilliants from the High Jewellery collection.

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