Interviews

Interview with Ziad Annan CEO of A&S Chronora

A&S Chronora the exclusive Rolex distributor in Lebanon is celebrating this year its 10th anniversary. On the occasion CEO Ziad Annan talks to AWJ about Chronora’s future projects, and announces the opening of Chronora’s second boutique in the Jounieh’s old Souks this summer.  

1) A&S CHRONORA is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Kindly explain the circumstances and objectives behind the establishment of A&S CHRONORA in Lebanon?

It is with great pleasure that I share with you our 10th Anniversary. Being the exclusive representatives in Lebanon of ROLEX, the most iconic watch brand in the world, has been more than an honour but a dream come true. Throughout the ten past years, our efforts have been focused on perfecting the CHRONORA LUXURY EXPERIENCE in reflection to that of Rolex worldwide. Providing our customers with quality timepieces through our professional sales consultants in a memorably luxurious environment that will entice our clients to come back for more.

2) How do you evaluate the performance of “CHRONORA” during the past 10 years? Is the instability in Lebanon affecting your performance?

We have obviously all been affected by the troubling events of the last ten years, but nothing has deterred us from strengthening our presence in the market, and our next project proves that. 

3) “A&S CHRONORA” represents Rolex and Tudor in the Lebanese market. Based on your experience what is the favorite watch brand among the Lebanese consumers?

Although the Lebanese are open to try out other brands including Tudor, the answer to this question is obvious just by looking at the wrists of the Lebanese in social gatherings, restaurants and café’s, Rolex shines for sure above any other watch brand.

4) Based on your daily contact with the Lebanese watch buyers, is there a large number of watch collectors in Lebanon and in particular Rolex lovers and collectors?

There are indeed many customers who love Rolex, and can be called collectors, and even specialists with whom we enjoy conversing on everything the brand does.

5) Do you intend to expand your portfolio of watches and jewellery in the near future? If yes, can you tell us more about these brands?

We have a few projects in the pipeline which we are continuously developing, but the situation does obviously play an important role in the timing.

6) Chronora has one boutique in downtown Beirut. Any plans for future expansion?

We’re very happy to announce that we will be opening a new Rolex Boutique in Jounieh this summer, which makes our 10th anniversary in Lebanon all the more special. Our choice of Jounieh is a strategic one which takes into consideration the great potential of the old town as a touristic, culinary and shopping destination.

7) What do you envisage the future of “CHRONORA” in the next 5-10 years?

We aim to continue focusing on providing the highest customer service experience in Lebanon, with exceptional locations that offer superior watch brands which our customers can be proud to possess. 

Market Report

Breitling presents Avenger Blackbird

Breitling unveils Avenger Blackbird, with its imposing diameter, its light and sturdy case, its ultra-readable dial and its all-black look, the new Avenger Blackbird vividly illustrates the watchword of the entire collection: power in action. The generous 48 mm case features a slimmer and ever more ergonomic profile, extended by inward curving lugs. Wrist comfort is enhanced by the light feel of the titanium and a military-style fabric strap. The ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment reinforces the technical, powerful and sophisticated style.

Market News

Middle East private wealth rose by 11.6%

The UAE ranks 12th in the world by proportion of millionaire households, with 3.3 per cent - 33 out of every 1000 households holding private wealth of at least $1 million, according to the Boston Consulting Group’s fourteen annual global wealth management report. Private financial wealth in the Middle East region grew by 11.6 per cent to $5.2 trillion in 2013 with GCC countries leading the wealth surge. While private wealth Saudi Arabia grew by 13.4 per cent last year, in the UAE and Kuwait it surged by 12.8 per cent and 13.6 per cent respectively. With a projected compounded annual growth rate of 6.5 per cent, private wealth in the region will reach an estimated 7.2 trillion by the end of 2018.

SAINT HONORE unveils the ARTCODE watch

SAINT HONORE presents its magnificent new men’s watch, the ARTCODE. This is demonstrated by its sleek two-tone link bracelet that sits perfectly on the wrist, and its case topped with a bezel featuring six visible screws, which add a bold contemporary look and a touch of masculinity. Brushed on the top and polished around the side, the bezel is mounted on a case bearing curved lugs and a slightly cambered middle, on which is positioned the crown with its specially truncated tapered shape and pronounced grooves.

Company News

Audemars Piguet presents New Maison des Fondateurs

Audemars Piguet has chosen the BIG architectural firm to extend its historic buildings and house its new museum, which will also be called the "Maison des Fondateurs". BIG has returned to the origins of Audemars Piguet as inspiration for the project and the new building will be naturally integrated into the magnificent Vallée de Joux landscape. In 2014 the museum enters a new, transformative phase to become the future Audemars Piguet Maison des Fondateurs.

Breguet celebrates with the world’s largest museum the reopening of its Louis XIV to Louis XVI galleries

On June 17th 2014, The House of Breguet's exceptional patronage of the Louvre was brought to an elegant conclusion in the presence of Mrs. Nayla Hayek, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Swatch Group. A grand patron of the Louis XIV rooms, Breguet celebrated with the world’s largest museum the reopening of its Louis XIV to Louis XVI galleries, Breguet treated around 300 invitees to an exceptional evening worthy of the splendours of the historical royal palace.

Jaeger-LeCoultre at the Opening of Shanghai Film Festival

Jaeger-LeCoultre official partner of the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival, Jaeger-LeCoultre hosted a press conference and organized an auction gala and reception at the Shanghai Film Museum on the opening night of the festival to benefit the continued growth of the Chinese film industry.  Gracing the red carpet of the festival and Jaeger-LeCoultre Charity Dinner,and wearing Jaeger-LeCoultre’s jewellery and complication watches were the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand ambassador Zhao Wei, the world-renowned French film director Jean-Jacques Annaud, the action film master John Woo, More than 200 members of the domestic and international press and more than 300 esteemed guests attendedthe Jaeger-LeCoultre evening gala.

Arnold & Son launches at Cellini Jewelers in New York

Arnold & Son announces that its collection is now available at Cellini Jewelers in New York City. Home to an unsurpassed selection of jewelry and timepieces, Cellini has served as a crucial launching pad for watch brands in America for nearly 40 years. Arnold & Son timepieces such as the DSTB, CTB, TEC1, Time Pyramid, HM Perpetual Moon, and more can be found at this legendary boutique.

Parmigiani Fleurier partnership with Luisa via Roma

Parmigiani Fleurier presents an exclusive collaboration with Luisa via Roma, Italy’s most influential international luxury fashion retailer and launched an exciting partnership in its honour. Now CEO of Luisa via Roma, which he renamed in tribute to his grandmother, Andrea Panconesi, places the authenticity of the products at the very heart of his business. Luisa via Roma seeks out exceptional partners for creative collaboration. Parmigiani Fleurier is to meet this challenge and to join forces with a prestigious partner by sharing its independence of spirit and unconditional quest for excellence.

OMEGA renews title sponsorship deal with ‘golf in Dubai’ through 2017

OMEGA has extended its significant title partnership agreement with the Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai Ladies Masters for a further period of three years through to 2017, 'golf in Dubai,' the promoters and organisers of the two premier golf events in the region, have announced. The renewal of what has proven to be a successful partnership with ‘golf in Dubai’ over the years further reinforces OMEGA's commitment to the development of the sport in the region, which stands as a testament to the growing global popularity of golf and golf tourism.

Bremont announces partnership with Matthew Vaughn

Bremont has been chosen to produce some unique custom made watches for acclaimed director Matthew Vaughn’s new film Kingsman: The Secret Service. The film, due to be released mid-October, from 20th Century Fox, stars Colin Firth, Samuel L Jackson, Michael Caine and emerging actor Taron Egerton directed by Matthew Vaughn. Each Kingsman agent in the film wears a beautifully crafted rose gold chronograph on an alligator strap, whilst the trainee recruits sport a black stealth-like chronograph on a NATO band. The Bremont Kingsman watches will launch exclusively in Bremont boutiques and on MR PORTER.COM in September.

Damas opens its latest boutique at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel

Damas opened New Luxury Boutique at Dubai’s exclusive Jumeirah Zabeel Saray showcasing contemporary styles in high fashion jewellery, diamonds and precious gemstones from the world’s leading designers. Anan Fakhreddin, Chief Executive Officer of Damas, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new store in the presence of the hotel management and media representatives.

Product Launch

Ulysse Nardin reveals Marine Diver

Ulysse Nardin presents Marine Diver, The dial, in Marine Diver is blue or black, is decorated with a wave-like motif. The same ornamentation can be seen on the bezel. The solid case-back reveals an engraving of a boat surrounded by the inscription: “Conquer the ocean.” This embellishes a new case designed for extreme conditions, extended by the lugs with their taut, sleek lines. Boasting exceptional water resistance to 300 meters, made possible thanks to the screw-locked crown and case-back, it also features a unidirectional rotating bezel, which prevents any accidental adjustment to the dive time. Lastly, the claw-shaped rubber molding over the crown ensures it is easy to grip, even with diving gloves.  It is available in steel, mounted on a rubber strap or steel bracelet.

Concord launches Saratoga in Black PVD

The new Concord Saratoga for men and ladies displays crystal clear Roman numerals on a lustrous black dial with date window at 3 o’clock. A dainty 31mm case for ladies and a more robust 40mm case for their male counterparts provide an ideal complement for the new Saratoga’s easily recognizable eight-sided signature bezel. Both these intricately crafted timepieces are seamlessly attached to matching sleek black PVD-treated stainless steel bracelets with stainless steel detail and gleaming stainless steel links, Stainless steel case-back with horses embossed.

Vulcain presents its new FIRST LADY AUTOMATIC

Vulcain reveals FIRST LADY AUTOMATIC watch, featuring an oval shape and a guilloche mother-of-pearl dial, this model with its elegantly understated design radiates a distinctive and resolutely on-trend aura of femininity. From a sporty version with a satin strap and steel case, it appears in a more classical guise with a gem-set variation teamed with a pearly alligator leather strap. the crown may be set with a blue spinel or black onyx.

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