Interviews

Interview with Yassin Tag, Brand Manager of Vacheron Constantin

How does Vacheron Constantin define Fine Watchmaking?

Fine watchmaking is about beauty, quality, finishing, durability and service.

Vacheron Constantin released in SIHH 2014, the “Fabuleux Ornements” and new additions to the “Patrimony”, “Malte” & “Quai de L’ile” collections how was the feedback especially in the Middle East markets?

The feedback was very enthusiastic and positive from clients, retailers and press. Fabuleux Ornements is a showcase for what Vacheron Constantin does best, blending high watchmaking technicality with extremely refined “métiers d’art” to offer unique pieces of art.

Vacheron Constantin 2014 watches focused on open worked movements, why is that?

Vacheron Constantin masters the art of openwork and wanted to dedicate this year to this refined art. This is an extremely difficult art to master, because not only do the watchmakers remove more than 50% of the movement’s metal only leaving its skeleton, engravers will decorate that skeleton in such a manner that will make the timepieces look beautiful and different depending on the light angle.

Vacheron Constantin will celebrate its 260th anniversary next year, will you hold any celebrations or launch special releases on this occasion?

There are many things planned related to timepieces and events, but you will have to wait for SIHH 2015 to know more about it.

Your brand will participate once again at the upcoming Jewellery Arabia exhibition to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain soon. What is your assessment of this participation?

It is always a pleasure to participate in JA as this yearly exhibition allows us to present our latest novelties and meet with the region’s collectors and watch aficionados.

SIHH 2015 is only a couple of months away, please can we have a sneak peek on what will Vacheron Constantin provide its clients around the world?

Unfortunately I cannot disclose any details of this very special SIHH for Vacheron Constantin, but I can assure you it will be worth the wait.

How important is the Middle East consumer market for Vacheron Constantin and how do you rate its current potential?

The Middle-East is today an active market that is growing fast, but it has always been a very important market for the brand.

How is Vacheron Constantin doing on the Middle Eastern markets? Can we talk figures?

Vacheron Constantin is growing fast in the region, as collectors and clients are appreciating the exclusivity of the brand as well as the quality and finishing beauty of our timepieces. I am sorry but I cannot disclose figures.

You have recently taken over the retail operation in the UAE at the MOE, do you have any plans to develop your retail distribution further in the UAE? Please tell us about your new opened boutiques at the MOE?

Taking over the retail operation in the UAE is a milestone for the brand in the region. We have re-opened our boutique in Mall of the Emirates after a full renovation showcasing the brand’s latest retail concept, a fully trained team and a wide range collection, including limited editions and high complication timepieces. We offer full range of service from after sales service to bespoke timepieces through the “Atelier Cabinotiers” department.

This is just the beginning as we are planning two more boutiques in the UAE in the next 3 years.

What are the possible challenges confronting Vacheron Constantin in the short and long term in the Middle East?

The biggest challenge is offering our clients all over the region consistently the best high watchmaking experience and service. This requires continuous training of sales teams all over the region.

How do you see the use of new metal alloys in Haute Horlogerie? Does Vacheron have any plans to get its own metal alloy like other watch brands?

It is indeed very interesting. As far as Vacheron Constantin is concerned we have worked with many different metals in the past such as titanium and Paladium.

How does your brand look at Social media and how much do you capitalize on this media to reach your VC collectors and lovers?

Vacheron Constantin might be the oldest watch manufacture without interruption since 1755; however, it is very active online. We are convinced that social media is a very important medium of communication with the brand’s collectors and lovers. We have launched many years back our discussion forum “thehourlounge.com”, which became a must visit forum for watch aficionados. We are also active on facebook and more channels will be developed in the future.

Vacheron Constantin enjoys a long and rich history in the Middle East region. In your opinion, what makes VC unique in this region?

Middle-East clients are very demanding, mainly because they have excellent watchmaking knowledge and always want the latest and the most exclusive models. They know that Vacheron Constantin offers them the highest level quality and exclusivity.

What is your favorite Vacheron Constantin men’s and ladies watches?

This is a very difficult question as Vacheron Constantin has a wide offer. I like many watches, Patrimony, Quai de l’Ile, the Historique American 1921 and the ultra-fine 1955 , the latest Overseas blue dial and last but not least vintage chronograph pieces from the 30’s and 40’s, this is just to name a few.

Market Report

BOVET 1822 sponsors event for Artists for Peace and Justice at Casa Loma in Toronto Ontario

BOVET 1822 was the title sponsor at the annual Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) Fundraiser Gala held at Casa Loma in Toronto Ontario, raising an impressive 1.5 million dollars. BOVET is APJ’s strategic long term partner, ensuring they are able to give 100 percent of every dollar raised at these fundraisers directly to Haiti. The event was co-hosted by an influential team, including Pascal Raffy, Owner of Bovet 1822, Paul Haggis, Madeleine Stowe, Jason Reitman and George Stroumboulopoulos.

Market News

Blancpain presents Chronographe Pulsometre

The new model in the Villeret collection makes a new movement with its heart beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, a first at Blancpain, comprises 322 parts including a silicon balance spring. It is equipped with a vertical clutch as well as a chronograph mechanism controlled by a column wheel. It also features a flyback function enabling instant chronograph resetting and restarting simply by pressing a pusher at 4 o’clock; this new model comes with a cambered white Grand Feu enamel dial. The sapphire case-back reveals the latest Blancpain calibre featuring its oscillating weight adorned with a honeycomb motif. The red gold case is teamed with a brown alligator leather strap setting the perfect finishing touch to this model.

Swiss Watch Exports increased by 2 percent

Swiss watch exports rose 2.2 percent year on year to $2.27 billion (CHF 2.084 billion) in July, according to the Federation of the Swiss ?Watch Industry; fuelled by strong demand of bimetallic and Platinum watches. ? The Wristwatch exports rose 0.8% to $2.123 billion, while the number of units shipped grew by 2.1% to 2.772 million. During the first seven months of 2014, total Swiss watch exports rose by 3 percent to $13.758 billion (CHF 12.629 billion). The number of wristwatch units sold rose 1 percent to 15.851 million units.

Company News

Alpina join forces to preserve water with its ambassador, Aurélien Ducroz

Alpina commits in 2014 to the Swiss foundation RACE FOR WATER with its ambassador, Aurélien Ducroz. Two-time world freeride skiing champion and 4th arriving skipper in the last Transat Jacques Vabre transatlantic race, he will carry out his future ski expeditions and races at the service of the foundation. Alpina therefore created a special, limited edition watch - only 400 models available worldwide - the Alpiner "4" Chronograph "Race for Water" in the foundation's colors, of which part of the profits will be donated to support its activities.

Swatch Group and OMEGA partnership with "The Circle" at Zurich Airport

Swatch Group CEO Nicolas Hayek and OMEGA president Stephen Urquhart at a press joint press conference with Zurich Airport’s management at The Swatch Group Lab in Zurich announced their companies' plans for an ambitious presence at The Circle at Zurich Airport. Thomas E. Kern and Patrick Graf, the CEO and Commercial Senior Vice President respectively of Zurich Airport presented the plans for the planned international trading centre, which will be located near Zurich Airport.

Frederique Constant introduces Classics Slimline Automatic collection

The new Frederique Constant presents Classics Slimline Automatic collection. The first of the new models is presented with a yellow gold plated case. A delicate silver dial with guilloche decoration at the centre contrasts wonderfully with the gold plated case. Roman numeral indexes on the both models and the luxurious brown crococalf strap completes the package. The second watch features a glimmering, hand polished, and stainless steel case. The pure black crococalf leather strap compliments the silver steel dial and case.

Arnold & Son launches in France with Arije stores

Arije from autumn 2014, watch connoisseurs and devotees of Haute Horlogerie can look forward to viewing Arnold & Son timepieces at selected Arije stores in Paris and on the French Riviera. In response to its enormous success in Paris, the House of Arije has created a small but effective network of stores on the French Riviera and in London. Arnold & Son is proud that Arije has decided to expand its exclusive range to include its timepieces.

de GRISOGONO participates in the first-ever FIA FormulaE Championship

de GRISOGONO took part in FormulaE, an innovative and new FIA single-seater championship and the world's first fully-electric racing series. For this inaugural season, de GRISOGONO participates in this daring new adventure by being the FormulaE Cup Official Trophy Supplier for each winner in each city. The trophies shaped as a wheel, personally designed by Fawaz Gruosi, Founder and Creative Director of de GRISOGONO, include the Brand's signature arabesque design, hand painted in black vernis on white plexiglass. Continuing through to June 2015, the Championship will compete in the heart of 10 of the world's leading cities racing around their iconic landmarks. The next ePrix takes place in Putrajaya, Malaysia on November 22.

Chaumet Boutique at the Dubai Mall has been redesigned

The Chaumet boutique façade at The Dubai Mall has been entirely redesigned by the French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, in charge of the worldwide Chaumet boutique concept, to be in perfect harmony with the Parisian jeweller’s image of elegance and excellence. In this new adjustment, the pattern has been increased, resulting in boxes whose front and back panels are transparent, attached to each other by a fine metal structure. As for the blue glass, usually surface-mounted, it was used to fill these boxes, creating a kinetic effect when the customer gets close to the store.

Vacheron Constantin unveils its first Japan Boutique in Tokyo

Vacheron Constantin announces the opening of its first Boutique in Japan this coming early December, to be located on the main Chuo Street in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo. With more than 140 square meters, the two floors will truly be dedicated to horological passion to welcome watch enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs, displaying exquisite timepieces in refined showcases.

Product Launch

Carl F. Bucherer reveals Manero PowerReserve

The power reserve indication is a classic design element with a tradition of its own. The case indicates in rose gold, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, case back with sapphire crystal, water-resistant. The dial is in black and the strap is in Louisiana alligator skin, rose gold folding clasp movement, which is driven by an external rotor. Bold design and technically sophisticated inner workings are the hallmarks of Carl F. Bucherer watches, which show more than just the time. At the center of the Manero PowerReserve is the Manufacturer’s own CFB A1011 automatic caliber, which in this model is integrated in a Manero for the first time.

Messika Paris presents the Victoria Necklace

The Victoria Necklace is a meticulously crafted pure, fancy, yellow diamond whose cushion-cut shape has absolutely perfect proportions making it a real technical achievement. Valerie Messika chose to design two perfect diamond parallel wires that create an ultra-contemporary choker to house this incredible stone. The contrast between the delicacy of the white diamond setting and the imposing yellow cushion-cut diamond allows the yellow stone to take centre stage.

Saint Honore unveils Worldcode Lady Ceramic

The new Worldcode by Saint Honore brings out the intrinsic beauty of this noble material. Offering the WORLDCODE "Lady Ceramic" collection in a white or black version. Presented on a sleek dial that marries a mother-of-pearl centre with either a satin or classic finish or diamonds. the silver steel or rose gold PVD vertical inserts in the bracelet, the steel or rose gold bezel with elegantly designed Roman numerals, the two-tone crown topped with white or black ceramic, the date encircled with steel or rose gold PVD, the integrated deployment clasp and more.

Celebrity News

Jaeger-LeCoultre at the Awards Ceremony of the Venice Film Festival

January Jones looked radiant wearing a Jaeger-LeCoultre vintage watch with a secret at the Premiere of her new thriller “Good Kill”, Tuan Yuan wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Night & Day watch to attend the 'Huang jin shi dai' (The Golden Era) Premiere. On this occasion, Shaofeng Feng of 'Huang jin shi dai' wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomère Unique Travel Time in pink gold. 

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