Interviews

My Brand, My Watch

Well-known watchmakers or prestigious brands, all work with the independent manufacturers who live in their shadow. Walca is their supplier.


Designing the trends. Fulfilling the orders of leading fashion houses or watchmakers. Creating personalized watches to order and 100% Swiss made if requested. That is the mission of Walca SA in Bienne, a company that manufactures under various names, a wide range of timepieces.

Walca SA is a wholly independent company. It produces timepieces for major brands, and also provides full or selected services in various sectors of watchmaking.

Mrs. Christine Le Marquand, Sales and Marketing Director of Walca, explains the philosophy of the company, its services, areas of competence, technical partners and means of production.


AWJ: How is Walca in a position to help launching a watch brand for a passionate of horology?

CLM: Anything is possible. Remember that we only create watches « made-to-order » designed for and together with our client. We will design your future watch or line of watches together with you. This includes the material, the shape, technology, type of bracelet, dial and hands, in fact everything that will make this watch your very own and which will, in a way, contain your DNA.


AWJ: What are the main strengths of Walca? Is it just easy to stick names and brands of watches?


CLM: We do much more than just to stick a design or a logo on a watch face.
Our craft is to create timepieces with you that match your image and your personal philosophy. In fact, our designers will meet you, question you and then translate onto screen and paper the outcome of your thoughts and their research. Then, according to your wishes they will study which movement can best be adapted to your watchcase.

Finally there is the choice between the many styles of bracelet and other decorative elements of the face or the case. We can also reverse the procedure. If for example you want a high quality automatic movement, we will select it with you and then design and make the case into which it will fit.


AWJ: In practice, how do things work and how much will it cost?


CLM: It’s really very simple. Our initial meeting to review your requirements and wishes includes budget parameters in line with the chosen elements and the number of watches to be produced. Then, once you have agreed in principle, we will request a down payment, reimbursable if you proceed to place an order. This covers the initial sketches of what could become your collection. Usually these sketches belong to us until the order is confirmed. Once the projects have been agreed, we proceed to modelling and then to making the prototypes. The process concludes with series manufacturing.


AWJ: what’s your policy on someone taking your sketches and have the watches made abroad?


CLM: Of course, but they would not stand to gain from it. For a comparable quality – assuming you could find it - we will always be more advantageous because we reduce our margin to a minimum while guaranteeing the standards of Swiss-made quality which you will not find abroad. Furthermore, we order in large volumes so our suppliers give us particularly good terms. We strictly respect agreed delivery deadlines and can assure 100% Swiss-made for those clients who request it. As may be required and thanks to our Hong Kong office, we can also deliver watches that are « Far-East » made either in whole or in part.


AWJ: Is 100% Swiss-Made expensive?


CLM: Not necessarily. As we produce with high quality components and are free from any promotion, sponsoring or communications costs, we can offer to our client’s high quality products at very competitive prices, not to mention a two-year guarantee. The brands then include the added value of their name and marketing.


Brief:

Walca SA is a wholly independent company. It produces timepieces for major brands, and also provides full or selected services in various sectors of watchmaking. The company can be mandated to analyse trends, conceive and design accessories or point of sale materials. Walca R&D department undertakes technical studies and 3D modelling of prototypes. Walca can also take care of assembly, quality control and after-sales services for its clients. Finally, the Bienne-based company can, upon request,take care of the logistics and packaging for worldwide delivery.

Christine Le Marquand was born into watchmaking. Her father is the designer of the famous Spaceman that appeared towards the end of the 60s. André Le Marquand also created the Side Watch at the end of the 70s. The particular feature of this timepiece was to position the face of the watch towards the inside of the wrist. This eponymous brand is still in existence. CédricLe Marquand, son of the founder, directs it.

Market News

Diamond Financing Theme Planned for Dubai Diamond Conference

Diamond financing will take center stage at the Dubai Diamond Conference 2013, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). The conference takes place March 18-19 at the Almas Tower, home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange.

Cartier inaugurated its new Boutique in K.S.A with Asia Jewellers

The Cartier along with its partner in Bahrain Asia Jewellers welcomed a new addition to its global flagship stores line up, choosing Al Rashid Mall in Al Khobar as its latest prestigious location. The Cartier boutique was officially inaugurated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the presence of Mr Louis Ferla, Managing Director of Cartier Middle East and Mr Mohammed Jaffar Chairman of “Asia Jewellers”, followed by a cocktail reception inside the beautifully decorated façade of the boutique.

Pandora pays Trollbeads $33M for IP rights

The production arm of Pandora A/S recently said that it has reached an agreement with rival Trollbeads A/S to acquire the intellectual property rights for Trollbeads’ glass charm designs. According to an announcement from Pandora Production Co. Ltd., Trollbeads, formerly Lise Aagaard Copenhagen A/S had been granting Pandora the IP rights related to the design of its glass charms. Pandora’s latest earnings report had a flat sales globally in fiscal year 2012 with net profit falling sharply.

Company News

Chopard & the Weinstein Company celebrate the 2013 Academy Awards

Chopard recently celebrated the latest collaboration with the world of cinema at The Weinstein Company’s party to celebrate their Oscar nominees. As the Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival and founder of the Chopard Trophy honoring young acting talents in Cannes every year, the Swiss jewellery and watch maker will be the official partner of The Weinstein Company major 2013 events in connection with the most prestigious international awards ceremonies and film festivals. The partnership was started with an exclusive party in Los Angeles for the Golden Globe Awards in January 2013 and later which was followed by a party in London for the BAFTAs and also a party for the Academy Awards last month.

Glashütte Original extended its partnership with the Berlinale till 2016

The 63rd Berlin International Film Festival came recently closed last month, while the Glashütte Original Manufactory looks back with pride on its successful partnership with the Berlin International Film Festival, renews its commitment through 2016 and presents its new Pavonina collection of ladies watches to an international audience. Glashütte Original has served as Co-Partner of the Berlin International Film Festival since the 61st Berlinale in 2011. Based on the successful collaboration to date and the positive response of all concerned, the partnership with the Berlinale has been extended for a further three years to 2016.

Hublot introduces its new ambassador for Women's watches

The International Women’s Day, Hublot named its international icon and new ambassador Jacky Bracamontes van Hoorde for women's watches. The new Hublot advertising campaign was dedicated to women’s was launched recently in the Financial Times and the International Herald Tribune. Jacky face is already well known in Latin America as a journalist and TV presenter. She won the title of Miss Mexico in 2000, before entering the Miss Universe competition. She then embarked on career as an actress, for which she was awarded for Mexico New Star of the Year in 2003. This is the new face of Hublot for women. For the new Hublot advertising campaign dedicated to women, Jacky Bracamontes took part in a shoot in January in Mexico led by her photographer friend Uriel Santana.

Manufacture Royale and Wiesmann announces a special partnership

The German automotive manufacturer Wiesmann and the exclusive Swiss watchmaking company Manufacture Royale announce a special partnership. On the occasion of Wiesmann’s 25th anniversary in 2013, Wiesmann and Manufacture Royale intend to present a limited edition of 25 timepieces, exclusively designed for this partnership.

Dhamani Jewels opens in Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai

Dhamani Jewels has opened a modern sprawling jewellery store in Emirates Towers Hotel. The new store is the first in a series of retail outlets the company plans to open in UAE’s iconic hotels. Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, joined with Gerald Lawless, President & Group CEO Jumeirah Group; Amit Dhamani, CEO & MD of Dhamani Jewels; and VIP guests at a glitzy event where models displayed the latest creations from Dhamani.

Lila new brand is launched in the UAE

Lila Jewelry launched its new collection at a lavish soirée at The One & Only Palm. The themes of the new range including; Timeless Treasures, Lila’s Obsession and Avant Chic were on display for Dubai’s social figures.

Product Launch

Apple has revealed new iWatch mock design

The mockup designs of the iWatch Apple’s secret project have been revealed. The sleek wristwatch is Siri-enabled and can take voice commands and keep you updated about emails, Facebook status updates and tweets. These concept images designed by Martin Hajek for MacUser magazine could well go on to be incorporated by Apple for the watch they are planning to introduce. Apple has officially not confirmed nor denied about the existence of such a product but according to some the project might become a reality before the end of 2013. In a report issued to investors, analyst Peter Misek has pointed out that there is about 50 per cent chance that Apple might come out with the product this year itself. “They do believe that the iWatch will still happen this year. They give it about a 50 per cent probability of a launch this year. They predict that it would have a one-inch screen and be priced at $200 price tag,” the report said.

Breitling new Bentley light body midnight carbon

The Bentley Light Body Midnight Carbon issued in a 1,000-piece worldwide limited edition conceals a light and sturdy titanium chassis featuring a highly resistant carbon-based coating. The dashboard-style dial displays two exclusive technical features highlighted by red-rimmed indications. The ingenious “30-second chronograph” system, heir to a 1926 Breitling patent, with its central hand sweeping around the dial in half a minute instead of the customary 60 seconds, provides highly accurate 1/8thof a second readings. Contrary to conventional tachometers, designed to handle observations based only on times of less than 60 seconds, the “variable tachometer” activated via the rotating pinion bezel serves to measure average speeds whatever the time elapsed, the distance covered or the speed reached.

Graff in a $100M Peacock Brooch

Graff Diamonds described its Peacock brooch as “a symbol of the beauty that can be achieved when only the very finest diamonds are assembled.” Graff Diamonds will reveal a Peacock brooch made with 120.81 carats of natural color diamonds at the upcoming TEFAF show in the Netherlands, the company announced recently. The brooch, which measures slightly more than 10 centimeters in height, is priced at $100 million. Graff Diamonds will showcase the brooch at the TEFAF show, which recognizes excellence in art, from March 15 to 24 in Maastricht, Netherlands.

Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces new Master Ultra Thin Perpetual

Jaeger-LeCoultre inaugurates its first ultra-thin automatic perpetual calendar watch. Ultra-thin calibres and perpetual calendars are in the history of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Its 1.38 mm slenderness earned it the title of the world’s thinnest watch movement. The new model comes in three variations distinguished by the material or colour of the case. In addition to the hour, minute and central seconds hands; it comprises three counters dedicated to the perpetual calendar displays: the first at 9 o’clock for the day of the week; the second at 3 o’clock for the date; and the third at 6 o’clock for the month. The case with its comfortable 39 mm diameter will be first and foremost examined sideways by connoisseurs and collections. The dial centre, a small rectangular window, generally in the same shade as the background, turns gradually red as evening falls.

Arnold & Son reveals Its new Time Pyramid

Arnold & Son reveals a new watch movement with unique architecture that is the original Time Pyramid wristwatch. With a skeletonized pyramid shaped movement apparently floating between two sapphire crystals, the Time Pyramid is a masterful rendition of technical prowess and unparalleled elegance. This wristwatch is part of the brand’s Instrument Collection that combines instrument precision with classical styling. The skeletonized caliber A&S1615 is built in a unique format, with balance wheel at twelve o’clock, situated directly beneath the palette and the anchor wheel.

Harry Winston presents new Histoire de Tourbillon 4

Harry Winston introduces the latest high-end horological that is Histoire de Tourbillon 4. In this fourth series of Histoire de Tourbillon, Harry Winston celebrates the most revered horological complication with a tri-axial tour billon, contained within three concentric cages, each of which rotates not only at a different speed, but also at a different angle with respect to the other cages, to neutralize the effect of gravity. Composed of 345 parts, this extremely sophisticated movement ensures superb performance and split-second accuracy, making Histoire de Tourbillon 4 one of the most complex mechanical timekeepers ever made.

Hublot new collection the Big Bang Caviar

The new steel or 5N red gold Big Bang Caviar, featuring a bezel set with 36 diamonds, is about to set the fashion world alight. these two watches, which have an stylishly perfect diameter of 41mm, sport a sleek, graphic look with sharp angles and reliefs designed, cut, bevelled and polished like their big sister's black baguette diamonds. They are fitted with the HUB1112 self-winding mechanical movement and incorporate a date window at 3 o'clock, which connoisseurs are sure to appreciate. The strap of high shine black or silver calfskin leather sewn onto black rubber provides exceptional comfort, flexibility and resistance. With a power reserve of 42 hours, they are water-resistant to 10 bar, equivalent to 100 metres.

Saint Honore’s new timepiece Trocadero- The magic of flowers

Saint Honore has drawn on its creative talent to liven up the dark days of winter with a new series of timepieces, Trocadero Lady. The Trocadero watches epitomise contemporary style, like this version in pink gold with a brown dial, and will sparkle to perfection on the wrists of fashionable young women who have not lost their playful, quirky spirit. The dial showcases features are with its floral motif, coppery-brown finish, white mother-of-pearl and sweeping seconds. The enchanting power of flowers in the floral motif repeated three times on the dial in different sizes.

Nautica launches new ‘Sea of Color’ collection

Nautica Watches expand its ever-growing sea of color with fresh shades. Brights and blues are highlighted this season, as the signature BFD 102 collection sports seven new colors plus black and white. The BFD 102 timepiece features a clean, modern design with Japanese 3-hand movement in a 44mm brushed stainless steel case. Colorful dials with matching textured, silicone straps, contrasted by bold, metallic silver numbers and markers, create a clean and modern look. The signature J-Class sail logo is etched on the crown as a reminder of the Nautica brand s connection to seafaring adventure. The watch is water resistant to 100M. The story of this watch collection is color.

Istana unfurls Italian luxury jewellery brand Mattia Cielo’s magical ‘Maglia’ collection

Istana, the renowned jewellery retailer in the UAE is now offering Italian jewellery brand Mattia Cielo’s magical Maglia collection Presenting 18k pink gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings, Maglia’s central feature is a fabric-like, intricate weave sparkling with myriad diamond brilliants that recall the beauty of a night sky.

Bil Arabi jewellery collection at Harvey Nichols

The YA GHALI collection Bil Arabi designer Nadine Kanso showcases luxury pieces made from white gold and gems, layered with yellow gold additions and semi-precious stones that are the hallmarks of her Bil Arabi line. This new collection is available at Harvey Nichols an exclusive basis. In this exclusive, limited edition collection for Dubai’s premier department store Harvey Nichols.

Exhibitions & Events

Bovet’s Artists for Peace & Justice with Hollywood Domino

For the second consecutive year Bovet 1822 joined forces with the foundation of filmmaker Paul Haggis to organise the 6th BOVET 1822 & Artists for Peace and Justice Evening which was held last month at the Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles. Pascal Raffy the owner of BOVET 1822 and DIMIER 1738 joined Paul Haggis, Madeleine Stowe and others in welcoming personalities from the world of film, television and music. The three hundred guests in attendance played “Hollywood Domino” to raise funds for the Artists for Peace and Justice foundation, which finances and coordinates a far-reaching programme of education, health and dignity on behalf of the children of Haiti and Bovet 1822 also exhibited the new collection of watch at the salons of the Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles.

The IIJS Signature 2013 ends with all that it promised Gold, Glitter, Grandeur

The Signature show this year featured 5 international pavilions, which included Thailand, Belgium, Turkey, Israel and UAE. The overall turnout at Signature 2013 exceeded expectations. A significant development, one that has been very positive for the industry at large was the replenishment buying that took place at the show. Signature 2013 saw the introduction of various new trends and designs, especially in light weight jewellery featuring innovative designs and manufacturing processes employed to produce an array of beautifully crafted jewellery that are easier on the wallet. It may be concluded that Signature this year, presented visitors and buyers with a variety of options that met their individual requirements, resulting in generating good volume of business at the show, that rightfully is a convergence of premium quality and serious business enterprises.

Celebrity News

Marion Cotillard wears Chopard to the Cesars Awards in Paris

The French actress wore a white gold necklace from the Ice Cube collection set with brilliants and a white gold Happy Sport Watch set with moving diamonds and brilliants in paris for cesars award.

Celebrities Dazzled in Van Cleef & Arpels on Oscar Night

The stars at the 85th Annual Academy Awards wearing Vancleef & Arpels are as follows; Renée Zellweger wore 1937 “Eventail” double fan clip featuring rubies and diamonds set in platinum from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection. Adele wore 1970 “Feuilles” earrings featuring diamonds set in platinum from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection. Allison Williams wore “Laureen” earrings featuring diamonds set in white gold from the “744 Fifth” Collection.

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