Interviews

Exclusive interview with Mouawad

In a recent interview highlighting Mouawad’s participation at the upcoming DJWE 2012,this is what the Co-guardian’s of the Mouawad Jewellery has in the pipeline for the year 2012 and in particularly for the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition to be held in the Qatari capital between the 20-26t^h of February 2012.

In your opinion, how will Doha Jewelry and Watch Exhibition affect your company and the international brands that you represent?

The Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition is one of the most important events for the luxury market in the Middle East. As well as visitors from GCC countries, it attracts jewellery lovers from all around the world. For Mouawad this is our fourth year at the exhibition and we trust that it will be as successful as the previous editions.

What are your expectations for this year’s edition of the exhibition?

The exhibition is a good opportunity for us to meet with some of our existing and most important clients as well as with some potential new ones. This year we will be sharing our new jewellery collections – such as Lava and Rosette – with them, as well as our watches and of course Mouawad’s statement jewellery and Objet d’Art.

Have you added any new brands to your portfolio?

Lava, Rosette and Le Coeur are the Boutique Collections that we’ve launched across the GCC since the last Doha Show; and these will all be on display in our booth during the exhibition.

Looking a little further ahead, we’re particularly excited about the upcoming launch of the first Mouawad brand watch line, a collection of luxury timepieces born from the long expertise of the Mouawad family in the art of watch-making. The watches, entirely designed and realized in our Swiss factory, will be available later this year.

What are the new offerings you are providing the visitors with during this year’s edition of the exhibition? Are you going to showcase any exclusive items? And if yes, what are they?

Mouawad is renowned for its unique and exclusive items and this year we certainly won’t disappoint exhibition visitors. At our booth we will be unveiling the Snow White Princess Diamond Watch for the very first time anywhere on the planet.

The Snow White Princess is a spectacular diamond studded wrist watch, crafted from 18k white gold and meticulously layered with 223 colorless diamonds. The watch, with its 106.93 carats, is worth an estimated $6.8 million.

Our visitors will not only be dazzled by the Mouawad Snow White Princess Diamond Watch and the precious gemstones in all of our jewellery collections, but also by the splendor of one of the most beautiful woman in the world, Natalie Glebova. The former Miss Universe Natalie will be our special guest for the first two days of the exhibition and will be wearing some of the statement jewellery that Mouawad is renowned for.

Will Doha Jewelry and Watch Exhibition help you in increasing your sales, developing your operations and expanding the scope of market?

This exhibition is considered one of the top events for the luxury market and it will definitely give us the opportunity to meet with people who share our passion for precious jewellery.  As the first Qatar Mouawad boutique will open in a few weeks at the Lagoona Mall, Doha, our local clientele will soon be able to visit us all year round.  

Do you witness an increase of interest from international jewelry and watch companies in Qatari market? And if yes, why?

Qatar is a very interesting market for luxury brands. It has the world's highest GDP per capita and a rapidly growing and diversifying economy, as well as a highly sophisticated customer base well versed in the very best global design and craftsmanship.

Qatari women in particular have a great appreciation for the very best in haute joaillerie, and own some of the most important and valuable jewellery pieces in the world - including some of the very finest and rarest pieces Mouawad has ever created.  This is one of the reasons why we have been attending this exhibition for four years and we have selected Doha as city for opening one of our new flagship boutiques.

What are the challenges that face you, as retailers, nowadays?

The world luxury market is a very competitive one but thanks to our passion, our long-standing experience in jewellery and watch-making and the quality of our gemstones, materials and products, we have always managed to stand out.  What has built the Mouawad brand for over 120 years is our unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship in everything we make – jewellery, watches and objets d’art.   

Market Report

UAE business sees robust growth in January

UAE's non-oil private sector has achieved a growth in business activity in January after slipping to a four-month low in the previous month, according to a purchasing manager’s survey. The HSBC UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index, which measures the performance of the manufacturing and services sectors, increased to 52.4 points last month from 51.7 in December. The adjusted index remains above the 50-point mark which separates growth from contraction, the survey of 400 private sector firms showed. UAE firms saw a robust rise in new orders at the start of 2012, reaching 57.5 points in January after a fall to a four-month low of 56.0 in December. Non-oil private sector companies registered a solid increase in output in January, the data showed: the second-fastest in the last six months.

Richard Mille and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons welcomes Pablo Mac Donough to "Seddiqi Polo Challenge"

The Argentinean Pablo Mac Donough, Richard Mille’s partner and World Polo Tour no.1 in 2010 and 2011, participated to the first edition of the ‘Seddiqi Polo Challenge’ which saw the Richard Mille Polo Team compete with Ali Al Bawardi’s Dubai Polo Team. Hosted by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the ‘Seddiqi Polo Challenge’ was held at the luxurious Desert Palm Resort and saw Richard Mille emerging victorious with a 5 - 3 win over Ali Al Bawardi’s Team. Richard Mille and Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, (Vice Chairman of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons) presented the winning players with their trophy. Whilst competing on the field the Richard Mille players wore specially crafted RM 010 limited edition timepieces, featuring an ‘all black’ DLC-treated case and red dial, which is in line with the team’s official colors.

Market News

Swatch 2011 report shows 21.7 percent increase gross sales

For 2011, the Swatch Group has record numbers at all levels to post once again. Despite the ongoing difficult currency environment, gross sales were up 21.7 percent on a currency-adjusted basis to CHF 7 143 million. The continued weakness in the euro and the dollar during the year had a major negative impact on sales of about CHF 700 million. Improvements in efficiency and the Group’s traditionally strong cost controls helped increase its operating profit for the year under review by 12.4 percent to CHF 1 614 million, despite an unfavorable trend in foreign exchange rates and the sharp rise in the price of gold and diamonds, two important commodities for us. The operating margin of 23.9 percent was able to beat the good level from the prior year. Overall, the Group posted record results, with its net income up 18.1 percent over the prior year to CHF 1 276 million.

LVMH posts 16 percent revenue increase in 2011

Luxury group LVMH has recorded a 16 percent increase in revenue reaching $31.2 billion and profit jumped 22 percent to $7 billion in 2011. Specifically for the watches and jewelry segment, revenue nearly doubled to $2.6 billion in large part due to the integration of Bulgari. LVMH reported that organic revenue, which reflects comparable-store sales and exchange rates for the watches and jewelry segment rose 23 percent. After what LVMH classes as ‘an exceptional 2011’, and despite an uncertain economic environment in Europe, LVMH believe it is well-equipped to continue its growth momentum across all business groups and all geographies in 2012.

Company News

Blancpain Exhibition closed after burglary attempt

A burglary attempt occurred on X Fathoms exhibition at “Cite du Temps” in Geneva. Fortunately, nobody was hurt during the robbery and thanks to the efficient intervention of the security company (SIR) one of the four thieves was quickly arrested and most of the watches were found back. However the damages caused on several pieces gives no choice but to close the doors of this event earlier than scheduled. First unveiled at the Dubai aquarium in October 2011, Blancpain’s X Fathoms diver’s watch revisits the iconic characteristics of its Fifty Fathoms forerunner, and combines them with a mechanical depth gauge to create the most high-performance mechanical watch of all time. The X Fathoms exhibition was originally scheduled from January 16th through February 12th 2012.

OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic opens today

The much-anticipated OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic opened today (9 February) at the Emirates Golf Club, once again bringing world-class golf to Dubai. OMEGA resumes its title sponsorship in 2012, marking its continuous support for the Dubai Desert Classic. “The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic continues to be a great event for enthusiastic golf fans both locally and across the world,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Sales Director of OMEGA. He added, “International appeal for the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic is phenomenal and continues to grow at a rapid pace, making it one of Dubai and the region’s most prestigious golfing events.” This year’s OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic boasts three of the world’s top four players with the confirmation of second-ranked Rory McIlroy. He is joins Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, who are ranked third and fourth, respectively. Ahmed Marjan of Morocco and the UAE’s top golfer Ahmed Al Musharrekh are also competing in the strong line-up. OMEGA is one of the most prominent watch brands in the world with a history and tradition of promoting the noble sport of golf.

Montblanc opens Chronograph Exhibition in The Dubai Mall

Montblanc and the Musee International d’Horlogerie in Switzerland have teamed up to present an educational and inspirational horological exhibition in The Dubai Mall, “Writing Time - Two Centuries of Chronograph History” from February 6 to 20, 2012. The exhibition traces the history of chronograph development over the years since invention by Nicolas Rieussec in 1821, and aims to uphold the deep-rooted principles of haute horlogerie. Visitors to “Writing Time - Two Centuries of Chronograph History” will be offered various insights into chronograph innovations. On display are watches, movements and dials from both Montblanc and the Musee International d’Horlogerie that showcase technological and creative developments over the years; some are recent models, and some date back over 200 years.

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2012

For the past seven years, Cartier has proudly hosted the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge held under the patronage and attendance of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Year after year, this event has attracted world-class players, VIPs and celebrities from around the world, making it the most awaited event of the Dubai sporting calendar. The Cartier Polo Challenge is now firmly engraved within the global polo calendar and continues to forge closer bonds between the famous jeweller and this exceptional sport which reflects the lifestyle symbolized by Cartier. A unique blend of elegance and passion is expressed in this amazing sporting challenge making it special and truly memorable.

Hublot signs with the Swiss School Lausanne Hospitality Management School

Hublot and the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne – Lausanne hospitality management school have signed a partnership deal as part of their drive to promote Swiss excellence internationally and to reaffirm their respective commitment to innovation. A luxury hotels Chair, a scholarship fund and a presence on the campus will form the core elements of the agreement. Hublot will become a "Watchmaking Partner" of EHL, the world's first hospitality management school, and will support its luxury hotels Chair in particular through active involvement in its programme of courses and conferences. The watch brand will also support EHL's scholarship fund programme, by providing financial aid to a student throughout his or her Bachelor course.

Breguet celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the first Wristwatch

From 16 January to 12February 2012, Breguet is paying tribute to the Queen of Naples through an exhibition held in Geneva’s Cite du Temps and timed to coincide with the SIHH. This exhibition celebrates the 200^th anniversary of the creation of the first wristwatch in horological history, ordered in 1810 by Caroline Murat, sister of Napoleon and Queen of Naples, and delivered in 1812. Moreover, Breguet is also taking the opportunity of this event to immortalize the 10^th anniversary of its stellar Reine de Naples ladies’ watch collection. The exhibition in the Cite du Temps immerses visitors into a feminine atmosphere, where they gradually discover the history of this model and its fascinating mysteries.

CHARRIOL to launch a wide array of stunning new models at Baselworld 2012

After a much-anticipated and successful return to BASELWORLD 2011, CHARRIOL is back for the 2012 edition. For this year's fair, CHARRIOL is poised to launch a wide array of stunning new models. Expect to find innovative reinterpretations of its basic watch collections through a series of new designs, materials, and colors, as well as the unveiling of a new watch featuring the CHARRIOL patented cable motif.  Each collection rigorously follows the brand's DNA and is relative to Philippe Charriol's distinct lifestyle - inspired by his passion for the arts, sports and travel. Coralie Charriol, CHARRIOL's Artistic Director, will also unveil her latest jewelry creations, which are both elegant and young and feature the signature cable concept. All novelties will be showcased in CHARRIOL space located in the same booth as last year.

Tag Heuer Ice Race set to achieve pole position amongst the regions most anticipated event

Racing into the top slot as this year’s most anticipated adrenaline charged events is the 2^nd Tag Heuer Ice Race organized by the region’s leading timepiece retailer, Ahmed Seddiqi & Son’s. All set to gear into action on the 10^th and 11^th of February 2012 in the Dubai ice rink at The Dubai Mall, guests will be able to test their skills of precision and performance on a frozen surface, while racing with state of the art, specifically modified sports-karts. Local residents and visitors will also have a chance to cheer on the contenders and watch the thrilling race at Dubai Mall from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on the 10^th and 11^th of February 2012.

Cuervo y Sobrinos appoints new Marketing Director

Cuervo y Sobrinos is pleased to announce that Ms. Mara Galzignato joined the brand on February the 1st as Marketing Director. She will be responsible for the worldwide marketing strategy by planning and overseeing A&P budgets and activities, such as media and communication, trade and merchandising, events, PR and web. Ms. Galzignato has a long and rich experience in the luxury watch sector involving marketing and business plans.

Product Launch

Harry Winton unveils Histoire De Tourbillon 3

In its Histoire de Tourbillon collection, Harry Winston recognizes the tourbillon as a medium of artistic expression unique in scope, depth and subject, a work of art that shows not only the time, but the nature of time itself. Three tourbillons are in action, each rotating at different speeds to perform distinct gravity defying functions. Two of them are nested one inside the other to rotate the fourth dimension of time through the three dimensions of space.  In this bi-axial tourbillon, one tourbillon carriage rotates every 40 seconds within a second carriage going around in 120 seconds on an axis perpendicular to the first.  The third tourbillon carriage rotates a separate balance on a single axis in the conventional way, but at the relatively high speed of one revolution every 36 seconds. This tourbillon is most effective when the watch is in a vertical position, and by rotating the balance quickly it minimizes its exposure to the effects of gravity.

Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces the Grande Reverso Lady Ultra-Thin

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated femininity by unveiling a new interpretation of its iconic watch: the Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin, a model faithful to the very essence of the Reverso watch, embodying an ideal blend of tradition, style and elegance. Through its generous dimensions, this new watch intended as a tribute to its famous predecessor in 1931 displays proportions that have been subtly redesigned in the feminine mode, while remaining a Reverso that is recognizable at first glance. In 2012, Jaeger-LeCoultre offers the ladies’ Reverso in a two-tone version combining pink gold and steel and a totally new bracelet created in partnership with VALEXTRA. With the same vision of creativity, Valextra and Jaeger-LeCoultre joined their expertise to dress the Reverso Lady Ultra Thin with a double tour strap presented in three colors inspired by the next fashion trends.

Bell & Ross Artcurial Auction

On 29^th January, the famous French Auction House Artcurial, organized an exceptional sale of aeronautical objects. The sale, named “Aeronautics, the Air and Space Conquest” took place within the prestigious Hotel Dassault. Among the hundreds of items to be auctioned such as aircraft cockpits, propellers and dashboards, enthusiasts could also find 3 Bell & Ross watches: 1 Pilot Aeronaval Sapphire, edited to 150 pieces and 2 BR03 Aviation Type, one in Steel, the other in Carbon, each version edited to 250 pieces. These two models were produced in a limited edition in 2007 (for the Pilot Aeronaval Sapphire) and in 2009 (for the BR03 Aviation Type) upon the special request of the French Naval Aviation Force and respectively the French Air Force. The 3 watches were successfully sold; the bids exceeded their normal selling price.

Tiffany & Co. presents jewelry and accessories to honor Mother’s Day

Tiffany Celebration® rings mark life’s happiest occasions. Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show appreciation and love with a ring of round brilliant, square, pave or baguette diamonds, and colorful pink or blue sapphires in platinum. The stones are hand set in narrow or wide rings and in patterns such as cobblestones or flowers. Each ring represents a cherished moment; together they create a brilliant statement of fashion. Tiffany Eyewear combines distinctive frames with exclusive diamond designs interpreted in sparkling crystals. The newest jewelry design to accent the eyewear collection is Tiffany Garden, based on diamond floral brooches in the Tiffany Archives. This feminine motif embellishes frames of generous size and a glamorous point of view.

Amore & Baci reveals beautiful ways to show your love

Amore & Baci reveals the many possibilities of showing one’s love with its beautiful bead and color combinations, creating jewelry that is unique with a truly personal touch.  Featuring beads of different shapes and figures in 925 sterling silver, hand-made Murano beads, and beads made with sparkling Swarovski, zirconia, enamel, and pearl among others, each Amore & Baci piece is carefully designed by Italian artisans, ensuring high quality standards at all times. Fine details, original patterns and exquisite colors define each Amore & Baci bead – taking inspiration from Italy’s illustrious world of fashion -making it a valuable gift for your special someone or when you simply want to indulge yourself to a lovely treat. This Valentine, be creative with Amore & Baci with your most personal design choices.

Montegrappa offers the Cuore for Valentine’s Day

One of the most universally familiar symbols for St. Valentine’s Day, representing Love in its most pure form, is the heart. And to celebrate this evocative and instantly recognizable shape, Montegrappa has made a limited edition pen, personalized to commemorate St. Valentine’s Day. It has been affectionately named Cuore, which means "Heart" in Italian. Charming, beguiling and feminine, this adorable and petite ballpoint pen consists of a cap and barrel produced of acrylic in pearly, baby-pink color. At the top of the clip rests a heart containing three Swarovski stones. All of the embellishments are made of sterling silver, a precious metal also associated with mystery, femininity and female power. Montegrappa’s Cuore limited edition pen comes in a transparent box with a soft and tactile pink cushion as a base to cradle and caress this precious object.

Exhibitions & Events

HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2012

The global jewellery industry is set for a major trade event, HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2012. The Asia’s largest Spring Jewellery Show has secured earlier dates – 16 to 20 February at the world-class Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The five-day trade event will host some 3,000 exhibitors from 46 countries & regions. As well as being an important trading platform, the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will hold a series of seminars and parades during the fair, to disseminate market intelligence on topics such as the "Outlook for Gold in Emerging Markets” and inspire buyers with showpieces on live models.

The 9th annual Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, the 9th annual Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition will be held from February 20 to 21, 2012.  The six-day international exhibition is organized by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and will showcase the world's finest jewellery and watches collections. This year's event features over 350 international and regional brands of fine jewellery and luxury watches. In addition to an impressive list of regular exhibitors, the 9th annual exhibition is hosting for the first time many new participants representing some of the world's leading names in the industry. The 2012 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition will cover nearly 15,000 square metres.

Celebrity News

Berenice Bejo wears Chopard

Actress Berenice Bejo looked radiant on the red carpet during the 64^th Annual Directors’Guild Association Awards wearing Chopard’s Happy Diamond gold drop earrings, featuring over 202 diamonds. On the other event, she wore Chopard necklace at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on 29 January 2012.

Stars dazzles in Harry Winston diamonds

Jessica Chastain and Natalie Portman wore Harry Winston diamonds at the 2012 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards on 29^th January 2012 in Hollywood, CA. Jessica Chastain chose Sapphire & Diamond Earrings, 54.8 carats, set in platinum; Sapphire & Diamond Ring, 15 carats, set in platinum and Diamond Carpet Bracelet, 75.32, set in platinum. While Natalie Portman wore Ruby & Diamond Drop Earrings, set in platinum & yellow gold and Vintage Diamond Bangle, set in platinum.

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