Market News

Christie’s 2010 global art sales posts the highest annual sales total in market history

Christie’s International has announced worldwide sales for 2010 of £3.3 billion/$5.0 billion, up 53 percent by pound on last year’s figure of £2.1 billion (Figures include buyer’s premium). The highest sales total in the 245 year history of the firm, the figure is also the highest annual sales total ever recorded in the industry that reflect a continued demand for Art. Sales totals include private sales of £369.3 million/$572.4 million, an increase of 39% by £ on 2009 figures.  

Dubai Shopping Festival boost gold buying by 50 percent

Dubai shopping festival is expected to help boost gold buying and attract more customers to invest in gold. Customers feel it is the right time to buy jewellery because gold price has come down by Dh10 from Dh160 to Dh150 during the festival. The World Gold Council and Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group expect gold sales to grow by 50 percent during the DSF promotion. Shoppers who spend Dh500 on gold jewellery purchases at the participating outlets can win half-a-kilo gold daily and five kilos on the last day of the festival.

Damas reaches agreement with bank lenders

Damas International has reached a restructuring agreement with a committee of its bank lenders on a debt restructuring involving $817m of loans, according to the company announcement. The firm has extended a standstill agreement with its lenders to 31 March 2011, to allow time for the debt deal to be approved by other banks. Damas has extended the standstill agreement several times since it was initially agreed on 24 March, 2010.

Company News

Frederique Constant sales reach all-time high in 2010

Frederique Constant Geneve posted a sales growth of 45 percent for 2010, in comparison with the previous year. Sales during 2010 were 23 percent higher than total sales of 2008. “We have seen a very significant increase in activity across all of our regions in 2010.” says Peter Stas, Founder and CEO of Frederique Constant. Over the past 14 years Frederique Constant has experienced a growth rate of 20-45 percent per year, and sold more that 100,000 unit sales mark for the first time in 2010.

Hublot as official timekeeper for the greatest cookery in the world

On 25 and 26 January 2011, Lyon saw all the great chefs gathered together for the event, timed by Hublot, which set the tempo with genuine elegance. Over the years, the Bocuse d’Or has become the world's greatest cookery competition and Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, had no hesitation in supporting the event once more (the brand was already a competition partner last year, when it was held in Geneva) and in committing the brand to be the "Official Timekeeper" of the competition.

His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr inaugurates Montblanc Writer’s exhibition

His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has launched the Montblanc Writers Exhibition, a tribute to legendary authors, at the atrium beside the Montblanc Boutique at the Dubai Mall. H.E. Al Murr toured the exhibition, examining the works of the featured authors and the select Limited Edition Montblanc writing instruments dedicated to their honour.

Celebrities shine wearing Chopard to the 68th Annual Golden Globes Awards

Jennifer Lawrence, Christina Hendricks, Mandy Moore and more celebrities wore Chopard to the 68^th Annual Golden Globes Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. The celebrities looked very lovely and exquisite wearing the Chopard jewels.

Van Cleef & Arpels sparkles at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Van Cleef & Arpels made the red carpet sparkle at the 68^th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. Anne Hathaway looked absolutely stunning as she walked the red carpet wearing vintage earrings with oval fancy vivid yellow diamonds (3 carats each) surrounded by white diamonds (set in yellow gold) and 1944 Ludo Hexagone ring from the Private Collection (diamonds set in yellow gold and platinum) by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Charriol a shinning return to BASELWORLD

This year, Charriol will be exhibiting again at the BASELWORLD World Watch and Jewellery Show to present their latest creations from the watchmaking and jewellery. The prestigious brand will be located at Booth D07 in Hall 4.1, named Hall of Inspirations on second floor contiguous to the Swissotel Le Plaza Basel Hotel. The World Watch and Jewellery Show will be held from March 24 to 31, 2011.

Asprey continues its partnership with the Orange British Academy Film Awards

Asprey announced that it will continue its partnership with the Orange British Academy Film Awards for the third consecutive year. The affiliation between Asprey and BAFTA is instinctive; both renowned for identifying excellence and expertise. This year, Asprey will once again host the official nominee party for renowned film producers, directors and actors at the New Bond Street flagship store. The awards ceremony will take place this year on 13th February 2011 at the Royal Opera House, London.

Breitling and Bentley renews partnership

Breitling and Bentley have decided to renew their partnership agreement already binding them for almost 10 years. In 2011, the Breitling for Bentley line will be shifting up a gear with new chronographs endowed with standout technology and designs, while Bentley has chosen to equip its new Continental GT, a gem of elegance and outstanding performances, with a Breitling dashboard clock – like all models of the Continental range since 2002.

F.P.Journe announces the acquisition of "Les Cadraniers"

The management of Montres Journe SA announces that all shares of the "Cadraniers de Genève SA" have been bought from their historical partner. This development will allow preserving the quality of the production as well as the progression of the strategy in the long term. It will also guarantee, without any change, the continuity of services to all its clients.

Magellan Watches appoints new Managing Director

After three years spent as Area Sales Manager for Middle East & North Africa and another three years as Sales Director Worldwide at Philippe Charriol International, Mr. Pascal Monticelli has been recently appointed as the new Managing Director of Magellan Swiss Watches.

Product Launch

Bvlgari B.zero1 Line Extension

To celebrate the extraordinary success of the B.zero1 line launched with the new combinations and innovative materials, the collection has been enriched by new playful jewels. The contemporary character of the B.zero1 collection is enhanced with a new material used for the new cuff bracelet.  The DLC, meaning “Diamond-Like Carbon”- is a coating treatment that provides the bracelet with its characteristic black color contrasted with the lightness of the pink gold.

Christophe Claret presents ADAGIO

Recently, Christophe Claret has presented ADAGIO, the brand’s second timepiece at Geneva. The Adagio features central hour and minute hands, small seconds at 9 o’clock in a window or subdial, depending on the versions, along with a large date at 6 o’clock and a dual time-zone (hours and minutes) display complete with day/night indication in a subdial at 2 o’clock. Christophe Claret will exhibit at BaselWorld 2011 from March 24^th to 31^st wherein he will present a new extraordinary piece.

GRAHAM launches Chronofighter Fortress

GRAHAM-LONDON has launched the Chronofighter Fortress which pays homage to the watches worn by the aircrews of RAF Bomber Command. This timepiece features: 43 mm steel case. Calibre G1742, automatic self-winding column-wheel movement, 28 jewels, 28’800 A/h (4Hz), Incabloc shock absorber, 48 hours power reserve, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, see-through sapphire case back and leather strap.

Elie Saab HC SS 2011 - A Woman of Character

Elie Saab presented the Haute Couture Spring Summer 2011 collection. A woman of both character and fragility, the ELIE SAAB woman shines – and asserts herself. Reconciling a softer femininity and pin-up humor, the ELIE SAAB woman wears the Couture collection with rare determination. Draped in infinite lightness, she floats, seemingly carefree.

Ladoire introduces Black Widow collection

Ladoire introduced the Black Widow "Mr. Green" watch, a collection inspired by the nickname given to the dangerous Lactrodaectus Mactans spiders. With its dark, space-age/goth style, this watch is the first of four models in the collection. Its case is slightly smaller than that of the previous RGT models with 41.77 mm along the 12-6 o’clock axis and 50.84 mm across the 9-3 o’clock axis, yet still reflecting the characteristic asymmetrical design of Ladoire creations. The timepiece is limited edition of 12 pieces.

Glam Rock opens its first boutique

Glam Rock has officially opened its first Store in Asia and the Middle East. The boutique opened the first week of January and is situated in Central World, the newly reopened mall in the heart of Bangkok. Together with the watches being the main focus, the boutique is also offering new line of jewelry and small leather goods.

Damas unveils new bridal sets

Damas has designed more stunning and glamorous array of bridal collection combining handpicked diamonds of the most exquisite cut and clarity, carat and color on 18k white gold settings, further complemented by select pearls of rare luster and color. The Damas range of bridal sets offers everything a bride can dream of with different types of only the best selected precious stones, diamonds and pearls that are designed and arranged in the most classic and fashionable way.

Dodo introduces 100% Love for Valentine’s Day

The tender-hearted Dodo has a new treat in store for Valentine’s Day, by the name of “Cento Per Cento Amore” or “100% Love”. The collection comprises a ring, earrings and pendant with a romantic, heart-shaped synthetic ruby or synthetic white sapphire, set in 9ct rose gold. This romantic solitaire, wrapped in a beautiful little box, will be the shining star at Bloomingdale's - Dubai, arriving especially for the most romantic day of the year.

Exhibitions & Events

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2011

For the past six 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 and attended by VIPs and celebrities from around the world. This year, the most anticipated polo sporting event will take place once again on February 18, 2011.

The CULTURE CHANEL Exhibition at the MoCA in Shanghai

A Culture Chanel exhibition is on show at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Shanghai from January 15 to March 14, 2011. Curated by Jean-Louis Froment, a well-known figure in the contemporary art and design worlds, the exhibition displays a variety of Mademoiselle Chanel’s designs, pieces of art, manuscripts and so on. It comprises around 400 pieces, including 100 on loan from museums and private collections from around the world.

BASELWORLD goes Web 2.0

BASELWORLD is adopting a new communication channels: the most important trade show for the luxury goods industry is now to be found on the social media platforms. Apart from the website www.baselworld.com, the World Watch and Jewellery Show is now also represented in the Facebook and Twitter communities. With these profiles, BASELWORLD is giving its guests from all over the world the opportunity to engage in direct and uncomplicated communication with the show. The show will be held on March 24 to 31 at Exhibition Center Basel.

Signature - Jewellery Show and Gala Dinner

On 13 February 2011, PAZ Marketing Management will be conducting a Jewellery Show and Gala Dinner to launch 10 new Jewellery Brands from Paris, UK, NY and Italy via a nice catwalk show. The event will be held at Johara Ballroom in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

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