Market News

Rolex appoints new CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour

Consumer confidence in Dubai continues to surge

Consumers in Dubai see their personal financial situation improving and brighter job prospects on the road ahead as per the latest findings of the quarterly consumer confidence survey conducted by the department of economic development in Dubai. The overall Consumer Confidence Index rose by four points during the first quarter of 2014 to reach 143 points, building on a steady upswing seen in recent years.

Dubai gold trade increased at $75b in 2013

The value of gold traded through Dubai stood at $75 billion last year, representing 40 per cent of the world’s physical gold trade, according to Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). The trade of 2,250 tonnes of gold in 2013 marks a 73 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The value of gold traded in 2012 at the DMCC was $70 billion. Dubai is expected to be ranked second after London in terms of gold trade, according to Pradeep Unni, head of research, strategy and trading at Richcomm Global Services. 70 per cent of gold consumed in Dubai is through the tourist population.

Carl F. Bucherer presents Manero Tourbillon Limited Edition

Carl F. Bucherer reveals The Manero Tourbillon Limited Edition which combines the classic elegance of the Manero line. In addition, there are other functions housed in the timepiece. The date is displayed by a hand in the center. The classy dial is completed with a 24-hour display as well as a power reserve display. Its function is to offset the mistakes caused in the mechanisms drift of a mechanical watch. Because of the differing positions of a watch on the wrist, gravity affects how fast or slow the balance wheel moves. To minimize this influence, a rotating cage was set up for the balance wheel. This device allows the balance wheel and the drag to work against each other. That makes them independent of the position of the watch. Strap is hand-stitched Louisiana alligator skin.

Company News

Audemars Piguet launches new Royal Oak Offshore 42mm collection at Ossiano, Atlantis Dubai

Audemars Piguet & Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons last week hosted an exclusive Gala dinner to unveil the daring new Royal Oak Offshore 42mm collection at Ossiano, Atlantis Dubai. To the captivating music of multi-award winning Azania and her band, guests were treated to stunning physical performances that captured the striking qualities of the 2014 Royal Oak Offshore 42mm collection, the dynamic new editions of the Audemars Piguet watch. True to the offshore spirit, incredible feats of power and balance were performed by a star-studded range of international performers. Pascal Rousseau, performing for the first time in Dubai.

Hermès presents ‘Of Mastery and Time’ exhibition at The Dubai Mall

La MontreHermès hosted ‘Of Mastery and Time’, a special horological exhibition in The Dubai Mall from 17-22 April 2014. The exhibition displays some of the Maison’s exceptional timepieces within a unique setting that plays with time and offers visitors a captivating insight into Hermès’ savoir faire in Haute Horlogerie. On display is the Arceau Lift, the first Hermès flying tourbillon watch, inspired by the historical premises of Hermès at 24, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris.

JAQUET DROZ-Rivoli revealed the art of Enamel in Dubai

JAQUET DROZ in conjunction with Rivoli brought to Dubai the master creation of the Enamel Dial Painting craftsmanship. The event was recently held at the R Lounge at the H Hotel -Dubai. Jaquet Droz enamel painting experts of watchmakers travelled all the way from Switzerland to Dubai to demonstrate the beauty and craftsmanship of the Jaquet Droz dials and to showcase the beauty and richness of the Jaquet Droz collection.

Harry Winston contributes $1M to UCLA Children’s Hospital

Harry Winston Inc. has made a $1 million gift to the UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute to create the Harry Winston Fellowship Fund.  The donation makes the jewelry and watch company, which is owned by the Swatch Group, the first corporate sponsor of the pediatric fellowship program at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA. It will support the work of young pediatric physician-scientists who are conducting research to prevent, treat and cure diseases and illnesses of children. An internal selection committee led by Dr. Sherin Devaskar, physician-in-chief of Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and executive director of the UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, will chose the Harry Winston fellows and fund recipients each year.

Ahmed Seddiqi & Son's flagship store sets tone for future business

Ahmed Seddiqi & Son  has successfully fused cultural sensitivities of operating in the Middle East with a progressive and international outlook, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has recently revealed its new retail concept at the Mall of the Emirates encapsulates a philosophy that puts the customers experience at the forefront and through engaging the senses a visually open space, with no partitioning walls or counters and the ability to easily access all the jewellery and timepieces through an open layout.

Chopard reveals its collaboration with artist Harumi Klossowska de Rola

Chopard announces its partnership with artist Harumi Klossowska de Rola who conveys her world through a fascinating bestiary. Harumi Klossowska de Rola first and foremost embodies a distinctive vision and an amazing imagination. She shares with Chopard a universe filled with mythological animals and populated with precious stones. After three initial creations, four new fabulously mysterious and flamboyant pieces – two snakes, a black panther and a leopard – are now slithering or striding their way across new territory.

Cuervo y Sobrinos supports the Foundation `Lagrimas y Favores´

Cuervo y Sobrinos supports once again Antonio Bandera and his foundation `Lagrimas y favores´ in the charity gala dinner celebrated at the Cultural Center of the Malaga Council. It was a reunion after giving him the prestigious award `Latino International 2013´ at the Starlite Gala on August. The event was presented by Lolita Flores and more than 300 guests attended, including the president of Cuervo y Sobrinos Marzio Villa, the Baroness Thyssen, the tv presenter Carlos Sobera and the actress Elena Furiase among others. The artists Diana Navarro and the singer `El Bailla´ delighted the audience with their performances.

Jaeger-LeCoultre presents its latest 2014 collection in Dubai

Jaeger-LeCoultre recently presented a bouquet of new timepieces in Dubai at the luxurious R Lounge in the H Hotel. The Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto, the  Rendez-Vous Tourbillon Night and Day, the Rose Montre Extraordinaire, the Grande Reverso Night & Day in pink golg, the Master Ultra Thin Date, the Duometre Unique Travel Time in pink gold and the Master Ultra Thin 1907 were a few of the highlights of the exquisite pieces on display.

OMEGA brings new and improved technologies to make airplanes more energy efficient

OMEGA plays an active role as one of Solar Impulse’s Main Partners, providing both capital support and key technology to a venture that will contribute to the scientific and ecological development of alternative means of sustainable energy. OMEGA’s significant contributions will continue to be an integral part in the Solar Impulse Project’s success in the coming years. Solar Impulse unveiled its second solar-powered airplane, Solar Impulse 2. The Solar Impulse project, launched by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, has set itself the goal of circumnavigating the globe in an airplane powered day and night using nothing but solar energy by 2015. The first test flights of this new airplane are scheduled to begin in May in Switzerland.

Bovet unveils The Amadeo Fleurier 36 "Miss Audrey"

The Amadeo Fleurier 36 "Miss Audrey" is the perfect spring accessory by Bovet 1822.  Versatile and fashionable, the diamond-accented "Miss Audrey" can be easily converted from a wristwatch to a table clock or a pendant necklace; two pastel colors are turquoise and light purple, each featuring the distinctive guilloché dial of the Amadeo® Fleurier Collection.  The Amadeo® Fleurier “Miss Audrey” comes with a strong synthetic fiber strap reminiscent of satin, and with a necklace allowing the timepiece to be worn as a pendant.

Product Launch

Chopard launches the L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition

Chopard reveals the L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition, The function of the first L.U.Chopard hand-wound chronograph movement that is featured by the 'amphitheatre' or ‘arena’ caseback.  A PuristS’ passionate gaze is drawn into the movement by the artful shape of the arena case back.  The dial is black; the strap and buckle is Hand-sewn black alligator leather lined cognac-toned alligator leather with stainless Steel ardillon buckle.

Victorinox presents the 2014 Chrono Classic

Victorinox Swiss Army launches the 2014 Chrono Classic as a tribute to the popular Swiss Army Knife. The Chrono Classic dial has been designed with particular care. It is composed of two assembled parts: a guilloché top plate over a sun-ray finished bottom plate. The effect gives the whole a sense of depth and makes the three chronograph counters stand out sharply.

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