Market News

Total Swiss watch exports climbed up 13 % year-to-date as of Nov 2012

According to the recent export figures released by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry in Nov 2012, the total monthly sale is still recording an average of 2.2 billion Swiss francs ($2.38 billion). Overall, growth in Swiss watch exports was up 5 %, below the annual average. Sales of Swiss watches to the United States continued their upward move in November, increasing 10 % year-over-year, while In Europe, Germany and Italy reported increases of 13% and 20 %, respectively. Exports of Swiss watches to Hong Kong decreased by 14 %, while exports to Mainland China rose by 2 % and exports to Singapore were up 6 %. Sales of gold and steel watches were strong in November while bi-metallic products lost ground, according to the federation. From a price-point wise -export prices, watches that cost between Swiss Francs 200 and 500 recorded the strongest growth, followed by timepieces priced at Swiss Francs 3,000+ Recording the only downturn among various price-point segments were watches priced at Swiss Francs 200 or less. Total Swiss watch exports have risen 13 % year-to-date, from 17.43 billion Swiss francs ($18.83 billion) in 2011 to 19.63 billion Swiss francs ($21.20 billion) in 2012.

Dubai Duty Free records 14% surge in Sales

In a recent statement Dubai Duty Free revealed its first quarter sales of Dh 1.42 billion, marking a 14% increase over the same period last year. The airport retailer said in a statement that the performance signaled a positive year ahead for the company as sales across all three Dubai airport terminals showed an upward trend, clocking increases of 15% year to date in Terminal 1. There was also a 21% increase in sales in Terminal 2, and a 12 per cent increase in sales in Emirates-dedicated Terminal 3.

Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry’s partnership with Shop-in-Shops (SIS)

Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry’s partnership with global digital innovator, Samsung, has grown substantially since the two partners announced their collaboration earlier this year. The brand has harnessed Samsung’s technology to create luxury digital Shop-in-Shops (SIS) equipped with a specific video technology and software that provides customers a digital interactive and sensorial experience. The fully branded SIS is strategically located within upmarket shopping destinations in major cities around the world. Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry is now celebrating the opening of its 15th digital Shop-in-Shop in six months; the first was installed in June 2012. Touch screens, digital displays, interactive catalogues, live streaming.

Unique Timepieces from Patek Philippe & Vacheron Constantin Achieve Remarkable Results at Antiquorum

The Antiquorum's last sale of the year totaled $ 4,132,775. An impressive 86% of the 340 timepieces were sold by lot and 122% sold by value. In addition to the many telephone, room, and commission bidders, there were an exceptional 464 registered internet bidders competing for the sought after timepieces, including rare Patek Philippe and Rolex lots, offered in the sale.

Charriol honours finalists of Miss France 2013

The Miss France 2013 award ceremony held recently in the Zénith Arena in Limoges, France, Charriol, as a partner of the event, was delighted to present Marine Lorphelin, the new Miss France 2013 with a commemorative PARISII watch. The Miss France competition is a fitting partnership for Charriol watches and jewellery, which has sponsored a number of related Miss World events over the past decade.

Jean Richard congratulates Franck Cammas for becoming Sailor of the Year

JEANRICHARD congratulated Franck Cammas on the great honor of being named Sailor of the Year by the French Sailing Federation, on December 10th, in Paris – a new and well deserved recognition of a loyal JEANRICHARD partner. Cammas, whose victories are true sailing feats, is the living embodiment of daring, courage and joie de vivre. It is this life philosophy that first linked him to the watchmaker in 2011 and which will now be carried through the extension of their partnership, over the next three years.

Girard Perregaux – Watchmaking on the beach

The Freedom Tower alligators that have caused so much attraction took over the Mandarin Oriental for an evening of Miami beats, art and watchmaking on the beach. Girard-Perregaux, partnered up with the FOReverglades exhibit to encourage environmental conservation efforts, created a limited edition timepiece featuring the famous alligators and celebrated the launch of their new HAWK collection. Two young watchmakers from their famed Manufacture and Sowind CEO (Girard-Perregaux and JEANRICHARD) Michele Sofisti flew in for the occasion and hosted workshops on the beach for guests who traveled to Miami for specifically for this evening.

Tiffany renews contract with Elsa Peretti

Tiffany & Co. has extended the life of its sales and marketing agreement with Elsa Peretti for another 20 years.

Company News

Tag Heuer Sponsors UAE Sportbike champion Mahmoud Tannir

TAG Heuer announced its partnership with Mahmoud Tannir, UAE motorbike champion for the 2012-2013 seasons. A legend in Swiss watchmaking, one of the most innovative brands in prestige watches, TAG Heuer has built on its active commitment in the sports world to create the most accurate timing instruments and wrist timepieces in the world. From the Olympic Games in 1920, to its partnerships with F1 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and its World Champion Jenson Button, the Monaco Grand Prix and with the America’s Cup, TAG Heuer is unrelenting in its quest for excellence, performance and prestige.

Arnold & Son awarded Watch of the Year at Munich Time 2012

The public awarded 1st prize to the Arnold & Son HMS Lady in Munich. The award was presented during a glittering ceremony on 11th December 2012. Arnold & Son won the 1st prize in the “Best Luxury Ladies’ Watch” category with the iconic HMS Lady. The awards were presented during the traditional Watch Gala at the “Aula der Wissenschaften” in Vienna.

Tiffany & Co. opens its first Holiday Boutique at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Celebrate the festive season in style with Tiffany & Co. at its first Holiday Boutique at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Open until 12th January, 2013, the glamorous temporary store is home to an extensive collection of Tiffany holiday treasures and a host of festive activities. Located on the ground floor of the Central Galleria, The Tiffany Holiday Boutique is a must-see festive destination, providing a glimpse into the magical holiday traditions and legendary style for which Tiffany is renowned. For the first time in the UAE, Tiffany & Co. invites the public to share its holiday spirit with a display that will enchant and inspire all who experience it.

Damas presents Magerit's new collection: "Babylon" in the UAE

Damas has announced that Magerit’s new collection “Babylon” is now available in the UAE. From the sands of a lost civilization comes the famed Spanish jeweller’s inspiration for the new collection, where the myths and reality of the ancient city of Babylon are brought to life. Rich in lion motifs, the design influence of Babylon has centered on the power, strength and vitality of the king of animals.

Louis Moinet presents the Red Stromatolite

Louis Moinet presented the Red Stromatolite, the oldest known fossil today. The origins of life on Earth, stromatolites are among the planet’s most ancient fossils. They may even have been the only form of life until around 550 million years. Stromatolites are limestone structures formed by the trapping and binding of particles by microorganisms. The oldest fossils known on earth, they go back 3.5 billion years. Their name comes from the Greek words STROMA (carpet) and LITHOS (stone). Stromatolites helped create an atmosphere rich in dioxygen, which allowed the development of new forms of life. They dominated marine life between 3,500 and 500 million years, before more complex forms of life, such as molluscs and crustaceans, brought about their decline in the late Precambrian era.

F.P.Journe Opens the New Boutique in Bal Harbour Shops Mall in Miami

F.P.Journe has chosen Miami to open its new Boutique in the successful upscale Bal Harbour Shops Mall. François-Paul Journe was present to cut the official ribbon of the new Boutique in the presence of Amélie Lefevere, new CEO of F.P.Journe, Matthew Whitman Lazenby, owner of the Mall, Richard Furnari, Boutique Director, and Pierre Halimi, Director of F.P.Journe in the USA. The new F.P.Journe Boutique in Bal Harbour Shops allows the visitor to enter the exclusive universe of the brand in an elegant and relaxing atmosphere.

Blacksand shows the Entire Collection in Carouge

A hundred people have discovered the complete collection in Blacksand office Geneva Carouge. To this end, the workshop was transformed into an observation place for watch connoisseurs who have discovered the secrets of the uniformity watch case. These have discovered at the same time the first movement entirely home made “Blacksand Geneva 2002” housing in the model stratographe in the collection uniformity. Uniformity jewellery watches and the feminine continuity collection have captivated guests with charm.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Congratulate Edwina Tops-Alexander

The world cup leg in Geneva went to Edwina Tops-Alexander and her wonderful superstar horse Cevo Itot du Chateau. Edwina and Itot had the fastest time in the jump-off as well as being clear, just ahead of two other exciting combinations – Spain’s Sergio Alvares Moya with Carlo who took the second place and Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher and Magnus Romeo taking the third place.

Istana presents 6Timezone Snow Collection in Dubai

The IceLink presents the 6Timezone Snow collection which pays tribute to the Swiss Alps – with one dial becoming a depository of diamonds sparkling like fresh snow. IceLink timepieces are conceived and crafted to epitomize the parts and the sum of their name. IceLink Snow Collection is now available at ISTANA outlets located in The Dubai Mall and Burjuman Centre.

Product Launch

Parmigiani launched the New Tonda 1950 and Steel Kalparisma

Parmigiani Fleurier brought together six of its Women of Exception to unveil an extension to its women's range: the new stone-set Tonda 1950 and steel Kalparisma. The stone-set Tonda 1950 is the first collection of round watches designed for women. It features the brand's purest stylistic elements and boasts a bezel set with 84 diamonds, delicately integrated without altering the elegant profile of the piece or disturbing its harmonious proportions. The steel Kalparisma is an extension of the existing rose gold range, which features the iconic tonneau-shaped case and a modern, elegant and quintessentially feminine dial.

Cuervo y Sobrinos New collection Historiador Cronotiempo

The new Historiador Cronotiempo collection, Cuervo y Sobrinos gives new life to one of its most emblematic models of cronotiempo. The Swiss brand with the Latin soul offers a further refinement of this classic, in the chronograph version. The Historiador Cronotiempo is a very classic, timeless chronograph inspired by an original model from the 1950s.

Exhibitions & Events

Blancpain presents an exclusive Fifty Fathoms Exhibition at the Dubai Mall

After one year of the spectacular launch of the X Fathoms at the Dubai Aquarium &Underwater Zoo, Blancpain is back with a world-exclusive vintage and modern Fifty Fathoms exhibition. Featured models range from the first modern diving watch presented almost 60 years ago to the latest creations of the Manufacture. The exhibition in Dubai presents for the first time the main 1950's innovations through official patents, original locking bezels and case back components as well as a selection of rare vintage Fifty Fathoms watches.

Maurice Lacroix Launched a new advertising campaign

Maurice Lacroix launched a stunning new advertising campaign with a finger on the pulse of modern lifestyle. Built around the claim of “Your Time is Now.” it focuses on bright, upcoming men and women who are looking to capitalise on their growing status and successful lifestyles by investing in a luxury product that makes a statement. The “Your Time Is Now” campaign is being launched worldwide and features market-specific taglines that reinforce and complete the main claim according to local customer profiles, cultures and mentalities.

Montegrappa 100 year anniversary and flagship boutique opening

The Montegrappa's 100 year Anniversary was celebrated in a style, the brand inaugurated their first Flagship Boutique at the Emirates tower Dubai on the 19th of December 2012.

Celebrity News

Jessica Chastain Dazzles in Diamonds by Harry Winston

The Oscar-Nominated Actress, Jessica Chastain dazzled down the red-carpet wearing Harry Winston diamonds to Monday’s Los Angeles Premiere of Zero Dark Thirty. The film’s star captured the spotlight in classic oval Sapphire and Micropavé Diamond Earrings and a Diamond Pear Shape Cluster Ring.

Andrea Riseborough wears Faberge to the British Independent Film Awards

Andrea Riseborough chose to wear Fabergé to the British Independent Film Awards, on 09th December 2012. She wore the rose gold and diamond Collier and gold and diamond Fine Bandeau rings from the Treillage collection.

Olivia Palermo & Carrera y Carrera for Valentine's Day 2013

Olivia Palermo, socialite of the moment, emanated passion and style while out with her boyfriend, model Johannes Huebl. On this occasion, Olivia selected the Danza ring, inundating the streets of the Upper East Side with seduction and beauty with one of the most romantic pieces from Carrera y Carrera.

Wonho Chung wears Jaeger-LeCoultre at DIFF

A Korean entertainer, Arabic-speaking comedian and TV personality Wonho Chung wears a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Chronograph at the Awards Ceremony and Closing Gala of the 2012 Dubai International Film Festival on December 16th.

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