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“Middle East Watch & Jewellery of the Year Awards” celebrates 15th anniversary; Dubai Watch Week 2019 kicks off; 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie De Genève Prize-Winners
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Market News
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“Middle East Watch & Jewellery of the Year Awards” celebrates 15th anniversary
Prestigious event recognises the region’s most celebrated creations
The Middle East Watch & Jewellery of the Year Awards were held on 17th November 2019 at MusicHall, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai. Now in its 15th year, the highly anticipated Gala honours the finest in craftsmanship, celebrating watch and jewellery companies – and their striking creations.
The glitzy red-carpet event was brought to life by organisers MPP-ME and Arabian Watches and Jewellery Magazine with the support of main sponsors Bentley Motors, British luxury automotive manufacturer, and leading global law firm DLA Piper. It was themed around “Power of the past – Force of the future” and attended by 350 guests from all over the world, amongst which were H.E. Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Bahrain, executive brand representatives, collectors, retailers, industry leaders and socialites.
The Watch & Jewellery of the Year Awards aims to raise awareness of watch and jewellery culture across the Middle East and draw focus to the region’s standing as a prominent global hub for the industry. Brands were recognised for their achievements across 24 different categories.
Winners of the 2019 awards:
Watches
Best Classical Watch – Bvlgari, Gerald Genta 50th Anniversary
Best Chronograph Watch - A. Lange & Söhne, Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon
Best Sports Watch – Panerai, Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech 47mm - PAM00979
Best Digital Watch - Jacob & Co., The Ghost
Best Ladies’ Watch - Roger Dubuis, Excalibur Blacklight
Best Men’s Watch – Chopard, L.U.C XPS Twist QF
Best Design Watch - Arnold & Son, Nebula 38, Royal Collection
Best Multi-Time Zone Watch - IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN, Pilot's Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition The Longest Flight
Best Technical Innovation Watch - Jaeger-LeCoultre, Master Grande Tradition Gyro Tourbillion Westminster Perpetual
Best High-End Jeweled Watch - Franck Muller, Invisible, Rondes
Best Tourbillon Watch - Girard-Perregaux, Quasar, Bridges
Best Independent Watch Brand – Jacob & Co.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Mr. Pascal Raffy, Owner and CEO of BOVET 1822, for his visionary contribution to fine Swiss watchmaking
Jewellery
Best Everyday Jewellery – Boucheron, Serpent Bohème
Best Fashionable Jewellery – Gucci, Dionysus large cuff bracelet
Best Eastern Design Jewellery Piece – Chopard, High Jewellery Cuff, The Red Carpet Collection
Best Pearl Jewellery Piece – Chanel, Broderie Byzantine Necklace, "Le Paris Russe De Chanel" Collection
Best Theme Jewellery – Chaumet, Passages, Les Ciels De Chaumet
Best Colorful Jewellery Set – Chanel, Blè Maria Transformable Necklace & Ring, Le Paris Russe De Chanel
Best High-End Jewellery Collection – Bvlgari, Cinemagia
Best Red Carpet Jewellery Set - Tiffany & Co., Mixed Cut Necklace & Bracelet, Blue Book
Best Diamond-Studded Necklace – Mouawad, Dragon Yellow and White Diamond Suite
Best Independent Designer - Adler Joailliers SA, Electric Titanium
Pens
Best Arts & Craftsmanship - Montegrappa, Queen: A Night at the Opera
Best Historical Icon - Montegrappa Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre pen
Nominated brands were judged by a distinguished panel of experts including collectors H.E. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Ahmed Al Yousuf, Yousef Al Nowais and Sotheby’s Specialist Sophie Stevens amongst others, and results were independently audited by DLA Piper.
This year’s event not only marks the 15th edition of “Middle East Watch & Jewellery of the Year Awards”, but also 16 years since the foundation of MPP-ME’s Arabian Watches & Jewellery magazine. MPP-ME is a rapidly expanding, multi-faceted media company that offers creative media solutions to the luxury watch and jewellery industry in the Middle East.
For more photos: https://www.mpp-me.com/news/details/the-middle-east-watch--jewellery-of-the-year-awards-celebrates-15th-anniversary-en#ad-image-0
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Dubai Watch Week 2019 kicks off
Dubai Watch Week opened its doors on 20th November at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This year’s four day event is certainly the biggest yet. The event is open for all watch enthusiasts and collectors, and includes brand presentations, limited-edition watch unveilings, masterclasses and panel discussions. This year theme is innovation and technology. Dignitaries from hosts Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and partners Christie’s and Dubai Tourism were joined by the Swiss ambassador to the UAE, Massimo Baggi who highlighted the importance of the United Arab Emirates to Swiss watchmakers. Dubai Watch Week’s Director General, Hind Seddiqi and Mohammed Abdul Magid Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons welcomed journalists from around the world who have been flown in for the week long celebration of horology. |
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2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie De Genève Prize-Winners
Watchmaking excellence was honoured on November 7th in Geneva at the 19th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) prize-giving ceremony, brilliantly hosted by actor Edouard Baer. The GPHG's independent jury awarded 19 prizes and attributed the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix to Audemars Piguet for the Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin watch. The Bvlgari, Chanel, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, Genus, Hermès, Kudoke, MB&F, Ming, Seiko, Tudor, Urwerk, Vacheron Constantin and Voutilainen brands were also rewarded for their expertise and creativity. The Special Jury Prize, which honours an influential actor in the watchmaking world, was bestowed on Luc Pettavino, Founder and Organiser of Only Watch. |
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RM Sotheby's Auction at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
RM Sotheby’s has announced the final entries and the complete catalogue for its first-ever auction in the Middle East, held in partnership with Formula 1® and set for 30 November at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019. The region’s first-ever major international collector car auction will feature 40 expertly curated blue-chip motor cars - coupled with a pair of Formula 1-related collectibles - and is led by one of the most enviable hyper and supercar lineups ever presented for public sale, comprising some of the world’s rarest, low-mileage supercars with blistering performance figures worthy of the discerning collector’s hypercar dream garage. |
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Company News
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Boucheron supports Abu Dhabi Art
In line with Boucheron’s commitment to creativity and design, the Maison is proud to support one of the Middle East’s most prominent art events, Abu Dhabi Art, for the second time. From 21st – 23rd November 2019, Boucheron will welcome guests to an exquisite Parisian Winter Garden, paying tribute to the existing one in the 26, place Vendôme, within Manarat Al Saadiyat, sharing its history as the oldest jeweller on Place Vendôme, its creative philosophy and its incredible savoir-faire. For the occasion, Paris, vu du 26, the Maison’s latest High Jewellery collection, make its regional debut. The striking collection is inspired by Paris, its architecture and culture. |
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Audemars Piguet awarded three prizes at Geneva’s Grand Prix d’Horologerie 2019
Audemars Piguet was awarded the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix for its Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin at the 19th edition of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie in Geneva. The Manufacture also received two additional prizes rewarding the technical and aesthetic complexity of its Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin and its Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Minute Repeater Supersonnerie. Audemars Piguet’s Chief Executive Officer François-Henry Bennahmias joined numerous Haute Horlogerie enthusiasts at the Theatre du Leman for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie award ceremony, which concluded the exclusive road show of the 84 pre-selected timepieces across the world. |
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Blancpain unveils a vintage model that belonged to Marilyn Monroe in New York
In its emblematic Boutique on New York’s Fifth Avenue, Blancpain unveiled a legendary 1930s jewelry watch that belonged to Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe. The display of Monroe’s stunning cocktail watch is part of an exhibition entitled Timeless Elegance, featuring personal belongings and a curated selection of photographs of the beloved American actress. Noted photographer Lawrence Schiller, who regularly collaborated with Monroe, attended the inauguration of the exhibition, along with Naomi Watts. Timeless Elegance exhibition is from October 31 through November 23, 2019 in Blancpain’s New York boutique.
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Richard Mille expands its boutique in Dubai Mall
Richard Mille has announced the official re-opening of its regional flagship boutique in the Dubai Mall following a major refurbishment and expansion. The new boutique space has been tripled in size to create a fine Swiss watchmaking gallery inside the world’s largest premium shopping mall. Located in the heart of the Grand Atrium of the Dubai Mall that houses some of the most exclusive international watch and jewelry houses, the new 133 square meter Richard Mille boutique features lighter colors, high ceilings and elegant glass panels to offer a brighter and more spacious environment for its guests to relax in and enjoy. |
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A. Lange & Söhne celebrates the fall of the Berlin Wall 30 years ago
A historic date – 9 November marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Iron Curtain had previously divided Berlin and Germany into East and West for 28 years. The fall of the Wall not only paved the way to Germany’s reunification but also helped to revive Lange’s watchmaking tradition in Glashütte. Today, in Lange boutiques around the world, a small piece of the Berlin Wall – a part of the “Experience Library” – recalls the historic event that paved the way for the revival of A. Lange & Söhne. |
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Chanel's J12 Calibre 12.1 won award at Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève 2019
Chanel was honored for the 6th time at Le Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) ceremony, for its watch J12 CALIBRE 12.1, which won the “LADIES” category. In 2019, Chanel revealed the new J12 which now has a one-piece ceramic case equipped with a sapphire crystal so the new 12.1 caliber automatic movement, specially developed by the new Suisse KENISSI Manufacture, allowing it to be seen to be admired. The oscillating weight has been totally redesigned in tungsten to produce its openwork while maintaining efficient rewinding power, as the Chanel Creation Studio wanted a perfect circle, one of the graphic signatures of Chanel Haute Horlogerie. |
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François Gabart begins the 2019 Brest Atlantiques race with OMEGA
French sailor and skipper François Gabart embarked on another extraordinary adventure: Brest Atlantiques. The professional offshore yacht racer is no stranger to setting the pace on the open sea. He is the current world record holder for solo around the world and was the winner of the 2012-13 Vendée Globe, in which he set a new race record. Deeply interested in developing hi-tech performance boats to break new records, François Gabart has chosen a timepiece with its own game-changing legacy: OMEGA’s Speedmaster "Dark Side of the Moon" Apollo 8. |
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Introducing the Mouawad Diamond Impact Fund & Jimmy Mouawad
Mouawad has launched the Mouawad Diamond Impact Fund, a new, permanent non-profit, philanthropic initiative. It is founded by the 4th and 5th generation of the Mouawad family, and spearheaded by Jimmy Mouawad who is the 5th generation, son of 4th generation Mouawad Co-guardian Fred Mouawad. The Mouawad Diamond Impact Fund focuses its activities on the communities, regions and countries from which Mouawad sources its diamonds. Through supporting under privileged community members in these territories, it adds value to the journey of diamonds from rough to jewelry. The MDIF’s vision is: To create a world where individuals have better opportunities to thrive and prosper regardless of their race, gender, or socio-economic status. |
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Product Launch
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Ferdinand Berthoud unveils FB 1.3-1 “Sapphire Blue” Chronometre
Step by step, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is producing all-new variations to its collections as it adds carefully thought-out touches to its timepieces. The new FB 1.3-1 “Sapphire Blue” model is no exception. Comprising just 5 numbered watches, this edition offers a new chromatic harmony, structured around an intense, silky translucent blue dial. Its understated sheen pervades every line and detail of the 44 x 13 mm 950 platinum case, featuring mounted grey ceramic lugs. The inner workings are also redolent with the magic of this new finishing. Seasoned collectors will appreciate all the detailing that characterises the exclusive nature of this limited edition: the timepiece has been fitted with the FB-T.FC-2 calibre, featuring chamfered sapphire crystal half-bridges. |
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Harry Winston launches larger Emerald Collection
Harry Winston expands the elegant Emerald collection with the incorporation of larger timepieces. The distinctive octagonal case shape and unique dial were inspired by Mr. Winston’s favorite diamond cut: the emerald cut. Previously featuring only petite, very feminine frames, the Emerald collection now welcomes a larger, 33 mm case available in 18-karat white and rose gold. The bold octagonal architecture of the case is highlighted by beveled edges and a lustrous shine. Like a faceted gemstone, the sloping sides on the dial add depth and volume. Taking the emerald motif a step further, the classic gold Harry Winston logo at 12 o’clock is balanced by a beveled date window at 6 o’clock. |
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Chopard launches L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Rat timepiece
Chopard is once again honouring Asian traditions by calling on the ancestral Japanese art of Urushi to create the dial of the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Rat timepiece. This work of art highlights the theme of the next zodiac sign in the traditional Chinese calendar: the Rat, renowned for its intelligence and perspicacity. Each of the watches in this refined and powerfully symbolic 88-piece limited edition crafted in 18-carat rose gold is powered by an ultra-thin movement produced in the Chopard Manufacture workshops: the L.U.C 96.17-L calibre. |
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Jacob & Co. presents Fleurs De Jardin Timepiece
Inspired by the sophisticated mechanism of the Astronomia Solar, the Fleurs de Jardin, which was in development for more than a year makes high watchmaking colorful and feminine. 11 brilliant flowers of kite-shaped amethyst, pink and icy blue sapphires, tsavorites, citrines, orange garnets and rubies rotate counter-clockwise around a mother-of-pearl dial once every ten minutes. The entire timepiece is shrouded in pink sapphires, with 46 stones (~1.05cts) on the dial, 48 stones (~1.31cts) on the rose gold inner ring, 40 stones (~3.7cts) on the rose gold bezel, and 50 stones (~1.4cts) on the charming butterfly-shaped clasp. |
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BOVET presents Amadeo Fleurier “Poppies” with diamonds
For almost two centuries, the Maison BOVET has been taking the watchmaking's decorative arts to new heights while continuing to delight collectors and art lovers with the virtuosity of its artisans. The poppies in this unique composition form a bouquet illuminated by no fewer than 138 diamonds that offer them enchanting reflections and contrasts. This exceptional work is housed in the 39-mm-diameter Fleurier Amadeo case. It took the Maison BOVET seven years to develop this ingenious patented system that allows anyone - in simple steps, without any tools - to convert their timepiece into a table clock or, respectively, a pocket watch for the gentlemen's designs and a pendant for the women's models. |
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H. Moser & Cie. introduces the Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept Aventurine
With the Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept Aventurine model, H. Moser & Cie. lets you voyage deep into the Milky Way, bringing not just the moon to your wrist, but the stars as well! Paying tribute to the lunar body, the interpretation of the moon phase it provides is minimalist yet highly poetic, in a model featuring an aventurine dial stripped of indices and logo and twinkling with light. The Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept Aventurine is available in two sensual models: 5N red gold, and steel. These two materials magnify the beauty of the aventurine dial, offering a stairway to the stars. |
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A New Dark Grey Classic Worldtimer Manufacture by Frederique Constant
After the first Frederique Constant Worldtimer launch in 2012, the watch stood proudly as one of the brand’s best-selling Manufacture watches. In 2019, yet another colour variation of this elegant and sophisticated traveling watch is unveiled: a dark grey design of the world map finely etched onto to the dial and the twenty-four cities on its outer rim make one wish for globe-trotting. The date by hand at 6 o’clock makes the perfect addition to the Worldtimer function and further enhances the aesthetic of the watch. The indexes on each hour add to the dial’s readability, offering additional comfort when glancing at the time. |
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DOXA presents a new interpretation of SUB 300T Conquistador
This year, SUB 300T Conquistado returns with a choice of six original dial colors: orange, of course (Professional); yellow (Divingstar); navy blue (Caribbean); turquoise (Aquamarine); silver (Searambler); and black (Sharkhunter). Incorporating the aesthetics that unmistakably defined the SUB 300T Conquistador, the famous three-handed diver's watch also brings together all the technical aspects that make it the true to purpose, reliable and desirable diving watch for today. Fabricated from 316L stainless steel of the highest quality, the DOXA SUB 300T’s case has a diameter of 42.5 mm and is topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. |
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Al Zain launches the ‘Hab El Hayl Evolution’ Collection
After the exceptional launch success of their 1st Hab El Hayl Collection in June 2018 and the Hab El Hayl 2nd edition on January 2019, Al Zain Jewellery relaunches an exciting updated collection named ‘Hab El Hayl Evolution’ across the Middle East. “Hab El Hayl” was inspired by the humble cardamom seed, a spice very dear to traditional Bahrain and known for its healing properties. The seed is widely used as a motif in the traditional Bahraini Jewellery designs. Al Zain re-introduced the classic ‘Hab El Hayl Evolution’ design in a modern contemporary collection that still preserves its origins as a classic heritage design combining both Hab El Hayl 1st and 2nd edition. |
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Exhibitions & Events
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The 28th edition of Jewellery Arabia
Jewellery Arabia 2019, the Middle East’s premier jewellery and watch exhibition, was inaugurated under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre on Tuesday, 19 November 2019. The 28th exhibition in this prestigious annual series runs until Saturday, 23 November 2019. Bringing together 561 exhibitors from 36 countries for a dazzling 5-day display of classic and contemporary design, a huge range of finished jewellery, timepieces, precious gems, clocks, fine writing instruments, luxury accessories and more from around the globe will go on sale. Open free of charge, show organisers Informa Markets anticipate an attendance of over 55,000 visitors at the jewellery extravaganza. |
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Celebrity News
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Carole Samaha wears Chopard during a fund-raising event in Abu Dhabi
Lebanese singer Carole Samaha performed at a fund-raising event for the St Jude Children's Cancer Center in Abu Dhabi wearing jewelry by Chopard. Carole selected earrings featuring 4.02 carats of diamonds set in 18-carat white gold and a ring featuring 1.99 carats of diamonds set in 18-carat white gold, from the Happy Diamonds Collection, and a watch from the “L’Heure Du Diamant” Collection featuring 4.57 carats of diamonds set in 18-carat white gold. |
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