Market News

Richemont acquires remaining interest in Roger Dubuis

Swiss conglomerate Richemont now has 100 percent ownership of watchmaker Roger Dubuis, after buying out the 40 percent of shares it did not already own.

Richemont has had a controlling interest in the brand for almost eight years, but this gives the group full control over the relatively young watchmaker. According to Reuters, this buyout is just another sign that points to future consolidation within the watch industry.

In 2008, Richemont acquired 60 percent interest in Roger Dubuis in a private deal with founding shareholder Carlos Dias. At the time of the transaction, Richemont said that the watchmaker would function as an “autonomous maison” within its stable, but mentioned that it would benefit from the group’s distribution.

Swatch Group sales fall in 2015

Swatch Group sales down in 2015, stung by the strength of the Swiss franc and weakness in Hong Kong, the biggest market in the world for Swiss watches.

Net sales totaled $8.5 billion in 2015, down 0.9 percent from the previous year at constant exchange rates, and 3 percent lower at current exchange rates, the Swiss watchmaker said in a statement.

The Watches & Jewelry segment, including production, generated net sales of $8.2 billion, a 0.8 percent drop at constant exchange rates. 

Company News

Bremont announces their latest ambassador

Bremont announces adventurer, broadcaster and sailor Hannah White as the latest Bremont Ambassador. Hannah has been at the forefront of the world of adventure and sailing since the age of 15 and Bremont welcomes her as their latest ambassador; White joins the likes of three times America’s Cup winner Jimmy Spithill, polar explorer Ben Saunders and mountaineer Kenton Cool.

Cartier partners with Global Women’s Forum Dubai

Cartier announces as a “Leading Partner” of Global Women’s Forum Dubai. Co-organised by Dubai Women Establishment and the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, Global Women’s Forum Dubai is set to take place on 23-24 February 2016 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE.

Chopard presents its daring Haute Joaillerie during the Paris Haute Couture Week

Chopard showcased its latest Haute Joaillerie creations as part of the Paris Haute Couture week in Geneva. The highlights of this presentation are two cuff bracelets and a stunning necklace made of titanium and set with multi-coloured gemstones. Additionally, Chopard unveils three new extraordinary rings from the Fleur d’Opales capsule collection.

Christie Dubai to celebrate its 10 years of auctions in the Middle East

Christie’s will celebrate this March its 10th anniversary and its 20th sale season at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel in the heart of Dubai. As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations, they are holding a new sale, Element of Style, which will offer for the first time in the Middle East the offering of 60 handbags from Chanel to Hermès as well as a large selection of luxury items such as exquisite watches for ladies and men, a fine selection of limited edition fountain pens by Montblanc and revisited vintage trunks and luggage pieces from Louis Vuitton. The Important Watches sale will open the 20th sale season by offering an array of vintage, special edition and contemporary timepieces.

GRAHAM welcomes two new faces to their GRAHAM community

GRAHAM continues to build up its circle of friends by welcoming two new faces. Stephen Curry (NBA basketball player for the Golden State Warriors) and Dan Wells (Hong Kong based British racing driver) recently joined the GRAHAM community.

Richard Mille congratulates Alexis Pinturault on historic victory

Alexis Pinturault took home his first victory of the season, a World Cup qualifying competition in alpine skiing at Kitzbühel, in Austria. A partner of the brand since 2014, the youngster from Courchevel prevailed at this event for the third consecutive year, beating fellow countrymen Muffat-Jeandet and Mermillod-Blondin.

Amwaj Jewellery opens its first store in Dubai

Amwaj announces the opening of their first store in Wafi Mall in Dubai. Drape yourself in the brilliance of shooting stars, the vibrant red, gold and orange of the setting sun, or the deep blues and greens of a forest lake with Amwaj's collection.

GJEPC delegation meets Union Finance Minister for policy reforms

A delegation comprising Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC and other industry representatives met with Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance, Government of India to discuss some of the critical issues facing the gems and jewellery industry in India and suggest appropriate steps to solve them. Many of the issues raised during the discussions were related to the taxation policy of the government, with the Chairman suggesting reforms that would enhance the ease of doing business for the industry. The Hon’ble Minister heard the views of the industry and assured them that the government will look into the same.

Product Launch

Apple presents Apple Watch for Valentine’s Day

With gold and rose gold aluminum cases; there’s an Apple Watch for this Valentine’s Day. Draw something while your loved one watches it animate, then responds with a custom creation for you. Let your love know you’re thinking of them with silent, gentle tap patterns they’ll feel on the wrist. Send your heartbeat via the built-in heart rate sensor- a simple and intimate way to tell your loved one how you feel.

ArtyA Butterfly Set for Valentine's Day

The timepieces in the Butterfly collection are unique by nature: each butterfly has lent its finest colours to just one of them. The dials are with real butterfly wings & Gold leaves, the case High grade steel 316 IL with or without PVD treatment Diamonds VVSI Top Wesselton. Clad in steel or black PVD. The strap of each watch is also hand-crafted and high leather strap quality.

Concord launches the new Impresario

Concord pays tribute to clear-sighted visionaries with the launch of its new Impresario for men and women in rose gold and stainless steel. Offered in a 41 mm dial for men and a dainty 32 mm counterpart for ladies. Cases on both these spectacular pieces come in rose gold and stainless steel. A silver-toned dial with date window at 3 o’clock on the men’s Impresario is perfectly matched by a corresponding white mother-of-pearl option on the ladies’ version.

Ulysse Nardin enchants with limited-edition Hourstriker “Horse”

Ulysse Nardin presents with limited-edition Hourstriker “Horse”. Crafted in rose gold or platinum, each edition features hand-carved Jaquemarts on a genuine black onyx dial. The case back is screwed with sapphire crystal. Leather strap with folding buckle.

Exhibitions & Events

The Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) rolls out the 9th Signature IIJS 2016 and IGJME 2016 show

The Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presented the trade with two wonderful opportunities and commences the Year’s buying season with the 9th edition of Signature IIJS and the 3rd edition of India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME). Chief Guest Shri Subhash Desai, Hon. Minister of Industries, Maharashtra, unveiled Signature IIJS 2016 in the presence of GJEPC Chairman Shri Praveenshankar Pandya, Guest of Honour Shri Andrey Zharkov (President, Alrosa, Russia Federation), Guest of Honour Shri Manoj Dwivedi (Jt. Secretary, Union Ministry of Commerce, Government of India), Shri Russell Mehta (Vice Chairman, GJEPC), Shri Saunak Parikh (Convener – Exhibitions – National, GJEPC) and Shri Sabyasachi Ray (Executive Director, GJEPC).  

Celebrity News

Naomi Watts shines in Bvlgari at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

Naomi watts wears platinum, blue sapphire and diamond earrings and ring from the Bulgari High Jewelry Collection and a high-end LVCEA watch at the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Natalie Portman wore Cartier for "Jane Got a Gun" premiere in Paris

Natalie Portman wears Cartier (earrings) for “Jane Got a Gun” movie premiere in Paris.

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