The year 2010 was an interesting one in terms of Timepieces- and time in general. The industry has witnessed much turbulence wrought by the continuing economic recession. Nevertheless, resilience is the name of the game and the trade continues to impress with ingenious and innovative new watch models. read more...

Perhaps first and foremost, 2010 can be seen as a year wherein many brands returned to their roots. Most went to archives and reflected on richer, safer, more storied pasts – pulling design inspiration from those times and creating classic, retro collections that offer clean, non-ostentatious looks. This trend crossed all price points, from the average retails to the high end brands. read more...

In juxtaposition to the classic looks, this year also saw an amazing wealth of extremely creative visionary, even futuristic, timepieces in terms of materials and designs. This was the year of PVD (physical vapor deposit) and DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) like never before. While PVD has been around for years and was the preferred method for going “black” – the new DLC treatment is taking the limelight at the higher end. read more...

While the black DLC and PVD trend was especially popular in the sport arena this year, so, too, were ceramic and titanium watches. Additionally, a number of brands turned to other high-tech materials for durability and even aeronautical influences. Such materials included some new alloys, as well as the beloved carbon fiber, magnesium and palladium to a lesser degree. read more...

m enjoyed particular recognition this year – including the tourbillon (once again) and the perpetual calendar. Tourbillions that continue to surprise and delight come from brands such as Greubel Forsey whose double and triple tourbillons and tourbillons at 30 degrees are true technical marvels, Zenith with the Christophe Columb that features an independently spinning tourbillon case set within the dial, read more...

For women, it was a very interesting year as many brands returned to the concepts of beauty and brains – offering of femininity in design and mechanics in soul. In other words beautiful cases and dials emerged, often themed to emulate nature - florals, fauna, wildlife and romantic themes – translated in all metals – with rose gold being the predominant choice. read more...

Finally, watch companies continue to invest in research and development, in expansion of world boutiques, in partnering with athletes, celebrities and world ambassadors and in supporting philanthropic causes to better the earth and its people and resources. So despite the economic trends, the watch industry embraces a positive future. read more...

Market Reports

Middle East Watch & Jewellery of the Year 2018 awards night