Patek Philippe Takes Control Of Ergas
Patek Philippe is continuing on its chosen path of integration in the area of watchmaking components. After recently acquiring the watch case manufacturer Calame & Cie of La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Genevan brand has taken a further step by purchasing a substantial majority shareholding in Ergas Sarl of Tramelan. Active in high precision micromechanical components, this company, which was founded in 1945, currently employs around fifteen persons.
“This participation brings us precious expertise in the field of stampings intended for the production of small high precision steel components such as pawls or date-fingers”, the managing director of Patek Philippe, Mr Claude Peny, points out. “This acquisition enables us to provide a long-term quality guarantee.” Half the production is intended for non-watchmaking sectors (medical branch) and will remain so in future, just as Patek Philippe does not plan to cultivate exclusivity in this particular area of expertise. “We are open to outside customers,” Mr Peny says.
Ergas Sarl will be managed as an independent unit. Mr Michel Vuillemier will continue to work for the company as a managing partner.
A Brilliant Quarter For Bulgari
Quarterly results reported by Bulgari continue at their record-breaking pace: sales by the Italian jeweller grew 35% to 165 million euros between January and March against the first quarter of 2000, while its net profit for the same period rose 79% to 22.5 million (the operating result stood at 26.8 million, up 26%).
All the markets and all the products shared in this success, especially Italy (+85%) and the Middle East (+95%), accessories (+97%) and fragrances (+66%). But watches (+30%) and jewellery (+25%) are not lagging behind. Results for Europe, excluding Italy (+31%), Japan (+29%) and the Far East (+25%) are equally good. From January to March 2001, watches accounted for 45% of group sales against 46% one year ago, ahead of jewellery (32% against 35%)), fragrances (16% against 13%), accessories (5% against 4%) and royalties (2% unchanged).
Richemont Sparkles
The Richemont luxury group grew strongly in the 2000-2001 financial year, which ended on 31 March. The Zug-based group reported sales 26% higher at 3.684 billion euros (5.6 billion francs); the operating profit was up 33% at 712 million euros. The dividend will therefore be raised by 25% to 30 euros per share. The group also announced its intention of dividing the value of its shares by 100 in the fourth quarter.
Mr Johann Rupert, the Richemont boss, described these results as excellent. Throughout the financial year, the group had benefited from a “favourable economic situation.” The strength of the dollar and yen against the euro also contributed to this performance.
In the jewellery sector, sales were 31% higher at 877 million euros up 28%. The clothing division also benefited from the economic upturn with sales worth 579 million euros, an increase of 25%.
Pre-Ebel Brasilia Mini Steel & Red Gold Watch
In 2009, Ebel’s Brasilia ladies watch collection will expand to include Mini models that combine stainless steel and 5N 18-karat red gold. These elegant new Mini watches, which will debut at the Baselworld exhibition in April, feature the characteristic streamlined rectangular Brasilia form, a bezel with 34 “Top Wesselton” brilliant-cut diamonds, and the intricate five-link Brasilia bracelet with contrasting brushed and polished elements in steel and red gold. Complimenting the refined, sensual form of the Ebel Brasilia Mini Steel & Red Gold watch is a white mother of pearl dial that sparkles with ten round brilliant diamonds and Roman numerals at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. The crystal is manufactured from sapphire, a material renowned for its exceptional resistance to scratches and abrasions. Beneath the stainless steel back with its engraved Brasilia motif lies a highly precise Swiss quartz movement that derives its power from a battery. Like other Ebel Brasilia Mini watches, these new versions in steel and red gold are water resistant to 50 meters.Shop By Ebel CollectionRelated articles in Ebel newsEbel Beluga Watch Updated For 2008Rebellion REB-5 Tourbillon Invisible Set Watch
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Vacheron Constantin Excellence Platine Retrograde Day & Date Watch, Limited Edition Of 100
Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has revealed a limited edition version of its award-winning Patrimony Retrograde Day and Date watch. Part of Vacheron Constantin’s exclusive Excellence Platine series, the new timepiece features a case and sandblasted dial manufactured entirely from platinum 950. Presented in a series of 100 pieces, the Excellence Platine Patrimony Contemporaine Retrograde Day and Date watch shares the fundamental technical specifications of its regular production sibling. Measuring 42.5mm in diameter, the timepiece features a brilliant polish, individually soldered lugs, and a curved sapphire crystal. The caseback is engraved with the individual number of the watch and has a sapphire window which reveals the workmanship of the manufacture Vacheron Constantin Caliber 2460 R31 R7, a recipient of the coveted Geneva Seal. This exclusive self-winding caliber, equipped with a guilloche-engraved 22K gold rotor, amasses forty hours of power reserve and has a balance wheel frequency of 28,800 beats per hour. The luxurious ensemble is completed by a dark blue alligator strap, and a folding clasp in platinum that bears half the Maltese Cross–famous symbol of the ancient house. Even the silk employed in the silvery strap threads contains finely spun platinum. Each of these Vacheron Constantin timepieces is water resistant to 30 meters. Shop By Vacheron Constantin CollectionRelated articles in Vacheron Constantin newsVacheron Constantin Funds Research For Rheumatoid Arthritis And Related DisordersVacheron Constantin “Hommage a Maurice Bejart”
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Perrelet Skeleton Chrono Dual Time Watch
Swiss watchmaker Perrelet, whose name is synonymous with the 18th century invention of the automatic-winding mechanism, has shown an appealing skeletonized chronograph, which offers GMT functionality.The Perrelet Skeleton Chrono Dual Time watch features a 42mm stainless steel case, with square chronograph pushers, and a polished bezel; sapphire crystals are fitted to both front and back, allowing a clear view of the intricately open-worked mechanical movement. Ticking inside the watch is the P-051 caliber, which offers a chronograph function with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, as well as a pointer-style date and a 24-hour display that can keep track of a second time zone. Power reserve of the P-051 caliber is 40 hours.The Perrelet Skeleton Chrono Dual Time watch is fitted with a black alligator strap, which is accented by contrasting red stitching. Hands and hour indices are crafted from 18K rose gold.Shop By Replica Watches CollectionRelated articles in Fashion Watches newsBalmain Watches Grace Miss Switzerland PageantSilver and Color Palette this Spring 2008
Baselworld 2010 Planning Moves Forward With Confidence
Preparations for the 2010 edition of Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewelry fair, are successfully underway. In an official statement released on September 28th, the Baselworld organizers have expressed their enthusiasm in and confidence for the events which will take place in March. A significant number of registrations have already been submitted, and not surprisingly, all the most prominent brands will be in attendance, counting on the unparalleled high quality exposure which Baselworld offers them the best utilization of precious marketing resources in a time marked by significant economic challenges. An excellent example of this is provided by renowned German jewelry house Wellendorff. As Mr. Christoph Wellendorff, the brand’s managing director explained, “We are concentrating our show activities on Baselworld alone, since it is here that we can display our brand and products in the optimum manner. Only in Basel do we meet up with our key specialist dealers from all over the world – and we present all the innovations in our collections to our jewelers at Baselworld.” Quality of exhibits, rather than quantity of participants, is the chief priority of the Baselworld 2010 organizers. Accordingly, every effort will be made to ensure the world class brands present in the halls of Baselworld will have the optimal amount of space to showcase their product lines and host their significant clients. Click here to visit the Baselworld website, or email visitor@baselworld.com to obtain more information. BASELWORLD 2010 – The World Watch and Jewellery ShowDates: Thursday, March 18th to Thursday, March 25th, 2010Venue: Exhibition Center Basel (Messe Basel)Opening hours: 9AM to 6PM. 9AM to 4PM on March 25thAdmission prices: CHF 60.00 for a 1-day pass, CHF 150.00 for an 8-day pass Organizer: MCH Swiss Exhibition (Basel) Ltd.Shop By Replica Watches CollectionRelated articles in Fashion Watches newsThe Diverse and Decadent Gregg Ruth Bridal CollectionH Stern Marketing to Grand Endeavors
Vacheron Constantin "Hommage a Maurice Bejart"
On December 9th, at the Opera Bastille in Paris, Swiss watch manufacture Vacheron Constantin hosted a premiere of “Hommage a Maurice Bejart” with the Opera National de Paris, reprising its role as historical patron of the arts. In addition to Vacheron Constantin CEO Juan-Carlos Torres and Vacheron Constantin International Director Marc Guten, Gerard Motier, Director of the Opera National de Paris and dance director Brigitte Lefevre were in attendance. Hundreds of notable Parisians arrived at the Opera Bastille, to take in impassioned performances of Bejart ballets, including “Adagietto” and “Le chant du compagnon errant”. The fact that the performance of these works were being undertaken by the troupe for the first time since Bejart’s death in 2007, added to the emotional power of the evening. Important guests of Vacheron Constantin included Ferah Pahlavi, Empress of Iran, and Ulrich Lehner, the Swiss ambassador to France. After the conclusion of the ballets, the historic Swiss watchmaker hosted an elegant thematic reception on the uppermost floor of the Opera Bastille, which included a display of distinguished Vacheron Constantin timepieces. Vacheron Constantin has been a patron of the Opera National de Paris since 2007. The relationship is highly complimentary, marked by shared values of artistic excellence and a dedication to preserving fine culture.Shop By Vacheron Constantin CollectionRelated articles in Vacheron Constantin newsVacheron Constantin Excellence Platine Retrograde Day & Date Watch, Limited Edition Of 100Vacheron Constantin watch wins “Best Men’s Classic Watch” Award In Dubai
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H Stern Marketing to Grand Endeavors
An innovator of the jewelry industry from a design perspective, H. Stern did not stop there. Ideas that were originally implemented as marketing strategies have evolved into grand endeavors for the company of which they are very proud.In the 1950s, Founder Hans Stern opened a “Guided Tour” of its workshops to show off the jewelry making process in an effort to attract foreign clients and a museum of crystals and rough gemstones. Currently, the museum includes a permanent exhibit of Hans’ personal collection of polished tourmalines and other rare minerals. There are over 1,000 different shades of tourmalines alone.In the late 1950s, in an effort to rate the quality of his gemstones, Hans established his own gemological laboratory to analyze and classify precious gems and metals as well as research new raw materials. Now the Brazilian jewelry company follows the high standards and specifications of the Gemological Institute of America and ensures that its labs are equipped with the most advanced technology available to the industry.Shop By Replica Watches CollectionRelated articles in Fashion Watches newsBaselworld 2010 Planning Moves Forward With ConfidenceBalmain Watches Grace Miss Switzerland Pageant
Balmain Watches Grace Miss Switzerland Pageant
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