Archive for the ‘Industry News’ category

Black Night Event For Black Watches In Copenhagen

March 8th, 2010

Recently, there was a Danish horological event held in central Copenhagen, to prove that black watches are not just a fad. It was called Black Night event.

nEO_IMG_Black_watchesevent_1.jpg

Danish retailer Reeslev celebrated the dark watches at an elegant Black Night event in central Copenhagen

Hublot’s Nicolas Courcoux, one of the organizers of the event, introduced his brand in front of 60 guests, all dressed in the same color as the watches found in the showcases: black. He said, “We invented the all-black watch. Obviously, this is just for those black horological creations.” In the event, Hublot served the function of pioneer as it introduced a pitch-black watch four years ago: the Big Bang All Black. It seems those ingenious timepieces look wonderful only in the all-black theme.

nEO_IMG_Black_watchesevent_2.jpg

The Corum Black Hull is an imposing all-black watch

Following the dark trend is also many other dramatic, dark beauties by Chopard , Graham , Ulysse Nardin , Porsche Design, Raymond Weil , and Corum . Like Hublot, the other brands also employ area managers to proudly present their black swans.

nEO_IMG_Black_watchesevent_3.jpg

Swiss manufacturer Raymond Weil joined the black party in Copenhagen

Winning the favor of both male and female lovers of fine Swiss horology, those black timepiece performed perfect on the wrists of the champagne-nipping guests. Those masculine wrists mostly chose oversized chunky black sports watches from Graham, Hublot and Corum, while the much more slender wrists of their wives showed off elegant and decorative timepieces by Hublot and Chopard. Some of those watches apply various PVD or DLC treatment, as well as ceramic material, to get the glossy black color. So even though made of titanium, and others steel, the watches can be presented in all-black.

nEO_IMG_Black_watchesevent_4.jpg

Ulysse Nardin’s Scandinavian representative shows an all-black model to an interested guest

Danish retailer Reeslev was initiator of this event. Torben Hansen, Reeslev’s owner and creative director, said, “I think the black watches are popular due to the fact that most people have owned steel and gold watches. They want something new. Something less flashy. Also, a black watch seems to go well with any clothes you wear.”

“By doing these events I get better and closer relationships with my clients,” Hansen added. “Most people do not visit a watch shop ten times a year. But I want to change that. I am already planning the next event.”

Pictures from Worldtempus.

Giants Handshake: Hublot Big Bang Maradona

March 4th, 2010

Diego Maradona, the player of the 20th century, has partnered the famous watchmaker Hublot as its newest ambassador. I don’t think I have the need to introduce Maradona, one of the greatest athletes in the 20th century, and now the coach of the Argentina’s national team. However, recently he was spotted wearing two Rolex watches on both wrists. So I think their partnership is just beginning.

nEO_IMG_maradona.jpg

After a meeting in February, the two big figures in each own field has reached a mutual understanding, and started the collaboration several days after that. To mark this encouraging partnership, the brand has immediately created a watch exclusively for Maradona. It is the remarkable Hublot Big Bang Maradona timepiece.

nEO_IMG_hublot-big-bang-maradona-1.jpg

The Maradona watch features a 44.5mm black ceramic case with fine micro-blasted finish. The iconic round ceramic bezel highlights six signature H-shaped titanium screws. To ensure high scratch resistance and perfect matching to the design, the crown and chronograph push buttons are rendered in black-PVD coated steel with rubber inserts. To continue the brand’s tradition, lateral inserts are featured in black composite resin as well. At the black ceramic case back lies the exciting scene that Maradona raised his arms to celebrate victory, protected by a see-through sapphire crystal.

nEO_IMG_hublot-big-bang-maradona-2.jpg

Shielded by a sapphire crystal with internal AR coating, the black dial employs the Argentina blue and luminescent white on the hands and hour markers, resembling the national flag of the ambassador’s country. At 3 o’clock is the small seconds counter especially designed to present the number 10, the shirt number of Maradora. The watch is certainly not completed without Maradona’s signature, just beside the date aperture at 6 o’clock.

Inside the watch is an automatic HUB1146 calibre embellished with 55 jewels. It also offers a 42-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a alligator or rubber strap with a black PVD-coated steel deployment clasp.

Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Transponder Rapide and Aston Martin Rapide

February 24th, 2010

aston_2_nEO_IMG.jpg

I like cars, and my dream cars has almost covered all the well-known brands. In general, the Aston Martin Rapide is my favorite. Now the prestigious watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has collaborated with Aston Martin to offer a stylish solution for Rapide drivers who have been always in need of looking for car keys. With the extreme contemporary AMVOX2 Transponder Rapide, you have no need to fumble around for the lugging chunky and unattractive key fobs any more, as well as to buy a second luxury watch.

aston_1_nEO_IMG.jpg

This high-tech timepiece is able to do double-duty as a car key. It enables you to unlock the car by simply touching between the 8 and 9, or touch between the 3 and 4 to lock. And by touching them both simultaneously, the “find me” function can be activated to make the headlamps light up for easy spotting.

aston_3_nEO_IMG.jpg

In order to fit it into and around the workings of the watch without sacrificing style, the designers and engineers cost over 18 months to miniaturize the car’s transponder key. The watch and the car are perfect match. Anyway, you need £21,850 (or about $33,800) to solve the key-finding problem.

Antiquorum’s Spring Auction 2010 Will Present True Masterpieces

February 15th, 2010

anti_1_nEO_IMG.jpg

Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon (est. $200,000 to $300,000)

There will be more than 400 remarkable timepieces offered on the block at Antiquorum’s Spring Sale which will be held on March 10 and 11 at its U.S. headquarters in New York. A Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon estimated at $200,000 to $300,000 will be the sale highlight, along with an Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Tourbillon Répétition Minutes QP estimated at $300,000 to $350,000 and remarkable timepieces from the collection of internationally acclaimed artist Arman, including a Patek Philippe Ref. 3971 estimated at $70,000 to $90,000.

anti_2_nEO_IMG.jpg

Jules Audemars Tourbillon Répétition Minutes Quantième Perpetuel

On the sale will be some other clooector delights, such as an Officine Panerai “Luminor 1950 8 Days” PAM 203 produced in 2005 (est. $75,000 to $90,000), a Breguet Ref. 5447 (est. $90,000 to $120,000), a Lange Double Split (est. $60,000 to $80,000), and two Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytonas (Refs. 6239 and 6241).

anti_3_nEO_IMG.jpg

Patek Philippe Ref. 3971 in 18K yellow gold, produced in 1989

For those who will be not in New York at the event time, the Previews are good choices, which will be held in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Palm Beach. You can get additional information by visiting the official Antiquorum website

Black Hole Watch – Chanel Ceramic J12 Collection

January 14th, 2010

Ceramic is a special material that plays with the light in a completely different way from diamonds. Without the magnificent bling of diamonds, Ceramic exudes an incredible radiance as refined as possible. As seen in the first picture, Chanel’s newest J12 Noir Intense, featuring 724 baguette-cut ceramic pieces, offers a respectable example. The light presented in the hundreds of facets is very different than that of black diamonds. It is like a black hole that absorbs the light of the entire universe, mysterious and distinctive.

Chanel609_1_nEO_IMG.jpg

J12 Noir Intense

As the latest Chanel J12 Haute Joaillerie timepiece, the watch demonstrates a perfect combination of ceramic and precious stones. The intense dark magnifies the sparkle from the diamonds, showing the highest level of horological expertise. Chanel’s partnership with Audemars Piguet results in the Chanel AP 3125 movement and witnesses the arrival of the J12 Noir Intense. It proves once again that the ceramic trend is led by Chanel.

Chanel609_2_nEO_IMG.jpg

Chanel J12 CALIBRE 3125

The first ceramic watch is not from Chanel, but the best ceramic theme watch is from this popular fashion brand. It is not unusual to find a ‘Chanel-like’ ceramic watch from other industry big names. Chanel has its own technology to make best ceramic watches. Different from most other watches on today’s market which are made from blocks of ceramic that are then milled and machined into the right shape, Chanel’s ceramic watch is created in the required shape, ensuring a better level of quality. The atelier for those watches is more like a scientific laboratory than a watch workshop. The smoothness, lightness, and luminosity – only when holding such a watch in hand can you feel the exceptional quality.

Chanel609_3_nEO_IMG.jpg

J12 JOAILLERIE (18 carat pink gold and ceramic timepiece with 42 baguette-cut diamonds (totalling approx. 4 carats)

Switzerland’s La Chaux-de-Fonds and France’s Paris are two different places. One is a remote industrial town in the Swiss mountains where, quietly, diligently, the world’s finest watch movements are constructed and assembled, while the other is the centre of world fashion. Joining the best of the two worlds together – that’s what Chanel has done and obtained the undisputed success with this fabulous fusion. Combining the finest raw materials with the avant-garde design, as well as the meticulous assembly, the attention to detail and the importance of quality control at every level of manufacturing, Chanel has alway been creating its products in such an admirable way.

Swatch Group will Stop Deliveries to Outside Brands since 2010

December 31st, 2009

Swiss_ETA_2_nEO_IMG.jpg

Sometime in 2010, ETA, the Swatch Group watch movement making unit, will stop selling watch parts to other brands which are outside of the group. It is not exactly new information. But as the time draws closer and closer, we are more and more curious about how great an influence will be resulted from the move.

Swiss_ETA_1_nEO_IMG.jpg

ETA is the largest and most prestigious and popular watch movement maker in the world, whose movements are what many outside brands rely on to provide “Swiss Made” watches. There are many brands under Swatch group including Swatch, Breguet, Blancpain, Longines and Omega. However, there are much more brands outside of the group in sheer need of the “ETA MADE” watch movements and other crucial components. In all likelihood the fact that ETA stops deliveries to competitors is going to happen and cause a great deal of impact on the whole industry.

Regarding the decision, Swatch Group Chairman Nicolas Hayek said, “We no longer intend to produce or deliver to third-party watchmakers. Swatch Group could cope very well without selling parts to other watchmakers. It only accounts for sales of around 300 or 400 million Swiss francs, which is some 7 or 8 percent of total sales. The loss will be small compared to all the advantages we will get back.”

Nick Hayek Jr_andfather_nEO_IMG.jpg

Nicolas Hayek and his son Nick Hayek

The move seems like going to spell death for lots of brands. And ETA has been under a new investigation by Switzerland’s Competition Commission on whether such practices of “kill” so many watch brands that serve crucial roles in Swiss national economy is illegal and monopolistic. From another point of view, the decision made by Swatch Group leads to opportunities as well as challenges. It is a good chance for those watch brands to turn into independent watchmaking companies by creating and developing their own movements. Maybe I can’t make correct understanding how difficult to create the sophisticated parts for movements with my limited knowledge. But the news can not be all bad, because there are some other independent Swiss watch makers who want to replace ETA.

Tomorrow is the beginning of the New Year. Happy New Year!

Hublot Joins The Fight Against AIDS

December 7th, 2009

nEO_IMG_aides-hublot.jpg

Hublot, a famous horological company that has been always involved actively in charity campaigns, launched an auction to mark the 25th anniversary of the AIDES Foundation. This organization is the France’s leading association in the fight against AIDS. The event with noble meaning, was held in the course of a gala dinner, organized under the Glass Window of the Paris School of Fine Arts on November 30th.

This exceptional charity auction has witnessed the attendance of a host of personalities from the worlds of politics, the arts, health and show business. To celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary in the fight against AIDS, the association saw loving heart of 500 guests, who were always concerned about activities against AIDS. The dinner was chaired by Mrs Simone Veil and Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, under the High Patronage of Mrs Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, brought everyone the opportunity to make a contribution to the fight against AIDS by bidding for the unique couture, perfume or watchmaking pieces, or by purchasing the prestigious lots on offer in the tombola.

The brightest star among the watches presented in the auction, was definitely a gemstone-studded Big Bang watch by Hublot, carried the red ribbon – the symbol of the fight against AIDS, on the dial. A Classic Fusion All Black watch, the other timepiece offered by Hublot for the sale, was decorated with the same emblem as the former.

Just as what has been mentioned above, Hublot’s concern over various charity activities has made a remarkable expression of its social accountability. The renowned watchmaker brand highlights the values of sharing by giving back part of its success to those in need, extremely praiseworthy.

Parmigiani Fleurier Atelier Collection, A Spokesman for Travelling Spirit

November 26th, 2009

nEO_IMG_09_1120_Kalpagraph_Savane.jpg

To celebrate the festive Christmas spirit, the illustrious watch company Parmigiani Fleurier has presented the high-end Atelier Collection to delight its distinguished customers.

Different from traditional framework of Parmigiani collections, these extraordinary model demonstrates a bolder change of the brand design. All the models with the hand-painted or gem-set watch dials, masterwork by craftsmen renowned as the very finest in their field, features a kind of spirit of haute couture within the Parmigiani Manufacture itself.

nEO_IMG_09_1120_Kalpargraph_Manta2.jpg

The new Atelier collection is designed as a unique or very small batch series, presenting a style full of richness and change in mind. A world exhibition tour will be undertaken for the new collection, dotted with numerous destinations, at which the models will be available for sale exclusively. The travelling spirit specially created a stunning brand environment for the Atelier collection, perfectly featured in the display cases and furniture selected to accompany it.

nEO_IMG_09_1120_Kalpagraph_Savane2.jpg

As a defining feature of the Kalpagraph Savane model, the travelling spirit makes the watch stand out. Just look at the external design, the flame of combustion is the best description for the first impression on the watch. The abundant enthusiasm radiated from its ostrich leather strap, as well as the color, the grain and fine lines, demonstrates a extremely hot style. Created by a highly talented miniature-scale painter, the two chronograph counters, matching well to the strap, express a kind of unique artistry.

nEO_IMG_09_1120_Kalpagraph_Manta.jpg

A hallmark Kalpagraph Manta model in Abyss Blue, makes one of the shinest stars among the Atelier Collection, of course for its travelling spirit. Its galuchat strap and perfect minuscule teeth are wonderfully reproduced on the dial, equipped with two chronograph sub-dials. 444 diamonds, with a total weight of 2.95 carats, are paved on the exclusive watch. The strap, dial, and signature tonneau case are in great harmony with each other, making the Kalpagraph Manta watch like nature itself.

The world will witness ten or more exhibitions in 2010. Zermatt is set as the first destination in January, followed by St-Moritz during the White Turf horse racing event in February. The journey will continue on to the Middle East, Asia and the USA.

Luxury Watches and NBA <5> – TAG Heuer and Yao Ming

November 22nd, 2009

nEO_IMG_TAY5.jpg

Who is the most successful foreign player in NBA? The chinese basketball star Yao Ming is the best answer, I think. The huge chinese market behind Yao, as well as his tallest height and nimble footsteps which make him one of the best centers today, has attracted a great number of brands and companies. I said more than once that there were very few basketball players speaking for luxury watches. And Yao Ming belongs to the very few as the brand ambassador for the prestigious Swiss sports watch and chronograph brand, TAG Heuer.

nEO_IMG_TAY4.jpg

This year is the fourth year of the partnership between TAG Heuer and Yao Ming. Yao Ming has gained great achievement in NBA, while TAG Heuer has successfully entered the chinese market. Yao Ming, as the brand spokesman covering product development, advertising, public relations and merchandising, serves a key role in the extension of the watchmaking legend. In Jean-Christophe Babin’s opinion, who is TAG Heuer’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Yao Ming is the perfect TAG Heuer Ambassador, the embodiment of the brand’s core commitments to passion, performance and prestige and his participation has delighted the whole company. The 29-year-old talent has it all, talent, passion and personality. These are the attributes that make him a perfect TAG Heuer representative.

In fact, Yao Ming is not just an agile, multifaceted basketball player and sporting phenomenon, and he’s also a commercial and social phenomenon of truly global proportions. I have to admit that Yao is helping change the world’s view of modern China.

nEO_IMG_TAY1.jpg

Regarding his partnership with TAG Heuer, Yao Ming commented:” I am genuinely honoured to be a part of the TAG Heuer team. To be part of such a legend in the sporting world, part of a team of sports heroes, is very exciting. All my life I have admired the great explorers and pioneers. These are characteristics I see in TAG Heuer, that same desire to be the best, to constantly innovate and grow, to never stop pursuing a dream of perfection. I look forward to building a strong relationship with TAG Heuer in the coming years, working closely with the brand on projects in China and around the world.”

nEO_IMG_TAY2.jpg

The list of TAG Heuer brand ambassador has never lacked sports celebrities. Golfing legend Tiger Woods, rising tennis star Maria Sharapova, Formula 1 race driver Kimi Raikkonen, world freediving Champion Tanya Streeter, as well as Yao Ming, are all directly involved in the development of new TAG Heuer products. To commemorate the exciting partnership, The TAG Heuer Men’s Aquaracer Yao Ming Limited Edition Watch of only 1100 examples made, has been released proudly. 11 is the significance of this NBA ALL-STAR player bearing the Number 11 Jersey for Houston Rocket.

nEO_IMG_TAY3.jpg

This is the end of the Luxury Watches and NBA series. Thank you for your reading and support sincerely!

Luxury Watches and NBA <4> – IWC and Tony Parker

November 21st, 2009

nEO_IMG_tony-parker.jpg

Tony Parker, the first foreign player named the NBA Finals MVP, has been IWC brand ambassador for over two year. Generally speaking, to most of who are not basketball fans, Tony Parker just represents a name that Eva Longoria’s husband owns. In performing circle or fashion world, this attractive hot property wife speaks louder than the husband, with no doubt. The marriage of concern, as well as his excellent skills, forms one of the reasons for the partnership between IWC and Tony Parker.

nEO_IMG_IWC+Schaffhausen+Party+Qs6Oy-RGmgMl.jpg

As the spokesman for one of the top-of-the-line professional watches, IWC Schaffhausen, Tony Parker can’t hide his excitement by this initiated partnership. He said:” I’m very excited to partner with IWC, I appreciate the design and craftsman ship of their watches. Also as First Ambassador to the Make A Wish Foundation in France, I’ve come to really appreciate the charitable enterprises that companies take on. In this area, IWC stood out – their involvement in social responsibility initiatives such as the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation which helps underprivileged youth around the world really impressed me.”

Benoit de Clerck, President of IWC North America, commented on Parker’s participation:” Tony has an exciting career ahead of him and we look forward to watching our partnership grow.”

nEO_IMG_IWC+Schaffhausen+Party+PXyBnCK6V4bl.jpg

(L-R) Georges Kern (CEO of IWC), Eva Longoria and Tony Parker attend the IWC Schaffhausen Party

In 2001, Tony Parker left France to join the San Antonio Spurs. As the youngest starting point guard to enter NBA. Since that moment, Tony parker has never sopped to break records. He became the third player highlighted in NBA history who has won two championships before reaching the age of 23. Because of him, the NBA Finals MVP honor fell to a foreign player for the first time. Just as its record-breaking ambassador, IWC has been breaking records in technological development and highly complicated precision watch-making since 1868. As the “engineers of fine watch-making”, the brand solely produces men’s watches, featuring a perfect integration of intelligent designs with a timelessly classical style.

Friend Links: Replica Watches Ed Hardy Cheap Replica Handbags Abercrombie Wholesale Cheap Christian Louboutin Mont Blanc Pens  Affliction Wholesale   Cheap Christian Audigier   True Religion Wholesale UGG Wholesale   Juicy Couture Wholesale    Replica Breitling   Replica Omega Replica Panerai Replica Prada Replica Rolex Replica Tag Heuer Alexander Wang  Replica Chloe   Replica Fendi   Replica Jimmy Choo   Replica Miu Miu  Replica Dior   Replica Balenciaga Replica Chanel Replica Gucci Replica Hermes Replica Louis Vuitton    Goyard Replica Mulberry