Watch Forums - Revolution Online - Industry News and Events Check out the latest watch industry news and events here! http://revo-online.com/forums/main/list.php?29 Wed, 22 May 2013 07:21:34 -0500 Phorum 5.2.13 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1008316,1008316#msg-1008316 Getting Feet Wet at the Zenith Pilot Soiree (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1008316,1008316#msg-1008316
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“Getting feet wet” is pilot slang for flying over water (we however walked in the rain when the skies opened at W hotel @ Sentosa) and while the highlight of the event was the Zenith Pilot Montre D’ Aeronef Type 20, I managed to get my feet wet in a modern day duel at 10 paces.
You see, it’s rare in high brow events such as these where you see gauntlets thrown down but during a preview of the Zenith Pilot Type 20, Hugo Escude, Brand Director, Zenith, inevitably drew the attention of Mr. Frank Goon over to another revolutionary timepiece- the Zenith Christophe Colomb. The challenge was made mid conversation somewhere between the words, “high frequency 36,000 VpH” and “gyroscopic tourbillon”- Mr. Goon uttered the words, “I’m a mechanical engineer by trade, convince me why the Christophe Colomb is better than anything else out there.”



Somewhere between a heartbeat and the “Ooooh” moment of anticipatory awkwardness, Mr, Escude accepted the challenge unblinkingly, “This system consists in a cage composed of 166 parts, 10 conical-geared wheels (with 6 spherical wheels) and 6 ball bearings."
“How does that get transmitted to the escapement?” - a riposte. “2 axis, where essentially the gear system harnesses the rotations of the axes of the carriage and a reverser differential gear instantly compensates for all angles.” – a counter point. It’s another rare moment when you see 2 masters nod and sheathe swords, you know you have just been a witness to some horological kung fu.



Between 2 glasses of champagne and jovial chatter of World War 2 fighter pilots Frank mentioned that the Pilot Montre d’Aeronef reminded him of legendary combat aces in bombing runs over the Rhineland- it was one of those moments where I felt I was part of another momentous event- that of Zenith’s stratospheric rising star. Heritage has trumped novelty and I’m calling it- it’s here to stay.
]]> madonna Industry News and Events Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:21:30 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007596,1007596#msg-1007596 From Here To Eternity - The Timeless Elegance of Baume & Mercier (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007596,1007596#msg-1007596 USA 23 - exlusive behind the scene video shoot



The process and technicalities of great watch photography is never a simple task. Great skill is needed on the photographer's part to capture the detail and quality of a finely made watch, and then there is the brilliant styling required. Follow the REVOLUTION team as they bring us through a photo shoot, "From Here to Eternity - The Timeless Elegance of Baume & Mercier", in an exclusive behind-the-scenes video. We reveal how our set is styled, how our models are groomed, and of course, the photography process that creates the exciting photos in our magazine.]]> madonna Industry News and Events Mon, 09 Jul 2012 23:34:17 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007483,1007483#msg-1007483 Frederique Constant Mini Slimline Ladies (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007483,1007483#msg-1007483 Press release - June 2012

The renowned Frederique Constant Ladies’ Slimline Quartz Collection is a series of glamorous, ultra-flat models designed for our feminine customers. The fine quartz movements upon which this elegant series of watches is based have a thickness of just 1.90 mm. Thin and chic at each and every level; this is the Slimline Collection.










The detailed, eye-catching dials are finished with stunning guilloché patterns, each of which are produced with a highly complex engraving procedure. Precision tools have been developed for each intricate pattern and every delicate dial design; the toolings have tolerances to as little as 1/1000th of a millimeter.

Admire the elegance of the Slimline shape, wonder at the timelessness of style and harmony of the curves of each model within the range. The Frederique Constant attention to fine detail brings modern flair to a classic and ageless image that will still look elegant and fresh for generations.

The Slimline range is presented in materials including stunning stainless steel and rich yellow gold plate, the perfect adornment on the most petite wrists. The curved dials, an acknowledgement of the classic watches from the 1950’s, come in either silver or white, with a truly feminine hearts pattern.

With a nod to every woman’s best friend, the Frederique Constant Mini Slimline collection includes a number of exclusive models with sparkling diamonds on both the dial and the case.
]]> madonna Industry News and Events Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:22:15 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007470,1007470#msg-1007470 Interview with Peter Stas CEO of Alpina Watch International on Alpina Sailing (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007470,1007470#msg-1007470 Geneva – June 2012

Swiss Watch Manufacturer Alpina Genève produces an exciting automatic chronograph with regatta start function based on an in-house modified Sellita SW-500. Currently, Alpina is the only watchmaker offering such an easy to read automatic regatta caliber. The watch has a RRP of 2350 Euro.












To support the Alpina Sailing Collection, Alpina sponsors the Extreme Sailing Series Team Niceforyou, skippered by Alberto Barovier (2010 America’s Cup on board the trimaran BMW Oracle Racing) and the Alpina Swan 82 participating in various yacht regattas in the Mediterranean in 2012.


Why is Alpina involved in sailing regattas?
“We support the Alpina Sailing Collection by our sponsorships of various regattas. The star product of the Alpina Sailing Collection is an automatic chronograph with regatta start function. It has an unique and easy to read regatta display. In the past, there was a Valjoux caliber offering the same layout. ETA discontinued it and we decided to develop a module in-house for this regatta function. Alpina is now the only watch manufacturer offering such an automatic regatta caliber. To promote this watch, we have started limited advertising. The most important promotion however is to bring this watch to sailing enthusiasts during regattas.”
















You are on the helm of the Alpina Swan, what is driving you?
“I have sailed since I was a child in regattas, as a sailing instructor and for leisure. Starting in small boats in The Netherlands, later I sailed larger boats in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Hong Kong. Being on the water is a passion and participating in regattas is extremely exciting. It demands ultimate concentration. The teamwork during a regatta is a learning experience that doubles as management training. During a regatta, there is no margin for error, lives are at stake. The team on a boat must run as clockwork. ”

What are plans for 2012?
“The Alpina Swan has recently raced in the Palmavella and will race in the Loro Piani and Giraglia regattas in June. Later this year, the Alpina Swan will race in the Voiles des St. Tropez and the Middle Sea Race regattas.”








]]> madonna Industry News and Events Wed, 27 Jun 2012 03:40:13 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007440,1007440#msg-1007440 Dynamic doubles partnership: Andy Murray joins the Rado ambassador team (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007440,1007440#msg-1007440 Press release - June 2012

(Lengnau, Switzerland, June 2012) – Andy Murray, Britain’s number one tennis player, currently ranked fourth in the world, has signed an ambassador agreement with Swiss watch brand Rado.






Andy Murray commented: “I’m really excited about joining the Rado team. The brand is all about edgy style and performance. Timing, precision and accuracy are vitally important for me, whether that relates to fitness drills, measuring my performance or striking a tennis ball.”

Rado CEO Matthias Breschan stated, “Andy Murray always stands out from the crowd with his distinctive playing style and unrivalled tactical intelligence. Rado admires his true talent and perfectionism – and at the same time can identify totally with his ‘racquet rebel’ side.”

Andy Murray set out on his path to tennis success at the age of three. Impressive milestones of his junior career included wins at the prestigious Orange Bowl and US Open junior tournaments. His transition to professional status gave Britain its first teenager in the top 100 for 30 years. He has won 22 career ATP titles and in 2011 became only the seventh player since 1968 to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments in one year.

Innovative design and high-tech materials are the essential distinguishing marks of the Rado brand. Numerous breakthroughs and world records punctuate the Rado history, from the first scratch-resistant watch to the hardest timepiece. Confirming its iconic character and adventurous spirit is also a collection of international design awards. Andy Murray embodies perfectly this pioneering strength.

The Rado D-Star 200 Collection is partnering Andy Murray in the 2012 spring/summer season. The Rado D-Star 200 Automatic with blue high-tech ceramic is also the official tournament watch of the Aegon Championships. The Rado D-Star 200 Automatic Chronograph, combining sleek black high-tech ceramic with the shining stainless steel structure, sets unrivalled standards of robustness and performance with its Swiss automatic movement and innovative materials. Meticulous design details add further comfort to wearability and practicality, such as the bracelet integrating high-tech ceramic links which makes it the ideal equipment for sports enthusiasts.












]]> madonna Industry News and Events Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:53:03 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007439,1007439#msg-1007439 Game, set and the perfect match (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007439,1007439#msg-1007439 Rado presents a winning combination of performance and attitude as timekeeper of some of the world’s leading tennis championships

(Lengnau, Switzerland, June 2012) – Rado is putting high-performance timing technology through its paces on the tennis court this year, as timekeeper of some of the world’s highest ranking international tournaments. Resistance, endurance and breaking records top the agendas of the Swiss watch brand and of the fast-paced racquet sport enjoyed by millions of players and spectators around the world.


Rado CEO Matthias Breschan comments, “Rado has a long-standing relationship with tennis that started 20 years ago. It is a sport that perfectly embodies key values of our brand, heritage and products, including relentless determination, a proven love of pushing the boundaries and uncompromising attention to detail.” The Rado warm-up for the 2012 season took place at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi from 29 to 31 December 2011. This event saw six of the world’s top ten male players putting their faith in Rado timekeeping and not being disappointed. Dates from the second half of the 2012 ATP World Tour, where Rado will be timekeeper, will be announced shortly. Rado was also the official watch partner of the AEGON Championship, hosted by the Queen’s Club in England which ran from 11 to 17 June.


Performance in action
The timekeeping equipment for tennis mirrors many of the performance characteristics that make up the DNA of Rado timepieces. Ranking next to absolute Swiss precision is infallible high shock resistance. The highest serving speed recorded to date was 251 kmph. Corner clocks on the courts are made to withstand high impact of serves, since speed is calculated by dividing distance over time, this timing facility is absolutely crucial from the players’ and spectators’ perspective. Physical endurance has become a key issue in top-level tennis, with recent Grand Slam matches clocking up durations approaching six hours. The Rado timing provides a reliable measure of these kind of records, thus quantifying and supporting the visualisation of incredible levels of mental and physical fitness achieved by individual players. Rado and the developers of champion-standard tennis equipment are continually looking at new ways of making specific materials and technologies get the edge in their respective fields. While the latter researches sophisticated composites for racquet frames or vibration reduction systems, Rado scores with breakthroughs such as high-tech ceramic with the ability to adapt rapidly to skin temperature, super-light timepieces with a total weight of as little as 35 grams like the Rado True Thinline, right through to hypo-allergenic ceramic for bracelets.


A perfect match
Rado and tennis share common ground embracing attitude, character and achievement. The ‘”if we can imagine it, we can make it’” philosophy that has shaped the brand’s history could equally be applied to winning tennis players’ mindsets. This strength of character and focus on achievement has formed an attitude enabling Rado and leading tennis stars to break and create many records. Examples include producing Rado V10K, the world’s hardest watch (10,000 Vickers) right through to 86-shot rallies. Accompanying this is unrivalled competence in translating resilience into beautiful designs and determination into achievement.]]> madonna Industry News and Events Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:09:44 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007319,1007319#msg-1007319 ZENITH JOINS THE CHALLENGE TO CHANGE LIVES AT 13TH ANNUAL BEST BUDDIES CHALLENGE: HYANNIS PORT (2 replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1007319,1007319#msg-1007319 Press release - June 2012

An historical Swiss “Manufacture” with almost a century and a half of watchmaking history, Zenith is famed as the inventor of the legendary El Primero movement, and continues to cultivate its enduring values including innovative daring, pleasure and authenticity. It has shown a consistent interest in noble causes dedicated to the advancement of humankind, including through supporting research, exploration as well as sporting accomplishments and scientific progress. This ongoing commitment has naturally led it to serve as official timekeeper for the philanthropic organization Best Buddies International, and to play an active role in the latter’s 13th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port.



Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment and leadership
training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will be holding the 13th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis
Port, on June 1 and 2, 2012. More than 1,500 people are expected to participate in the Challenge – a charity walk, run and ride to benefit
Best Buddies International. Tom Brady, the New England Patriots quarterback and a Best Buddies Global Ambassador, will serve as
Honorary Chairman and lead his team to the finish line.



"Once you feel the commitment that so many parents make and so many of the buddies make to these programs, it’s hard not
to be involved."


“We are looking forward to another tremendous Challenge in Massachusetts,” says Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International. “It’s incredible to see the multitude of participants who come out to support such a great cause each year. We are also extremely honored to have Tom Brady on board. To have someone of his stature, celebrity and athletic talent pay attention to our population is really unheard of in today’s day and age.”




"Working for the good of others keeps us happy and fulfilled."



AN ACTION-PACKED PROGRAM

The Tom Brady Football Challenge, which will take place at Harvard Stadium on Friday, June 1, will kick off the weekend’s festivities. During the game, Brady will play quarterback alongside Best Buddies participants and supporters. Last year, several New England Patriots past and present, including Tedy Bruschi, Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, Brian Hoyer, Dan Koppen, Nate Solder, Wes Welker, and Pierre Woods, as well as Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely, played in the game. The public is welcome and encouraged to come out and cheer them on, and for free tickets to the game, visit www.hpchallenge2012.org/tickets. As official timekeeper of the organization, Zenith Watches will sponsor a team in the Football Challenge.



This incredible game will be followed by the Guy Fieri Celebrity Chef Tailgate Party, hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, a best-selling cookbook author and host of several Food Network shows, including “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and “Guy’s Big Bite”. Fieri will work with several lucky Best Buddies participants, who will serve as his sous-chefs and help him prepare food for this fabulous feast.


EL PRIMERO CHRONOMASTER POWER RESERVE

Zenith made its mark on watchmaking history by presenting the first integrated automatic chronograph movement in 1969. The world’s most accurate mechanical series-made calibre, beating at a frequency of 10 vibrations per second and thus capable of measuring 1/10ths of a second, gave rise to the legendary El Primero chronograph.

Like all El Primero movements, it beats at the exceptional frequency of 10 vibrations per second (or 36,000 vibrations per hour) and can thereby measure 1/10ths of a second. This new chronograph movement with an approximately 50-hour power reserve comprises 248 parts and features meticulous finishes, visible in particular through the famous dial opening – revealing the beating heart of an exceptional movement and representing another characteristic Zenith innovation.

One of these models will be auctioned off by Tom Brady and Anthony Kennedy Shriver at the Friday night Tailgate Party, and the second will reward a contest winner on a CBS Radio promotion.



On Saturday, June 2, hundreds of cyclists will take the starting line at Boston’s John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum for the picturesque 100-mile ride portion of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, from Boston to Hyannis Port. The Challenge is open to participants of all ages and abilities and is designed to showcase the Best Buddies mission in action. It also features alternative 50 and 20-mile cycling routes, as well as the Carl Lewis Challenge, a 5K run or walk led by the Olympic gold-medalist himself. To register and/or donate, visit www.hpchallenge2012.org.



"Open to participants of all ages and abilities"

Several other celebrities, professional athletes and special guests are also expected to participate in the Challenge, including New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, former New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi, actors Michael Chiklis and Verne Troyer, actress Lauren Potter, television sports journalist Andrea Kramer, sportswriter and television analyst Adam Schefter, and many others. They will all be invited to compete in “Friendship Races” on tandem bicycles. There will also be a special “Friendship Race” in honor of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver called the Family Challenge, during which participants will be invited to team up with their mothers and fathers to compete for gold, silver and bronze medals.

The Challenge will be capped off by a New England-style clambake and private concert by Indie-Pop band The Plain White T’s, which all participants and special guests are invited to attend.
]]> madonna Industry News and Events Tue, 26 Jun 2012 01:13:16 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1006489,1006489#msg-1006489 Ulysse Nardin Acquires Ebel Chronograph Movement (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1006489,1006489#msg-1006489 Press release - April 2012

Ulysse Nardin takes another swift step toward independence with the acquisition of the Ebel in-house chronograph movement. A revered and reliable movement, it has been considered one of the finest on the market for 17 years – a true success story. Interestingly, the Ebel Chronograph story of development began in parallel with one of Ulysse Nardin’s most notable breakthroughs: the Perpetual Calendar. The commonality is a grassroots movement that was optimized and adapted to each of these two outstanding products, allowing both brands to realize their dream of innovation. With the Ulysse Nardin purchase of the movement, it is as if the twin brothers have found each other.














The story of this chronograph will carry on in the hands of the master watchmakers who brought the movement to life, for they are now a part of the Ulysse Nardin family. Ulysse Nardin looks forward to releasing the additional manufacture movement in its final “wand” by the end of 2012.

Without hesitation, the acquirement of this manufacture chronograph movement is another testimonial of Ulysse Nardin’s position as a renowned manufacture in the exacting world of watchmaking.






























]]> madonna Industry News and Events Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:13:41 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005942,1005942#msg-1005942 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. acquires Prothor Holding SA (the holding company of Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA, Prototec SA and Arnold & Son SA) (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005942,1005942#msg-1005942 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information on the share acquisition by our consolidated subsidiary

We announce that our consolidated subsidiary, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., has decided to make Prothor Holding SA (“Prothor”) its subsidiary (i.e., our indirect subsidiary) at the board meeting held on 5 March 2012.


1. Reason for the acquisition of shares

The watch industry saw a temporary downturn triggered by the financial crisis, but since then it has been recovering steadily. In particular, the demand for high-class Swiss mechanical watches has been increasing, primarily in emerging markets including China, and we think that it is vital that we enter into the high-class watch market in order to achieve further growth of our watch business.

By welcoming Prothor, which is skilled in developing and manufacturing high-class add-value mechanical movements, to our group, we can use Prothor’s mechanical movements in the “Swiss-made collection” of our brands and licensed brands, which will help differentiate our high-end products. In addition, this acquisition will contribute to the strengthening of our R&D ability in the area of Japan-made mechanical movements in the future. The decision to acquire Prothor was made after considering the above.

* Prothor Holding SA is the holding company of Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA, Prototec SA and Arnold & Son SA.

Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA is a leading manufacture of mechanical movements and components for the mechanical watch industry.



２. Summary of Prothor Holding SA

Name: Prothor Holding SA
Address: Boulevard des Eplatures 38, CH-2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds,Switzerland
Representative/Title: Philippe Beguin / Chairman
Scope of Business: Manufacture and sales of mechanical watch and parts., etc.
Date of Incorporation: July 3, 1996
Sales: JPY2,842 million(January 2011 to December 2011) (ex rate CHF1=JPY90)



3. Schedule

Execution date of SPA: March 5, 2012
Closing date: April 2, 2012 (Expected)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------]]> revo-online Industry News and Events Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:38:57 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005729,1005729#msg-1005729 H. Moser & Cie. appoints new CEO (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005729,1005729#msg-1005729 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Change in the Management: H. Moser & Cie. appoints new CEO


The Moser Group AG from Neuhausen am Rheinfall announces hereafter some changes within the Management of the company in view of ensuring future sustainability and growth of the company.

As from February 2012, Dr. Jürgen Lange will step back from his operational responsibilities in order to assist, as a member on the Board of Directors, in product development as well as brand representation.

Furthermore the Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Christof Zuber as the new CEO of the Moser Group AG who officially took this position on February 6, 2012. Dr. Christof Zuber is an experienced executive with a solid background in company development.

The Moser Group is now ready to carry out the next necessary major developments, such as to further invest in production capacity and to continue increasing on the brand building. The Board of Directors is confident that with this appointment, the Moser Group will be able to, thanks to the support of Dr. Jürgen Lange’s experience, the management and all the employees successfully make the next future strategic decisions.




Moser Group AG

The Moser Group AG is a holding company that includes 3 entities. First of all Moser Schaffhausen AG with its renowned watch brand H. Moser & Cie. Secondly Precision Engineering AG, a specialised manufacturer of escapements and especially hairsprings. Finally MSG AG Manufacturing Support Group which produces all key components to its sister companies.

The brand H. Moser & Cie., which was relaunched in 2005, combines tradition and innovation at the highest level for 185 years. In line with the company claim, “Passionately Different”, Moser not only produces elegant watches with a touch of understatement, but also manufactures highly complex and innovative components, which are exclusive to the in-house H. Moser & Cie. movements.

----------------------------------------------------------------------]]> revo-online Industry News and Events Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:38:16 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005536,1005536#msg-1005536 2011: Another great vintage for LVMH (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005536,1005536#msg-1005536 -------------------------------------------------------------



LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury products group, recorded a 16% increase in revenue reaching 23.7 billion Euros in 2011. This includes the integration of Bulgari as of 30 June 2011. Organic revenue growth was 14%. All business groups saw excellent momentum in Europe, Asia and the United States. Louis Vuitton, in particular, once again recorded double-digit revenue growth during the year.

Revenue increased by 20% in the fourth quarter with organic growth of 12%. This performance is in line with the favourable trends observed since the beginning of the year, and compares to the fourth quarter of 2010 which also grew.

Profit from recurring operations increased by 22% to 5 263 million Euros, a performance which is even more remarkable when compared to the strong growth recorded in 2010. Current operating margin continued to improve, reaching 22% in 2011.

Group share of net profit was 3 065 million Euros, an increase of 1% compared to 2010 which included a non-recurrent financial gain. Excluding this gain, the growth in Group share of net profit would have been 34%.

Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, said: “2011 was another great vintage for LVMH, highlighting once again the power of our brands, the excellence of our craftsmanship and the appeal of our products. Our businesses enjoyed excellent momentum and profit fromrecurring operations passed the threshold of €5 billion for the first time. The agreement with the Bulgari family was one of the key moments of the year. In 2012, LVMH intends to further strengthen its global leadership position in high quality products by relying on its sound, long term strategy.”


Highlights of 2011 include:

• Profit from recurring operations exceeded 5 billion Euros for the first time
• Further market share gains throughout the world,
• Continued rapid growth in Asia
• Excellent performance at Wines & Spirits,
• Double-digit revenue growth and exceptional profitability at Louis Vuitton,
• Growth acceleration at the other Fashion & Leather Goods brands,
• Strong growth in the results of DFS and Sephora, which continue to increase their lead over competitors across all regions in which they operate,
• Strength of Parfums Christian Dior which is sustained by a strong culture of innovation,
• Doubled profit from recurring operations at Watches & Jewelry following the strong increase in the business group’s results and the integration of Bulgari in the second half of the year,
• Free cash flow of 2.2 billion Euros.









Wines & Spirits: confirmed return in demand and improved product mix

The Wines & Spirits business group recorded organic revenue growth of 10% in 2011. Profit from recurring operations increased by 18%. Having maintained a strategy of value during the difficult period in 2009, the champagne business fully benefited from the return in demand. The improvement in product mix and a firm policy of price increases also contributed to the excellent results. Sparkling and still wines developed by Estates & Wines achieved strong growth in key markets. Hennessy cognac continued its strong momentum, led notably by the high-end qualities in Asia. Glenmorangie and Belvedere recorded sustained growth in volumes.


Fashion & Leather Goods: exceptional momentum at Louis Vuitton and the other brands

The Fashion & Leather Goods business group recorded organic revenue growth of 16% in 2011. Profit from recurring operations increased by 20%. Louis Vuitton, which had another record year, further increased its lead over other luxury brands. Louis Vuitton’s appeal to customers is constantly strengthened by its dynamic creativity, as seen in the success of its new leather products. Louis Vuitton opened a new workshop in Marsaz in the Drôme region of France. All of Fendi’s product categories delivered excellent performances. The star line Peekaboo, which demonstrates the savoir-faire of the Maison, remained a landmark collection for the brand. Donna Karan grew in the US. Confirming their brand identity with full force, Celine, Loewe and Givenchy showed remarkable momentum thanks to the creative spirit which animates them. The other brands continued their expansion.


Perfumes & Cosmetics: continued success of star lines

The Perfumes & Cosmetics business recorded organic revenue growth of 9%. Profit from recurring operations on a comparable structure basis increased by 8% in the context of sustained commercial investments. All of the brands played a part in the strong momentum of the Asian and American markets. Europe, despite the uncertain environment at the end of the year, also contributed to their growth. Parfums Christian Dior successfully adhered to its values of creativity and high quality, and confirmed its good momentum, supported by its recent innovations and the strength of its star lines. J’adore was once again the leading female perfume in France in 2011. Guerlain continued its development in its key markets and benefited from the force of its emblematic perfume, Shalimar. At Parfums Givenchy, the new women’s fragrance Dahlia Noir, launched in the second half of the year, enjoyed a promising start. Benefit and Make Up For Ever continued their strong growth across all their markets.


Watches & Jewelry: market share gains

The Watches & Jewelry business group recorded organic revenue growth of 23% in 2011. Profit from recurring operations doubled as a result of the 41% increase in results on a comparable structure basis and the integration of Bulgari, consolidated as of 30 June 2011. The LVMH brands continued their sustained growth across all geographies. Driven by strong demand, this remarkable momentum resulted in new market share gains. TAG Heuer made a splash with the launch of two exceptional products entirely developed and manufactured by its own workshop: the Mikrograph 100 and the Mikrotimer Flying 1000. Hublot continued its innovations with the launch of Masterpieces, the new watch collection of Grandes Complications, and extended its store network. Zenith benefited from the renewal of its emblematic lines which demonstrate the first class craftsmanship of its Manufacture. Bulgari’s excellent performance across all categories confirmed the considerable appeal of its products. The collections, which were developed around the theme Serpenti, a symbol for the Maison since the 1950s, were very well received. Driven by the strong momentum at their network of stores, the other jewelry brands Chaumet, De Beers and Fred, continued to develop their star collections.


Selective Retailing: remarkable momentum

The Selective Retailing business group recorded organic revenue growth of 19% in 2011. Profit from recurring operations increased by 34%.
DFS’s excellent performance benefited from continued growth in Asian tourism. The Gallerias in Hong Kong and in Macao recorded remarkable growth while North America and the Pacific zone also strengthened. DFS’s renovation program and the expansion of its leading stores - the principal pillars for the brand’s high-end quality offer strategy - continued throughout the year. Sephora recorded solid revenue growth and increased market share across all its regions. Alongside the selective expansion of its network, numerous store renovations accompanied the increase in the brand’s development. Growth for Sephora continued, notably in Russia where it increased its shareholding in the Ile de Beauté chain to 65%. The brand opened in two new countries in 2011: Malaysia and Mexico.


Excellent outlook for 2012

After an exceptional 2011, and despite an uncertain economic environment in Europe, LVMH is well-equipped to continue its growth momentum across all business groups in 2012. Its strategy will remain focused on developing brands through strong innovation, quality and expansion in high potential markets.

Driven by the agility of its organization, the balance of its different businesses and geographic diversity, LVMH enters 2012 with confidence and has, once again, set an objective of increasing its global leadership position in luxury goods.


Dividend increase of 24%

At the Annual Shareholders Meeting on April 5, 2012, LVMH will propose a dividend of 2.60 Euros per share, an increase of 24%. An interim dividend of 0.80 Euros per share was paid on December 2 of last year. The balance of 1.80 Euros per share will be paid on April 25, 2012.

The LVMH Board met on February 2nd to approve the financial statements for 2011. Audit procedures have been carried out and the audit report is being issued. Regulated information related to this press release is available at www.lvmh.fr


APPENDIX

Quarterly revenue by business group






About LVMH

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Vodka Belvedere, 10 Cane, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Green Point, Cape Mentelle, Newton, Wen Jun. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury brand, as well as Céline, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Thomas Pink, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs and Berluti. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo, Perfumes Loewe as well as other promising cosmetic companies (BeneFit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma and Fresh). LVMH is also active in selective retailing as well as in other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, Samaritaine and Royal Van Lent. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred, Hublot and De Beers Jewellery, a joint venture created with the world’s leading diamond group.

"Certain information included in this release is forward looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties and factors beyond our control or ability to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, projected or implied. It only reflects our views as of the date of this presentation. No undue reliance should therefore be based on any such information, it being also agreed that we undertake no commitment to amend or update it after the date hereof.”

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]]> revo-online Industry News and Events Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:04:57 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005473,1005473#msg-1005473 Swatch Group: Key Figures 2011 (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005473,1005473#msg-1005473 -------------------------------------------------------------




• Gross sales exceed CHF 7 billion for the first time to CHF 7 143 million, an increase of +21.7% over 2010 at constant exchange rates.
• More than 2 800 new jobs created in 2011 alone.
• Operating profit of CHF 1 614 million, an increase of +12.4% on 2010. Operating margin increases from 23.5% to a strong 23.9% despite the negative currency environment and the sharp rise in commodity prices.
• Net income up +18.1% to CHF 1 276 million.
• Equity over CHF 8 billion for the first time, equal to an equity ratio of 82.3%.
• Proposed dividend increase of 15%, CHF 5.75 per bearer share (2010: CHF 5.00) and CHF 1.15 per registered share (2010: CHF 1.00).
• Another successful start in January 2012 with double-digit growth in the Watches & Jewelry segment despite the high benchmark from the previous year.

Following publication of sales figures on 10 January 2012, we now present the Group key figures. This advance information will be followed by the distribution and discussion of the detailed annual report at the press conference scheduled for 1 March 2012.






Group Overview

For 2011, the Swatch Group has record numbers at all levels to post once again. Despite the ongoing difficult currency environment, gross sales were up 21.7% on a currency-adjusted basis to CHF 7 143 million. The continued weakness in the euro and the dollar during the year had a major negative impact on sales of about CHF 700 million.

Improvements in efficiency and the Group’s traditionally strong cost controls helped increase its operating profit for the year under review by 12.4% to CHF 1 614 million, despite an unfavorable trend in foreign exchange rates and the sharp rise in the price of gold and diamonds, two important commodities for us. The operating margin of 23.9% was able to beat the good level from the prior year. Overall, the Group posted record results, with its net income up 18.1% over the prior year to CHF 1 276 million.

Equity of CHF 8 071 million, with an equity ratio of 82.3%, confirms the continuity of the Group’s extremely solid financing. The average return on equity was a considerable 16.8% (previous year: 16.5%). The Swatch Group generated an operating cash flow of CHF 705 million despite an increase in inventories, for the expansion of the own distribution network on the one hand, and for strategic commodities such as precious metals and diamonds on the other hand. Furthermore, approximately CHF 580 million were used for investing activities. During the year under review, the Swatch Group created more than 2 800 new jobs, which raised the number of employees worldwide to over 28 000.

The Board of Directors of the Swatch Group will propose the following dividend for 2011 to the Annual General Meeting on 16 May 2012: CHF 5.75 per bearer share and CHF 1.15 per registered share. This increase in the dividend payment to shareholders of 15% versus the previous year is a result of the record results achieved in 2011 and underscores the optimistic outlook for business performance going forward in 2012.





The Swatch Group’s core Watches & Jewelry segment was up again strongly in 2011. Gross sales reached CHF 6 312 million, an increase at constant exchange rates of 26.1% over 2010. The strength of the Group’s brands was noticeable not only in Greater China, but in all other regions as well, and in the very strong growth rates across all price segments, which have been leading to major capacity bottlenecks at times.

In addition to the very difficult currency environment, the rise in prices for commodities important to us, such as gold and diamonds, had a negative impact on margins. Despite this situation, the Swatch Group has maintained, in the interest of expanding market share, its long-term policy of not implementing short-term price increases. For the same reason marketing activities have been intensified in all price segments and brands. Despite this, the segment’s operating profit increased by 8.4% to CHF 1 352 million, which represents an operating margin of 22.7%.





The huge increase in demand for various components during the year under review boosted gross sales in the Production segment by 32.6% over the prior year to CHF 2 015 million. Production capacities were expanded further. However, because of the constantly increasing demand for components in certain production sectors, it was not possible to eliminate bottlenecks.

Thanks to high utilization and the traditionally strict cost controls, the segment’s profitability was increased. Operating profit increased by 64.3% to CHF 322 million, corresponding to an operating margin of 16.3% (versus 13.4% in 2010). The increase came despite sharp price increases for many commodities.

We expect growth to continue in 2012. To meet this growth, the Swatch Group will continue to invest heavily in its production capacities in Switzerland.





The market environment for the Electronic Systems segment in 2011 was characterized by the strong overvaluation of the Swiss franc and the weakening in certain key markets. International competitors had a clear USD cost advantage, which we were not able to make up for through higher production volume. Nevertheless, the segment finished the year with gross sales of CHF 336 million, which represents a decrease of 16.3% at constant exchange rates.

Profitability suffered under the difficult economic environment. The segment’s operating profit reached CHF 13 million in the year under review, which represents an operating margin of 3.9% (versus 14% in 2010). The segment should return to a growth path soon thanks to the currently positive order entries and a modest rebound in the USD.


Outlook for 2012

The Swatch Group is well prepared for the future and is maintaining its clear and healthy long-term growth strategy. We expect growth to continue in 2012, although this is more and more challenging due to the high benchmark. The Swatch Group will also continue to make targeted investments in 2012 in its worldwide distribution network and in its production capacities in Switzerland across all segments, despite the strong Swiss franc.

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]]> revo-online Industry News and Events Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:40:51 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005348,1005348#msg-1005348 Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat Black Beauty (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005348,1005348#msg-1005348



Black Beauty

Launching Frederique Constant Black Beauty, an exciting addition to Frederique Constant's bestselling Double Heart Beat Collection. The deep
black mother of pearl dial and many diamonds of the Black Beauty will certainly attract attention. The original and registered design of this range
- with two intertwined hearts forming an aperture in the dial revealing the 'heart beat' of the movement- makes the Frederique Constant Double
Heart Beat more than just a watch. These fine timepieces have been developed with passion to reflect the values and aspirations of today's
woman. Frederique Constant's Double Heart Beat watches are created with precision design and assembled by hand, allowing for a high quality
timepiece each and every time. Perceived value is important, so we know that quality must be consistent in our work and is vital to our success.
Passion definitely shows through our craftsmanship, as well as our charitable donations. We are equally as passionate about charity, with US$50 from each watch sold in our Double Heart Beat Collection donated to various charities. These charities include those related to the heart and children. Hence the slogan for this collection "Assembled by hand to touch your heart".









Heart Beat

Frederique Constant signature is the Heart Beat. In 1994, Frederique Constant developed its first Heart Beat watch. The purpose of the Heart
Beat development was to show the mechanical nature of these Frederique Constant watches. Heart Beat watches have an aperture at the position of the balance wheel to show that the movement of the watch is mechanical. Early in the 1990’s, automatic mechanical watches were slowly making their return to the market after the quartz crisis of the 1970-1980’s. Typically, the exterior of such mechanical watches looks similar to quartz watches except that the second hand moves continuously. On quartz watches, the second hand makes 60 steps per minute. At Frederique Constant, we considered it important to better show the difference between mechanical and quartz watches. In a mechanical watch, the balance wheel beats 28’800 times per hour. The balance wheel rotates clockwise and counter clockwise on its axes in a large ruby jewel. Its rotation is controlled by the hairspring, which constantly coils and uncoils, and can be seen through the open eye of the Heart Beat watches.





Heart related charities

The next time you see someone wearing one of the beautiful Double Heart Beat Collection watches, remember that part of the cost for that watch went to help a patient. Somewhere out there is a child with a bad heart that could end a potentially eventful life and a future replete with possibilities. Frederique Constant donated two cheques in the value of US$ 50’000 (2008) and US$ 75’000 (2011) to the International Children’s Heart Foundation, a passionate organization that brings skills, technology and knowledge to diagnose and care for children with congenital heart disease to developing countries.

In 2009, we lent our support by funding Paint a Smile’s bid to decorate the Beijing Children’s Cardiology Department and put smiles on the faces of children dealing with heart-related issues.

In 2010, we awarded the American Heart Association with a US$50,000 check for their charitable efforts to prevent heart disease and stroke. We stated, “Driven by Passion since we started our company, Frederique Constant is very honoured to award the American Heart Association and their passionate projects to save lives. We wish and hope that our donation will permit them to actualise their goal.”

In 2011, we also held a benefit for the Hong Kong Children’s Heart Foundation, with Chinese actress and Frederique Constant brand ambassador ShuQi helping us drum popular support for the cause of children with congenital heart problems.

With passion, we continue to provide support to heart and child related charities. In 2012, we will again donate a major cheque to a charitable cause.





]]> madonna Industry News and Events Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:38:22 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005336,1005336#msg-1005336 Change in Ownership at Chronoswiss (2 replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1005336,1005336#msg-1005336 ---------------------------------------------------



Announcement: Change in Ownership at Chronoswiss


Big news at Chronoswiss: Mr. Lang and family and an entrepreneurial family from Switzerland have found an agreement on the 100 % acquisition of the current business of Chronoswiss Watches GmbH. The Swiss family intends to continue the legacy and heritage of 69-year-old Gerd-Rüdiger Lang, founder of Chronoswiss. Due to their extensive management experience both in operating companies and in the financial world, the new owners bring along perfectly complementary skills to the profound horology- and technical know-how of the existing Chronoswiss team. Hand in hand with the well-proven and highly motivated team at Karlsfeld, the Swiss owners strive for dynamic and strong growth and a profitable base for the years to come.

With this important step, the future and continuity of the brand Chronoswiss are finally secured after the difficult past few years. The company´s location at Karlsfeld/Munich will remain unaffected and will be taken over with all its staff. The new headquarters will be based in Switzerland, which means that Chronoswiss is finally coming home – back to the roots and origin of its brand name. The entrepreneurial family feels most committed to the Chronoswiss history and will keep on manufacturing mechanical watches according to Swiss standards of quality. Endowed with fresh capital, strong new business capabilities and high motivation, the team is now able to continue its work in the grand tradition of Chronoswiss watchmaking.

Currently, the necessary legal steps are still in the process of being implemented; we will update you as soon as everything is finalized.

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]]> revo-online Industry News and Events Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:34:50 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004983,1004983#msg-1004983 Sony launches SmartWatch (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004983,1004983#msg-1004983

Find out more]]> MarkS Industry News and Events Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:19:41 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004951,1004951#msg-1004951 Swatch Group exceeds the 7 billion sales milestone for the first time (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004951,1004951#msg-1004951 -----------------------------------------------------------------



Swatch Group exceeds the 7 billion sales milestone for the first time. December 2011 strongest month in turnover in the history of the Group.

• Gross sales for the Group reach a new record mark of CHF 7 143 million, an increase of +21.7% at constant rates versus 2010.
• Gross sales increase of +26.1% at constant rates in the Watches & Jewelry segment. Double-digit growth rates for almost all brands in this segment.
• Massive negative currency impact of CHF 696 million or -10.8% on sales.
• Markedly higher performance in the Production segment.
• Despite enormous pressure on margins due to the catastrophic currency situation, good results for operating profit and net income expected.
• Positive start in January in all regions and price segments.




Commentary on Gross Sales

In 2011, despite a difficult economic environment, the Swatch Group remained on record course. The Group reached the seven billion milestone for the first time, and generated gross sales of CHF 7 143 million, an increase of +21.7% at constant rates in comparison to 2010. The ongoing overvaluation of the Swiss Franc, particularly against the US Dollar and the Euro, had a negative impact of CHF 696 million or -10.8% on Group sales. Despite this extremely negative currency effect, sales in CHF increased by an impressive +10.9% over the previous record year 2010.

The strong Group brands experienced significant growth, not only in Greater China but also in all other regions and all price segments. The Watches & Jewelry segment recorded an increase in sales of +26.1% at constant rates to CHF 6 312 million. Investment in retail activities as well as numerous marketing offensives throughout the world contributed to these gratifying sales figures.

The Production segment was confronted with an enormous increase in demand for all types of components. This strong growth contributed to a marked increase in gross sales of +32.6% to CHF 2 015 million for the segment. Despite further expansion of production capacity, there were and still are major production bottlenecks.

The Electronics Systems segment mainly felt the effects of the overvalued Swiss Franc against the US Dollar and the downtrend in certain key markets. Gross sales reached CHF 336 million, down -16.3% at constant rates versus the previous year.

Despite the strongly negative currency impact during the course of the year and our traditionally defensive policy concerning price increases, Group Management expects good results for operating profit and net income.

2012 will be a major challenge, however, the Swatch Group is confident of again generating qualitative
growth in 2012, despite the ever more challenging comparison basis.

The Group’s key figures will be published at the latest on 23 February 2012. Publication of the annual report at a media and analysts’ conference on 1 March 2012 is planned.


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]]> MarkS Industry News and Events Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:02:59 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004924,1004924#msg-1004924 Reuge plans to build a new factory in Ste-Croix and you can participate in the project (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004924,1004924#msg-1004924
After intense discussions, Reuge will finally stay in Ste-Croix and build a new factory on the grounds of Ste-Croix's Technopole. The new premisses will be smaller and more functional as the current location situated opposite François Junod's dream factory. Estimated at 4.5 million Swiss Francs (CHF), Reuge launched a public subscription in November 2011.


A view of Ste-Croix

In an interview given to Swiss newspaper 24heures, Kurt Kupper says "I prefer using my money financing new equipment and develop production facilities rather than paying interests to the banks. If I borrow 1 million, I'll end up paying them 70'000 CHF interest every year: needless to say I prefer invest them in the company."


The Winch High Tech, one of the more modern music boxes Reuge has in its current collection

The public subscription was initially closing on December 16th, 2011. Since several interested parties have expressed their wish to think things over during the Christmas holidays, Reuge has extended the deadline to January 15th, 2012. The idea is to gather 1 to 1.5 million in shares of a real estate company future owner of the premises. "Friendship shares" as says Kurt Kupper. In return, Reuge will provide substantial and long-term discounts to their fans: 25% for a 100 CHF share and 40% for a 1'000 CHF share.

Click here to get in touch with Reuge
(you like the idea ? spread the news, there's not much time left to give it a go)
]]> MarkS Industry News and Events Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:33:04 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004769,1004769#msg-1004769 Major Westclox fire rings in New Year (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004769,1004769#msg-1004769 News Tribune.]]> MarkS Industry News and Events Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:24:46 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004525,1004525#msg-1004525 Vacheron Constantin hits the right notes for music lovers (1 reply) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004525,1004525#msg-1004525
IMG_1666.jpg


Vacheron Constantin recently reaffirmed their commitment to the Swiss classical music scene by renewing their sponsorship of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (OSR) as well as agreeing to become patron of a new training programme for music students.

For the next three seasons until 2014, the haute horlogerie brand will be the official sponsor of the OSR, the symphony orchestra of French-speaking Switzerland based in Geneva, in a deal amounting to several hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs.



Over the same period, the brand will also provide two thirds of the funding for a new training programme, the Diploma of Advanced Studies in orchestral practice, created by the OSR in collaboration with the Geneva Haute École de Musique. This new initiative will allow three students to immerse themselves in the world of the orchestra in order to acquire essential orchestra-specific skills as part of their musical education.



On signing the new agreement at their headquarters in Plan-les-Ouates on the edge of Geneva, Vacheron Constantin CEO Juan-Carlos Torres said: “We are proud to contribute to the influence of cultural Geneva and uphold one of our essential values: To be a civic enterprise open to the world.” He added: “When Vacheron Constantin commits to a project, it’s for the long term.”


Left to right: Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin; Metin Arditi, President of the Foundation of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Charles Beer, Head of the Department of Education; Patrick Lehmann, from the Haute École de Musique

Metin Arditi, President of the Foundation of the OSR, also noted that several commonalities unite the watchmaking and musical virtuosos of this world:A pursuit of aesthetics and purity, craftsmanship, hard work, extreme ambition and precision.
]]> stevenrogers Industry News and Events Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:23:31 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004415,1004415#msg-1004415 Frederique Constant's response when Swatch will reduce movements' supply (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1004415,1004415#msg-1004415 ------------------------------------------------------------------

For about 20-30 years, Swatch has been the supplier of mechanical movements and their components for most of the Swiss watch industry. Despite its historical relationship, Swatch would like to reduce deliveries of calibers and assortments.

In the Western World, when a monopolistic stakeholder decides to cut supply, antitrust authorities protect smaller players, giving them time to organize themselves. However, in this case, the Comco (the Swiss antitrust governing authority) immediately awarded the Swatch Group an ability to reduce deliveries up to 30%. “The decision of the Comco came as a bombshell in the Swiss watchmaking industry” says Peter Stas, co-founder and CEO of Frederique Constant.


Supply will stop

So, do independent watchmakers have to give-up? “Certainly, a number of smaller manufacturers will be forced out of business.”, said Peter Stas. Fortunately, Frederique Constant is large enough to develop its own watch calibers. Moreover, Frederique Constant started its first caliber development already back in 2001. Still, despite this early start, the company considers it needs another 5 years before it can produce the critical assortment, the watch oscillating system.


History Frederique Constant

Founded in 1988 by Aletta and Peter Stas and driven by passion, Frederique Constant has grown into one of the larger Swiss watch manufacturers. In 2011, production reaches over 120'000 watches, sold in over 2'700 points of sale in 100+ countries around the globe. Frederique Constant positions itself in the Accessible Luxury segment, with most of its watches selling at CHF 1'000-5'000 retail. The company is expected to continue its annual 25% growth, doubling in size every three years.


Frederique Constant Manufacture Calibers

In 2001, Frederique Constant began the development of its first manufacture caliber in co-operation with the École d'Horlogerie de Genève, École d'Ingenieurs de Genève and the Horloge Vakschool Zadkine. The Heart Beat Manufacture has the characteristic bridge for the balance wheel on the front side of the caliber. Having the bridge for the balance wheel on the front side of the caliber made it possible to have the spiral and fine regulation on the front side as well, creating a much more appealing Heart Beat design. This construction was new - allowing Frederique Constant to obtain a patent.

In 2008, Frederique Constant introduced its first Tourbillon Manufacture movement with Silicium (Silicon) Escapement Wheel. There are three main advantages compared to a regular escapement wheel:
• No oiling necessary
• Surface ultra smooth
• Weight 1/5 of steel
As a result, the Frederique Constant Tourbillon has an amplitude of over 300 degrees in dial-up and dial-down positions. Even in the crown-down position, the amplitude is over 275 degrees, which is substantially better than the performance of other high-end tourbillons.

In 2009, Frederique Constant launched its second base manufacture caliber. Component rationalization and assembly efficiency were the top priorities for the development of this caliber. Result was an overall 35% cost saving compared with the earlier Heart Beat Manufacture caliber. Various new technologies were incorporated. For the first time, a Swiss watch manufacturer introduced a watch with a manufacture caliber below Euro 2000 retail.


Frederique Constant Factory

The Frederique Constant production facility in Geneva measures 3'200 square meters, divided over four floors, offering an attractive working environment in the sectors of caliber component production, calibre assembly, watch assembly, and extensive quality control. Numerically controlled machines of the latest generation are located in a large atelier in the basement, where all component manufacturing is concentrated. Caliber and watch assembly, as well as state-of-the-art quality control is primarily organized on the first floor of the Frederique Constant building. The building also serves as the brand's international headquarters.


It’s about timing

Frederique Constant is aiming to have two suppliers for all its components by 2015, thereby assuring its full independence. All key components are in development, including a new watch oscillating system. The company plans to continue close collaboration with its specialist component suppliers.


Communication Swatch

“In no other industry do you have one company supply all critical parts to the people who then compete directly with it”, Nick Hayek, Swatch’s chief executive said in an interview last March. Apart that such internal component deliveries are common practice in the car industry, the watch industry has always been a horizontally organized industry. Also the Swatch Group purchases many parts, caliber anti-shock systems, rubies in calibers, dials, cases, etc from specialized manufacturers. Many factories that produce these components are shared by multiple brands, including Frederique Constant and Swatch Group brands. The horizontal organization of the Swiss watch industry has been one of the key drivers for the comeback after the nearly fatal Quartz Crisis in the 1970-1980’s.


Awaiting Court Decision

While some independent brands are accelerating development and production plans, the short-term future is in the hands of the court (Tribunal Administratif). Indeed, nine companies are challenging the approval by the Comco to allow Swatch to reduce supply. The decision of the court is expected by end of December 2011.


Peter Stas
Co-Founder and CEO
Frederique Constant SA
Geneva, December 2011

------------------------------------------------------------------]]> MarkS Industry News and Events Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:44:12 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003912,1003912#msg-1003912 NEW: Porsche Design - P'6920 Dashboard (2 replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003912,1003912#msg-1003912 The new generation: Porsche Design P’6620 Dashboard

A titanium chronograph for time and speed

Stuttgart/Grenchen. A new era has dawned for Porsche Design’s classic
Dashboard chronograph series. Ten years after creating the watch inspired from the
dashboard gauges of sports cars, the luxury brand has released the nextgeneration
Porsche Design P’6620 Dashboard. The shape and dial are correspondingly
functional. The dial has grown to 44 millimetres, the case is made entirely of
titanium.


Powerful design
The new look of the Porsche Design P’6620 Dashboard evokes dynamism and clarity.
Like all the products in the luxury brand’s portfolio, this one too was shaped into
a precision instrument by the world-famous Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See
(Austria). With a diameter of 44 millimetres and a height of 14.5 millimetres, this is a
watch that makes itself known on the wrist. The purist dial, the Arabic numerals and
the straightforward hands filled with luminescent material combine to turn the
chronograph into a clear and unmistakable statement. The two elongated push buttons
next to the crown control the start/stop function. The sapphire crystal is nonreflective
and the case is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters (10 ATM).
The stop function not only captures increments of time, but can also be used in
combination with the tachymeter scale to calculate average speeds of between 60
and 330 km/h. The stop watch movement has to be started and stopped after a
kilometre. The large second hand with a coloured tip will then show the speed. The
hand and the date disc are driven by a reliable automatic ETA Valjoux 7753 movement
at a balance frequency of 28,800 vibrations per minute. The optimised rotor in
the shape of a sports car’s wheel rim ensures that the user’s arm movements keep
winding up the spring barrel. When not worn, the watch has a power reserve of 48
hours.



Modern materials
The case and bracelet of the new P’6620 Dashboard are made entirely of lightweight,
non-allergenic titanium. The material was known in aerospace industry, and
Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, designer and founder of the luxury brand,
became the first to use it in watchmaking in 1980. He recognised its benefits: titanium
is harder than steel, but only half the weight, does not rust and is antimagnetic.
The new chronograph is also available in a deep black colour produced
by shot-blasting titanium and covering it with a layer of black PVD. In fact, the black
watches trend was also a Porsche Design idea. Professor Ferdinand Alexander
Porsche already came up with the world's first-ever all-black watch in 1972.
The new generation of Dashboard chronographs is available in twelve variations.
The P’6620 Dashboard includes models with a white dial, a gold case, or with calf
leather or caoutchouc straps.



The Porsche Design brand
Porsche Design is a luxury brand with a particular focus on technically inspired
products. The brand was founded in 1972 by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.
The company’s products stand for functional, timeless and purist design, with
convincing technical innovations. The product portfolio includes watches, sunglasses,
luggage, electronic products, a men’s fragrance line as well as sports
apparel and fashion collection. All the brand’s products are designed in the Porsche
Design-Studio in Zell am See (Austria) and sold worldwide in the company’s own
stores, franchise stores, shop-in-shops, high-end department stores and exclusive
specialist retailers.










]]> jek Industry News and Events Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:53:44 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003772,1003772#msg-1003772 New CEO for DeLaneau (4 replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003772,1003772#msg-1003772 DeLaneau has a new CEO!

Photobucket
Mr. David Gouten

The board of this unique watch company, that focuses all its efforts exclusively on high end ladies watches, has appointed Mr. David Gouten as new Chief Executive Officer. A very interesting choice since Mr. Gouten served the last 10 years as Vice-President of Sales for no other than Harry Winston. This gives Mr. Gouten a broad knowledge of not only high end watch making but also a natural familiarity of haute joaillerie watches and avant garde design. We wish Mr. Gouten all the best with his new appointment and trust that he will be able to lift DeLaneau to new heights.

For those of you unfamiliar with DeLaneau's products; they create beautiful watches like for example this Atame

Photobucket

For more information about them make sure you visit there website DeLaneau website



edited by marks: fixed typo]]> Martin Green Industry News and Events Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:17:09 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003469,1003469#msg-1003469 The Laureats of Prix de la Montre de l'Année 2011 par Montres Passion (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003469,1003469#msg-1003469 Montres Passion, a Swiss based watch magazine available in French and German, these prizes are highly estimated not only by the trade but equally by consumers and international press.

Without further introduction, here is what the Jury came up with :


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WATCH OF THE YEAR 2011 :



Arceau Le Temps Suspendu, de Hermès



2nd Prize:


Patrimony Traditionnelle Heures du Monde, de Vacheron Constantin


3rd Prize:


Millenary 4101 d’Audemars Piguet


Prize for Ladies Watch:


Excalibur Lady de Roger Dubuis


Coup de Coeur Prize:


Honours to Breguet for its work as a whole over the past 12 years. In awarding this prize, the ever more demanding jury was acknowledging a blend of tradition and technical sophistication, daring designs, as well as a consistent ability to innovate.


Public Prize:



Carrera Mikrograph au 1/100e de seconde de TAG Heuer

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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N to the winners (and all the others for taking part).
]]> MarkS Industry News and Events Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:05:01 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003466,1003466#msg-1003466 My Watch: Jacky Ickx (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003466,1003466#msg-1003466
Eight-time Grand Prix winner and two time world champion runner up Jacky Ickx shares with us his love of Chopard timepieces and Formula 1
by Sarah Murray


To a generation of Formula 1 drivers and aficionados who have grown up with the more commercialized view of this high-speed sport, Jacky Ickx may not immediately incite as much blood-pumping adrenaline as Jensen Button or Kimi Raikkonen today. But for those of us who were weaned on Formula 1 vehicles without roll cages, who were glued to our sofas watching Steve McQueen and Aryton Senna, Ickx is a man who is as imposing today, a wise racer who competed with the best in Formula 1 history, and who is still very much venerated today for his skill in the automobile.










While he no longer participates in Formula 1, Ickx is still very much involved in the automotive world as well as the watchmaking world, both as a friend and ambassador of Chopard and personal associate of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard. As the watchmaker is a sponsor of the Mille Miglia race, Ickx also takes part in the Italian vintage car parade with Mr Scheufele.

The Chinese adage “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” seems to fit the description of the Mille Miglia Storica race perfectly, although in this case, it’s a step on the acceleration pedal of a vintage automobile. The road parade of vintage cars which traverse Italy’s freeways in a cross-country challenge is far less intense than its original, which ceased in 1957, later revived two decades later. These days, it’s more a road trip featuring uber-cool vintage Porsche 911s and Ferrari 315s ripping up the tarmac than an all-out 1000-mile race with serious drivers looking to break records on the endurance race. We spoke with Ickx at the recent Mille Miglia race on his relationship with Chopard and his love of timepieces.








How did you come to know Mr Scheufele and Chopard as well?

It was all a matter of coincidence. I was in Geneva many years ago, and at the time I was with a friend who wanted to take a look at some jewelry. So we stepped into the Chopard boutique in Geneva and as we were looking at some of the pieces, Mr Scheufele happened to be in the boutique at the time and so he actually personally spent some time with us telling us all about the company and that was when we began to correspond and keep in touch with each other. Later I had the honour of being invited to the Chopard manufacture and the museum to learn all about the company and its incredible story. My relationship with Chopard is very much a friendship rather than a commercial relationship. I speak with Karl-Friedrich and Caroline [Scheufele] frequently, and on occasion they will ask my opinion on certain things.

So the development of the Jacky Ickx edition timepieces are very much a natural development of the friendship you have with Chopard as well...
I suppose so, I’m really very honoured that they asked me if I would agree to have a special edition, and I was naturally very overjoyed and agreeable. Chopard has had the Mille Miglia collection since the race resumed, and I join them every year because I love vintage cars and so does Mr Scheufele. And eventually they just thought that having a special edition in the Classic Racing collection with me would be a good idea.

But what has been delightful is that I have been really involved in each and every version of the limited edition pieces that have been released so far. It’s not just some sort of endorsement on my part. I’m involved from the very start with the design of the watches to the materials that they have chosen and they explain their rationale for using these materials and if I don’t agree or they want to try something new, they ask my opinion and we look at the prototypes before we decide if it works. So I really enjoy the process.


How do you find Formula 1 racing today as compared with Formula 1 of your time?

I think that today, there’s a lot of emphasis on the technology that’s behind the driver. During my time, the risks that were involved in Formula 1 were much more real and greater than I believe they are today. At the same time, the difficulties that the drivers face today are also very much unlike what we faced. Then, injury or even death was something that we faced constantly; in my time, several great drivers lost their lives on the racetracks. Senna, Ringt... we didn’t have roll cages or protective gear as the drivers do today. What we had to rely most on were our own instincts and skill. But if I were behind a Formula 1 car today, with all the buttons to control and having to listen to the pit crew, to make adjustments and change settings here and there while still focusing on the road and the other vehicles around you, I think I’d be lost.


You were in Singapore for the Formula 1 race last year. How did you find it?

It was quite a thrill. You know a street race is very different from a track race like in Nurburgring. It’s extremely difficult to overtake a car in a street race so the qualifying race itself becomes just as important as the actual race, because you’re vying for position. The streets are narrow, and at night it’s even more spectacular. In Monaco, everyone comes out to watch the races, from their homes on the terrace, on the street, there’s so much energy and vibrancy. The drivers face the challenge of controlling their vehicles very well because a small mistake can cost them a lot. The Singapore Formula 1 is very well organized, so everyone gets a great experience out of it.
]]> madonna Industry News and Events Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:08:27 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003278,1003278#msg-1003278 PPR acquires Italian tailor Brioni (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003278,1003278#msg-1003278 ------------------------------------------------------------------



PPR acquires Italian tailor Brioni


• Acquisition of 100% of capital
• A prestigious, profitable brand active in a growing market: high end men’s wear
• Highly complementary with PPR’s portfolio of brands
• Numerous and significant growth levers within PPR’s Luxury division


PPR announces the signing of an agreement with Brioni’s shareholders to acquire 100% of Brioni capital. The transaction is subject to the approval of the competition authorities and should be finalized at the beginning of 2012.

Brioni, whose 2010 revenue reached €170 million, is one of the world’s most reputable men’s fashion houses, owning to its exceptional and unique sartorial know-how. It is the top-rated men’s fashion brand in the United States (Luxury Brand Status Index, 2011). Brioni is a profitable and growing business with its own sartorial workshops, the largest of which is located in Penne in the Abruzzo region. It has 1,800 employees and is distributed in 74 boutiques, 32 of which are directly owned stores, as well as through an extensive network of points of sale around the world.

By acquiring this menswear-only brand, PPR is increasing its portfolio of luxury brands in the strong growth high-end men’s fashion segment. Brioni has significant intrinsic growth potential and PPR will enable it to accelerate its expansion and boost its profitability, notably through a wider product range and geographic expansion in strong growth markets.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of PPR, declared: “Brioni boasts top quality craftsmanship and is synonymous with Italian masculine elegance. It is the reference in ready-to-wear and bespoke menswear and I am delighted that it is joining our magnificent portfolio of luxury brands. We have great ambitions for this fashion house. We will give it access to our expertise and know-how, so that it can write a new page in its history while continuing to preserve its identity.”

Francesco Pesci, CEO of Brioni, declared: “Joining PPR group is a great opportunity for Brioni as we will benefit from the group’s power. It is the ideal partner to lead our company towards a new stage in its development while enabling it to preserve its unique know-how and remain faithful to its values of timeless elegance and refinement.”


Unique know-how

Brioni was founded in 1945 by Nazareno Fonticoli and Gaetano Saviani. It is one of the world’s most famous men’s tailoring houses and the symbol of classical and timeless Italian elegance. Innovation is a core part of Brioni’s identity: it was the first fashion house to organize a fashion show for men and to introduce a touch of color into men’s wardrobes. Its range covers all categories of men’s attire as well as fragrances, accessories and leather goods.

Brioni boasts unequalled sartorial know-how in custom-wear based on a tradition of “made in Italy” craftsmanship that is carefully preserved in its sartorial workshops, the largest of which is located in Penne in the Abruzzo region of Italy. In 1985, Brioni created the Nazareno Fonticoli Scuola Superiore di Sartoria tailoring school to perpetuate its know-how. The brand is also a partner of London’s Royal College of Art.


Identified growth levers

Brioni completes PPR’s portfolio of luxury brands in men’s fashion, which is currently enjoying strong growth, driven mostly by Asia. Brioni’s integration in PPR’s Luxury division will boost the brand’s potential. Brioni will indeed be able to benefit from PPR’s expertise in supply chain, real estate, distribution, media, etc.

By joining PPR’s Luxury division, Brioni will be able to exploit its exceptional legitimacy in men’s fashion even better, by expanding its product ranges and accelerating its international expansion, notably in strong growth countries.

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]]> MarkS Industry News and Events Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:34:01 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003199,1003199#msg-1003199 Exhibition THE WATCHES DAYS 2011 - Geneva (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003199,1003199#msg-1003199 «The Watches Days 2011»

For its second year, the watchmaking exhibition «The Watches Days» opens its doors from November 11 to 13 (free entrance)

The 2'500 m2 of the Espace Hippomène in Geneva will host almost 40 watchmaking brands and receive approximately 5'000 people.

Watchmaking brands:
Alpina - Blancpain - Breguet - Carl F. Bucherer - Chopard - Christophe Claret - Corum DeWitt - Eterna Frédérique Constant - Harry Winston - Hermès - Jaquet Droz - Louis Vuitton Officine Panerai - Omega Porsche Design - Raymond Weil - TechnoMarine - Tiffany & Co. Tissot - Van Cleef & Arpels.

New watchmaking brands:
A Favre & Fils - Antoine Preziuso - Armin Strom - Ateliers de Monaco - Badollet - Dietrich Evilard - Frédéric Jouvenot - Hautlence - Ladoire - Maîtres du Temps - MB&F - Pierre Thomas - Rebellion.

Location: Espace Hippomène, avenue de Châtelaine 7 - 1203 Geneva.
November 11 to 13, from 11AM to 6PM

www.thewatchesdays.ch]]> SB1975 Industry News and Events Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:13:00 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003192,1003192#msg-1003192 A FINE BALANCE (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003192,1003192#msg-1003192 Piaget’s Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin Automatic not only boasts the world’s thinnest skeletonized automatic movement, but also one of the most stunning
By Wei Koh

At the time of its completion in the 16th century, the Seville Cathedral overtook Istanbul’s legendary Hagia Sophia as the largest church in all Christendom. Framed by this monolithic tribute to divinity, Piaget’s CEO Philippe Leopold-Metzger seems pleased: I’ve just awarded him (on behalf of our global editors) REVOLUTION’s 2011 Best Complicated Watch award for Piaget’s Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic. This makes him happy because one of his relentless pursuits over the last half-decade has been in expressing the value of Piaget as a technical watch brand. So, he puts me on the spot to help define this. When asked why we selected this watch for the award, I explained that the adjective that recurred the most was “balance”.













In terms of style, the Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic Ultra-Thin achieved the perfect balance between traditional Swiss workmanship and finish, counterpointed by the throbbingly cool use of a sapphire dial, the kinetic flourish of a dial-side micro-rotor, and a baseplate featuring an absolutely ravishing skeletonized extrapolation on the decorative theme featuring a swirling vortex of minute indices radiating from the cannon pinion that originated in the brand’s equally gorgeous but more traditionalist Emperador Tourbillon Skeleton. The result is perfect and it is the most beautiful men’s complicated watch of the year.

The Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic Ultra-Thin is neither too traditional nor too modern; it has struck a fine balance between these two polarities, perfectly bridging them and in the process creating a sense of the timeless. From a pragmatic perspective in terms of size, shape, proportion and ergonomics, it is also perfectly balanced, demonstrating that a complicated watch need not be complicated to wear. Further, the monochrome nature of both the rose- and white-gold executions brings to mind a study in softly modulated hues and dramatically contrasting textures, topped off by the gorgeous skeletonized titanium tourbillon cage that weighs only 0.2 grams. It is machine sculpture, high watchmaking and kinetic art form in one. It is a watch that you can wear every day and discover something new in it each time you wear it.

Like the collectively magnificent women who work at Piaget, it strikes the perfect alliance between extraordinary looks and inner depth, capricious charm and astute intelligence — an observation that, for the moment, I keep to myself.

It strikes me as I discuss the values of Piaget’s timepieces with Mr Leopold-Metzger, that this is the salient sense of watchmaking identity Piaget expresses to me. So, what is the relevance and legitimacy of Piaget in the technical man’s watch world? The answer is that this amazing yet somehow undercommunicated brand creates some of the most beautifully balanced, innately wearable, aesthetically appealing “neoclassic with a twist” timepieces, all of which are profoundly innovative, technically proficient and undeniably beautiful.











Regarding pure horological credibility, I should point out that in each men’s watch that Piaget has introduced in the last decade, it’s substantially raised the performance and design merit of the complication in question. The caliber 600P, found in the Emperador Tourbillon, is the world’s thinnest shaped tourbillon movement. The Tourbillon Relatif merged the tourbillon’s chronometric value and its performance art potential into one. The caliber 880P chronograph, used for the Polo FortyFive watches, was one of the first in-house automatic column-wheel vertical-clutch with flyback-function-equipped movements of the modern era, which added the practical advantage of a dual-time-zone indicator. The caliber 850P is an automatic ultra-thin movement boasting dual-time-zone indications and retrograde day and date displays, and is used in the Emperador Coussin cases. Finally, my favorite Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic Ultra-Thin is also the world’s thinnest watch of its kind at 10.4mm in thickness (the caliber 1270P movement is actually only 5.55mm thick).

But it’s not just in the inner workings of the watch that Piaget’s been smart. Because it has also recognized that a complicated watch needs to be a beautiful watch, something the brand excels in creating, in particular within the parameters of its zen Altiplano round case. Says Leopold-Metzger, “The thing with our Altiplano is that it is such an icon; its design simply cannot be improved upon and its appeal is absolutely timeless.” And he’s right. If you close your eyes and conjure up the image of the perfect three-handed, round, flat watch, odds are that it’s the Altiplano that you have visualized.

However, within the lexicon of the Altiplano, one of Piaget’s core strengths has been in the creation of some of the world’s most appealing skeletonized watches, primarily using the caliber 838S. So it’s no surprise that with the success of Piaget’s 2010 Altiplano 43 Automatic, the brand is rolling out a new and rather stunning skeleton version of this watch.

But the Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin Automatic simply cannot be categorized as a new iteration of last year’s watch because its sense of identity is so completely singular, thanks to what I feel is one of the most ambitious skeleton-watch projects to be embarked upon in recent memory, that it can only be examined on its own merits. For those expecting a more traditional skeleton watch, it is at first somewhat shocking. Its entire movement is completely devoid of any aesthetic distraction, save for the perfectly executed brushed pattern contrasting with magnificently beveled angles and internal corners. The result, rather than to make the prevailing mood of the watch feel barren, is instead incredibly dramatic and thrillingly contemporary.

It is in the skeletonization process of the 1200P to the 1200S that Piaget’s watch team has achieved their masterwork. While 99 percent of skeletonized movements are in some ways backward-looking, this movement is the first truly forward-looking ultra-flat skeletonized movement I’ve come across. It is incredibly minimalistic, with maximum use of negative space that calls to mind I. M. Pei’s architecture and courageously defines watchmaking’s aesthetic language of the future. And in an act that would enthrall Walter Gropius, form does indeed follow function. Says Leopold-Metzger, “The challenge was to create maximum skeletonization with the most pleasing and dramatic shapes and curves, but also while ensuring maximum rigidity.” The traditional method of skeletonizing a movement involves excising material by hand. Here, the movement’s negative space was first optimized in such as way to achieve ultimate rigidity. Says Leopold-Metzger, “It took us three years to arrive at the perfect design.”

These efforts also result in two world records: the first for the thinnest automatic skeletonized movement (2.4mm) and the second for the thinnest automatic skeletonized watch (5.34mm).

Strapping the timepiece on is a sublime experience. Rather than flipping the movement back to front then reversing the direction of the hands, as they did with the Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic Ultra-Thin, here, Piaget has opted for a traditional rearward placement of the micro-rotor as well as the balance wheel. But it is the prevalent intelligence in the design of the skeletonized bridges that allows both of these elements to contribute aesthetically to the front of the watch. Because of the transparency of the movement, both the PVD-treated platinum micro-rotor as well as the balance wheel are integral elements to the visual identity of this stunning new timepiece.

Piaget has asserted its profound legitimacy in the world of technical watchmaking without an iota of compromise in aesthetic integrity. Indeed by perfectly marrying these two elements, it has arrived at a vision for watches that is one of the most appealing in the world.


Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin Automatic

Movement Caliber 1200S self-winding movement; 40-hour power reserve
Case 38mm; white gold
Strap Alligator









]]> madonna Industry News and Events Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:56:51 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003170,1003170#msg-1003170 THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING (1 reply) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003170,1003170#msg-1003170 The history and evolution of the modern dive watch begins and ends with Blancpain, from its historic Fifty Fathoms to its incredible new X Fathoms
By Wei Koh

Some kind of commercial magic happens when an object created initially as a tool leaps across the rarefied threshold of our imaginations to become a luxury symbol. In the most successful instances, these objects retain the powerful primacy of purpose forged to serve real practical needs. Nowhere in horology is this purposefulness expressed more clearly than in Blancpain’s legendary dive watch, the Fifty Fathoms. The story of its invention has already become immutably meshed into the fabric of watch cognoscenti lore.















Following World War II, one hero of Charles de Gaulle’s Free French Forces was tasked with the creation of les nageurs de combat — the first incarnation of the French naval commandos. Captain Robert “Bob” Maloubier emerged from the fracas of WWII a bona fide cult hero, thanks to his exploits. Maloubier, who is 88 years old, lives in the gentile town of Houilles, France, and likes to tell people he is a “retired accountant”, but can undoubtedly still hammer nails through a two-by-four with his forehead, would be a terrific subject of a biopic. He is in fact one of the last surviving members of Winston Churchill’s secret army, dubbed the Special Operations Executive, which was tasked with destroying the Axis powers from within.
He was decorated with Britain’s Distinguished Service Order and awarded the rank of captain for parachuting into occupied France not once, but twice, to conduct guerilla operations such as blowing up bridges to impeded the German army’s advance and bombing a German naval vessel. Not content with this, following the war, Maloubier threw himself into the creation of the French Navy SEALs and immediately set about sourcing equipment for this elite unit. But the problem was, he simply could not find a waterproof dive watch that, from the perspective of visibility and clarity at depth, functionality related to the unique timing needs of a dive watch and overall resistance, was good enough for him.


Captain Maloubier and his lieutenant Claude Riffaud subsequently approached the then-predominant French retailer and movement-maker Lip with a sketch for the ultimate dive watch and were told that it resembled a “clock for the wrist” and that it simply had “no future”. Undeterred by the shortsightedness of lesser men, the two French naval officers eventually chanced upon Jean-Jacques Fiechter, the CEO of a small Swiss watch brand named Blancpain. Fortunately, Fietchter was an early adopter of scuba and a passionate diver, and eagerly plunged into the project.


What is important to note is that the original Fifty Fathoms was created by two men who had an astute understanding of the needs of a dive watch. Maloubier was quoted saying, “Blancpain agreed to develop our project, which envisioned a watch with a black dial, bold large numerals and clear markings: triangles, circles, squares; a rotatable exterior bezel which repeated the markings of the dial. We wanted at the start of a dive to be able to set the bezel opposite the large minute hand in order to mark the time. We wanted each of the markings to shine like a star for a shepherd.”
Meanwhile, Fiechter also had a hand in developing some of the watch’s key features, such as the unidirectional rotating bezel. It is important to note that the very first Fifty Fathoms watches dating to 1953 already featured unidirectional rotating bezels which, from a purely functional perspective, made them far superior to the competing Rolex Submariner which would not receive this feature until 20 years later with the advent of the ref. 5513. Fiechter also insisted on a screw-on caseback for greater water resistance, an automatic movement to prevent premature wear to the waterproof crown, a double O-ring design for the crown that avoided infringing on Rolex’s screw-down crown patent, as well as a highly functional antimagnetic shield.


The resulting watch, dubbed the Fifty Fathoms after the British measurement of 50 fathoms, or approximately 91.45 meters, which was at the time considered the maximum depth which a diver could achieve with the oxygen mixture then in use, would be the most groundbreaking, innovative, robust and functional dive watch ever created. Amusingly, the first retailer to carry the watch was the aforementioned Lip, which must have realized the error of its ways when faced with sheer heroic awesomeness of the resulting Blancpain timepiece. The Fifty Fathoms was also adopted by the Israeli, Spanish, German and US navies as their official diving watch. The US Navy watches are today particularly collectible as they were redialed as Torneck-Rayville watches.


For the second half of the 20th century, the Fifty Fathoms remained the single most relied-upon military-specification diving tool watch and its iconography has left an indelible mark on military and civilian divers the world over. As a testament to its enduring appeal, the 2003 Fifty Fathoms 50th anniversary edition expresses a pure and totally clear genetic allegiance to its predecessor, so much so that even the modern watch, replete with a sapphire bezel, literally ripples with the daring heroism ingrained in the original by its creators.


But in the last decade, the dive watch has begun a rapid evolution process that would result in three different paths. The first path is amusing in its excessiveness and looks at the addition of complications to dive watches. This includes everything from perpetual calendars, as in Ulysse Nardin’s Acqua Perpetual, to the riotous dive-watch tourbillons made by Roger Dubuis, Girard-Perregaux, Richard Mille, and yes, even Blancpain. If ever asked to curate a watch collection specifically for Fiat heir and international dandy Lapo Elkann, REVOLUTION would not hesitate to focus specifically on diving-watch tourbillons, which have the practical advantage of demonstrating — even when stripped down to your Vilebrequins — that you are inordinately and slightly irresponsibly rich and therefore highly eligible for immediate supermodel sex.


The second path relates to the recent wars in depth-rating one-upmanship initiated by Girard-Perregaux’s Sea Hawk II Pro with its 3,000-meter rating, followed by Rolex’s Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA, which brought the depth-rating threshold to 3,900 meters; and now, this has been usurped by the Hublot King Power Diver with its crazy 4,000-meter depth rating.


But the most interesting evolution relates to empowering the dive watch beyond its time-telling abilities. This began with a watch created in 1999 by IWC named the Deep One, the world’s first luxury dive watch with a mechanical depth gauge. It should be noted that as early as 1966, Favre-Leuba had toyed with depth-gauge-equipped models named Bathy, but these watches were marketed more for their novelty value rather than as serious dive watches.


Conversely, Richard Habring, the designer of the IWC Deep One, was both incredibly serious about diving and serious about horology, having created IWC’s split-seconds chronograph mechanism as well as its tourbillon. His idea was to implement a Bourdon tube inside the watch. Seawater would enter this tube, causing geometric deformation as water pressure increased, which would then be translated dial-side into a reading as well as a resettable hand to show the maximum depth reached. An incredible act of pioneering horological daring, the Deep One was also a highly sensitive piece of equipment, so the intrusion of seawater to make it function was, in retrospect, less than ideal.


In 2008, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a depth-gauge watch, the Master Compressor Diving Pro Geographic that featured a largely externalized depth gauge in the form of a blackened steel membrane that would deform in a linear manner as seawater compressed it — transforming this deformation into a reading for depth from zero to 80 meters. The same year also saw Favre-Leuba reenter the dive-watch depth-gauge stakes with a timepiece dubbed the Bathy V2 using a copper-beryllium membrane, which deforms with water pressure to provide a reading of depth. However, we have yet to see one of these watches on a consumer’s wrist. In 2009, IWC unveiled the Aquatimer Deep Two in honor of the Deep One’s 10th anniversary. This time, the watch featured a membrane that was external to the watch. Water enters through a crown and acts upon a spring-loaded sliding nail head, which activates a rack to provide a reading of depth from zero to 60 meters.


But while all of these watches are admirable attempts to integrate useful technology into a mechanical dive watch, none of them are capable of aiding in what is probably the most important part of a dive — the decompression stops during resurfacing. When you dive, inert gases build up inside your body. To eliminate these gases during a dive, you need to stop at various depths — particularly critical within the last 15 meters of the dive for intervals usually regulated to five-minute periods. These stops allow the inert gases in the form of venous microbubbles to safely depart through your lungs. Without these stops, these bubbles of inert gas can damage body tissues or even block arterial flow.


The problem with most dive watches is that they do not have a separate timing function to show these five-minute safety stops. Since the rotating bezel of a dive watch is set to show elapsed dive time, it cannot be reset to measure these intervals without compromising the overall dive timing. Further, because dive watches with depth gauges normally display the full depth scale over a single display, it is hard to read the exact depth to the meter with a great deal of visual clarity for these stops.


Blancpain’s mighty X Fathoms addresses both of these issues absolutely. On the dial, on the same axis as the hour and minute hands, is a central seconds hand to provide an immediate sign that the watch is under power. Also centrally mounted on this pinion are two depth gauges, one for overall depth from zero to 90 meters, and a second all-important meter that uses a full 270 degrees to display the final zero to 15 meters critical for correct decompression.


The watch also has a third depth-gauge hand mounted co-axially with the other two to show the maximum depth reached. This hand is easily reset using the pusher at eight o’clock. This pusher is protected from accidental activation by an oversized lever. Between 10 and 11 o’clock is a retrograde five-minute counter that is easily activated even with gloved hands, using the pusher at 10 o’clock. When you reach your decompression depth, simply press this to begin the countdown.


The myriad information is given further visual distinction using different-colored luminous treatments. The scale from zero to 15 meters and the depth hand for this scale are treated in blue; the scale from zero to 90 meters and the matching hand are treated in orange; the five-minute countdown and the matching indicator are rendered in a combination of blue and orange; and finally, the hour, minute and seconds, as well as the elapsed-time scale on the unidirectional bezel, are all in green.


The watch is powered by the automatic caliber 9918B (based on the caliber 1315), a three-barrel movement where the first two barrels feed power to the third so that its torque remains consistent over the five-day power reserve. But the major innovation in the X Fathoms relates to the use of amorphous metal to create the membrane for the depth gauge. This membrane actually surrounds the inner case, and as such, appears totally coherent with the overall structure of the watch. Water enters either from the vents in the caseback — cheekily shaped as the old “no radiation” symbol on vintage Fifty Fathoms watches — or through the caseband on either side of the crown. Water pressure deforms the membrane. This deformation is transformed using a rack-and-pinion mechanism into a depth reading that is accurate to 30cm. This is incidentally incredibly accurate, as most electronic gauges claim accuracy of no more than +/-20cm.


In terms of materials innovation, the X Fathoms literally abounds with it. The bezel is in sapphire. Blancpain makes the only bezels in modern dive watches with elapsed-time markers executed in SuperLuminova, an incredibly practical feature. The case is made from Grade 5 titanium. The movement features a silicon hairspring to render it — as with the original Fifty Fathoms — impervious to the corruptive forces of magnetism. The balance wheel of the movement is also made from titanium to aid in antimagnetism and lengthening the power reserve. The depth-gauge membrane is made from a liquid metal alloy, featuring an atomic structure that is not crystalline but disordered. This creates a metal with incredible elasticity as well as memory. It has incredible resistance to permanent deformation, it is antimagnetic and it possesses high long-term stability. The fact that the membrane is less than 1mm thick and made to +/-2-micron tolerances, thus allowing a very high degree of accuracy, also deserves mention.


Finally, the rack-and-pinion mechanism that controls the rise and fall of both depth-gauge hands is made by LIGA, a combination of photolithography and galvanic plating using nickel phosphorous. This technique creates parts that are accurate in tolerance down to the micron. The liquid metal alloy deforms in a non-linear fashion, so the rack and pinion teeth for the depth-gauge mechanism had to be specially designed to compensate for it, in order to display the depth in a linear fashion.


In the same way that the original 1953 Fifty Fathoms created the fundamental blueprint of all dive watches that followed, the new X Fathoms writes an all-new chapter in the history of the mechanical dive watch, one where finally, a mechanical timepiece features all the timing aids, visual clarity, reliability and robustness needed in contemporary diving. And like the original Fifty Fathoms, the X Fathoms is a product of the imagination of an avid diver — Marc Hayek, the CEO of Blancpain.


Hayek is atypical of a Swiss watch CEO. He is one of the most technically minded leaders in the industry, propelling his brand forward as a pioneer in the adoption of new materials technology; he is also something of a daredevil, having been Switzerland’s BMX national champion and also a highly proficient race driver as evident from his high placing in Lamborghini’s single-make Super Trofeo race series. He is also often found submerged in water, evidenced during the launch of the 2003 Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary watch where he descended at depth with Bob Maboulier to change the strap on this timepiece.


It was his unique perspective as a diver that allowed this visionary timepiece to come into reality. He explains, “As a passionate diver, I wanted to create a mechanical watch that would serve all the needs of the diver in a totally intuitive way. The X Fathoms is a project that was not created from a commercial incentive, but really to express all our competences in the most ambitious diving watch ever created.” Says his mother Nayla Hayek, chair of the board of directors of Swatch Group, “What I like about this watch is that unlike many others which use the depth gauge as a gimmick, this watch was born out of the imagination of a passionate diver and made for other divers with total sincerity.”


What is undoubtedly true is that with the X Fathoms, Marc Hayek has written not just the latest chapter in the evolution of the Fifty Fathoms, but also the most significant new chapter in the history of the modern dive watch.



Blancpain X Fathoms
Movement Caliber 9918B self-winding movement; 5-day power reserve
Case 55.65mm; titanium; water resistant to 300m
Strap Rubber


See Blancpain X Fathoms Technical Specifications, click PDF
]]> madonna Industry News and Events Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:45:50 -0600 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003129,1003129#msg-1003129 Vacheron Constantin and Haute Joaillerie Luminous artistry (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1003129,1003129#msg-1003129 Press release - November 2011

In the world of time and precision, the craftsman’s hand plays an essential role. Through gestures inherited from past centuries, it sets out to conquer matter, lingering over the smallest details, while finding the path to perfection armed with patience and concentration. Within the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin, the experienced exponents of the Métiers d’Art (artistic crafts) orchestrate their skills to sublimate watch mechanisms and transform them into works of art.














Among these numerous manual talents, jewellery and gemsetting accompany watchmakers in fulfilling their wildest decorative dreams. Like the alchemists of old, gemsetter-jewellers give life to the raw material by turning it into an eternally sparkling treasure. Precious stone by stone, these artisans of light shape a vision of time that is not counted off, but instead lived to the full.

An authentic work of art in its own right, the new Haute Joaillerie Haute Couture à Pampilles brilliantly illustrates the magical, indissoluble ties that the Manufacture continues to weave with both Art and Craftsmanship.


Vacheron Constantin and ladies’ watches: a story of passion
Fully grasping Vacheron Constantin’s legitimacy in the field of feminine jewellery watches implies retracing its history to 1820, when the first pocket-watches specially designed for women first appeared in Switzerland. Smaller than their equivalents for men, as well as more fanciful, they required a gift for miniaturisation and a wealth of decorative talents mastered only by a select circle of watchmakers that included Vacheron Constantin.

In the late 19th century, the wristwatch began to assert its aesthetic and functional legitimacy. History unequivocally shows that it was first and foremost designed for women before being adopted by men… Vacheron Constantin immediately sensed the potential represented by the ladies’ watch market. In 1887, the brand created a series of 30 watches for women – a considerable amount for the time, and an event in itself, since it was one of the world’s very first series-made wristwatches. Loyal to the company’s reputation for fine workmanship, it was equipped with a revolutionary system serving to both wind the watch and set the time simply by rotating the bezel and thus obviating the need for a winding-crown. This historical watch won an award at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1889.

In the 20th century, an impressive feat of miniaturisation laid a new milestone in this field: the baguette-shaped wristwatch – the thinnest in the world – housing a calibre made in 1914 by Vacheron Constantin and featuring a winding-crown placed on the back of the case opened up whole new aesthetic horizons for jewellery watches, while nonetheless meeting the brand’s high precision standards. Today, the Kalla watch line uses the Vacheron Constantin 1005 movement, a direct heir to the original calibre launched in 1914.

1979: Kallista, etymologically “the most beautiful”
In 1979, the know-how of the venerable Maison once again put its name in the history books with the sculptural Kallista watch, carved from a solid gold ingot and stemming from 6,000 hours of manual workmanship. The Greek origins of this word, which means “the most beautiful”, are reminiscent of Greek mythology which held that diamonds were the tears of the gods… 118 emerald-cut stones weighing a record total of 130 carats flow liberally over the slender profile of the watch with its hand-wound movement that is the world’s thinnest in its category.

The owner of this creation certainly made the right choice by demanding absolute exclusivity: in harmony with the spirit of the 18th century cabinotiers, Kallista is truly one of a kind. This Haute Joaillerie masterpiece inspired the noble lineage of Kalla watches, including the famous Lady Kalla, which in 2001 won the Best Jewellery Watch award in the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix.










In 2009, the Maison celebrated the 30th anniversary of this legendary model by unveiling a new jewellery record, the Kallania watch set with 186 diamonds totalling around 157 carats. This major feat was accompanied by a new Malte Tourbillon Regulator, arrayed in the much sought-after invisible setting and embodying a splendid alliance between high-end horological complications and high-end jewellery. In parallel, two new exceptional ladies’ watches were created: the Lady Kalla Flamme and the Kalla Haute Couture à Secrets, both adorned with flame-cut diamonds. Used for the first time in watchmaking, the flame cut thus became a new signature feature of Vacheron Constantin creations.
]]> madonna Industry News and Events Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:51:39 -0500 http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1002955,1002955#msg-1002955 ROGER DUBUIS and the Monégasque – Haute Horlogerie meets glamour (no replies) http://revo-online.com/forums/main/read.php?29,1002955,1002955#msg-1002955 Press release - October 2011

On Thursday 20th October, ROGER DUBUIS celebrated the new Monégasque collection in glamorous Monaco. More than 200 guests, who had travelled from all over the world for the occasion – among them artist Daphne Guinness, gallery owner Alexander Dellal and shoe designer Christian Louboutin – were keen to discover the collection that has become a glamorous fixture on the Rock. An exclusive evening where total chic reigned supreme.












For its stage début, ROGER DUBUIS could not conceive any better place than the one that had inspired the creation of his Monégasque collection, the cradle of glamour: Monte Carlo. The style of the sports convertibles, the rustle of silk evening dresses, the lapping of the Mediterranean waves, the elegance... a murmur, almost musical, that resonates with the movements, with Haute Horlogerie and the multiple operations of craftsmanship that bears the name of ROGER DUBUIS. So it was as if swept away into another age, mingling splendour, elegance and sparkle, that brought together nearly 200 guests on the Mediterranean rock. All the celebrities present, gathered specially from all four corners of the world, had the chance to discover the new line and celebrate in the stylish ambience of Monte Carlo. While the event was unique, the decor was in perfect harmony with the spirit of the collection. Different epochs and references came together in a timelessly festive celebration. A blend of Monaco magic and craftsmanship made in Switzerland.










The evening took place at the Hotel de Paris, classified as a historic monument since the end of the 19th century. Among the many celebrities present, Daphne, Alexander Dellal and Christian Louboutin graced the red carpet as they arrived. Received by Mr. Georges Kern, CEO of ROGER DUBUIS, the stars were invited to sample the pleasures of the terrace, decorated with gaming tables, for a cocktail party in keeping with the style of the top casinos. Afterwards, they gathered round a table laid with refinement beneath the gilded splendour of the Empire Room for a prestige dinner. The expression «European art of living» took on its full significance as the reception progressed, and to conclude the evening, the guests were regaled with a private concert by Mr. Curtis Stigers, organised exclusively for ROGER DUBUIS.

















ROGER DUBUIS left a lasting impression on those present, who let themselves be carried away by the spell of the moment. During this unforgettable evening, the Genevan watchmaker once more demonstrated his creativity,modernity and ability to surprise. Pervaded with the ambience of those cosy salons wreathed in cigar smoke and hinting at the thrills of the gaming table, an artistic reflection of an epoch in search of the art of living, the Monégasque collection imposed its style at first glance. Through its personality, strength of character and perfectly controlled vigour, the collection asserts its charisma.



























All the models in the collection are equipped with ROGER DUBUIS mechanical movements, as exemplified by the outstanding latest-generation, high-performance RD680 chronograph movement, which is precise, reliable and tough. After this fabulous launch, the line will shortly be available from the most celebrated retailers on the planet: specialist zones dedicated to conveying the fiery, ultra-creative, high-tech image of Roger Dubuis.
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