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Tag: watch

  • Watch inspires Tag Heuer’s Ginza Store

    Watch inspires Tag Heuer’s Ginza Store

    In a world-first concept, every aspect of the store is modular from the digital façade and displays to the decor. It offers customers immersion in the brand universe with its omni-channel buying experience.

    A highlight are the iTags, the brand’s connected displays. With just a few clicks on an iPad built into the display, the customer can browse watch models. When they make a choice, the watches, on a pivoting support, are instantly lit up on the display. Customers can also transfer their selection to a mobile device, allowing them to extend their experience outside of the store through linking into My Tag Heuer.

    Customers have total independence with a host of options, such as online ordeing with instore pick-up or a more comprehensive introduction to the piece in a traditional store on the second floor. The Tag Heuer sales team, connected to the iTag via a watch, know directly if a customer wishes to try on a particular model.

    American model Bella Hadid and Kabuki actor Shido Nakamura together broke open the lid of a sake barrel as part of the traditional opening ceremony for the Tokyo boutique.

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  • Olivia Burton launched a concept store in Ion Orchard

    Olivia Burton launched a concept store in Ion Orchard

    British accessories brand Olivia Burton, together with Asian retail specialist Norbreeze Group, has launched a concept store in Ion Orchard.

    For the first time in Singapore, the brand’s fashion jewellery collection and personalisation services are being offered at the flagship store. Its signature vintage-inspired watches have been available in Singapore since October.

    Olivia Burton was founded by best friends Lesa Bennett and Jemma Fennings in 2012 and named after Bennett’s great aunt. Its London studio creates detailed watches and jewellery inspired by nature.

    Norbreeze Group co-founder Anne Trads Juel Sauerberg describes Olivia Burton’s accessories as “fashionable and affordable luxury”.

    To celebrate its opening, the store will host experiential activities on Saturday. Guests and customers will be able to create floral crowns and be offered floral cupcakes. The first 20 shoppers will each receive limited-edition exclusive merchandise.

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  • Triwa Hong Kong opens it’s first flagship store

    Triwa Hong Kong opens it’s first flagship store

    Swedish watch brand Triwa Hong Kong has opened a flagship store at Plaza Hollywood, Diamond Hill.

    Its third international flagship after Stockholm, where it is based, and Tokyo, the store showcases the new SS18 collection.

    Founded in 2007 by four friends, Triwa stands for “Transforming the Industry of Watches”. The company now has a creative studio of 30 friends who develop all designs following the original motto: to produce only what they want to wear themselves.

    Triwa’s collection comprises eight watch “families”, Aska, Elva, Falken, Klinga, Lansen Chrono, Niben, Spira, Svalan and the original Nevil.

    New this spring 2018, Slate Nevil updates the original chronograph with a quartz Miyota OS21 movement and an exterior of steel, black and white, and black Swedish tanned leather.

    Also new, Smoky Falken pays homage to classic 1950s watches, mixing stainless-steel dark
    grey and polished gold detailing with a black organically tanned leather strap and with vintage styling. It has a Citizen Miyota 1L45 movement. Other new styles include the Ebony Svalan, Rose Svalan and Slate Aska.

    Also in the Triwa collection are sunglasses and fashion jewellery pieces including new brass and steel cuffs.

    Triwa has about 3000 outlets in 30 countries. In Hong Kong, it launched a pop-up store two years ago and has been available online.

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  • Swiss Prestige incorporates Armin Strom watches

    Swiss Prestige incorporates Armin Strom watches

    Armin Strom has formed a distributor partnership with Swiss Prestige, which promotes Swiss watch manufacturers in Asia.

    Swiss Prestige CEO Jacqueline Ng says Armin Strom, with its distinctive designs featuring in-house movements, all made in small quantities, will be a “terrific” addition to the company’s curated selection.

    Armin Strom watches are designed so the inner mechanics of the movement can be seen through the dial.

    This partnership is an extension of the Armin Strom’s business network. With 20 employees in its Bienne headquarters, the company designs and makes all its own movements and cases. Every watch is hand finished, and can be personalised.

    Swiss Prestige represents Swiss watch brands in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Australia.

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  • Singapore helps boost Swiss watch exports

    Singapore helps boost Swiss watch exports

    Singapore has been a major contributor to a continuing upswing in Swiss watch exports, reports the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.

    The value of watches sent to Singapore rose by 89.6 per cent last month, says the federation, mainly because of interest in expensive timepieces.

    As the Hong Kong market recovers, it achieved sustained growth of 13.7 per cent.

    While exports to Japan grew in August, the market lost ground again with last month’s figures tumbling by 15.6 per cent.

    The pace of growth also slackened in China at 1.2 per cent.

    Overall, Swiss watch exports rose for the sixth month in succession, their value last month reaching 1.8 billion francs (US$1.8 billion), 3.7 per cent growth over September last year.

    Among the main categories in value terms, watches in precious metal and steel continued to advance, while there was a sharp downturn in bimetal timepieces, which have been declining significantly for several months, says the federation. Volumes also took a dive.

    More expensive timepieces are in demand, the figures showing an 8 per cent gain in value of exported items costing more than 3000 francs (export price). Those between 200 and 3000 francs showed slight growth.

    However, the exports of cheaper watches have been falling sharply for more than a year, says the federation. Exports of watches priced at less than 200 francs eroded by 18.5 per cent.

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  • Sincere Fine Watches showcasing German masterpieces

    Sincere Fine Watches showcasing German masterpieces

    Sincere Fine Watches in Singapore continues its “100” exhibition theme, this time showcasing that number of masterpieces from German watchmaker A Lange & Sohne.

    The series started in 2013 with the “100 Tourbillons” exhibition, bringing together 21 brands in a world-first showcase. In 2015, “100 Complications” featured 22 brands in the best of haute horlogerie.

    For 13 days from tomorrow, Sincere puts the focus on one brand with its “100 Masterpieces”. A Lange & Sohne is known for producing only a few thousand wristwatches in gold or platinum each year, each with proprietary movements, lavishly decorated and assembled by hand.

    This another world-first showcase by Sincere Fine Watches as the never-before-seen collection includes old pocket watches from the brand’s archives, the first four wristwatches created in 1994 when the brand was re-established, and its latest range alongside timepieces from each of its product families.

    The exhibition is at the Sincere Fine Watches flagship boutique at Takashimaya Shopping Centre.

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  • Daniel Wellington Hong Kong opens pop-up

    Daniel Wellington Hong Kong opens pop-up

    Daniel Wellington Hong Kong has opened a pop-up store at Yoho Mall 1 in Yuen Long.

    The Swedish watch company took back the business from its from its distributor in March and now has four self-run stores in Hong Kong, at Festival Walk, Harbour City, IFC Mall and Lab Concept.

    Regional manager Jay Lam says the pop-up features a high-visibility stage design.

    He also says the brand is seeking to open more locations this year, and the aim is to eventually have up to 15 points of sale in Hong Kong.

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  • Nixon appoints Athleta founder Scott Kerslake as new CEO

    Nixon appoints Athleta founder Scott Kerslake as new CEO

    Nixon on Monday welcomed its new CEO Scott Kerslake, whose appointment was effective on August 21, 2017.

    At Nixon, Kerslake will play a key role in the watch and accessories brand’s new focus on digital. The brand announced in June that it cut 13 jobs and will add 11 new positions that will be focused on its digital business in the coming year. A few of the new positions include VP of E-commerce and various digital marketing roles for social media.

    “I am beyond excited to join the Nixon team. The brand has enormous global potential and is well-positioned for the futur as a leader in the youth market,” said

    “I have been a fan of the brands’ ability to consistently harness the energy and creativity of the team from around the world into a distinct and leading point-of-view via the products they create.”

    Kerslake brings to Nixon 25 years of experience growing consumer brand products. He joins the California-based watch brand from Prana, where he served as CEO since 2009.

    Prior to joining Prana, Kerslake served as President of Miraval, a destination wellness spa and resort in Arizona, and he founded Athleta where he also served as CEO.

    In addition, Kerslake will be based in Nixon’s headquarters in Encinitas, CA.

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  • German luxury watch “Nomos” to open in Hanwha Galleria Duty Free Shop

    German luxury watch “Nomos” to open in Hanwha Galleria Duty Free Shop

    Hanwha Galleria Duty Free Shop opened German luxury watch Nomos store on Aug 17. Hanwha Galleria Duty Free Shop was the first Korean Duty Free business to launch luxury brands such as Golden Goose, Stefano Ricci, LAUNER LONDON and Corneliani, and succeeded in launching Nomos.

    In addition, Hanwha Galleria Duty Free Shop strengthened luxury watch collection with IWC and  Jaeger-LeCoultre opening in June.

    Nomos is a watch house with an in-house movement with outstanding technology. It was ranked n.8 world’s best watch in 2014 by Chronos, a prestigious German watch magazine along with IWC, Rolex, Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

    The product dial has the name ‘Glashütte’ which is a production names of the finest watches in Germany. It is a certificate given only to high-quality brands such as A.Lange & Söhne and Glashütte Original.

    In order to put Glashütte on the dial, more than 50 percent of all parts should be produced in this area. Nomos produces 75 ~ 95% of the movement directly.

    Especially, Nomos has a good reputation as a good quality watch with a reasonable price as it can be purchased from 2 million won.

    Customers can purchase Nomos only in Galleria Duty Free Shop in Korea, but there are already more than 20 stores in Japan. In addition, Metro, which is a popular model, gained explosive popularity after being introduced at the Basel Fair in March 2014.

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  • Fossil Group Asia sales down 9%, CFO quits

    Fossil Group Asia sales down 9%, CFO quits

    American watchmaker Fossil Group said total revenues took a dive in the second-quarter, on the back of soft sales in traditional watches and retail disinterest across all regions including Asia.

    For the three months ended July 1, the company’s net sales slipped 12.9 per cent to US$596.8 million from $685.4 million.

    By region, Asia was the best performing market, but still recorded a 9 per cent dive in revenues. This bettered the Americas down 16 per cent, while sales in Europe fell 10 per cent, said Fossil Group.

    By category, watch sales decreased 9 per cent, despite an increase in the connected watch business.

    Sales also declined in the company’s leather category, which was down 25 per cent, and in the jewellery category, slumping 22 per cent.

    “With the first half of 2017 now behind us, we believe that our traction in wearables, our significant progress in our supply chain evolution and our reduction in infrastructure costs show that we are pursuing strategies that can improve our profitability and return the company to solid growth over time,” said Kosta Kartsotis, chief executive officer, Fossil Group.

    The company’s net loss came to $344.7 million, or $7.11 a diluted share, compared with net income of $6 million, or 12 cents, a year earlier.

    Moreover, Fossil’s chief financial officer Dennis Secor has left the company due to personal/family reasons. The company said Jeff Boyer is set to join Fossil on October 16 as the new CFO. He is already a board member.

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  • Louis Moinet watches pay tribute to Singapore

    Louis Moinet watches pay tribute to Singapore

    A range of limited-edition watches that pay tribute to the history and tradition of Singapore are being launched by Swiss brand Louis Moinet.

    FreshOut.Today reports the watches will be revealed on Singapore’s National Day, August 9, the city state’s 52nd birthday.

    Louis Moinet says the special timepieces mix Swiss precision with Singaporean soul.

    “Two different continents and cultures merge in this project as a tribute to Singaporean history,” says the company.

    The limited-edition collection comprises 84 pieces with decorative elements that reference symbols and the past of the Lion City.

    Features such as the ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Singapore Flyer are engraved across the lower part of the dial, and over skyline the moon faces five small stars, a reference to the flag of Singapore.

    An opening in the dial reveals part of the inner workings. “This also shows the passing of time and powerfully represents and allows us to reflect on each second of Singapore’s independence,” says the company.

    Available in Louis Moinet stainless-steel (65 pieces) and 18k rose-gold Neo cases (19 pieces), the watch has been created in co-operation with Wealth Solutions Singapore, a branch of the Polish company specialising in creating collector items, and the Singapore Watch Club.

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  • Swatch Group CEO reports ‘spectacular’ sales growth

    Swatch Group CEO reports ‘spectacular’ sales growth

    “Spectacular” sales acceleration helped return watch company Swatch Group return to profits growth in its first half, says CEO Nick Hayek.

    And China is at the core of the rapid turnaround, suggesting the end has arrived of the luxury watch sector’s dry spell.

    Swatch’s factories this month are running at maximum capacity, Hayek says, with the most aggressive growth in the group’s high-end luxury brands such as Blancpain and Omega.

    Swatch’s net sales rose by 1.2 per cent to CHF3.7 billion (US$3.9 billion) in constant currencies in the first six months compared with a year earlier. But Hayek says sales of Swatch’s own-brand products expanded by 3 per cent.

    “The acceleration between the first and second quarters was spectacular,” he says. Sales in China, for example, had grown from 8 per cent 10 per cent.

    Group net sales were up 1.2 per cent at constant exchange rates to CHF3.7 billion, or down 0.3 per cent at current exchange rates.

    Sales growth was up 2.9 per cent in the watches and jewellery segment. The operating margin in the segment increased by nearly 25 per cent, from 10.7 to 13.2 per cent, despite negative currency impact.

    Swatch’s operating result grew by 5.1 per cent to CHF371 million while the operating margin increased to 10 per cent from 9.5 per cent the previous year.

    Net income increased by 6.8 per cent to CHF281 million, with a net margin of 7.6 per cent (7.1 per cent the previous year).

    Meanwhile, the company says Omega and the International Olympic Committee have extended their timekeeping contract for the Olympic Games by an extra 10 years up to and including the 2032 Games – taking Omega’s term as official timekeeper to a total 100 years.

    In the second half of this year new products will be launched by Blancpain, Breguet, Harry Winston, Longines, Omega and Tissot.

    Swatch has just launched Swatch Pay in Shanghai with its full credit-card payment ability, in partnership with UnionPay and 11 Chinese banks.

  • Jaeger-LeCoultre reopens Philippines store

    Jaeger-LeCoultre reopens Philippines store

    Luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has reopened its flagship store in Makati City in the Philippines, enhancing the experience for local timepiece gurus.

    Located in Ayala Center’s Greenbelt 5 in Makati, the 40-square-metre boutique was reopened last week with an official relaunch party attended by company executives including Jaeger-LeCoultre’s managing director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, Maxence Kinget.

    “It’s not a store, it’s a boutique with an experience,” Kinget told the Philstar, when describing the new store at the party.

    “For us it’s very important that there is emotion and discovery, the two key mindsets when we designed the boutique.”

    The newly reopened Philippine boutique will carry the watchmaker’s complete range of watches and accessories, as well as the famous Geophysic Tourbillon Universal Time, of which just one will be stocked.

    Jaeger-LeCoultre has also launched a new Geophysic collection for men with a steel metal bracelet, said to be “very good for South Asia because with the humidity and warm weather sometimes you want a stainless-steel bracelet instead of the alligator strap,” according to Kinget.

    There’s also a women’s range, with a new take on the iconic ‘Rendez-Vous’, a round watch with diamonds around the bezel.

    Finally, the new store will stock boutique-exclusive pieces, made in collaboration with Jaeger-LeCoultre and Lucerne – the distributor of Jaeger-LeCoultre in the Philippines — that aren’t available anywhere else in the world.

    Moreover, timepiece aficionados can create their own one-of-a-kind watch with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new bespoke service on offer.

    “There is in the Philippines a very high level of watchmaking knowledge, a very strong appetite for watches and a very strong Maison in the Philippines,” said Kinglet. “Jaeger-LeCoultre is considered a reference in fine watchmaking, as well as having a very high level of craftsmanship. Within our manufacture we have developed the biggest collection of movements — 1,200 calibers developed in our history, which is absolutely crazy — and we still produce more than 50 calibers in the collection today. We spend a lot of time trying to make sure there is a very strong connection between respect for our tradition, our heritage, as well as being oriented towards the future.

    The Swiss watch group entered The Philippines in 2000, after striking a deal with Lucerne. But it only opened its first store in 2008, which is the newly fitted Greenbelt 5 store.

    Jaeger-LeCoutlre is also sold at Lucerne Jewellers in Taguig City and at the recently opened L’Atelier Lucerne at Shangri-La at the Fort.

  • Swiss watchmaker opens new boutique at Suria KLCC

    Swiss watchmaker opens new boutique at Suria KLCC

    Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Omega has opened its fourth boutique in Malaysia, at Suria KLCC, to cater to growing demand for its timepieces.

    The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a traditional lion dance performance.

    Omega president and chief executive officer Raynald Aeschlimann said the brand had established a strong presence in this country, and enjoyed excellent reception in the last 11 years.

    “We are delighted to further extend the boundaries of our retail experience in Malaysia, and are confident that now is an ideal time to open a new boutique in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

    “With this boutique, we look forward to sharing our full range of products with our customers in this house of Omega,” he said.

    Located on level one of the mall, the new boutique is an important part of the retail strategy of Omega, which opened its first boutique in 2006 in Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.

    The Omega Seamaster Collection is one of the brands popular selections.

    The Omega Seamaster Collection is one of the brand’s popular selections.

    This was followed by a store in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Gurney Plaza, Penang.

    Not only does the location of the new retail store reflect the increasing popularity of Omega in the region, it also strengthens the brand’s relationship and commitment to Malaysia’s luxury market.

    Just like Omega’s other boutiques, the new store’s setup was inspired by the natural elements of air, water and sunlight – depicted using cream and champagne in the interior design, along with exotic reconstituted zebrawood furniture and chiselled glass surfaces.

    With a team of professionally-trained sales associates at hand to help customers, the boutique offers an elegant and comfortable shopping experience.

    Among the guests at the store’s opening were Malaysian jazz queen Datuk Sheila Majid and fashion enthusiasts and celebrities Nazim Othman, Jojo Goh, Tasha Shilla, Siti Saleha, Daphne Charice and Serene Lim.

    Apart from its collections of watches, the store also offers fine jewellery, quality leather goods and sunglasses for both men and women.

    Founded in 1848, Omega is a brand within the Swatch Group, the world’s leading watch manufacturer, synonymous with excellence, innovation and precision.

  • Titan Launches Thai Commemorative EDGE Wristwatch

    Titan Launches Thai Commemorative EDGE Wristwatch

    Titan Company Limited, the world’s fifth largest watchmaker and part of the Indian conglomerate giant TATA Group, is releasing a limited edition timepiece in Thailand created especially for the Thai market.

    Titan selected its Red Dot award-winning EDGE, the world’s slimmest wristwatch in the universe, to create the exclusive wristwatch, commemorating the timeless respect and honor for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

    The royal emblem marking the 70th Anniversary Celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Accession to the Throne is placed at 12 o’clock and the Thai numeral for nine at 9 o’clock. 

    The Titan Thai Commemorative EDGE wristwatch is available with a black, blue and brown dial and color-matched leather strap. The blue and brown dial watches are set in rose gold plated case while the black dial watch is set in a gold plated case, both of which gives this exclusive wristwatch an extra-special elegance and sophisticated quality. 

    With a total slimness of just 3.6 mm and a wafer-thin movement of 1.15mm, the Titan EDGE is a technological marvel. It is water resistant up to a depth of 30 meters. The classic hallmarks of the EDGE design include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass front, stainless steel case and specially designed slim battery. 

    The inscription, “In Honor of His Majesty the King”, is engraved on the watch back as a tribute to the King, creating a wonderful memento for owners to treasure for years to come.

     “The intricate craftsmanship of the Titan EDGE, its timeless design and incredible innovation resonate with the Thai market,” said Sonia Yamdagni, Managing Director of Omni Co., Ltd., the sole distributor of Titan watches in Thailand. 

    “A sense of  tradition and appreciation for quality are valued and passed along from one generation to the next whilst moving toward a future of hope and success for the country and the Thai people; a symbol of the importance of finding time to give back to the nation and to others,” added Sonia.

    Titan watches are retailed in 32 countries worldwide. The Titan Thai Commemorative EDGE wristwatch, presented in an attractive velvet-lined wooden box, retails at THB 8,900 and is currently available at Central, Robinson and The Mall Group department stores nationwide, including Siam Paragon and Emporium in Bangkok.

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