Chris D

POSTS BY Chris D

Montblanc Launch Ultra-Precise “World Second” Contest

Inspired by the the idea of recording time, luxury watchmakers Montblanc have announced the “World Second” contest. The project aims to capture the same second, around the world. To carry out this photo-by-photo journey around the world, Montblanc has developed an app with an integrated self-timer, which will allow amateur photographers to snap a photo at precisely the right instant with their iPhone or Android. All photos taken during the Worldsecond will be uploaded to the Montblanc website, where they will create a mosaic of universally shared moments. Sixty of the best photos will be chosen from the worldwide mosaic between READ MORE

Breguet Betting on Continued Growth in China

The high-end watchmaking industry is employing the wait-and-see policy in regards to lagging sales in mainland China, with hopes for a 2013 rebound. However, Breguet, which is owned by the Swatch group, is apparently confident that demand for their luxury timepieces will remain strong. Case in point? Breguet recently opened a third boutique in Beijing, bringing the company’s total number of stores in China (including Hong Kong and Macao) up to eight. The company now has Boutique Breguet locations in Beijing’s most prestigious neighborhoods, with its new location at the Beijing Grand Hyatt, as well as its locations at the Scitech READ MORE

Rolex Has “Complete Control” Thanks to Bienne Project

A ten-year construction project for Rolex has finally come to an end, with the luxury watchmaker able to start production in its new facility in Bienne, Switzerland. The enormous manufacturing plant covers an area equal to 13 football fields and boasts high-tech to select automated systems to move stock and production items throughout the facility. Rolex announced that the unveiling of this project means the company has “complete control” over the essential parts of its haute horlogerie business; making the cases, watches, movements, dials and bracelets in-house, without having to rely on outside manufacturers. The brand-new building is part of READ MORE

Maltese Falcon Watch Features Industry’s First Winding Efficiency Indicator

Swiss haute horlogerie maker Urwerk’s new partially biologically powered watch, the UR-210 Maltese Falcon, is being described by timepiece connoisseurs as a machine that makes the relationship between a person and his or her watch a symbiotic one. The line between the mechanical and human gets blurred, meaning the watch is equipped with the world’s first winding efficiency indicator; the watch gets its operating power from the movement of the wearer and also monitors the timepiece’s energy stores. The wristwatch, done in a futuristic design, features titanium and steel and a three-dimensional cage which gives the impression of a falcon’s READ MORE

NYFW Michael Bastion Spring/Summer 2013 Collection With Audemars Piguet

For the second fashion season in a row, Audemars Piguet, maker of Swiss luxury watches since 1875, was a proud participant in Michael Bastian’s Fashion Week spectacular. The show, held at MADE at Milk Studios was a unique opportunity for the haute horlogerie company to present its Royal Oak design, which is celebrating its global 40th anniversary, to the sphere of men’s fashion. During the show, designer Michael Bastian himself wore a Royal Oak Chronograph, and many of the looks featured on the runway included tailored clothing, sportswear, accessories and prominently displayed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak timepieces. The designer, who READ MORE

Watchmaker Richemont Optimistic that Asia Demand is still Strong

Second-largest luxury goods group Richemont claimed to have an outlook on the bullish side on Wednesday, September 5, stating that although the Asian luxury market may be cooling, sales in that region continue to be healthy and are predicted to remain strong. A forecast the luxury goods provider made over a month ago was reiterated before its annual general meeting: operating and net profit is predicted to increase up to 40% in the six months leading up to September. In the first five months to the last day in August, sales were reported to have increased by 23%, one per READ MORE