The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS) reports exports up 6.3% at 21.2 billion CHF in 2018, back above the 20 billion Swiss Francs mark. Exports have now climbed for two consecutive years as demand had bounced back in 2017 (19.9 billion CHF, +2.7%), after two years of decline. The performance achieved in 2018 is still inferior to that of 2015.
Jaeger-LeCoultre or “La Grande Maison” has, just like some of its sister brands inside the Richemont Group, seen some changes at its head recently. A new CEO, Catherine Rénier (previously at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels), often means a new strategy. Rather discreet until now, we thought the SIHH 2019 was the right time to […]
Following up with our series of interviews with major actors of the online watch market – including watch media such as Hodinkee and Revolution, which not only cover watches but also sell watches – we now get to look at one of the largest and most convincing online platforms, MR PORTER. Unique and luxurious, this […]
125 years ago, a Swiss watch manufacture started to use its commercial name and became one of the most iconic, most sought-after names in the industry. Not a new brand per se, this watch manufacture took its name from its emblematic movement, a 19-ligne hand-wound calibre fitted in pocket watches: the Calibre Omega. As you’ve […]
Just before the opening of SIHH 2019 (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), Switzerland-based luxury conglomerate Richemont has released its trading update for the quarter ended 31 December 2018. Richemont announced that sales in the quarter rose 25% at actual exchange rate and 24% at constant exchange rate – results that should, however, be nuanced across the business portfolio.
It has become something of a ritual. Every year, H. Moser & Cie. presents a disruptive, irreverent initiative to raise awareness on different topics… and generate buzz. This year, the topic of this communication/buzz project will be sustainable development, as the brand wants to #MakeSwissMadeGreenAgain. In 2018, H. Moser & Cie. presented the Swiss Icons Watch. […]
What came a few minutes ago in our email boxes was clearly unexpected – but certainly the best piece of news Speedmaster fans could have dreamed of… as Omega is about the relaunch one of the most iconic chronograph movements ever, the movement that actually went to the Moon on the wrist of Aldrin and Armstrong, the movement that equipped the first generations of Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch until moving to the cam-operated Calibre 861. Yes, that’s right, Omega will restart the production of the Calibre 321 with column-wheel. And that is pretty cool (to say the least).
The 29th edition of the SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) will soon be throwing its doors open with some 35 brands gearing up to unveil their latest models. The Geneva-based event, which runs between January 14 to 17, is one of the two major watch shows of the year – together with Baselworld. Just as the synchronization of the calendar of both events has been announced, MONOCHROME talks with Fabienne Lupo, Chairwoman & Managing Director of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) about what’s new for SIHH and FHH.
The topic of watch fairs is hot these days. Everything started with the explosive news of Swatch Group’s decision to leave Baselworld 2019. This led to several other departures, followed by the resignation of Baselworld/MCH’s CEO and multiple criticisms. In order to stop the bleeding and calm things down, the SIHH and Baselworld announced they will be synchronising their calendars again. However, this isn’t the end of the story. A recent piece of news published by Reuters and Le Temps confirms that the Swatch Group will hold its own watch fair, in Zurich and right during Baselworld 2019.
The Panerai manufacture was completed in 2014 and is currently headed by Jean-Marc Pontroué. Located on the outskirts of Neuchâtel, the 10,000sqm building was constructed with eco-compatible standards. It gathers all product development and production teams under one modern roof to operate the brand manufacturing activities (parts, movements and casing). There, 250 people carry out their specialist work. In addition to the Swiss manufacture, Panerai’s headquarters are located in Italy where key corporate functions, such as design and marketing, take place.