Swatch Group’s 2017 Results Show Strong Growth (and some Baselworld 2018 novelties partially revealed)
After Richemont announced strong quarterly results just before SIHH 2018 and LVMH reported a double-digit growth for 2017, it’s now Swatch Group’s turn to come with their annual results for the year 2017. And before going into details, know that they are strong and that the outlook for 2018 is still very positive. Once again, the industry seems to be in full recovery, with one or two threats that will have to be managed in the near future though.
Editor’s note: We originally broke the news of Seiko’s limited edition ‘Black Series’ late last year, and the watches are finally hitting Australian stores (and being rapidly snapped up by all accounts — get in quick). The hero of the pack is, without doubt, this blacked-out version of their popular ‘Turtle’, the SRPC49K. As you will read below, I tried to get the nickname of ‘Night Diver’ to stick, but social media has spoken (as it is wont to do), and declared this model is the Darth Turtle. Whatever you think of the name, there’s no denying that the force is strong with this one. Seiko dive watches are a perennial favourite. They’re tough-as, look the business, and have a history as long and proud as any. Whether it’s the coveted SLA017, or the classic Turtle, they’ve got a strong rep, and cult following. The Seiko faithful are going to be very happy with this latest limited edition – the SRPC49K, which we’ve taken the liberty of nicknaming ‘the night diver’ (I’m really hoping this catches on). We’re going to let these stunning pictures do most of the talking, but here are the details we have so far: The SRPC49K is a…
There’s no denying how many of us are often frustrated by the frequent “mild updates” launched by brands — new dial colours, new case and bezel materials, and the like; however, this year in Geneva, Zenith were one of the few to do so with such thoughtful execution that we couldn’t not make it a point of discussion. Yes, we’re talking about the beloved Cairelli chronograph reissue, the Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, unveiled in bronze (as well as aged steel) for 2018. Bronze continues to gain huge traction in the “accessible luxury” segment, and having first capitalised on the trend in 2015 with the bronze Pilot Type 20, creating a bronze CP-2 was a logical choice. Surprisingly, one of the key selling points of the new CP-2 Bronze Flyback Chronograph has nothing to do with its sexy new casing. For 2018, Zenith decided to up the ante by fitting the piece with its El Primero 405B caliber: an automatic column-wheel chronograph movement with flyback function, and a 50-hour power reserve. In celebration of this upgraded caliber, Zenith have fitted the new model with a sapphire display caseback, allowing its new owners the opportunity to admire the brand’s longstanding technical…
