Watch Pulse

IWC was chosen as the official timekeeper of the Volvo Ocean Race (the “Everest” of sailing). It was also previously known as the Whitbread Round the World Race. It is a world-class competition that offers an exhilarating high.

Volvo Ocean Race

The race integrates glitz and glamour on dry land and a test of endurance at sea. It is, without doubt, the largest ocean race in the world. As such, it will demand the best of even the most experienced crews.

The 2011 leg of the Volvo Ocean Race will start on October 2011 in the Spanish port of Alicante. It will end on July 2012 on the port of Galway, Ireland. During the period of nine months, participants will cover a distance of 39,270 nautical miles in unpredictable water. This is definitely an exciting event for the participants, the sponsors, and IWC.

IWC will provide the prizes for the 24hr record. The prizes awarded in the ceremonies at the stopovers which will be in Abu Dhabi, Cape Town, Auckland, Sanya, Itajai, Lisbon, Miami, and Lorient). A special prize will be given to the fastest crew over 24 hours as well. The agreement between IWC and the organizing committee was signed on January 21, 2011.

Hublot is making inroads in the US market, after opening its third store in the country in New York City. The brand has chosen to locate its boutique at 692 Madison Avenue in Manhattan. This prestigious address was chosen because of its heritage and renowned location. The building itself is a historical property that dates back to the 19^th century. It is also near some of the city’s most luxurious apartments.

NYC Hublot Boutique

The store was developed using the same concept as the Paris’ Place Vendome boutique which also just opened recently. Famous architect Peter Marino from New York used bronze and ebony or buckskin to convey warmth and exclusivity. He reinterpreted the concept of fusion which is important to the Hublot brand.

Visiting this boutique is a treat in itself. The high ceiling extends up to 6 meters and uses skylights as illumination for the walls. It is also clothed with buckskin and made-to-measure fabrics from artist John Armleder. Art definitely plays an important role for Hublot. The materials, furniture, and lighting in the boutique also demonstrate the care and detail Hublot invests into each of its watches.

Expect only world-class ambiance and service from Hublot. This distinguished watchmaker always delivers.

To answer increasing demand for its masterpieces, Patek Philippe has opened a new production facility in Le Brassus towards the end of last year. The official inauguration of the center occurred on December 9 in the presence of Philippe Stern who is the Honorary President of the brand, Claude Peny who acts as the General Manager, the press, and local authorities.

The new facility was completed on time. Work on building and renovation started on March 2010 and ended in September. Patek Philippe moved to the premises in autumn. Some of the facilities in the new building included three workshops that used to be located in Le Sentier; it currently employs 25 people but this figure can double in the next several years.

Let’s break down the three workshops: the watch making workshop is supervised by twelve expert watchmakers who specialize in Patek Philippe perpetual calendar movements; the Haute Horlogerie workshop which is manned by five watchmakers who assemble, finish, and case-up the timepieces – they are also responsible for the acoustic regulation of self-winding minute repeaters; and the International Customer Service which has eight watchmakers. They maintain and repair complicated watches.

The building was previously owned by La Pierrette. It has four levels as well as a basement that houses technical rooms for electricity, heating, water, and drainage among others.

Exports of Swiss watches surged at the start of 2011 due to the strong sales in the United States, France, and China at 30.3%, 40.7%, and 20.8% respectively. These figures are released by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH. Worldwide, the sales of Swiss watches increased by 14.6% compared to a year ago. One interesting facet is that sales in Hong Kong, which is normally a large market for the luxury timepieces, suffered some weakness. It is down by 6.1% from last year.

The Wall Street Journal, however, attributes this possibly to the earlier start of the Chinese New Year this year. A number of buyers might have brought watches earlier; 2011 sales records also face tough comparison with the 2010 figure.

Despite all these, it is expected that the Asian market particularly China, Hong Kong, and Singapore will continue to experience sales increases. Swiss watches, in many parts of Asia, are regarded as status symbols that people who “had arrived” must have. And with booming economies all over the region, there is no doubt that watches will get a share of pie. It is predicted that Swiss manufacturers will have a record year in 2011 as demand for their exquisitely functional products increases.