(01/2012) In 2011, despite a difficult economic environment, the Swatch Group remained on record course. The Group reached the seven billion milestone for the first time, and generated gross sales of CHF 7 143 million, an increase of +21.7% at constant rates in comparison to 2010.
(12/2011) A. Lange & Söhne has extended for four more years its sponsorship agreement with the Dresden State Art Collections (Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden). The Saxon brand with its rich tradition has provided support to the world famous institution since 2006.
(12/2011) Following the acquisition of a majority shareholding by DKSH in the Maurice Lacroix Group in summer 2011, the expectations of overproportional growth in sales, particularly in the Asia region, have been fulfilled.
(12/2011) The Breguet Museum has acquired an extremely prestigious watch, made in 1808 for a dignitary of the Ottoman Empire, for the sum of CHF 650,000. This represents a record bid for a Turkish-style Breguet watch, and also a record for a pocket-watch auctioned on the youthful inland China market.
(12/2011) On Thursday 15th December, in the Metallurgy department of the Hublot Manufacture in Nyon, Jean-Claude Biver, Hublot's CEO, and Andreas Mortensen, a Professor at EFPL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne) unveiled a range of brand new alloys which are set to revolutionise the characteristics of precious materials and may also pave the way for new alloys to be used in the high-tech industry.
(12/2011) For about 20-30 years, Swatch has been the supplier of mechanical movements and their components for most of the Swiss watch industry. Despite its historical relationship, Swatch would like to reduce deliveries of calibers and assortments.
(12/2011) Breguet has given its Vienna boutique a complete makeover, almost ten years after it first opened. The design has evolved considerably in step with an extremely avantgarde horological concept. Interactive themed films also enliven the spacious premises now spread over 190 m2 and which were officially opened on December 6th.
(12/2011) Fine watchmaker Christophe Claret is pleased to announce its partnership with the Casino de Monte-Carlo. This cooperative effort between the master watchmaker of Le Locle, Switzerland and the legendary casino in Monaco will be marked by a glittering celebration on December 9th and 10th 2011. A major roulette tournament event is being arranged by the famous gaming house, long a landmark as famous for its history and clientele – past and present –as for its Belle Epoque architecture.
(12/2011) Buyers and sellers of high-quality watches now have a committed auction partner and personal service provider in the form of ChronoAuction.com. At ChronoAuction.com, watch lovers and collectors can buy or sell their favourite models via an online auction, securely and globally. This service is also suitable for watch dealers, either as bidders or sellers.
(11/2011) One of the most complete collections of Swatch watches in the world, which reflects the outstanding story of Swatch, was sold at a historical amount of HK$ 51’707’500. The Blum Collection was assembled over many years by Swiss businessman Peter Blum and his wife Linda, passionate collectors of Swatch watches since the brand’s early days.
(11/2011) For his Flagship Store inaugurated on November 24th, the entrepreneur had spotted a truly monumental rock. On November 10, 2011, the operation was launched. With the authorisation of local authorities, Michel Jordi and his team firmly secured the gigantic "Swiss Icon Rock" found in Gletsch in the Valais region. It was subsequently winched by helicopter and engraved with the brand's name, prior to being transported to Zurich to grace the first JORDI Swiss Icon shop.
(11/2011) Known in the watch industry as Mr. David Gouten, David Goutenmacher, is a prominent figure in the watchmaking industry and has extensive experience and knowledge, as well as strong management expertise within the high-end watchmaking segment.
(11/2011) The process aimed at strengthening the Swiss made label for watches has entered a new phase with the decision by the Legal Affairs Commission of the National Council to approve the Swissness project and propose that at least 60% of the cost price of industrial products must be made in Switzerland.
(11/2011) With a grand total of 239 points out of a possible 300, the watch manufactory from Saxony once again stands head and shoulders above all other German luxury brands and ranks – like in 2007 and 2009 – before the automobile manufacturers Maybach (211) and Porsche (195) as well as various furniture, timepieces, jewellery, and fashion brands.
(11/2011) Eterna announces the appointment effective today of Patrick Kury, 40, as CEO pro tem of Eterna and Porsche Design Timepieces. Swiss-born, Patrick Kury has accumulated considerable watch-industry experience, not least as Eterna's Chief Technology Officer since 2005. He has also served as Deputy Executive Director since 2008. His contributions include the Eterna Spherodrive technology, the ball-bearing mounted mainspring barrel patented in 2006.