First Ever Geneva Time Exhibition a Great Success

Times are tough; the recession has caused companies to look for more ways to cut costs.This is why Geneva Time Exhibition dubbed "The Independent Watchmakers Fair" has played an important role for the smaller watch companies. Less known than the SIHH, the Geneva Time Exhibition ,which ran from January 17th to January 22nd, at the International Conference Center in Geneva, created a platform where smaller watch companies could pool limited resources and showcase their new watches. 38 watch brands were involved including Alain Silberstein, Clerc, HD3, Aspen, B.R.M, Louis Moinet, Kubik (makers of watch winders) and many others.

The event was well publicized and convenient being that it coincided with the SIHH event. 500 journalists attended GTE documenting exciting innovative timepieces crafted by talented watchmakers who used the Exhibition to make their presence known in the world of watchmaking. In addition a surprisingly large number of orders were made at the show, an encouraging sign of gradual recovery from the recession.

Sotheby's, BMW, Laurent Perrier and Arasa Morelli were the official partners of this event. Florence Noël, Dominique Franchino, Paola Orlando, the founders of GTE were ecstatic with the results and success of this Fair, and have decided to take their fair global - first stop ,India, later this year at the launch of Mumbai Time Exhibition.

Girard-Perregaux Goes Quartz

Girard-Perregaux, in a startling move, has unveiled a Quartz powered watch. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Quartz Watch houses a GP13500 quartz movement. To avid watch collectors who treasure mechanical movements and balk at quartz movements, the unveiling of this watch by high end Swiss manufacturer Girard-Perregaux, must provide them with some mental turmoil and a little bit of betrayal. I mean one can't forget the enormous impact Seiko Quartz Watch had on the mechanical watch industry back in 1969. That period of time was coined, "The Quartz Scare" whereby the entire mechanical watch industry buckled to their knees while precise and cheap battery powered watches flooded the market. Companies went bankrupt and others like Blancpain went dormant for a time.

On the other hand, the introduction of quartz powered watches was a huge technological advancement in timekeeping, and soon a host of functions were added to the watches.
Girard-Perregaux has unveiled the high end Laureato Quartz as a tribute to its advancements in the 1970's and the accomplishment of Girard-Perregaux's electronics specialist, Georges Vuffrey. It was Girard-Perregaux who established the quartz crystal's frequency of 32.768 hertz, a specification standard to all quartz calibers until today, and this is the frequency used in Girard-Perregaux newest addition.

A grid pattern covers the blue dial enhanced by red accents provided by the center seconds hand and date wheel. The back of the stainless steel case is transparent sapphire crystal displaying the quartz movement; not often seen in quartz movements. Girard-Perregaux has applied its expert craftsmanship and finishing to this watch so much so that the entire movement is covered with Cotes de Geneve patterns, a gilt-finished battery cover emblazoned with GP and symbol as well as a large amount of perfectly finished blued screws. A stunning integrated stainless steel bracelet fits smoothly around the wrist.
Although the reference to Quartz may bring to mind inferior quality meant for the masses, this superbly crafted luxury timepiece will be released in a very limited edition of 40.

The Dreamy De Bethune DB025 Watch

As soon as I laid eyes on this magnificent watch by De Bethune's new DB025 line, the movie Avatar suddenly came to mind. Must be the incredible iridescent blue of the watch dial and powerful skeletonized watch hands sweeping across a celestial landscape. There is something so out worldly and vast about the dial like one is looking at the nights sky from a remote mountain top. Instantaneously ones attention is drawn to the moon representing the moon phase beneath the 12 'o'clock position. Encased in the hardened non-magnetic 44.6 mm steel case , available in 18k white or rose gold, the DB025 is a timepiece on the cutting edge of watch technology sporting a manual wound movement which requires no adjustment. In addition, De Bethune has implemented a silicon balance wheel which is a more resilient material. The watch has a 6 day power reserve with a power reserve indicator discretely placed at the side rear of the case.

De Bethune makes exclusive high end watches which are quite costly, but then again what price would you pay for a little bit of heaven.

Parmigiani Unveils The Captains' Watch for 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

Its only 139 days until FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa, and Parmigiani is making tribute to the spirit of sportsmanship. Soccer is the most popular sports in the world. Each team is led by a Captain who evokes a sense of team spirit especially when moral is low. A good Captian is critical to the sucess of a team, and the greatest soccer success will be winning the FIFA World Cup. This past week at SIHH, Parmigiani unveiled the "The Captain's Watch", a watch dedicated to the Captain of teams from 13 selected countries. These countries are: Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, and United States. Each Captain will be able to design their ideal 18 carat white gold Pershing chronograph model, evoking the spirit of their nation and adding their own personal touch. Only ten watches representing each country will be released at 60,000 CHF. In addition, a percentage of the profit shall go to the charity selected by each Captain.

Three of these watches were unveiled at the SIHH crafted in close collaboration with the Captain of the teams: Fabio Cannavaro - Captain of the Italian Team; John Terry - Captain of the English Team; Carlos Bocanegra - Captain of the United States Team.

For the other ten, well, we will just have to wait and see... the suspense...

Corum Founder Dies at 95: Remembering his Life's Work

René Bannwart dies at 95 and thus the first Chapter of Corum comes to a close. René Bannwartis remembered for his unique creativity and design. Born in Zurich, he first worked at Pateck Phillipe and Omega before he and his Uncle Gaston Ries founded Corum in 1955. Working as a team, René Bannwart and his uncle rejuvenated his uncle's 1924 watch making workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds under the now world renowned brand Corum.
The name Corum stems from the word “quorum” which means “the minimum number of persons present, required to enable a meeting, to hold discussions and take valid decisions”.
Corum symbol - the key- emblazons every watch, a testament to opening new doors of creativity, innovation, watch design and possibilities. There is always a new door to open and the mystery of time can never be completely unraveled.

In 1956, Corum unveiled its first watches, which were quickly recognized by watch manufacturers for their distinctive creativity. Through the decades Corum has delighted and continues to delight watch enthusiasts and buyers with originality and craftsmanship.

Take a look at some of Corum's original masterpieces:1958 - Corum's "Chinese Hat" with an oblong, almost pyramid shaped bezel looking very much like the hats worn by the people of China.


1960- Admirals Cup watch, originally square, the first water resistant watch ever made which only obtained its contemporary 12 sided case in the 1983. Nautical pennants corresponding to the international maritime code were added and served as hour markers on the twelve-sided bezel. In 1992 the introduction of "The Admiral Tides" incorporated a Corum movement CO-277, which displayed information such as the lunar cycle, the strength and time of the tides, estimation of water levels as well as the strength of the currents.


1964- the "Coin Watch" sporting a genuine $20 Double Eagle Coin worn by U.S presidents and prominent figures looking very much like the Coin Watches.

1965 - Buckingham Model, large in size and extremely coveted. Due to the versatility of this collections shape and size, Corum has taken watch design to the extreme creating watches covered in jewels and others sporting skulls.

1966 - “Romvlvs” watch its hour markers engraved on the bezel not on the dial. The creation of this watch was born from a delivery mishap to a Basel World Fair and the creative quick thinking of René Bannwart. 1970- Corum introduced dials paved with real bird feathers, below find glowing words from the "San Antonio Express and News" dated December 10, 1972 in regard to Corum's Feather Watch.

In fashion — a beautiful 18 Karat gold watch with a feather dial! A n y o n e on your gift list would be delighted to receive a' new watch, especially an elegant jewel to wear all the time. . The feather dials, designed by Rene B a n n w a r t , are u n i q u e to Corum watches, and the unisex fashion is becoming ,the rage. The dials are made from rainbow - colored peacock or from brown - t o n e d pheasant feathers, which are sealed to.the gold' case. Each watch face is different, since two feathers are never the same in nature. Only feathers which birds have shed are selected, an interesting note that p r o v e s ecology even reaches into the fashion watch business.
1976 - “Rolls-Royce” watch intrigued watch buyers with its resemblance to the grill of a Rolls- Royce automobile, collection resulting from a collaboration between Corum and Rolls-Royce.

1980 - One of the most popular watch collections of today was born, "Corum's Golden Bridge" An incredible innovative movement visible via a sapphire case.
1986 - "Meteorite Model" with a dial cut from a genuine meteorite.1997 - Corum unveils the the “Tabogan” watch, which contains a mechanism allowing the watch to convert to a small stand up travel clock. Corum Bubble XL Chronograph (Regular Strap) Women's Watch Pink Dial on Pink Strap Diamond

2000 - The hugely popular Bubble Watch which still in hot demand and available at THE WATCHERY for 75% off the list price. The watch gets its name from the "Bubble" that sits above the dial. The "Bubble" is actually 11 mm thick sapphire crystal. The "Bubble Watch" is the perfect Valentines Day Gift.
Corum Trapeze Ladies' Watch Watch Stainless Steel White Dial Diamond Bezel on Pink Leather Strap 

2001 - “Trapèze” named after its elegant shape adding a whispering grace and creating timeless style.2005 - “Classical Vanitas” debuted with exceptional marquetry-work applied to watch dials. Stone stone and marble fragments are cut to fit together as an intricate mosaic. The collection depicted above, displays a skull motif. A motif which Corum often uses over a wide range of collections. (Corum's watches are always a Halloween treat). This particular model depicted above was unveiled in 2006 of which five versions were manufactured with a limited edition of 50.

2005 - Golden Bridge was reinvented.

2007 - Rebirth of the Romvlvs

2008- Admiral’s Cup Tourbillon 48 and Romvlvs Perpetual Calendar

2009- the Ti- Bridge housing the new CO 007 caliber. (I blogged about this watch with much relish - click here to read more)

2010 marks a new chapter for Corum. Corum will continue inspiring the watch world with outstanding timepieces which ,I have no doubt, will all be infused with the creative genius of its founder René Bannwart.

Omega Delivers Dazzle

When one thinks of Omega, one thinks of incredible timekeeping geared for sports. One thinks of Space Exploration, Olympics, James Bond, Speedmaster, Seamaster and Omega's co-axial escapements. One thinks of glittering glamor associated with watch companies such as Piaget, Harry Winston and Van Cleef and Arpels. Now its Omega's turn to dazzle with the introduction of the shimmering Omega Constellation Baguette Watch.
Okay you can close your mouth now. It is a beauty isn't it. Omega seems to have reached out into celestial space and brought a star down to earth. This watch is one of a kind with no word whether Omega will produce another. Each and every diamond covering the watch is carefully selected and hand cut specifically for this watch. No less than 459 large Wesselton diamonds pave the dial, case and bracelet. The demands on the dial minimize the closer they get towards a shining star resting on a sky blue, violet and turquoise mother of pearl disc hovering above the 6 'o'clock position. This arrangement creates an intriguing perception of depth. Hidden behind the "invisible mount" of baguette and trapeze cut diamonds is an 18k white gold case and bracelet. Hidden beneath the case is an Omega Caliber 8421 automatic Co-Axial escapement mechanical movement.

SIHH 2010 Gets Underway In Geneva

Its showtime as SIHH 2010 opens the curtains on a truly spectacular watch show. However, this year the SIHH feels like a stroll through shop lined piazzas baring exquisite facades and elegant display windows. The feel is a far cry from the usual large exhibition hall dotted with booths. Geneva is the perfect place to relay the atmosphere of elegant shopping, something hard to accomplish in Basel. SIHH is invitation only where high end collectors, buyers, media personnel and select others view the newest collections from 19 different companies.

SIHH is still very much a Richemont affair with 12 of the 19 brands taking part in the show is owned by Richement. These are A. Lange & Sohne, Alfred Dunhill, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Montblanc,Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubois, Vacheron Constantin & Van Cleef & Arpels as well as the joint venture between Richemont and Ralph Lauren.

The other 5 luxury brands are Audemars Piguet, JeanRichard, Girard Perregaux, Parmigiani, Greubel Forsey and Richard Mille.

SIHH is critical for the watch industry especially for Richemont. Top retailers place orders and Richemont ,as well as other companies, can get a feel in regard to the watch climate of the coming year. It stands to reason given the global recession, watch retailers will be a bit more conservative in their spending this year. In addition, there will be no huge birthday bash for the 20th anniversary of SIHH. Still the "show must go on" and what a show it is.

Watch companies have produced some remarkable pieces, many taking advantage of the advancement in metallurgy and interesting combination of materials such as Audemars Piguet Millenary Carbon One Tourbillon Chronograph crafted from forged carbon (case), ceramic (bezel, crown, pushers) and blackened steel. This year thin is in with Piaget, Vacheron Constantin and Ralph Lauren all opting for the ultra slim.
Many brands are reviving old models spruced up for today's competitive market - Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox first unveiled in the 1950's is now equipped with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, large variable inertia balance and a rotor mounted on ceramic ball bearings reducing the need for lubrication and maintenance.

The SIHH sets the standard for the World of Horology in 2010 and after seeing these exquisite collections, I must say, the standard is high. Very high.