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Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph Automatic from Montblanc has become a third Prize winner in the 16th edition of the “Montre de l’annee” watch competition. This distinction was bestowed on Lutz Bethe, CEO Montblanc International GmbH at the awards ceremony, which was held in Geneva, on October 28th, 2009.

A distinguished jury, which brought together major specialists from the watch industry, has chosen the best watches of the year. After evaluating a large number of timekeepers, unveiled in the course of the event, the judges declared the Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph Automatic model one of the three best watches of 2009.

Animated by the first Montblanc proprietary calibre movement and featuring an enviable degree of manual craftsmanship, this Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph watch opens a new chapter in the already rich history of the company.

The Montblanc watch has been released this October. With its exceptional features and unrivalled design, this marvelous model delivers everything what connoisseurs of fine timepieces inevitably expect.

The watchmaking house Victorinox is proud to unveil its new mechanical collection, which includes the spectacular Dive Master 500 Mecha watch.

The novel Dive Master Mecha watch comes in a PVD-treated stainless steel case, 43 mm in diameter. The watch case is assembled with a sapphire crystal, which protects the dial.

The latter exposes the hands and markers, treated with a luminous compound to ensure a good level of darkness visibility. The rear side of the watch is protected by a see-through case back. The model is fitted with a screw-down crown.

This Victorinox novelty is animated by an automatic mechanical movement with ETA 2892-A2 used as its base. It indicates the hours, minutes, seconds and the date.

The Victorinox Dive Master Mecha watch boasts 500-meter water-resistance.

The horological company Rodolphe has introduced its progressive concept watch, which represents a union of the best traditions of luxury watch-making and innovative design. Entitled the Instinct 5456 Big Tourbillon, this model demonstrates daring design, typical for the brand.

Inspired by the greatest complications, this novelty has recently enriched the Instinct collection. It happens to be a clever blend of sophisticated technology and ultimate elegance of design.

The watch company Rodolphe has chosen to house the tourbillon in the well-known case of the Instinct collection. A true surprise for the watch lovers has become, however, its impressive dimensions.

The watch face exposes rollers, which serve to indicate hours, minutes and power reserve. The perfectly balanced dial, which demonstrates a contrasting design, opens the view to the movement. Beating to the rhythm of the second, the tourbillon accomplishes one rotation per minute.

Ladoire Geneve’s chairman founder and managing director, Lionel Ladoire and Richard Piras respectively, have introduced the brand’s first collection, Roller Guardian Time, in the presence of more than 200 distinguished guests. This remarkable event was arranged in cooperation with Sotheby’s. Representing the oldest fine art auctioneers, Sotheby’s happens to be the leader in this very field in Paris.

The elegant models from the Roller Guardian Time assemblage have been offered in the flagship boutique Chronopassion since August. In September, 2009, the aforementioned event was conducted to present watches across the entire spectrum of the Roller Guardian Time assemblage. A particular attention was captured by the Sur-Mesure line, which consisted of 3 exceptional and totally tailor-made pieces Black & Black.

The festive evening saw the attendance of the brand’s clients, VIPs, collectors, watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The event took place at the renowned Charpentier Gallery, to accentuate the importance of the French market to the Ladoire’s brand.

Alexandre Strambini, the managing director of the Edox watch company, which happens to be an official timing partner of the World Rally Championship (WRC), met Peter Solberg at Rally of Spain.

Petter Solberg, who was a winner of the World Championship, expressed his admiration for the innovative Edox Grand Ocean GMT watch, distinguished by spectacular design and sophisticated technology. Petter instantly treated his wrist to this exceptional timekeeper. The famous Norwegian pilot was especially attracted to the function, displaying the second time zone, which is of great importance to such a global traveler as he is.

According to Alexandre Strambini, an ardent fan of the World Rally Championship, Petter Solberg, with his professionalism and records, truly deserves to be awarded with one of the brand’s watches.

The Edox Grand Ocean Automatic GMT watch, ref. 93004 357N NIN, comes in a black PVD-treated case, measuring 45 mm in diameter. The watch is powered by the Edox 93 self-winding caliber movement. The timepiece functionality includes the second time zone, hours, minutes, seconds and date display.

The model provides 100-meter water-resistance. It is accompanied by a rubber strap.

The watch company Sarpaneva has launched the second edition of its Korona K1 watch.

Available either in stainless steel, 18K red or white gold, the watch case features the dimensions of 42mm x 10.2mm, diameter and thickness indicated respectively. It is fitted with a double secured water-resistant brand’s proprietary crown, also manufactured from stainless steel.

The timepiece dial is offered in three interpretations: black diamond coated, imperial blue or rust brown. It exposes rhodium-finished, red gold-finished or black hands, which are micro-blasted or polished. The dial is protected by a 1.5 mm thick sapphire crystal with its inside, exposing a multi anti-reflective treatment.

The model accommodates a mechanical self-winding modified Soprod A10 calibre movement, with 25 jewels. It incorporates a balance wheel, which beats at the rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement exhibits rhodium-plated, perlaged surface. The watch offers a 42-hour power reserve and is water-resistant to 5 ATM.

The Sarpaneva watchmaker presents its Korona K1 watch on a leather strap, proposed in various colors.

The top Swiss watchmaker Harry Winston has recently launched its new collection of jewelry and timepieces, encouraged by the glamorous city of New York. To mark the occasion there was arranged an exclusive cocktail party with the actress Freida Pinto as its hostess. The celebration took place on Sunday, September 13th, 2009.

This festive event saw the attendance of such celebrities as Gerard Butler, actor; Jennifer Esposito, actress; Jason Wu, designer; Astrid Munos, model; Oluchi Onweagba, model and Ryan Lochte, Olympic swimmer. Harry Winston CEO, Thomas J. O’Neill and the brand’s Creative Director, Sandrine de Laage were also present at the party.

The guests of the evening were treated to champagne and caviar in Harry Winston’s Fifth Avenue salon. The shopping venue was especially redesigned for the event.

The watches from Harry Winston’s New York collection truly reflect the beauties of the New York City. Thus, romantic Sunsets are mirrored in the rarest padparadscha sapphires; the spectacular spiral of the Guggenheim is emulated in handcrafted diamonds; the city Nightlife, glittering with fascination, is reinterpreted in dazzling diamonds as well as the flowing Rivers echo in deep blue sapphires.

According to Sandrine de Laage, Creative Director of Harry Winston, the city of New York with its energy, architecture, movement and life, has always been a source of inspiration for the brand.

The cooperation between the famous watchmaker Montblanc and a horse racing event represents nothing but a perfect union. The ancestor of the brand’s up-to-date timepieces was a special device, intentionally developed for measuring horse racing times.

This year, the Montblanc watch company will render its support to the extremely important horse racing event, the 26th Breeder’s Cup World Championship. The audience will be offered a chance to admire professional riders as well as thoroughbred horses.

It is Montblanc Star, Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch, that happens to be a true incarnation of the elite horse racing’s spirit. This timepiece is proposed in several skeletonized and non-skeletonized interpretations. It is definitely a highlight within the brand’s lineup.

The Montblanc watch is powered by the in-house manufactured chronograph movement, measuring up to 30 minutes. The chronograph counters demonstrate rotating discs, which substitute for hands and the date indicator. The mono-pusher, located at 8 o’clock, serves to control start, stop, and rest functions.

Entirely sculptured in gold, these watches are to be presented to the best riders, both male and female, in the Winner’s Circle.

The watch-making house de Grisogono is delighted to present two novel watches, studded with brown diamonds. These models are included into the brand’s autumn collection.

The brown diamonds are presented in a wide variety of overtones, ranging from light to dark brown. Every gem is thoroughly chosen to match other precious stones.

The Piccolina S04 watch has a case sculptured in polished 18 carats pink gold, and paved with 38 brown diamonds with a total weight of 1.44 carats. The case exposes a crown, studded with a black diamond.

Protected by a sapphire glass, the timepiece’s silver dial is illuminated by a play of 20 sparkling white diamonds, totaling to 0.13 carats.

The watch accommodates a quartz movement, which offers 30-meter water-resistance. Fitting this model is a chocolate galuchat strap.

The Instrumento Grande S12/A watch features a case, rendered in polished 18 carats pink gold and paved with 146 brown diamonds, which total to 2.61 carats. The case is fitted with a crown, featuring de Grisogono signature crest.

The champagne guilloche dial of the watch is embellished with 14 brown diamonds with an overall weight of 0.25 carats. The oversized date is displayed in a large exhibition window.

Inside this model is an automatic movement. It provides 30-meter water-resistance.
The de Grisogono watch comes with a light brown galuchat strap, finished with a de Grisogono butterfly buckle, crafted from polished 18 carats pink gold.

The well-known watch manufacturer Seiko has recently launched its novel luxury dress timepiece, the Premier Kinetic Chronograph. The steel case, measuring 42 mm in diameter, demonstrates its shiny rose gold PVD-treated surface.

The model case houses a dial, which reveals steel Roman numerals. The counters, hands and indices are all accented with subtle touches of rose gold. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal.

This Premier Kinetic Chronograph watch is animated by 7L22 Kinetic Chronograph calibre movement, which possesses 1/5th-second timing capabilities. Executed entirely by the Seiko brand, the movement incorporates a rotor, generating a kinetic power, which is delivered afterwards to a quartz crystal oscillator. Distinguished by its quartz precision and cost, this special construction requires no battery to function.

An instant flyback mechanism enables the wearer to record the total elapsed time up to 12 hours.

The Seiko Premier Kinetic Chronograph watch boasts 100-meter water-resistance.

The German watch manufacturer Union Glashutte is pleased to presents its first Noramis collection, which embraces watches for both men and women.

Simple and iconic in their design, these timepieces offer the basic function of indicating the hours and minutes. Perfect elegance, which is attainable due to a time-tested design and an impeccable prowess, is also inherent in the watch interior.

The Noramis watch case houses a dial, which exposes crisp digits, tapered indices and pointed hands. With all the features mentioned, this model is suggestive of those iconic timepieces that successfully go through time.

This timepiece case is distinguished by the retro-themed exterior, which is accentuated by convex sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective treatment. The watch’s curved dial perfectly emphasizes the enchanting glitter of the sunburst finish.

The models from the Noramis line are offered in different color combinations. For instance, silvery indices and hands are presented against the black and anthracite dial. The interpretation, accented with subtle touches of rose gold, is a true embodiment of gracefulness.

The watches feature unadorned bezels and nicely rounded stainless steel strap lugs. Fitting these timepieces is a graceful brown or black leather strap with crocodile grain or a screwed stainless steel strap. These timekeepers are offered with a case diameter of 34 mm or 40 mm.

The Noramis women's watch exposes a 34 mm case. It is characterized by the same conventional, yet a bit more extravagant design. The black dial is embellished with ten diamonds, which produce discreet highlights between two numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock. Completing the noble image of this model is a black leather strap with crocodile grains.

A screwed-on sapphire crystal case back opens the view to the automatic movement, which is finished with unique Union Glashutte components. The movement incorporates the rotor, marked with the skeletonized brand lettering and embellished with the Glashutte stripe finish.

This watch offers a 42-hour power reserve and is 100-meter water-resistant.

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, organization in charge of all phases inherent in the planning of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), to be conducted from January 18th through 22nd, 2010, is delighted to welcome two new exhibitors.

As defined by the SIHH Exhibitor Committee, Greubel Forsey and Richard Mille will take part in the event alongside with 17 brands. The latter include A.Lange & Sohne, Alfred Dunhill, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, JeanRichard, Girard Perregaux, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelery Co, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels.

All participants of the exhibition affirm the core values, the SIHH has been promoting in its respect for Fine Watchmaking.

The aforementioned project has been experiencing a continuous growth for more than twenty years. In 1991, the exhibition occupied an area of 4,500 sq m, while in 2010, it will sprawl out to cover 30,000 sq m. The number of participants has also increased: from 5 brands in 1991 to 19 in 2010. The upcoming exhibition will be attended by exceptional retail customers as well as all ambassadors for Fine Watchmaking.

All 19 companies to be exhibited at the 20th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, aspire to promote their masterful traditions, novelties and professions, which are a true basis for Fine Watchmaking.

While making presentation for her movie Meres et filles in the course of 8 pm TV news on TF1, the actress Catherine Deneuve was wearing Dior Fine Jewellery earrings and a Dior Horlogerie watch.

The famous actress exposed the Gourmandes Pastel earrings, rendered in white gold and set with diamonds, aquamarines and pink sapphires. This amazing beauty was complemented by the white mother-of-pearl.

The watch, Catherine Deneuve treated her wrist to, was La Mini D de Dior watch. This watch case, measuring 19 mm in diameter, was sculptured in steel. Featuring the diamond- paved bezel, it was assembled with a mother-of-pearl dial. Animating this extremely alluring timekeeper’s functions was the quartz ETA movement.

Distinguished by the quiet understatement, this watch came with a black satin strap.

Vincent Berard’s recent moving into a new atelier has definitely laid a foundation for the brand’s successful future in the world of horology. Painstakingly restored within a period of three years, a 300-year old farmhouse, located in Neuchatel, has heartily welcomed its new host - the young Swiss watchmaker.

The festive event, arranged on this special occasion, took place on September 23rd and 24th. To crown the celebration, the special visitors, including the acclaimed watchmakers, international timepiece collectors, Vincent Berard’s major retail agents, as well as the horological press’ representatives, were invited to the refined dinner.

The guests were also offered a perfect opportunity not just to admire the novel workshops, but also to get a personal perspective of some unique Vincent Berard watches.

These horological masterpieces embraced the models, which had already experienced their world premiere, such as Luvorene I, as well as the brand’s new releases, such as the "Quatre Saison Carrosse". The latter represents a collection of four ladies’ timepieces, featuring day and moon phase indication. The color of gold and the type of precious stones setting in every model echo the spirit of each season.

Established three years ago, the Vincent Berard manufacture is aimed at creating artistic high luxury timepieces to be issued in limited edition.

The company’s activity is based on the principle of conventional individual manufacture, which is a demonstration of respect for traditions carried on during the 18th century in the area of Neuchatel.

Committed to the iconic watch-making philosophy, Vincent Berard SA also focuses on the growth, the company should continuously experience.

Uninformed retailers represent a huge problem for watch manufacturers. It is explainable by the fact, that luxury timepieces are extremely complicated not only in terms of their functionality, but also with regard to knowledge of the brand, the way of construction, as well as all little details, which are vital in the personality of the watch.

Additionally, the problem is aggravated by the cultural and language barriers, which draw apart people at the timepiece manufacture as well as those employees, who are in charge of selling products in different parts of the world.

To improve the situation, the acclaimed watch-making houses arrange special training sessions, aimed not only at delivering information about the brand’s latest releases to retailers, but also at familiarization of the retail staff with the manufacture itself.

The Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has recently conducted two training seminars, in US and Europe, to keep its select retail partners informed on all the new steps the company made.

A thriving watch company with the rich history, Vacheron Constantin gives a professional review of the changes, which occurred in the world of horology, and those things, which remained permanent.

Personal training, provided to the retailers by the brand, happens to be the most effective instrument of education. It assures the high level of proficiency among the retailers as well as enables them to introduce the luxury timepieces in the best possible manner.

This autumn and winter a special exhibition, devoted to the film work by Italian filmmaker Fegedrico Felini, is welcoming visitors at the Jeu de Paume, in Paris.

The exhibition is aimed at revealing the inner world of the illustrious filmmaker and demonstrating the refined art in his theatrical performances as well as his creative process.

It is the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand, which happens to be the official sponsor of the event. This watchmaker has been involved in cooperation with the artistic community for the last several years. Alongside with supporting the film exhibition in Paris, Jaeger-LeCoultre has recently supported the Venice International Film Festival.

The renowned luxury brand finds it vital to be a part of the up-to-date artistic culture and of that which belongs to the past. In the attempt to conquer its place at the pinnacle of timelessness, Jaeger-LeCoultre willingly invests in artistic events and festivals, thus, associating itself with time-tested masterworks, presented in visual and written forms.

It has been 120 years since the Longines logo, still used by the famous St. Imier watchmaker, was registered.

To celebrate this anniversary, the brand has arranged a special exhibition in the Cite du Temps in Geneva, published the history of a symbol, as well as produced two limited edition watches, featuring individual numbers from 1 to 120.

At a press conference, held within the framework of this festive event, the floor was given to Brigitte Bolli Jost, Brand Registration Responsible at the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, and Francis Gurry, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization. They brought up the burning subjects of both national and international challenges, intellectual property and the necessity for the trademarks to be protected.

According to Walter von Kanel, President of Longines, on registering the factory trademark in 1889, the brand did everything in its power to provide the proper protection for its name and signature. Referring to the data of the United Nations special agency, this 1889 trademark happens to be the oldest one, still used in the form it originally appeared.

The exhibition, which is conducted at Cite du Temps in Geneva, reflects the way this trademark was adopted and protected. The showpieces embrace historical Longines watches and original documents, which trace the development of a logo and the emergence of the watch-making traditions.

The exhibition welcomes visitors from Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, November 1st, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Baselworld is definitely taking an advantage of the depressed economy situation: a considerable number of world-famous brands have narrowed down their exhibition participation exclusively to this World Watch and Jewellery Show.

Arranging Baselworld 2010, which will be held from March18th to March 25th, is already underway. The number of the illustrious brands, which have been registered to take part in the coming show, is impressive. This event is really indispensable as regards to providing incentive in the luxury goods industry.

Having turned down the possibility to take part in other shows, lots of eminent manufacturers do their best to prepare for Baselworld. It is crucial for the marketing budgets to be used in the most effective way, especially under the unstable economic conditions. Basel happens to be the best place for achieving this goal, since the show is arranged for highly professional visitors and buyers.

According to Christoph Wellendorff, Managing Director of Wellendorff, Baselworld allows the brands to exhibit their creations in the best possible way. He also added that only in the course of this very show, the companies could associate with their key specialist dealers from all the parts of the world and introduce all the novelties from their collections to the jewelers.

Thus, this concentration process undoubtedly consolidates the position of the World Watch and Jewellery Show. Its management, however, does not aspire to attract a huge number of exhibitors. Sylvie Ritter, Show Director of Baselworld comments, that they prefer quality over quantity and besides, their target is to provide enough space for the brands to unveil their products.

Alongside with the acclaimed brands, Baselworld also welcomes young companies that demonstrate an extremely high level this show has achieved.

The 2009 Salon Internacional de la Alta Relojeria is a watch industry exhibition, which is scheduled to be held in Mexico City from September 29th through October 1st. The up-to-date luxury timepieces, created around the themes of Land, Air and Sea, will be a particular highlight of this very event.

“Land, Air and Sea” is one of the themes, the latest exhibition of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is devoted to. The FHH has entered into a partnership with 29 world-famous watchmakers, with such brands as A. Lange & Sohne, Audemars Piguet, Chopard, Corum, Daniel Roth, Gerald Genta, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Greubel Forsey, IWC, Girard-Perregaux, Panerai, Vacheron Constantin, TAG Heuer, Piaget, and Zenith among them.

The activity of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is aimed at encouraging an interest and awareness in the domain of fine watchmaking and promoting education for the dealers, rendering support to the watch manufacturers, which are of great importance to the industry. It also offers the industry an opportunity to investigate larger matters, which may have an impact on future.

In its statement to the press, the FHH commented that the watches, manufactured around the themes of Land, Air and Sea, demonstrated the superiority of the mankind to the environmental elements and, therefore, they had become so popular with customers.

The technological achievements and novelties, presented either in a chronograph watch on the racetrack, a timepiece with dual time zones, intended to assist a pilot in his activity, or a dive watch, ensuring its wearer’s safe coming up to the surface, considerably contribute to the attractiveness of fine watches.

The Salon International de la Alta Relojeria will take place at the Hotel Four Seasons in Mexico City.

Arranged by Patrizzi & Co in partnership with the Monaco Yacht Show and attended by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the third Only Watch charity auction of 34 unique watches has provided financial support for scientific and medical research in the domain of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

According to Osvaldo Patrizzi, the results of the event exceeded all the expectations. The charity auction demonstrated that the gorgeous horological masterpieces, similar to those introduced by 34 watch brands, would always find their happy owners.

Luc Pettavino, President of the Monaco Yacht Show and founder of the Monegasque Association Against Muscular Dystrophy, thanked the watchmakers, collectors, personalities, partners and organizers of the evening: everyone, whose activity was aimed at supporting the Association, which in its turn would enable to recover thousands of children in the world.

To crown the auction, HSH Prince Albert II expressed his gratitude to all the participants of the event.

Additionally, the Association was transferred 30,000 Euro. This sum was added to the final amount, which is intended for financing the current research projects and initiating new ones.

Only Watch turned out to be the charity auction of luxury watches that was impatiently expected by timepiece collectors and enthusiasts all over the world. The next event of the kind, the fourth Only Watch charity auction, will take place in September 2011.