Robin Thicke Sings A New Tune As Harry Winston Ambassador

Robin Thicke performs at the Harry Winston Opus 14 unveiling in Baden-Baden

Harry Winston is known for placing its high jewelry on some of the world’s biggest and most beautiful stars of the 20th and 21th Centuries. However, in its 83-year history the luxury jewelry and watch brand has never had an official spokesperson. 

This changed Tuesday when the brand used the unveiling of the Opus 14 in Baden-Baden, Germany, to announce that recording artist Robin Thicke is the new brand ambassador for Harry Winston timepieces. 

Thicke appeared on stage following the Opus 14 presentation and later in the evening to perform many of his hit songs accompanied by dancers during the 1950s themed event. After the event ended he stayed around talking and taking photos with several of the invited guests.

Thicke becomes the first ambassador for the New York City-based brand, which was acquired by the Swatch Group in 2013. 

At a press conference the following day, Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, said there was never any search for a brand ambassador. She met Thicke in Cannes and thought he’d be good for the brand, adding that it will be a long-term commitment and wasn’t just supporting the Opus timepiece. 

“He’s not the ambassador of Opus,” she said. “He is the ambassador of Harry Winston watches.”

Thicke is one of the world’s best-known singer, songwriter and producers today, and has worked with several prominent artists, including Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige. He rose to worldwide fame in 2013 for his hit single "Blurred Lines.”

It is also that song that placed Thicke and Pharrell Williams on the losing end of a $7.4 million copyright infringement case (later reduced to $5.3 million) brought against them by Marvin Gaye’s family. The case is under appeal. He also had a messy public divorce with his former wife Paula Patton. 

Hayek is seemingly undeterred with these issues, saying that Thicke has already been “very positive to the brand and a very professional ambassador for the brand.” 

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Jacob & Co. To Exhibit ‘Magnificent Timepieces & Jewels’ In Monaco

75.54-carat fancy vivid yellow radiant cut diamond ring

It’s becoming an anticipated part of the Monaco social calendar. Jacob & Co., the New York-based luxury jeweler and watchmaker, will host its fourth annual “Magnificent Timepieces & Jewels” exhibition August 4 – 22 at the Salle Belle Époque ballroom of the Hotel Hermitage.

The exhibition is being presented by Stardust Monte Carlo, a longtime Monaco-based luxury jeweler. Among the highlights:

* A 75.54-carat fancy vivid yellow radiant cut diamond ring set in platinum and an 18k yellow gold mounting (top photo). 

* The public premiere of the Caviar Emerald Tourbillon, a timepiece with 425 invisibly set baguette cut Zambian emeralds totaling 32.39 carats. The emeralds for the 47 mm watch took two years to acquire. Creating the invisible settings for the emeralds took another year to achieve. 

* An 18k rose and white gold ring set with a 48.27 carat natural oval shaped Paraiba tourmaline surrounded by black, pink and white brilliant cut diamonds totaling 2.95 carats.

* An 18k rose gold cocktail ring centered with a 46.64-carat orange sapphire surrounded by pink and white diamonds totaling 2.89 carats.

* A necklace made of 16 natural Colombian briolette cut emeralds totaling 156.47-carats set in 18k white gold and highlighted by diamonds.

The exhibition will support Only Watch, a biennial auction benefiting muscular dystrophy research. Jacob & Co has created unique items for the charity that will be unveiled for the first time during the exhibition. There also will be an invitation-only gala cocktail reception, at the terrace of the Salle Belle Époque on August 6. 

The exhibition will be open to the public from 5 pm till 11 pm daily, with private viewings offered to the brand’s top clients.

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Sotheby’s New York Watch Auction Fetches $7.2 million

A Patek Philippe Reference 658 black dial pocket watch (pictured above) was the top lot at Sotheby’s New York Important Watches auction, selling for $527,000, well above its high estimate. Made in 1937, it features a yellow gold open-faced perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph minute repeater with moon phases and a black dial. The auction house says it is the first known reference 658 to have been produced and one of 15 made with a black dial.

The December 11 sale was Sotheby’s final watch auction of 2014. It achieved $7.2 million, with 68.5 percent sold by lot and 74.6 percent sold by value, raising the company’s 2014 sales in this category to a Sotheby’s record of $100.1 million for the year.

Familiar names in the watch world such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Paul Newman Daytona Rolex watches shared the center of attention with rare complicated mechanical clocks.

Other top lots include:

* A Courvoisier & Compe. no. 11359 ormolu and mahogany two tune musical automaton birdcage clock with double singing and flying birds sold for $389,000, well above its estimate. The circa 1820 clock was the top lot from the collection of Frank and Lore Metzger that totaled $753,000.

* A Patek Philippe Ref. 5959 platinum split seconds chronograph wristwatch with register sold for $257,000. Sotheby’s said the circa 2008 timepiece with its “Officer” style case, white dial and special italicized Arabic numerals, “bears many striking similarities” to the earliest-known split second chronograph wristwatch: the no. 124824, started in 1903 and completed in 1923, which the auction house sold in June for $2.9 million.

* A Black Starr & Frost and Pierre Gravoin rock crystal, mother-of-pearl, hardstone and gem-set desk timepiece, circa 1930, sold for $377,000, more than three times its high estimate.

* Five of Rolex’s “Paul Newman Daytonas” sold for a combined total of $591,000. The group was led by a stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet (Ref 6263 No 2874356) Paul Newman Daytona Panda, circa 1970, that sold for $185,000.

* A Vacheron Constantin yellow gold, enamel, and pearl-set open-faced watch sold for $233,000. Made in 1930 with an enamel scene of Le Temps et les Parques painted by Jeanne Vauthey, it is among a celebrated few Vacheron Constantin timepieces from the early 20th century with a painted enamel scene, Sotheby’s said. The image depicts the Three Fates, “who spin, measure and cut a length of yarn in an allegory for destiny.”

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Vacheron Constantin's New Paris Boutique

Vacheron Constantin has brought its luxury Swiss timepieces to a storefront in Paris. It is the company’s 35th boutique around the world and its first in the “City of Light.”

The interior of the 915-square-foot space at 2 Rue de La Paix uses neutral light colors contrasted with dark materials—such as woods, bronze, wrought iron and leather—to create a discreet, luxurious atmosphere. The brand brought in French master artisans to create statement details.

Mathieu Lustrerie, a specialist in light restoration for historical monuments, created a “Saturn” chandelier made of rock crystal, while mosaic artist Pierre Mesguich bejeweled it by hand with 35,000 tiny marble cubes (pictured above). The boutique’s artistic wrought iron decorative elements were tailor-made by Les Métalliers Champenois, whose other works include the restoration of the Statue of Liberty.

The boutique will contain a full line of Vacheron Constantin timepieces as well as a vintage collection named Vacheron Constantin les Collectioneurs,” which are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

The collection includes a boutique-exclusive of its 1972 Prestige timepiece, known for its ultra-thin, asymmetrical shape, its 1003 movement and the Prestige de la France coat of arms engraving on its back. The dial of the 18k gold watch shines like silver. It is available at the boutique in a limited-edition of 40 units.

To mark the opening of the Parisian boutique, the Geneva manufacturer commissioned photographer Thierry des Ouches to illustrate his vision of Vacheron Constantin in Paris through his lens. Five owners of Vacheron Constantin timepieces tell the tale of their watches, their Paris, their love of the exceptional and the values they share with Vacheron Constantin on www.2ruedelapaix.fr.

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Jewelry and Watch Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Miiori 'Flash Set' heart pendant

Below are a variety of jewelry and watches at various prices that should make exceptional gifts for Valentine's Day. The big day is Thursday, which gives you just enough time to buy something special and thoughtful for the person you love.

‘Flashy’ Heart Pendant
The Miiori heart pendant with diamonds and pink sapphires in 18k white gold (top photo). The jewelry employs the company’s patented “Flash Set” technique, where diamonds and colored gems are cut in a way that creates two different images (like a holographic image) as the piece of jewelry is moved. For more information on where to purchase the item contact the company at info@miiori.com.

Pink Diamond Heart
This 0.30-carat fancy intense pink SI1 diamond is rare in several ways. First the heart-shaped cut is something you don't see every day. Then there's the rarity of color. This pink diamond is from the Argyle mine in Western Australia, the primary source of pink diamonds throughout the world. About 55 to 60 of these diamonds are sold each year in a private tender at secret locations throughout the world to invited dealers and collectors. Their rarity is increased because the mine is estimated to have a lifespan of about 10 years. It is available for purchase on the Leibish & Co. website for $14,774. The specifications may be found here. The only drawback is that the unusual shape of the diamonds makes it difficult to set to create a jewelry piece. 

Valentine’s Day Necklace
Montblanc’s Valentine’s Day necklace in pink-gold color and steel is designed to symbolize the eternal bond shared between two souls. A large heart in warm pink-gold is paired with the Montblanc star in stainless steel. Overlapping, the heart is the universal symbol of eternal love, while the Montblanc star logo represents the luxury brand’s enduring passion for the finest European craftsmanship and design. The layered pendants are firmly tied together at the end of an adjustable leather cord that can be adjusted to deliver dramatically different looks. The necklace is available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide.

Valentine's Day Timepiece
The Saint-Valentin 2013 from Blancpain features a white mother-of-pearl dial enhanced by diamond hour-markers and five red-lacquered mother-of-pearl hearts. There also is a date display. The 34 mm steel case is topped by a bezel set with two rows of full cut-diamonds, while the case middle is adorned at 9 o’clock with five liquid ceramic hearts. This three-hand model, on which the seconds hand counterweight takes the shape of the Blancpain logo, is equipped with mechanical self-winding Calibre 1150 with a 100-hour power reserve. Even the rotor is decorated with hearts. It is available in a 99-piece limited edition and is delivered in a white wooden presentation box encrusted with white hearts evoking the dial design. Fort availability, contact the Montblanc New York boutique, 212-396-1735. 

Rose Gold Heart Chain
Designer Lisa Nik specializes in colored gemstone jewelry but she can also deliver quality designs in precious metal as with this 18k rose gold chain, decorated with little rose gold hearts. It retails for $1,260. For retailers who carry the item, visit www.lisanik.com. 

Floral Earrings
A pair of floral earrings ($148,500) paved in 20 carats of fancy pink diamonds by the famed jewelry designer Fred Leighton whose jewelry continues to be worn by Hollywood A-listers at awards shows and on the red carpet. Each earring boasts seven fancy pink diamonds at its center, with five petals encrusted in additional fancy pink diamonds. They are available at M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans. If you want to purchase them you’d better act fast as these earrings wLisa Nikill be offered at the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show taking place February 16-19. For more information, visit www.rauantiques.com.

Egg Pendants
Fabergé just released its Les Palais collection of signature Fine Jewellery egg pendants in opalescent pastels. Inspired by the summer palaces of Imperial Russia, each jewel is hand-crafted in 18k gold and guilloché enamel creating an iridescence which lends light and three-dimensional depth to each of the distinctive colors. The designs are overlaid with a refined gold embellishment, echoing the baroque motifs of the legendary Tsarskoye Selo summer palace. The collection is available at Fabergé flagship boutiques in New York, London and Geneva as well as at concessions within Harrods in London, Lane Crawford IFC in Hong Kong and other exclusive retailers. Selected items are also available via Fabergé’s online boutique at Fabergé.com.

Leopard Watch
The Hublot Big Bang Gold Leopard chronograph timepiece is set with a leopard-print dial and andalusite stones, dark smoked quartz and transparent quartz baguettes. The wild timepiece is available at Hublot’s Madison Avenue boutique.

Colorful Gold Collection
The Garavelli Dune collection uses shapes created with hammered 18k gold then covered with diamonds of various size. The line includes rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants. For more information on where to purchase the items contact Garavelli at garavelliusa@garavellialdo.it. 

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Report: 7% Increase in Interest for Haute Horlogerie, Led by BRIC and Asian Markets

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak,
such as this 'City of Sails' piece,
is the most sought-after
haute horlogerie
watch model in the world.

Is there a slowdown in the luxury watch market? Maybe. But global interest in luxury timepieces (haute horlogerie) not only remains strong but actually increased by 7 percent in 2012, according to the preliminary results of a global report.

Luxury industry market intelligence firm, Digital Luxury Group, recently released the results of the haute horlogerie category (18 brands) of the WorldWatchReport, based on an analysis of watch-related search queries typed into major global search engines. Among the findings:

1. Compared to the previous year, the highest-end category of luxury watches, haute horlogerie, experienced a 7% increase in brand interest. “This marks the third year in a row that the online interest of this highest-end segment of luxury watches has increased, showing the continued strength of haute horlogerie within the overall market,” said Florent Bondoux, DLG head of Strategy & Intelligence.

2. Of the 20 markets analyzed in the study, nearly half (47%) of global interest for haute horlogerie stems from Brazil, Russia, India, China, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Mainland China on its own compromises 31 percent of the global demand or twice as much as the U.S. market.

3. There’s a downward trend in mature luxury watch markets with the U.S. down by 10.6 percent and Japan down by 11.7 percent in its share of global demand. While relative share of demand has progressively shrank in the past three years in most established markets, for the first time since the report’s launch in 2004, there was an absolute decline in domestic demand in the U.S. and Japan.

4. Patek Philippe remains by far the leading haute horlogerie watch brand with 23.6 percent of brand interest share. Jaeger-LeCoultre takes the second spot with 12.7 percent, closely followed by Vacheron Constantin at 12.6 percent, Audemars Piguet at 9.2 percent and Breguet at 7.7 percent.

5. Along with Richard Mille, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe also record the highest growth rates in brand interest year-over-year, with 26 percent and 10.2 percent, respectively. Founded in 2001, the Richard Mille brand is the fastest growing haute horlogerie brand (61% over last year), followed by Vacheron Constantin (26%), and Patek Philippe (10.2%).

6. Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, reinforcing its leading position of last year, continues its reign as the most sought-after haute horlogerie watch model, increasing its online interest by 5 percent over the last year, likely an effect of the increased communications surrounding the icon’s 40th anniversary. Though the Royal Oak leads globally, local preferences arise for other models in markets such as Japan (Girard-Perregaux’s 1945), China (Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas), and Russia (Blancpain’s Leman).

Haute horlogerie brands tracked in this preview report were: A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Bovet, Breguet, De Bethune, Frank Muller, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte Original, Greubel Forsey, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Parmigiani, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Ulysse Nardin and Vacheron Constantin.

The full edition of the WorldWatchReport, which this year will cover more than 60 watch brands in 20 markets worldwide, will be available in April.

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Inside Montblanc Montre Headquarters

While going through my blog I realized that there was a story from November that I failed to post. Below is the story of my trip in the fall to the headquarters of Montblanc Montre SA. It's still timely, especially as the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) tradeshow for luxury timepieces approaches. Enjoy

Montblanc Montre Headquarters

LE LOCLE, Switzerland — It doesn’t take long to realize this city on the border of France is an industry town. And the industry in this town is watches. In fact, it is here that the Swiss watch industry is said to have been founded.

For all the romance that goes into the marketing and advertising of watch brands the reality is a little different. Many of these culturally and historically significant companies are housed in non-descript identical glass and steel structures located in what can only be described as an office park. The only distinguishing feature on the buildings is their logos on the front. They could very well contain insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms or just about any kind of unexciting endeavor.

A display of the individual components of an automatic movement that was conceived, developed and manufactured in house for Nicolas Rieussec timepieces. Its manual counterpart is the MB R100.  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

 
Pass the office park and onto the edge of a residential community you come upon an attractive Art Nouveau villa. This is the headquarters of Montblanc Montre SA.

Inside this one-time residential building is where nearly all of the Montblanc watches are made (with the exception of Montblanc Villeret watches). This includes the Star Collection, Sport Collection, Lady Profile Collection, Summit Collection and TimeWalker Collection. Its newer lines are the Nicolas Rieussec Collection, named after the person who invented the chronograph, and the Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco, in honor of Grace Kelly, the famous actress and Princess of Monaco. In recent years it began building its movements in house, such as MB R200 for the Nicolas Rieussec.

Montblanc Montre recently began designing and building its own in house movements.Designing the piece is the first step in the process.  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Comparing this building with the institutional-like facilities on the outskirts of town, it’s difficult to believe that Montblanc is the newcomer in the Swiss watchmaking industry. Known for its luxury writing instruments, the venerable Hamburg, Germany-based company entered the world of Swiss watchmaking in 1997, when it purchased the villa. Unlike some of its competitors, Montblanc uses this attractive, old-world building in its marketing.

Thierry Junod, general manager of Montblanc Watch Production, had to deal with all of the barbs from his established competitors. “Where do you put the ink?” is one of the most common ones.

Even with modern technology, skilled watchmakers are vital to making superior timepieces. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

 
“We have a lot to do and lot to prove,” Junod said.

The brand already has proven a lot and now stands as a permanent fixture in the world of Swiss watchmaking, particularly with the chronograph models that is its specialty. Inside the one-time residential building, there’s a lot activity as approximately 135 employees churn out watches throughout the year, combining traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques with the high-tech machinery that is now commonplace in the industry.
 

Automation with the human touch. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

In addition to upholding tradition, this newcomer has also shown innovative tendencies, particularly with its testing facilities. An area in the building is dedicated to testing the integrity and endurance of watches through five sets of tests for a total of 500 hours. The program is designed to simulate the first five years in a watch’s life. Approximately 2 percent of the watches produced are tested for winding performance, accuracy, function of the movement, general performance and water tightness. Videos of the some of the testing are below following the story.

An example of a typical workstation. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Junod said he has a lot of plans for the future. Those plans someday may have to include moving Montblanc Montre to one of those nondescript buildings in the office park.

That would be a shame.

Montblanc will be releasing a number of timepieces at SIHH (January 21 - 25 in Geneva). I will be attending and will provide an overview of the new products. 






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Harry Winston Is Not For Sale

The Harry Winston salon in Paris.

Harry Winston Diamond Corp. issued a statement Thursday saying it is not in talks to sell its luxury jewelry and watch business.

“While it is the company’s general policy not to comment on market rumors, it confirms that it has received various indications of interest regarding a potential purchase of its luxury brand segment. It is not in active negotiations regarding any such transaction,” it said in the statement. “The company does not intend to make any further public announcements regarding this matter unless it concludes that they are warranted by the circumstances or are required by law.”

The statement came as a result of stories from Reuters and other outlets stating that Harry Winston “has been approaching potential buyers such as luxury groups LVMH and PPR.”

Harry Winston Diamond Corp. is a business with assets in the mining and retail segments of the diamond industry. Harry Winston supplies rough diamonds to the global market from its 40 percent ownership interest in the Diavik Diamond Mine. The company’s luxury brand segment is a diamond jeweler and luxury timepiece retailer with salons in key locations throughout the world.

Harry Winston shares ownership of the diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada with mining giant Rio Tinto, which owns a 60 percent stake. The miner has announced its intention to sell all of its diamond mines to concentrate in larger mining segments. Harry Winston was reportedly in talks to buy the mine outright.

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The Girard-Perregaux Unveils 1966 in 41 Millimeters

The latest edition of the Girard-Perregaux 1966 timepiece comes in a new size of 41 millimeters and in pink gold. Its opaline surface reveals a slightly curved dial with 15-minute markers that take the form of slender batons. The two leaf-shaped hands are joined by a central seconds hand in blue steel, while the date is visible at 3 o’clock.

The enlarged case is adapted to the dimensions of the self-winding mechanical caliber GP4500, designed at the manufacture’s R&D department and produced and assembled in its workshops. Composed of 188 pieces, the caliber has a power reserve of 54 hours. Its pink gold oscillating weight, engraved with the name of the brand, is adorned with Côtes de Genève decoration.

An alligator strap with pink gold pin buckle is the finishing touch on this classic timepiece that retails for $16,500.

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Breguet Celebrates the First Watch With Unveiling of the Reine de Naples Watch and Jewelry Collection

Reine de Naples ladies timepiece

Abraham-Louis Breguet is said to have created and delivered the first wristwatch, for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples on October 5, 1812. To pay tribute to this historical piece and its creator, the Swiss luxury watch brand that bears the creator’s name went off to Naples for a celebration commemorating the 200th anniversary of the event.

The Breguet celebration held on Oct. 5 and 6 on the Gulf of Naples included a tour of Reggia Di Capodimonte, which was the home to Caroline Murat, who occupied the throne of Naples until 1815 and a gala and an historical exhibition, “Reine de Naples,” on the Isle of Capri.

The Swiss luxury watch brand also unveiled the 10th anniversary of its “Reine de Naples” ladies watch and jewelry collection. Launched in 2002, this collection is a tribute to the first wristwatch, ordered by Caroline Murat from Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1810 and delivered in 1812.

Reine de Naples ring in 950 platinum paved with brilliant-cut diamonds (2.48 ct), with baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 7.50 ct), and an oval-cut blue sapphire (9.50 ct).

The “Reine de Naples” anniversary special has a striking mechanism that marks the top of every hour with two chimes repeated three times. A pushpiece at 2 o’clock disables the function. Along with the usual technical imperatives involved in designing an oval movement, this timepiece incorporates the results of fundamental research by Breguet into the acoustics of chiming and repeating watches.

The geometry of the bridges, the oscillating weight and the decoration, displayed through the sapphire crystal back of the watch, form the image of a garden pavilion in the Mediterranean style, identical to the stately residences of Caroline Murat. To do justice to the lavish setting in which the piece is unveiled, the bezel and the snap of the “Reine de Naples” anniversary special are set with 28 brilliant cut diamonds and 27 blue sapphires. The striking hammers appear above the dial at 11 and 1 o’clock, while between them the diamond heart of a rose engraved in gold indicates the engagement of the hour striker. The silvered gold dial and its flange are paved with 233 brilliant cut diamonds and 303 blue sapphires with different nuances, offering a subtle color gradation. A crown placed at 4 o’clock and set with a briolette-cut diamond adds a sublime final touch to this exclusive anniversary watch, mounted on an alligator strap with a folding clasp set with 26 diamonds.

Reine de Naples tiara in 950 platinum paved with brilliant-cut diamonds (12.75 ct), baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 8.00 ct) and an 8.37 ct oval-cut blue sapphire.

The Reine de Naples jewelry set consists of a ring, pair of earrings, necklace and tiara, all in 950 platinum. The central motif of the jewels in the set is an oval-cut blue sapphire. It is surrounded by two ovoid rings paved with baguette-cut diamonds in an elegant and refined echo of the case of the first wristwatch, which had an oblong shape. 

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Girard-Perregaux’s U.S. President Goes After the Aspirational Consumer

Michael Margolis

You may remember in February a piece on Michael Margolis being named as U.S. president of Girard-Perregaux. Well I caught up with Margolis in June and we discussed what he's been doing along with his future plans for the luxury watch brand.

It’s been a busy time for Margolis. In that short time span, he was involved in updating the brand’s website, helped build a new advertising campaign, started a lifestyle blog and made a key personnel change at the Girard-Perregaux’s boutique in New York.

One of the major reasons for all of these changes is to attract the younger aspirational customer to the venerable Swiss luxury watch brand.

“I think our average customer today is probably 45 or 50 years old. We love our 45- and 50-year-old customers,” Margolis said. “But we also need the 25- and 30-year-old customer. We need the young guys who have their first big job and they’re going to reward themselves with a watch.… We need that aspirational G-P buyer. I want the 15-year-old kid who looks through a watch magazine and I want him cutting a picture of our watch out and posting it on his refrigerator and telling his parents: ‘Someday I’m going to own that watch.’”

There are probably few people in the Swiss watch industry who understand this perspective more than Margolis, who is an outsider in a largely inbred industry. His background is in the high-tech industry but has always been a passionate watch collector. Through his passion he became a forum moderator at timezone.com, a popular website for watch enthusiasts.

“I was a watch fanatic,” he said. “So I bring a little different perspective to the table. I bring a consumer’s perspective, a collector’s perspective. I see things a little differently I think because I’ve been to the other side of the counter. Most of the people were born in the industry.”

In 2005, Margolis was approached by Jean-Claude Biver, a very successful figure in the Swiss watch industry, who at the time was working for the Swatch Group. He told Margolis his plan to take over and rebuild a dormant watch brand. Biver wanted Margolis to manage a forum on Timezone about the brand. The brand was Hublot, which under Biver’s leadership, experienced spectacular growth to become one of the world’s best-known watch brands. During this time (2005 – 2012), Margolis’ role grew into communications director and eventually sales director of the brand.

Margolis is using his high-tech background, his communications and sales skills, his understanding of the passionate watch customer, and his newly acquired Swiss watch industry experience, to create ways to appeal to watch lovers in the modern world.

One of the most creative ways Margolis is attracting both the current Girard-Perregaux client and the aspiration person is by the creation of the Mechanics of Style blog. It is basically an online luxury lifestyle publication with articles from professional writers on a variety of topics, including food, travel, wine and spirits, sports, collectibles and just about anything that would be of interest to the timepiece connoisseur.

“We’re talking about all kinds of things that a person who buys a Girard-Perregaux or another watch might be interested in, such as custom shirts, fragrances, espresso machines, wine and cigars,” he said. “I won’t say it’s completely independent of Girard-Perregaux because it’s not. There’s some history and some facts and some fun things about GP as well. We have the World Timer watch that’s been an icon of GP for many years. We have a travel segment where we’re visiting all 24 of the cities that are on the World Timer’s bezel. It will be a 24-month campaign to visit all the cities on the dial.”

The website, which was not discussed during the interview, is a sleek, fast site that doesn’t use flash, which I consider groundbreaking. In the stodgy world of luxury Swiss watches and luxury in general, the industry has seemed incapable of letting go of the slow, cumbersome flash platform. Featured prominently on the new site is the company’s new advertising campaign. It focuses on a group of the band’s young watch makers, discussing their passion for the trade and their interests outside of work. The campaign includes an ongoing world tour where the young watchmakers give one-on-one workshops to watch connoisseurs and guests for insight on watchmaking and how complicated timepieces are built.

On the retail level, Margolis hired a new manager at its Madison Avenue boutique, the only brand-specific, brand-operated Girard-Perregaux boutique in the world: Chip Henderson, a veteran watch retailer.

“He’s not a guy who grew up in the industry,” Margolis said. “He’s a guy who has passion for the product and he’s exactly what we need for our Madison Avenue boutique.”

Margolis has big plans for the boutique.

“I want to turn the boutique into what I’m calling a Girard-Perregaux embassy. Yes of course it’s a retail space where a customer can come in and buy a watch and we don’t apologize for that. But I want it to be much more than that. I want it to be where the customer can come, he can be educated, he can buy just a strap for his watch, he can learn about the brand. We have a full-time watchmaker on staff. When you walk in the door he’s right in front of you. We take in a tremendous amount of repairs. We have repair facilities in the U.S. but it’s rare that brand boutiques on Madison have a watchmaker on staff so we’re very happy about that.”

Margolis said Girard-Perregaux has no plans to build more boutiques. Instead, it will continue to enhance its relationships with its retailers.

“My opinion as a watch guy is that we are manufacturers and distributors and wholesalers. It’s not our place to be retailers,” he said. “We have a number of boutiques in China but they’re all owned by retailers. The only boutique that we have in the world that’s not owned by a retailer is Madison Avenue and if you look at the rent structure for what a square-foot of space on Madison Avenue in the 60s costs, it’s nearly impossible for a retailer to make a business model that works. For us, the boutique becomes an advertising expense.”

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Vacheron Constantin Opens Boutique in Las Vegas

Entrance of the new Vacheron Constantin Las Vegas boutique.

Swiss luxury watch brand, Vacheron Constantin, opened a new boutique Monday at the Palazzo Hotel, Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, marking the company’s 30th boutique worldwide and its second boutique in North America after the opening in New York in September 2011.

The interior design of the new retail space uses contemporary elements combined with traditional design techniques, the Geneva-based brand said, noting that it is “an architectural perspective that reveals the brand’s constant search for excellence and aesthetic perfection.” The materials and color scheme provide “a warm and comfortable atmosphere dedicated to technical and precious haute horlogerie.”

The boutique will offer the entire range of collections from the Geneva-based brand, as well as exclusive boutique models.

“This opening is another milestone in the brand’s worldwide expansion and allows us to provide an experience that will enhance customer understanding of the brand and its longstanding history in haute horlogerie,” said Hugues de Pins, president of Vacheron Constantin North America.

Vacheron Constantin, established in 1755, is the world’s oldest continuous watch manufacturer.

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Hublot Celebrates America's Independence with US Liberty Bang

Hublot US Liberty Bang

Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot has teamed up with the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for the second consecutive year to serve as the “Official Watch and Timepiece” of the Liberty Medal award.

To celebrate this partnership, Hublot created a limited edition US Liberty Bang 44mm timepiece to honor the recipients of the Liberty Medal. Set with a black ceramic case, the black dial features an American flag inscribed with text and citations from the American Constitution on a black rubber and gummy alligator strap.

Established in 1988 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, the Liberty Medal is awarded annually to men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. The medal was first administered by the National Constitution Center in 2006 to presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Other past Liberty Medal recipients include Nelson Mandela, Shimon Peres, Kofi Annan, Sandra Day O’Connor, Bono and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates was the recipient of 2011 award.

This year’s award will be presented in September. The recipient has yet to be named.

The National Constitution Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the U.S. Constitution and its legacy of freedom. It is located two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

The Hublot US Liberty Bang limited edition costs $11,900 and is available at the Hublot Boutique, 692 Madison Avenue, New York.

Girard-Perregaux Gives Desmond Tutu 1966 Collection Watch

Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu was in Los Angeles Thursday for a public conversation with author Robert V. Taylor titled, “How to be Happy, Change the World and Embrace a New Way to be Human.”

More than 500 guests attended the event at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Bing Auditorium, which was followed by a private reception.

Also in attendance as an event sponsor and supporter of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation was Girard-Perregaux. The luxury Swiss watch brand presented Archbishop Tutu with an engraved 1966 collection watch in honor of his philanthropic accomplishments around the world.

The Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation helps people and societies create cultures of peace by developing programs that focus on young people through the use of new media and traditional methods.

Montblanc and the Couple of the Year Awards

The winning couples: Christiane and Herbert Knaup (“Creative Couple”), Sabine Christiansen & Norbert Médus ("Couple of the Year"), Annemarie Warnkross and actor Wayne Carpendale (“TV Couple”), and Olympic Champion Maria Höfl-Riesch and husband Marcus Höfl (“Power Couple”). Photo credit: Montblanc

HAMBURG, Germany — It’s not often that you see someone in the news business get emotional over receiving a bit of recognition. But there she was, one of Germany’s best-known journalists, Sabine Christiansen, being reduced to tears on stage, sharing the limelight with her husband Norbert Médus, as she spoke in German about being named “Couple of the Year.”

That’s right, you read correctly. Each year couples in this northern port city are honored and given awards for having successful relationships. In addition to the “Couple of the Year,” three other couples received awards at the April 23 event in the categories of: “TV Couple,” “Power Couple” and “Creative Couple.”

Couple of the Year Award 2012, German television journalist, Sabine Christiansen, and and her husband, French entrepreneur, Norbert Medus with their Montblanc TimeWalker watches. Photo credit: Montblanc

The criteria for receiving an award is largely undefined or unknown to the public (believe me I asked). Outside of the top honor, the categories change each year, again for unspecified reasons. Being married is often a criterion, although it isn’t set in stone as you will soon learn, and being in the public eye is certainly a top consideration.

The awards event in its 10th receives a great deal of attention from the German media. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Montblanc along with Gala magazine, the largest celebrity publication in Germany, and the Hotel Louis C. Jacob, the romantic inn overlooking the Elbe River where the event was held, are sponsors of the event that celebrated its 10th anniversary. Despite its apparent vagueness, The Couple of the Year Awards has grown to become a very important part of the social calendar in Hamburg and increasingly well-known throughout Germany. It had all the trappings of big celebrity gala. Current and past winners stepped on a red carpet and were greeted by a large bank of photographers.

Past Couple of the Year winners, Sir Christopher Lee and his wife, Birgit "Gitte" Kroencke Lee. They have been married for 51 years. Photo credit: Montblanc

Among the best-known past winners in attendance were British actor Sir Christopher Lee and his wife, Birgit “Gitte” Kroencke Lee, who’ve been married 51 years; and American socialite, model and actress Olivia Palermo and German model, Johannes Huebl, who have been dating for about four years. Palermo and Huebl received the award last year for “International Couple.”

Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl, who have been dating for four years, received a Couple of the Year award last year for "International Couple." Photo credit: Montblanc

However, once inside the room where the awards were presented, it was a more intimate affair. In fact, you might say that minus the stage and awards presentation, it looked a bit like a wedding. But in many ways it’s better than a wedding because saying “I Do” is the easy part. Being successful at marriage or a relationship takes hard work and sacrifice. Add to that the demands of celebrity that most of these couples face and it becomes an even greater challenge and achievement.

German TV presenter Frauke Ludowig led the Couple of the Year presentation at the Hotel Louis C Jacob. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

“These are exactly the values for which Montblanc stands for,” said Lutz Bethge, Montblanc CEO.

Yours truly flanked by Lutz Bethge, Montblanc CEO, and his lovely wife Gaby. Photo credit: Montblanc

For example, Christiansen gave up her position hosting the most popular political talk show in Germany to move to Paris with her husband, Médus, an entrepreneur. As Couple of the Year, they received two Montblanc TimeWalker watches.

Montblanc presented the three other winning couples with jewelry from the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco for the women and Montblance writing instruments for the men.