Complications in women's watches were trendsetters at the Salon Internationale de la Haute Horlogerie 2014, find the dnaofluxury team at SIHH, Geneva.
Audemars Piguet- Haute Joaillerie
This 449 diamond-studded haute joaillerie watch is crafted in white gold; the round dial forms a velvety celestial background. The case is surrounded by dangling baguette-cut diamond charms that swing in time with the wearer. With a power reserve of 48 hours, this watch is fitted with a manual winding in-house movement to ensure precision readings of the passing hours and minutes. The appeal of this watch lies in its combination of asymmetric and symmetric lines, an ingenious fusion of Art Nouveau's free-flowing lines countered by Art Deco's geometric architecture.
Greubel Forsey- Diamond Set Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain
Diamonds flash attention onto the action of the 24-second tourbillon. The diamonds set in the timepiece has to be calibrated to within a micron and adjusted like the mechanisms of a timepiece. The white gold case is set with baguette diamonds around the bezel and in the lugs.
The timepiece is set with 272 diamonds totalling 9.71 carats. With its ocean of blued titanium and sparkling 'white horses' in diamonds, it is animated by the action of the 24- second tourbillion, which has a 72 hours power reserve.
Piaget- Emperador Coussin TourbillonDiamond-Set Automatic Skeleton
Piaget offers a unique interpretation of fine watchmaking and jewellery expertise with this piece. Defying the laws of technical feasibility, it is the only baguette-set skeleton movement in the watch market, with an ultra-thin composition featuring a flying tourbillon. The incomparably exclusive Emperador Coussin Tourbillon diamond-set automatic skeleton piece is decked out in a total of 1,450 diamonds totalling 19.8 carats between the mechanism and the exterior.
Richard Mille- Tourbillon RM 19-01 Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning American actress unveiled the first watch designed and created with Richard Mille. This timepiece's complex undertones feature diamond studded and encrusted tracery based on the image of a spider with its strong symbolic power. The 18-carat white gold diamond-encrusted spider is an integral part of the movement. The abdomen of the spider supports the bridges of the tourbillon, and its legs the two winding barrels. Only 20 pieces of this artistic creation are available worldwide.
HONCHOS SPEAK
Alban Belloir
Van Cleef & Arpels, Managing Director Middle East & India
Poetic Complications
How has your brand evolved?
Our timepieces have shown significant growth in the past decade, primarily due to the launch of the Poetry of Time segment, now enhanced with Poetic Complications. One of these complications, the Pont des Amoureux (Lovers on the Bridge) is now iconic. Our masterpiece this year—Midnight Planetarium, has no hour, minute or seconds hands, but features planets and a shooting star.
On 2014
In 2014, VCA has a strong momentum supported by dynamic collections and a robust market. We believe in reinforcing optimism and trust that our innovation and audacity will pay-off.
On India
We share India's passion for beauty and craftsmanship that combines tradition and modernity. India is our reference point for gemstones.
What is the one thing you would like to change in the luxury world?
Some luxury brands prefer to prioritise short-term goals for commercial gain, but down the road they could lose their legitimacy, identity and essence. Luxury has to build on its roots, rather than go down a road that is not legitimate.
Alain Zimmermann
Baume & Mercier, CEO
Celebratory Indulgence
What is your vision for 2014?
We are optimistic about 2014 as we have received good feedback for our 2014 novelties showcased at the exhibition. The mood in the market is very good now. This is our star collection and I'm excited that visitors from all over the world have liked our products. We have been able to showcase the 1892 tourbillion in the true tradition of our brand.This too has been well-received by
our partners.
Describe a Baume & Mercier customer.
A consumer is a person seeking qualitative watches at an exceptional pricing with a design. Most of our customers buy a Baume & Mercier watch primarily for various important occasions of their lives. They attach a sentimental value to it.
On India
India is a fantastic market with a great potential. This market is important for us and for the Swiss Watch Industry, as well. In India, people have many occassions to celebrate, which allows the B&M consumer to indulge in our watches. Our classical style and elegant products will definitely appeal to the discerning Indian consumer.
Jerome Lambert
Montblanc, CEO
A creative approach
What has been your greatest challenge since you took over?
The biggest challenge has been to bring a new dynamic to the brand in terms of creativity and inventiveness, at Montblanc. I have had the opportunity to write a vision and mission statement as well as to encourage the sales team across the world.
Describe a Montblanc customer.
Cultured, sophisticated, thinking of value, open-minded and knowledgeable.
On 2013 and 2014
We consolidated our business in 2013; we are quite optimistic about 2014. This year Hugh Jackman came on board as our brand ambassador, given that he is an achiever in his field just like Montblanc.
On India
India to me is creativity, colour, true and strong individuals who have an open mind with a creative approach.
What is the one thing you would like to change in the luxury world?
I would like to introduce more diversity in Haute Horology as many Maisons are creating similar offerings.
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