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WMR - July 2011
Foreword
WMR - July 2011
 The pitter patter of rains during the monsoons is a welcome relief from the heat but the horological business itself is witnessing a lot of heated action. For starters, Bulgari unveiled the Rs. 4 crore watch at the Watch Bar in south Mumbai….whew!
Furthermore,Romain Jerome has unveiled the Space Invaders to shake up the watchmaking world. Tissot showcased the ‘Ready To Wear Time’ concept whereas a new exhibition at Geneva’s Cité du Temps revealed secrets of ladies’ looks through the ages.Casio introduced the new range of tough G-Shock watches. Titan showed off the new technological marvel HTSE (High Tech Self Energised) light powered watches in the presence of badminton star Saina Nehwal to the accompaniment of an advertising campaign by the inimitable Aamir Khan.
On the trade front too, there was a lot of action for the fraternity. Citizen Watches India organized its Dealers Meet 2011 highlighting the fusion of technology and beauty. There was excitement galore as dealers won several attractive prizes. RTC Mumbai organized a training course for watchmakers in India. However, trade constituents are on tenterhooks due to the new amendment in Income Tax Rule 114B wherein dealers of jewellery are supposed to furnish PAN Cards for any transaction above Rs. 5 lakh. It is believed in certain quarters that the same rule applies to the watch and clock trade.Watch Market Review spoke exclusively to Ashok Minawala of Danabhai, who vocalized the need for unity at this point of time. The Delhi Watch Material Dealers Association appointed new office bearers for 2011-13.
On the corporate front too, there was heavy duty action. DKSH strengthened its luxury & lifestyle business. Pierre Lannier brought fashion to watches.Hush Puppies eulogized its unique sense of style for consumers. Zippo watches are now launched in India. Fashion brand Versace came up with the unique Eon Ellipse concept for aficionados. Brace yourself for the “RSS” (Real Silent Sweep) technology from “Ajanta Limited” -Orpat Group.
In terms of promotions, there were offers galore for the consumers. Citizen Watches conducted a lucky draw for consumers. Rolex tied in adventure sports with the Rolex Hillary Tenzing Explorer watch coinciding with the Himalayan rally. Louis Moinet has announced that it will have its own team at the Polo De Paris.Q&Q Watches had a promotion to explore the magic of Hong Kong and Macau. Salman Khan promoted ‘Being Human’ watches are now on Myntra.com - A signature of inspiration, draped around your wrist with panache.Maurice Lacroix chose Dicky Cheung as First Asia Ambassador.
In terms of good bibliography, check out Watchmaking by George Daniels - Published in Hardback by I. B. Taur is and launched in June 2011.
Happy Reading!
Sunil Karer
Editor
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