Foreword

WMR (January 2010)

Sunil Karer, Editor - WMR

The New Year is very special because it marks the gateway to a new decade, the second of the new millennium. The first decade was one of heady growth followed by an anti-climax of sorts especially in 2008-09. But the new decade starting 2010 brings fresh hope and optimism of sustained and structured growth as everyone has learnt their lessons now.

Watchmakers have already started making investments for the challenges ahead. A visit to Armin Strom’s new factory indicates the eternal passion for tradition and farsighted vision. It also symbolizes the best of values including passing the baton to Gen-Next. 

Come New Year and the Valentine’s Day syndrome grips watch marketers. In this issue, we present the Valentine’s Collections for 2010 as well as the timeless treasures that will enhance relationships forever. Vacheron Constantin timepiece owned by Hollywood legend Marlon Brando breaks records and hearts as it sells at a collectors’ watch auction for an astounding price. The SEIKO Spring Drive Spacewalk Charities benefit was a highly successful event. Audemars Piguet Museum Antique pocket watches appeared in movie “Bodyguards and Assassins”.

There are many master watchmakers striving to chart a different creative path including Tag Heuer, which has launched a new black version of the Meridiist inspired by the Grand Carrera caliber 17. After all, the movement is the heart of the watch. Master jeweler and watchmaker Harry Winston unveiled the stupendous Midnight Minute Repeater. Glashütte’s Senator Chronometer is a lesson in itself and strictly for the aficianados. A. Lange & Söhne’s - LANGE 1 DAYMATIC Finally Automatic is a brilliant idea whose time has come --- and what a moment it is! In India, HMT Watches Ltd. has unveiled new initiatives to make a striking comeback with its loyal customers. One of the oldest traditional retailer in India, P. ORR & Sons relaunched Time to make it contemporary. Gitanjali Lifestyle hosted Mumbai’s most awaited racing events by inviting Bollywood stars to grace the occasion.

Interestingly, new niches are developing in the Swiss Fairs domain. Geneva will host the first-ever Independent Watchmakers’ Fair from January 17-22, 2010. Several focused brands catering to distinctive segmented audiences are participating in this Fair. Kudos to the organizers for beginning the New Year with an offbeat idea. Continuing with exhibition, the biggest of them all --- Baselworld has achieved another milestone with the successful optimization of the Basel Exhibition Center for BASELWORLD 2013.

In India, Watch Market Review has announced the INTERNATIONAL WATCH EXHIBITION 2010: Continental canvas, Mega mileage! It’s an ideal platform for all globally aspirating brands to commence bridge building exercises with India’s trade and consumers. With a wide canvas and new additional features, IWE 2010 will be bigger and better than ever before while setting new benchmarks in quality and excellence. India will be one of the most lucrative consumer markets of this decade and IWE 2010 is your passport into this market. It’s time to enroll and enlist into the Indian brandwagon!!!  

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