Foreword

WMR (March 2010)

Sunil Karer, Editor - WMR

The highlight of the Union Budget 2010-11 is that even though the Indian Government’s Finance Minister presented a growth-oriented Union Budget 2010-11, there is no significant relief to watch importers. The abolition in the special additional duty has been offset by the hike in the excise duty.
 
The first trends of Baselworld 2010 are here and the World Watch and Clock Fair is an eagerly awaited momentous occasion. The entire eyes of the world is on Baselworld 2010 after a positive response to the SIHH. The newest entrant into the Swiss watch exhibition arena, Geneva Time Exhibition, evoked a very positive response from the trade and the consumers. It received support by stellar companies and brands. This is a classic example of the fact that the world needs more Swiss watch exhibitions.   
 
In a sign that the Indian economy continues to be robust, Titan Industries Ltd. triples profit after tax in Q3. The Indian horological behemoth has conjured up an aggressive mix of innovative strategies in marketing, distribution and product development. Titan brings international fashion trends to India with its ‘Purple’ collection. Purple is the flavour of the season and the fashion favourite. The design team has woven eclectic pieces around the same.
   
The clocks market has also seen strong action. The Oreva Group unveiled new digital clocks with exquisite designs and good functionality. In India, trade is very significant no marketer or manufacturer can undermine their importance. Victorinox India organized Grand Dealers’ get-together and developed bridge-building connect with the trade constituents. Titan organized North Bengal and Orissa dealers meet. The Desire watches’ dealers meet was held in Jaipur. The Delhi Watch Materials Dealers Association honoured merit students.
 
He is a man who has seen it all and done it all. An authority in the Indian horological business, Gopalratnam Kannan, Managing Director, Timex Group India Ltd., is planning aggressive strategies for the Company and its wide plethora of brands. In an exclusive interview, Kannan speaks about his plans. His colleague, Nilanjan Bhattacharya, VP-Sales, Timex Group India Ltd. also shares his insights about the FMCG way of marketing products.
 
‘Pure Scandinavian Style’ is now in India through Danish Design. Another big group has entered India and is planning to aggressively mount campaigns to woo the discerning Indian audiences. Tissot launched their “In Touch With Your Time” campaign. Q&Q is giving special offers. PA Time Industries announced plans to open 17 new stores. Excellent Time has shifted to Kharghar and Citizen has moved to new headquarters. Custom-made clocks from HMT have now been launched. SEIKO was part of the 49er Class World Championship. Temps Compvtare is a prime example of how promotions add value to the brand and take it to the next frontier. All said and done, the new ‘season’ is beginning with Baselworld 2010 and there is tremendous hope and optimism in the business circles.



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