Foreword

WMR (November 2009)

Sunil Karer, Editor - WMR

The festive season really gave a boost to consumerism in the country. The stable capital markets and economy resulted in consumers shedding their defensive attitude and making an effort to spend more. Though it was not reminiscent of the boom times in the period between 2005-2007, it was much better relatively than 2008 when negative sentiments ruled the roost.

On the back drop of spiraling gold prices, continuing global down turn and signs of slow but  steady recovery of Indian economy, Titan Industries registered an income of Rs.1156.41 Crore during the second quarter of 2009, up 4.7%. Despite high price of gold, there has been a significant improvement in sales during Dussehra and Diwali.

With demand increasing, the demand for horological professionals also increased. The Rolex Training Centre in Mumbai held a graduation ceremony to honour the class of 2009. The six watchmakers received a diploma and an exquisite gift from Rolex headquarters in recognition of their hard work, patience and determination. The graduates have all found employment with Rolex Service Centres either in India or the Middle East.

Brands continued to associate with events that eulogized their positioning and build connect with their core target groups. SEIKO sponsored the “Sail for Gold” regatta in Weymouth, England, and lured 49er sailors who were keen to win the US$5,000 prize in the SEIKO Speed Challenge. On September 16 by Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jenson’s remarkable top speed of 21.6 knots gave them the US$5,000 prize and a Velatura watch, the flagship model of SEIKO’s marine collection

Obaku, a Danish designed watch brand with a Japanese philosophy, showcases a lesson worth learning. In just two years Obaku has penetrated 21 countries and at the industry fair in Hong Kong in September another seven countries have signed up to promote forgetting about time.

This issue also presents the Timex Brett Lee event, the Tissot showcase, the Technomarine collections and other Timeless Treasures. Happy reading.

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