September 12, 2006
Fortunoff Announces Petra Nemcova, Supermodel and Activist, as their New Fresh Face
Fortunoff, the 84-year-old iconic brand has announced supermodel and humanitarian, Petra Nemcova, as their new face. She is the first personality associated with the brand since Lauren Bacall served as Fortunoff's spokesperson twenty six years ago. Petra, known for her beauty as well as her compassion and charitable endeavors, will serve as the face of Fortunoff's regional advertising campaign and their Fall and Holiday Jewelry catalogs, reaching over two million consumers in the USA. The latest images of Petra's campaign have recently been unveiled in the windows of Fortunoff's flagship Fifth Avenue location. This new imagery is in keeping with Fortunoff's desire to appeal to a new consumer, by introducing Fortunoff in a more fashionable, more youthful manner.
In addition to serving as the face of Fortunoff, Petra will take on the role as designer for the very first time. She collaborated with the jewelry design team to create a new collection called the "Petra for Fortunoff Collection," available this holiday season in all Fortunoff retail locations, as well as online. Fortunoff is widely known for its vast selection of classic and chic jewelry at accessible prices. In keeping with this philosophy, the "Petra for Fortunoff Collection" incorporates pieces in gold, sterling silver, and pieces with diamonds and gemstones that retail from $125 to $5,000. This collection is derivative of Petra's keen eye for design and unique sense of personal style. A portion of proceeds from select items will benefit the Happy Hearts Fund, Petra's personal charity of choice she founded in 2005. The Happy Hearts Fund provides aid to children in need who have suffered loss or hardship as a result of natural, economic or health related disasters.
Petra Nemcova is a Czech born model and tsunami survivor. Since her introduction to modeling, Nemcova has worked with some of the industry's most prominent photographers, such as Mario Testino, Gilles Bensimon, Patric Demarchelier. Her sultry looks have been featured in major magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and has appeared in advertising campaigns for high-profile brands such as La Perla, Clarins, and Max Factor, among others.
Fortunoff, a New York legend since 1922 has propelled itself from its roots in Brooklyn through stores in New York and New Jersey to the World Wide Web. Fortunoff provides customers with necessities and niceties such as fine jewelry and watches, antique jewelry and everything for the home.
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Posted by Editors at 11:27 AM
August 3, 2006
IWC Watches opens its latest flagship store in Seoul
After opening in Dubai, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Zurich and Bangkok, IWC is celebrating the opening of its latest flagshipstore in Seoul.
The IWC Boutique houses the most comprehensive collection of IWC watches with the objective to create a unique yet high quality service to IWC customers.
IWC was created by a young American named F.A. Jones. Following his founding of the company in Schaffhausen in 1868, he also left the genetic code, so to speak, that has been revived in the Portuguese F.A.Jones. Back then, Jones started out with half a dozen basic movements in several different versions. These have gone down in watchmaking history as Jones calibers. Today, IWC watches with Jones calibre are very much in demand as collector's items. The Portuguese F.A. Jones is available worldwide in a limited edition of 500 watches in platinum, 1000 in 18ct. rose gold, 3000 in stainless steel.
Skeletonised watches have a long tradition at IWC. This high art is also continued with the F.A. Jones Squelette. The hand of the master craftsman transforms the Portuguese F.A. Jones into a filigree horological work of art. It is considered by connoisseurs as the highest level of craft perfection. This boutique exclusive model is limited to 100 watches in rose gold and 50 in platinum worldwide.
The restrained color spectrum of white, metallic grey and black underlines the guiding principle of IWC: "We are the Engineers of fine Watchmaking". The penchant for understatement associated with the IWC brand is reflected in the restrained atmosphere of the IWC Boutiques. There is nothing here to distract you from the main attraction: the watches from IWC, that remain true to their philosophy of "Probus Scafusia" - Good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen. The art of complex simplicity so closely associated with the IWC brand is thus reflected in the architecture. Simple, minimalist forms combined with glass and metal create an attractive eye-catcher and invite customers to walk in.
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Posted by Editors at 6:48 PM
July 26, 2006
EBEL: 2006 Brazilian celebration for a new line
Around the world, Brasilia spells freedom, festivity and passion: exactly the qualities embodied in the design of this high-energy new creation by the watch maker EBEL.
Accordingly to EBEL, the new Ebel Brasilia 2006 collection is characterized by its rectangular case shape and it interprets all the major brand signature themes such as smooth, sensual lines, sophisticated, timeless design and incomparable bracelet comfort. Contemporary, vibrant and sensual, this new collection marries the brand’s classic curves with ultra-modern lines, in a clever blend that will guarantee the enduring beauty of this timeless creation.
The collection encompasses Lady and Gent’s models, both characterized by their well-balanced, streamlined proportions, H-shaped bracelet and sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Nonetheless, each was specifically and separately designed with its future wearers in mind, meaning neither was derived from the other. These genuinely distinct and independent Gent/Lady interpretations belonging to the same collection represent a noteworthy exception within the watch industry, and a sure sign that Brasilia is about expressing your own identity.
Profoundly feminine
Thanks to their sensual curves, Brasilia ladies’ models are feminine to the core, like the set version, available in steel or in gold. The exquisitely polished rectangular steel case and bracelet make this model shine like a radiant wrist jewel. The ultra-supple bracelet owes its peerless comfort on the wrist to the equal amounts of time and energy devoted to designing both sides. The crown is partially recessed into the case to further enhance this softly rounded visual appeal and silky-smooth touch. As on the case, each detail of the luminous white mother-of-pearl dial has been meticulously conceived and crafted to catch and hold the light playing over its surfaces: from the slightly cambered hand-applied hour-markers to the 10 pure, sparkling diamond hour-markers and the guilloché minute circle. Representing the perfect party companion, Brasilia is unmistakably far more than just a watch; it is a sophisticated piece of jewelry to be worn with style in all circumstances.
These fascinating high-profile watches are exclusively driven by quartz movements to ensure carefree accuracy and reliability. With all this in mind, it is hardly surprising that the qualities of such a sexy, head-turning watch are so perfectly personified by gorgeous Brazilian-born super-model Gisele Bündchen. Youthful, spontaneous and radiating positive energy, natural beauty and joie de vivre, she sums up the multiple facets and qualities of the Brasilia woman Ebel had in mind when designing this collection.
Masculine through and through
Taut, vigorous lines with beautifully beveled edges and a distinctive character are the keynotes of the Brasilia men’s collection, expressing a more geometrical, architectural vision of this ultimate festive theme. The play on perspective and well-defined structures is reflected on the broad dial with its Ebel cartouche, Clous de Paris central motif, and the unique Roman numerals that are delicately applied by hand. By one of those amazing twists of fate that one might easily believe predestined, this perfect vision of geometry bears a striking resemblance to the work of Oscar Niemeyer, the Brazilian architect whose achievements include designing... the city of Brasilia!
The purity and visibility of Brasilia Gent watches are undeniably enhanced by the anti-reflective treatment applied to both sides of the sapphire crystal. Powered by either a quartz or mechanical self-winding movement, according to personal preferences, they come in yellow gold or steel with matching bracelets treated to a rugged and eminently masculine brushed finish. And for men who prefer the look and feel of leather, they may also be fitted with a handsome alligator strap. Conveying the epitome of modern chic and refined elegance, the unique appearance and inherent class of these models will draw all eyes to the man who chooses to thus express his personality.
Dreams are made of this
Inviting men and women of the world to share and experience moments of passion and vibrant contemporary living, the Brasilia watch captures the very essence of the festive celebratory spirit that inspired its name.
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Posted by Editors at 6:19 PM
July 23, 2006
Tissot's 150 years of innovation and Swiss watch-making tradition.
Tissot is a world leader in the traditional Swiss watch segment. Its business objective is to offer to a wide public a range of high quality timepieces at an affordable price.
As official timekeeper for the world championships in cycling, motorcycling, fencing and ice hockey, Tissot underlines the sporting values of quest for performance, precision and pushing oneself to the limit.
Based in Le Locle in Switzerland and present in more than 150 countries around the world, Tissot has been, since 1985, member of the Swatch Group, the biggest watch producer and distributor in the world.
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Posted by Editors at 8:17 PM
July 18, 2006
Baume & Mercier reveals its new collection
Baume & Mercier at the International Salon de la Haute Horlogerie.
Inspiring itself from the ‘Business Class’ world and all that implies in terms of travel, lounge atmospheres, comfortable elegance and the art of living, the Swiss watchmaking house, Baume & Mercier revealed its new collection at the 16th edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie.
Keen to bring enthusiasts of fine watchmaking every satisfaction, the brand has skillfully composed around its Classima Executives, Hampton and Riviera lines… featuring common characteristics such as a guilloché dials, blued steel hands, windows to view the balance and power reserves as well as sapphire crystal apertures. Watchmaking connoisseurs are greeted by a myriad of functions and embellishments.
For ardent travelers there are dual time function watches, whose rust-colored numerals blend harmoniously with the shape of the different watchcases.
Ever attentive to its female clientele, the company’s Design studio has also turned its thoughts to working women, who have their own distinctive style of refinement, by proposing two models, the Hampton Milleis and the Diamant, entirely set with diamonds and sporting a pink alligator strap.
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Posted by Editors at 9:23 AM
June 29, 2006
BEDAT & Co. entering New Markets
Expanding the Gucci Group.
Founded in 1996 by Simone and Christian Bédat, BEDAT & Co. is a contemporary and exclusive watch brand. BEDAT & Co. offers a handful of models, best sellers of which include N° 1, N°3, N° 7 and N° 8 lines. BEDAT & Co. has created its own quality label (the A.O.S.C.® certificate) to certify the Swiss origin of all product components and production as well as stringent manufacturing standards. An individual serial number for each watch guarantees its authenticity as a BEDAT & Co. timepiece.
By working with Gucci Group Watches, BEDAT & Co. is continuing to enlarge the breadth of the product offering and extend distribution into new markets in Europe. Today BEDAT & Co. is distributed in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Middle East, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.
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Posted by Editors at 10:27 AM
June 6, 2006
TAG Heuer’s Carrera Tachymeter Racing
Since its creation by Jack Heuer in 1964, the Carrera chronograph has been one of TAG Heuer’s most iconic models, celebrated as much for its design as for its technological prowess. It derives its name from the Carrera Panamericana Mexico, a famously difficult car race of the 1950s.
TAG Heuer has recently released several new models of this emblematic timepiece, all in keeping with the elegant, sporty and authentic character of the original. Two new Carrera tachymeters were launched at the end of 2005: a model with chocolate-brown dial, tachymeter and bracelet; and a model with blue dial and tachymeter and steel bracelet.
This new sporty chronograph is available from April 2006.
"The brand-new Carrera Tachymeter Racing is targeted at fans of strong sensations. Furnished with a tachymeter on its fixed bezel for calculating speed, it pays homage to the great motor racing legends and “gentleman drivers.” Its rubber bracelet, partially perforated, is inspired by the mythic universe of racecar driving in the 1950s, and the red needles and massive beveled indexes on the black dial call to mind the speed counters on classic racecar dashboards."
"More than a new version of a model that already enjoys cult status, this new addition to the distinguished line perpetuates its historic heritage and the passion that fuels it. More sporty than ever, the Carrera Tachymeter Racing is, like all Carrera chronographs, an object of desire and audacity, timeless and indispensable."
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Posted by Editors at 7:19 AM
May 16, 2006
Longines Lights Diamond Fires of Elegance
New diamond-set models enhance the aesthetics of elegance in Longines evidenza, Longines DolceVita and La Grande Classique de Longines collections.
Longines has introduced new diamond-set models to enhance three of its major collections — Longines evidenza, Longines DolceVita and La Grande Classique de Longines.
The new models highlight the brand’s traditional emphasis on the aesthetics of elegance, its noted expertise in jewelry timepieces and its continuing role at the forefront of watch design. Appealing to contemporary tastes for both smaller and bigger watches, the new diamond-set models feature a distinctive black dial.
Diamonds are everywhere in the major Longines collections — on the case, pavé-set, in single or double rows, forming stylish Arabic numerals or circling patterns on the dials — and their timeless presence enhances the elegant signature of the new diamond-set models that Longines has introduced.
Although designed with a keen eye for the brand’s traditional formal aesthetics and placed within its existing collections, it is the stark and stylish contrast between black dials and sparkling diamonds that sets the dark heart of elegance afire in these new models.
Longines evidenza
Drawing timeless inspiration from the 1920s, the Longines evidenza collection evokes the high style of the arts and the individual freedom of Art Deco’s most noted artists and designers. Jazz, Hollywood, streamlined machines and the endless search for novelty still fascinate and inspire today, as timeless as the diamond-set steel tonneau case, black dial, black leather strap and stainless steel bracelet of the new evidenza models. These models feature a lacquered black dial with four Arabic numerals set with diamonds, except for the chronograph which offers a black dial enhanced with white painted Roman numerals and three counters.
Longines DolceVita
The art of living, Italian style, is the refined and pervasive spirit that informs the Longines DolceVita models, inspired by a case model dated from 1925 and stylishly adapted to contemporary tastes. The flawless form of the rectangle offers a timeless frame for the new DolceVita models, each one a stylish variation on a theme, a play on elegance in diamonds, stainless steel, black leather and diamond-set black dials with hands of silvered steel.
La Grande Classique de Longines
The epitome of soul and style in the grand Longines design tradition, La Grande Classique de Longines watches offer a cool and enduring elegance. The collection’s thoroughbred lines and slim, sleek forms never fail to captivate, and the new models are no exception to the rule. Stainless steel or black leather bracelets, diamond-set steel bezels and diamond-set lacquered black dials with silvered steel hands underscore the classic appeal of timeless forms.
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Posted by Editors at 9:51 AM
October 22, 2005
Swiss Watchmaker Longines salutes elegance and style
Not least by reason of the traditions and keen appreciation for elegance they share, Longines has partnered gymnastics for over one century now. Instituted in 1997 jointly with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the European Gymnastics Federation (FEG), the Longines Prize for Elegance is today regularly awarded at the close of major gymnastics meets. The prize honors the athlete or team judged to be the most elegant performer during a world or continent-wide artistic or rhythmic gymnastics competition, and features a trophy specially designed by Swiss artist Piero Travaglini, a Longines wristwatch as well as a check worth US$5,000.
According to the company, Longines has focused on gymnastics as an emblematic sport from its perspective not least because it expresses to perfection Longines’ own "Elegance is an attitude" message. Practiced on all continents, gymnastics meshes smoothly with Longines’ international corporate image. Combining physical strength and endurance with precision and grace, the sport is in tune with the innovative spirit of its skilled watchmakers. Its stylish refinement, its very beauty too, make it the perfect showcase for the message of poise and elegance that Longines watches invariably convey.
Established in 1832, Longines has from the first emphasized elegance, not least during its more than a century’s involvement in the world of sport, building its reputation for precision, reliability and technological expertise by monitoring sport performances, evaluating contestants’ performance and rating their stylistic proficiency. Official timekeeper at numerous Winter and Summer Olympic Games as well as of many international and continent-wide sport competitions, Longines has today decided to focus on sport disciplines where elegance is of particular significance: gymnastics and show jumping.
Since 1989, Longines has been the official partner and timekeeper of the International Gymnastics Federation. The company has earned its place and position by virtue of the know-how and practical experience it brings to bear on its appointed responsibilities. In fact, Longines’ involvement with the world of sport goes back to 1880 when it first made its chronographs available to the organizers of gymnastics meetings of every description. In 1912, Longines officially timed the Swiss Federal Gymnastics Festival in Basle. This event provided the venue for a pivotal world first in sports timekeeping: the introduction of the first automatic timing system based on the principle of the finish-line tape, snapped by the winner of the 100-meter race.
From the Olympic Games to world, international, continental and national championships, the company has unceasingly played a leading role in gymnastics. Most timing advances and innovations in this area have stemmed from Longines’ capacity to invent and adapt, improve and adjust, not to mention its constant technological inventiveness.
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Posted by Editors at 11:47 AM
