LVMH 2017 Annual Results - Double Digit Growth Watch and Jewelry Division
LVMH Mo?t Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury group, recorded revenues of EUR 42.6 billion in 2017, an increase of 13% over the previous year. The group also shows a sustained growth in organic revenues, with a 12% increase.?The group profit is up 18%, at EUR 8,293 million. All business divisions recorded double-digit organic growth, with the exception of Wines and Spirits. For what is our main concern here, the watchmaking industry, LVMH (owner, among others, of TAG Heuer, Hublot, Zenith and Bulgari) reports an “Excellent year for Bvlgari and good progress at Hublot and TAG Heuer”.The revenues of the Watch and Jewelry Division increased by 10% in 2017 (+12% with comparable structure and exchange rates), from EUR?3,468 million to EUR 3,805 million. A progression of 9% has been recorded over the last quarter. Profitability is also up 12% over the year in this division. The Watch and Jewelry Division is composed of the following brands: TAG Heuer, Hublot, Zenit

Celebrating 100 Years Of The Iconic Cartier Tank - Part 2, The Important Early Models - Monochrome Watches
Last week, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Cartier Tank, we brought you part.1 of our in-depth look at this modern-day icon. Our focus was on the Tank Normale, the very first Tank ever created, which made its debut in 1917 (or 1919, depending on who you ask). This early model would lay the foundation for what has gone on to become one of the most recognisable watch designs ever, leading to numerous variations and of course homages from other brands. It also serves as a testament to the idea that well-executed, simple designs can stand the test of time. A bit of luck and a few celebrity endorsements here and there certainly don't hurt either! What has perhaps been most fascinating about the Tank over the years, however, is its incredible versatility. This was particularly evident in the early Tank models, i.e. those made in the 1920's and 1930's, which we will be looking at today. Each is very different in its own way, and yet each is unmistakably a Cartier Tank.A few wor

Introducing The Elegant Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase 38.5mm
The Longines Flagship collection, which first appeared in 1957, nowadays draws inspiration from the brand’s vintage models while incorporating adjustments to contemporary preferences and standards. Longines, established in 1832, is a highly esteemed watch brand renowned, among other things, for seamlessly blending classic and traditional aesthetics of older timepieces with modern watchmaking technology. This fusion is evident in the Flagship collection, particularly in the earlier Heritage with small seconds and date, which embodies the essence of the series. The new Flagship Heritage model, featuring a moonphase and date indicator, follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, paying homage to Longines’ innovative spirit in watchmaking. It flawlessly combines traditional design elements with modern sensibilities, ensuring its broad appeal.The elegant new Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase is housed in a 38.5mm round stainless steel case with 30m water resistance. The fron

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 - Baselworld 2018 (Specs & Price)
A new edition of Baselworld means a new Omega Speedmaster Special Edition. This has become a tradition – think Snoopy Award, Apollo 11 45th Anniversary, CK2998 or Apollo 17 45th Anniversary. This year, the space theme is still the main ingredient, as Omega celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 8 Mission. In that perspective, the brand chose to use the?popular “Dark Side of the Moon” theme. But as you’ll see, the Speedmaster Apollo 8 is very special – visually and mechanically.This new?Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Apollo 8 50th Anniversary” is a combination of various elements that we’ve seen already on Speedmasters, but never reunited in a single watch. In short: The classic Moonwatch case, but with a 44.25mm diameter The Dark Side of the Moon concept, meaning a full ceramic case The first Dark Side of the Moon with a hand-wound movement, based on legendary calibre 1861 A partially skeletonised movement Laser engraving

Hands-On Bell & Ross BR 03-92 MA-1 Military Bomber Jacket (Specs & Price)
Earlier this year at Baselworld, Bell & Ross presented the BR 03-92 MA-1, a classic square-shaped BR 03 model with a khaki and orange colour scheme poached directly from the US Air Force MA-1 bomber jacket of 1958. With its contrasting matte khaki ceramic case and vivid orange accents, this time-and-date model drew crowds to the stand and became an instant hit. Finally available in shops and online for those who pre-ordered the watch, we spent some hands-on time with the watch and this is what we found…Military BriefBell & Ross took off as a brand in 2005 following the launch of the square-shaped BR 01 Instrument watch with its cockpit instrument-inspired looks. The BR family - now comprised of BR 01 (46mm), BR 03 (42mm) models and BR S (39mm) – has grown considerably since then and is the most pre-eminent ambassador of the brand. Nobody with an interest in watches could fail to identify the square profile of the BR and its overt connections to the world of aviation