Interview - Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari, on Collections, Manufacturing, Distribution and Watch Fairs
Gauging the performance metrics of the company, Jean-Christophe Babin's role as CEO of Bvlgari since 2013 has been an impressive success. Bvlgari's watch collection is enjoying a rinascimento?of sorts, in particular with the spectacular Finissimo' saga. During the Cinemagia event, the brand's Haute Joaillerie and Haute Horlogerie presentation in Capri, we were able to sit down with Jean-Christophe Babin to better understand the changes at Bvlgari and the perspectives for the brand.Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME – With its rich DNA Bvlgari creates fascinating watches. What makes them stand apart?Jean-Christophe Babin: Our watches are truly Italian. They convey the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci. Octo, Lucea or Serpenti are all very architectural, constructed, inspired by Italian art and architecture. On the other hand, our watches are also extraordinary from a technical perspective – just think of a grande sonnerie or of the Octo Finissimo saga. We are really different from the class

Richemont Announces 2020 Half-Year Sales Down 26% - Monochrome Watches
Switzerland-based luxury conglomerate Richemont Group has just issued its trading update for the six months ended 30 September 2020. As expected in these uncertain times, sales are down. COVID-19 impacted activities but the situation has improved over the past months helped by Chinese demand. For the half-year, sales decreased by 26% at actual exchange rates to EUR 5,478 million and by 25% at constant exchange rates. The Group operating profit is down to EUR 452 million with an 8.3% operating margin and the profit for the period is down to EUR 159 million.The owner of multiple high-end watch brands, such as IWC, A. Lange & Sohne, JLC or Cartier, reports a more positive trend throughout the second quarter of 2020, with sales down by 5% at actual exchange rates and 2% at constant exchange rates, following a 47% decline (at actual and constant exchange rates) in the first quarter of 2020. This was also reflected by other industry indicators. In particular, the statistics released by t

First Look: The New Tissot PR516 Chronograph Mechanical (Incl. Video)
Drawing from over 170 years of watchmaking heritage, Tissot frequently delves into its archives for inspiration. The company has a penchant for reviving iconic models that have left an indelible mark on its history. Consider any timepiece from the Heritage series – the 1973 Chronograph, the 1938 Heritage COSC, the Visodate, or the 1938 Telemeter – each serves as a contemporary homage to timeless designs, blending vintage aesthetics with modern technology for a perfected appeal. In a nod to the emblematic PR516 series that gained popularity in the 1960s, Tissot has recently introduced a range of new models. Among them is a manually wound chronograph, which you’ll be able to discover in our latest video review.The History of the Tissot PR516 in a nutshellTo truly appreciate the significance of a heritage timepiece like the new Tissot PR516 Chronograph Mechanical, a brief journey into its background is essential, revealing the genuine inspiration behind its design. The r

Ulysse Nardin Exo-Skeleton X for Only Watch 2019 - Monochrome Watches
For the 2019 edition of Only Watch, the biennial fundraiser for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Ulysse Nardin has taken inspiration from the developments of the EPFL (ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) research group REHAssist. Meet the Ulysse Nardin Exo-Skeleton X for Only Watch 2019 with its innovative case construction.According to Dr Mohamed Bouri, head of the research group REHAssist, Autonomyo is an exceptional device which has been designed to be used without crutches. Our goal is to be able to support walking and managing balance for sufferers of muscular dystrophy, for example. Ad - Scroll to continue with article SKELETON DIAL - SKELETON MOVEMENT - EXOSKELETON CASEAs you had guessed, the Ulysse Nardin Exo-Skeleton X is a skeleton watch. But more than that, its 42 mm PVD-titanium case is fitted with an exoskeleton: four flexible blades a

Ochs und Junior - Luxury 2.0 - Monochrome-Watches
What is luxury? Luxury was the topic of conversation at the lunch we had with Beat Weinmann, CEO and cofounder of the brand Ochs und Junior. The brand's technology and design maestro, Ludwig Oechslin, recently retired curator of the Musee International d'Horlogerie, was absent for our gastronomical affair, which happened in Lucerne, far, far away from the bustle of Baselworld 2014. Given that the discussion centered on luxury, you may be surprised to know that the Ochs und?Junior's headquarters sits several blocks away from the prestigious retail enclaves near the lake, and appropriate to the minimalist ethos of the brand, the shop/headquarters sits in an unassuming storefront. Inside is a spartan workshop with large tables for viewing Ochs und Junior watches, which as a rule have an unadorned, industrial feel. Where are the fashion models who waited on us in Basel? Where is the champagne? Where are the precious metals, which are polished to within an inch of their lives? In a word, wh