Watches NEWS
LVMH 2019 First-Half Results, Growth in All Divisions, including Watches and Jewelry - Industry News
After the announcement by Swatch Group of declining sales for the first half of 2019, followed by Richemont Group showing solid double-digit growth over the first quarter, and mild results for Swiss watch exports (with a bad month of June 2019), it is now time for the world's leading luxury products group, LVMH, to put its cards on the table. The French group recorded revenue up 15% over the period with solid growth in all divisions, although with slower figures for the Watches & Jewelry division.Not only is LVMH Louis Vuitton Mo?t Hennessy the largest luxury group in the world, but it also is getting bigger and bigger – including the recent agreement to support Stella McCartney, previously under the Kering umbrella. As for sales and revenues, the Group records an excellent first half of 2019, with sales of EUR 25.1 billion, up 15% over the previous period (+12% organic). The Group explains that the United States, Asia and Europe saw good growth with a rebound in France in th
IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month - Monochrome Watches
In 2009 IWC created the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (ref. 3761). It was the first flyback chronograph with a perpetual calendar and digital leap year display as well as a digital display for the month and date with large numerals. This development was a tour de force that has paid off: the result is a very clever way to combine a perpetual calendar and a chronograph, while maintaining the legibility of all functions. Monochrome goes hands-on with the IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month.This is probably one of the most innovative perpetual calendars on the market, because of its digital display of day, month and leap year. And totally befitting the brand and its innovative and technical character, it’s presented in a watch case made of titanium aluminide. Titanium aluminide is used widely in motorsport, because the alloy is lighter and more robust than pure titanium. The black parts of the case are made of zirconium oxide, which is another materi
Porsche Design Chronograph 1 - 1972 Limited Edition
Mostly known for the design of one of the most iconic cars ever created, a line that is extremely enduring (yes, we’re talking about the Porsche 911), Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche was a genius, a visionary, and a talented designer of all things. As the founder of the?Porsche Design studio, we should keep in mind that the first product created under this umbrella was a wristwatch. And an important one, being the first black-coated watch ever commercialised, and a watch that has defined the entire style of the studio for the years to come. This timepiece, the Chronograph 1, was released in 1972 and thus celebrates its 50th anniversary this year… And as you’ve guessed, Porsche Design pays tribute to this model by releasing a special model, the new Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition.The first of its kind, the 1972 Porsche Design Chronograph 1The first-ever product to be launched by Porsche Design was a wristwatch and one that broke new grounds.
Hands-On: Some Thoughts about the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P
If you ask yourself what’s the most classic dress watch ever made by Patek, and probably one of the most important models of the category, the answer should ultimately be the Calatrava. Not much to debate here. The collection, created in 1932 with the reference 96, has had such an influence on the watch industry that the word icon is legitimate in this context. But in recent years, there’s been Calatravas and Calatravas… with pilot-inspired watches or weekly calendars. What matters today is the 96 lineage, the essential, timeless Calatrava. Luckily, the one we all have in mind has returned this year with the launch of the Calatrava 6196P. And here’s what I think about it.What is a Patek Philippe Calatrava (the 96 lineage)When we think about the Calatrava, we must immediately mention the all-important reference 96 by Patek Philippe, the watch that not only started this collection but also 1. saved Patek back in the days,? 2. launched a new style of case construct
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738/50P-001 - Celebrating 50 Years Of Golden Style - Monochrome Watches
Patek Philippe unveiled several extremely impressive - and complicated - timepieces this year at Baselworld. The 5270P Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with a head-turning salmon dial was a personal favourite, as was the unexpected, but not unwelcome, Nautilus Perpetual Calendar 5740G. Surprisingly though, it was one of the brand's non-complicated models that really caught my eye. Artistic yet elegant and flawlessly executed, it celebrates a significant milestone of one of the Geneva-based Manufacture's more understated collections. Introducing the Patek Philippe 5738/50P-001, commemorating 50 years of the Ellipse d'Or (or Golden Ellipse, in English).A Cult ClassicI would venture to guess that when you mention the name Patek Philippe to most watch enthusiasts, the Golden Ellipse is not the first model that?comes to mind. In fact, I would be surprised if it came up in the discussion at all. And yet, the Golden Ellipse - introduced in 1968 – is the second oldest watch in the Patek Ph