Time: A Priceless Gift

We were bang on target when we observed that the demand for Swiss luxury watches is on the rise globally. Swatch Group, one of the largest companies in the watch industry, announced its financial results. Gross sales in 2007 were just under six billion with watches and jewellery contributing a growth of 20 per cent over the previous year. It has grown from CHF 3,912 million in 2006 to CHF 4,710 million in 2007. This growth has been possible primarily due to Swatch Group’s retail expansion, which enables direct contact with the customers. India too has shown an increase in its imports from Switzerland — CHF 5.7 million to CHF nine million in 2007 i.e. a 58 per cent increase. In December last year, Swatch Group and Tiffany & Co. announced a strategic alliance to further the development, production and worldwide distribution of Tiffany & Co. watches.

Moving on, time or watches find their due respect globally — not only at Baselworld, but also in every individual’s life. Consider this: the greatest gift to offer someone is his/ her “time”. I say this because time spent can never come back. Now isn’t this the greatest gift then? Next time anyone presents you with “time”, don’t forget to thank the person. Time is the strongest and mightiest. After all, the world may cease to exist but time will survive. No wonder then, that as a poignant metaphor, there has been a sharp increase in the demand for watches.

Yet another understated luxury watch brand, A. Lange & Söhne made its official entry in India recently. However, this time there is a big difference — unlike most luxury watch brands, A. Lange & Söhne has its roots in Germany. Their fascinating timepieces reveal a unique blend of the finest craftsmanship and technology available today in the world of luxury watches. CEO Fabian Krone disclosed that they’ve wanted to enter India for quite some time. But limited production capacity and high demand meant that they would have been unable to meet the demands of the Indian consumer. Time ‘n Style was privileged to do an exclusive shoot with their spokesperson, Farhan Akhtar. The marriage between Akhtar and the brand seems almost predestined as the filmmaker exhibits qualities of perfection, sophistication and passion — the qualities that the brand epitomises. The watches are exclusively available at Beyond Luxury outlets.

In the previous issue, we initiated a “Brand Directory” for you readers. Starting this issue, we showcase designers and their tips for your timekeeping needs in “Watch Essentials”.

Here’s some good news, our website, timenstyle.com has been redesigned. We are now actively involved in putting together all the information that you may need from the world of Time ‘n Style. We are also launching a new section called “Material Matters”, wherein you can post details of your watches, jewellery, pens or any other collectibles that you’d like to sell. Those of you on the look-out to buy, do check back often to see what’s on offer. This is a completely free service from Time ’n Style — after all we love watches and jewellery just as much as you do.

We return in the next issue with all the news from Baselworld and Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. We already hear that there are some surprises including the “Hall of Fascinations”, designed to showcase watches. Now brands can avail of more space in the right environment.

Let’s leave you now, so that we can work on bringing you more.

Anita Khatri
anita.khatri@timesgroup.com