There are a number of exciting developments as we lead into the exhibition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva later this month. Notwithstanding the current financial forecasts, all seems bright for the brands showcasing their novelties at this year’s event. This event hosts many of the famous brands in the watch industry like: A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, and Ralph Lauren.
Ralph Lauren is the new name on the list of brands at the salon. 2009 will be the first year for the “Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Company” to unveil it’s line of novelties. In late 2008, the Richemont global luxury company partnered with Ralph Lauren to form the new watch company based in Geneva. Mr. Lauren, who is a longtime collector of fine timepieces has been eagerly anticipating this launch. According to a recent press release, Ralph Lauren was quoted “I have waited a long time to create and introduce timepieces that I feel exemplify the ultimate in luxury and quality. Richemont shares that understanding and has the global reputation and experience to fulfill these shared goals. I have the highest confidence that this unique partnership will be tremendously successful and an important part of our global luxury accessories strategy.”
What about the timing? You may think this Watch & Jewelry brand would have naturally come long before the furnishings and line of interior paints. Ralph Lauren’s network of boutiques and retailers will certainly provide the wide sales and distribution platform for these watches. Certainly, we are anticipating more news on this venture - and we will be sharing it all on the 19th. Stay tuned, we will bring complete news across all brands as the events of SIHH 2009 unfold.
