The new VACHERON CONSTANTIN Boutique in Riyadh

April 12th, 2010 – Three weeks after the opening of the first Vacheron Constantin boutique in India located in New Delhi, the world’s oldest Haute Horlogerie manufacture with 255 years of uninterrupted history unveils a new exclusive boutique in Riyadh. This boutique is the second in the Middle East after Dubai, and the very first in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – located in the heart of Olaya Street, the bustling trade hub of Riyadh.

In line with the design aesthetic values of the historical Vacheron Constantin Maison in Geneva, the new boutique offers an exclusive and warm setting with a comforting atmosphere, dedicated to technical and precious Haute Horlogerie. It is adorned to highlight the spectacular architecture and stylish interiors with precious wood, leather and fine furnishings creating an atmosphere of confidence and serenity.

For collectors and watch aficionados, the boutique houses a complete timepieces collection as well as a wide range of services including changing a strap or a bracelet, servicing a watch, providing watchmaking advices and information about Vacheron Constantin.

This boutique has been launched in partnership with Al Fardan Jewellery and enjoys the exclusivity of Vacheron Constantin in Riyadh. Mr. Jamil Matar, CEO of Al Fardan Jewellery in KSA said: “At Al Fardan Jewellery, we strive to build enduring relationships and long-term partnerships with the best jewellery and watch brands in the world, thereby offering the widest choice for our consumers in KSA.

This has enabled us to establish a fruitful partnership with Vacheron Constantin who has a history of success and over 250 years of distinctive watch making. We have unveiled the new exclusive boutique in Riyadh, and we hope that this boutique is the beginning of a long-term relationship with Vacheron Constantin”.

Mr. Yassin Tag, Regional Director for Vacheron Constantin added “We are glad to continue long-term fruitful and respectful relationships with our friends the Al Fardan family for years in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha. The opening of this boutique in Riyadh comes as an important step not only for the long history of our brand in this geographic part of the world, but also for the recognition of the Saudi watch clients as the most demanding and faithful watchmaking connoisseurs”.

The Corum Boutique in Hong Kong

Opened on Christmas day in the Central District, the CORUM boutique is the first flagship store of the brand. Representing 40% of Corum’s turnover, the Far East market has grown quickly by double digit yearly increases since 2007. Hong Kong has thus become the place to be and a key market for the brand. A strategic opening that crowns a strong distribution network of 17 POS in Hong Kong.

For several years, CORUM has been a privileged partner of Swiss Prestige, one of the major partners for fine watches in Hong Kong & China. Convinced by the tremendous potential of the Asian market, CORUM has strengthened its retailers’ network in Asia opening 3 new POS in 2009 and plans to open between 5 and 10 new addresses in 2010 in the 4 major areas of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzen and in major cities of Harbin, Changchun, Hangzhou, Kunming, Shenyiang.

At the end of 2009, the two partners merged their skills and strengths to open the first CORUM boutique in Hong Kong. A very strong message given by the two partners, a snub to the economic downturn, and reflecting the increasing attractiveness of CORUM in the market.

Located on one of the finest streets in the world, CORUM has selected the Mecca of Asian prosperity to host its brand showcase. Situated close to the famous area of LankwaiFong, the boutique sits among the most prestigious addresses & prime financial area in Central, which is the heart of the business district. It is also one of the major tourist attraction areas in Hong Kong, where major celebrations are held attracting thousands of local people & travelers alike. This Haute Horlogerie boutique offers an exclusive CORUM showcase, helping to promote our image, whilst playing an ambassadorial role for CORUM’s points of sale around the world.

The brand slogan “UNLOCK & CONQUER” welcomes you to a symbolic representation of our brand. Showcasing eye-catching decor, the Corum boutique invites you into an area of 25 square meters to discover our brand DNA and to experience the Corum philosophy.

The Corum Boutique in Hong Kong

Asian Market

In Macao, the brand will open its second point of sale at Europe (1 Central Mall). Macao has become the place to be as Chinese visitors have selected it as the preferred location for their shopping activities.

In Hong Kong, Corum will relocate some of its points of sale to enhance its visibility by being showcased in more prominent areas. The brand wants to strengthen its presence as 80% to 90% of the business is generated by Chinese clients. To ensure our brand visibility and to respond to growing market demand, we will reinforce our presence with 5 to 10 new POS in 2010.

Corum has gained tremendous visibility in the past few years by benefiting from retailers large corner exhibition areas ranging from 12 to 18 m2.

deLaCour BiTourbillon

(Hong Kong, 18 January 2010) – Sparkle Roll Group Limited (“Sparkle Roll” or “the Company”)(SEHK: 970), is principally engaged in distributorships of top-tier luxury goods in the PRC, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sparkle Roll Watch & Jewellery Ltd. has signed a contract with deLaCour to be the exclusive global distributor of the brand BiTourbillon (“BiTourbillon”) watches.

Sparkle Roll is responsible for the marketing, distribution, pricing and sale of this renowned Swiss watch to all countries over the world with particular focus on PRC, Hong Kong, and Macau. The term of this global distributorship is for a period of 10 years, commenced on 1 Jan 2010. The BiTourbillon will be available at Sparkle Roll’s self-operated luxury centre in Beijing and also available in the worldwide online shopping network.

BiTourbillon is the world’s first dual differential tourbillon watch allowing both Local and GTM time to be read. BiTourbillon watches were conceived as a collection of unique pieces and they have demonstrated the finest watch making techniques and stringent quality as well as process controls for the creation of each unique master piece.

Mr. Ivan Tong, Chairman of Sparkle Roll, said, “As a purveyor of high-end luxury items, Sparkle Roll has built a reputation for incomparable service and value. With our outstanding management and network with various branded items, Sparkle Roll has won the trust and confidence of many top international brands. We have already established a leading position in the rapidly growing luxury markets in the realm of high-end automobiles, watches and jewelry. The recruitment of deLaCour represents another business milestone for the Group of carrying the most unique and collectible luxury pieces of the world.”

deLaCour BiTourbillon

About Sparkle Roll Group Limited (SEHK: 970)

Sparkle Roll Group Limited (SEHK: 970) is currently listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and principally engaged in the distributorships of top-tier luxury goods, including ultra luxury automobiles such as Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce in Beijing; exclusive distributorships of super deluxe branded watches Richard Mille, DeWitt, Parmigiani; cohesive partnerships with top-tier branded jewellery Boucheron and renowned French fine wines company, Groupe Duclot, for the PRC; as well as comics publishing and the multi-media development business in Hong Kong and the PRC.

About deLaCour

Born from a passion for avant-garde design and craftsmanship, deLaCour was established to offer alternative and exclusive creations to the world of luxury watch making. In 2003, deLaCour unveiled their first collection at the world’s most important watch and Jewellery show in Basel. The heart of the initial concept of deLaCour is Bichrono, which was represented as the first watch in history to possess a double automatic chronograph movement.
deLaCour’s conception of creativity is what differentiated the brand, especially with its award-winning slogan “Since Tomorrow”, meaning the history of the brand is written in the future. Each deLaCour model appears in limited edition and is made in very small quantity. With headquarters in Geneva, deLaCour is now present in over 35 countries with more than 70 points of sale.

Sparkle Roll Group Limited www.hk970.com
deLaCour www.deLaCour.ch

The ORIS Darryl O’Young Limited Editions

It’s all in the design

The Oris TT3 is back – with a vengeance and it’s ready to wipe the track with other motor sports watches. Excited by the Type 997 Porsche cars driven in competition by Darryl O’Young, the PCCA Double Class A Champion, Oris has designed two watches with a cool, sporty and technical look. Each model is limited to 997 units – a nod to the Type 997 Porsches.

Influenced by the technical features on the awesome Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and the 911 GT3 Cup, both sizes of watch (43.50 mm and 41.00 mm) guarantee maximum wearer comfort. The curved cases are black DLC coated for durability as well as added style. The sporty rubber strap with its flexible lugs ensures a snug fit on the wrist.

The unusual glass dial is printed with a wheel rim pattern and offers a glimpse of the quality automatic mechanical movement, as well as the calendar date wheel. This creates an eye-catching 3D layered dial effect. The Superluminova numerals on the dial are the same Microgramma typeface as used on the Porsche cars.

Seeing the quality Oris mechanical movement as the individual pieces move and turn is like watching Darryl as he drives around the track: smooth, controlled and dynamic.

Everybody off the track…TT3 is back!

The ORIS Darryl O’Young Limited Editions - back

Product Features

Oris Darryl O’Young Limited Edition
Ø 41.00 mm Ref: 733 7588 7714
Ø 43.50 mm Ref: 733 7589 7714

• Automatic mechanical movement. Centralised second, minute and hour displays. Date display at 4 o’clock.
• Multi-piece black DLC coated titanium case and crown. Screwed see through case back, water resistant to 10 bar/100 m
• Sapphire glass domed on both sides with inner anti-reflective coating.
• Glass dial with printed Porsche rim pattern and Superluminova numerals in Microgramma typeface, Superluminova indices.
• Black nickel hands with luminous inlay.
• Black rubber strap with black integrated flexible lugs and black DLC coated folding safety clasp.
• Limited to 997 pieces. Limited edition number engraved on the case side at 9 o’clock.

Canadian-born Chinese racing driver Darryl O’Young

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art: La symbolique des laques

An encounter between Vacheron Constantin, which in 2005 marked 250 years of activity in Geneva, and Zôhiko, which will celebrate its 350th birthday in Kyoto in 2011…

Together, more than 600 years of history.

The incredible reaction to the Métiers d’Art – Les Masques collection born of the encounter between Vacheron Constantin and Geneva’s Barbier-Mueller Museum has only strengthened the watch manufacturer’s conviction that today, more than ever, it is important to match the cultural and artistic trades with watchmaking of the highest technical quality.

Such a combining of talents, associating both technical and decorative virtuosity with accuracy, perfectly illustrates Vacheron Constantin’s core values: seeking excellence, supporting creativity, being open to the world, respecting and handing down traditions, and finally, sharing the passion.

Now, the brand is opening up a whole new horizon for combining watchmaking and decorative techniques, by offering for the first time a Métiers d’Art collection in which part of the work is done outside Geneva – and in fact on a far-off continent, since mysterious term maki-e refers to the crown jewel of traditional ancestral Japanese lacquer techniques.

Vacheron Constantin: The Pine Tree and Crane Watch – Matsu to tsuru 松と鶴

How the “Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques” collection came about

The idea of a project combining maki-e and watchmaking had long been filed away in the drawers of Vacheron Constantin’s design department. But the spark that would bring it to life had never been found. The spark was finally to come from Zôhiko, which had the same idea in reverse – combining the talents of the watchmaking arts with those of the lacquer arts.

The reference to “Masks” is no coincidence: it was the technical and artistic boldness and the beauty of this collection that encouraged Zôhiko to introduce itself to Vacheron Constantin in the autumn of 2007, to explore the possibility of cooperating.

While chance and luck play a role in every meeting, a true relationship can be built only on the basis of deep affinities and shared values. These developed immediately between the two companies, both of which have the same fundamental respect for cultural, technical, and artistic traditions. Vacheron Constantin is the repository of an uninterrupted history dating back to 1755, and Zôhiko, founded in 1661, is almost a century older. The two together have garnered 600 years of experience and expertise.

Above all, however, this collection is a human adventure. It is a voyage through and exploration of an unknown “great beyond” in which craftsmanship and innovation come together at their zenith. Of this union between the craftsmen of one of the oldest Japanese lacquer companies, Zôhiko – headquartered in Kyoto since its founding in 1661 – and Vacheron Constantin – the world’s oldest watchmaker, which has been making watches in Geneva without interruption since its beginnings in 1755 – was born a remarkable embodiment of the same core values: the Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques collection.

Maki-e

What is maki-e?

Maki-e 蒔絵 – which literally means “sprinkled picture” – is the most sophisticated of all lacquer techniques, designating a decorative operation in which the design is created by delicately sprinkling gold or silver dust over lacquer – usually black – while it is still wet.

The lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, Rhus verniciflua. This tree, a relative of poison ivy, originated on the high plateaus of central Asia or Tibet. Today, it grows only in southern China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan, but it seems to have had a much wider range in the past. In Japanese, the word for the substance and the name of the tree are the same: urushi 漆.

Lacquer techniques vary from country to country and are based on the quality of the lacquer and the use to which the objects will be put. The three categories most representative of the lacquer arts are carving, inlay, and maki-e. The number of possibilities is almost infinite, and the invention of maki-e and its variations by the Japanese is one of the most remarkable marriages of technical mastery and aesthetic sophistication in all the history of art. This decorative technique developed very early in Japanese history. It matured as an art form between the eighth and twelfth centuries A.D., becoming the predominant method of ornamentation beginning in the seventeenth century and remaining so to this day. It does not seem to have been used in China – or if it was, it disappeared very early on. It was highly prized there, however, as evidenced by the many orders placed from the continent over the centuries. Maki-e’s own rise allowed the techniques it involves to blossom as well. Beginning in the mid-tenth century, this technique far surpassed all its rivals and was heavily preferred over them for the delicacy of its execution, its quality of being distinct yet misty at the same time, and its incredibly poetic presence.

One of the greatest beauties of lacquer is that it can decorate the most precious of objects as easily as those used in everyday life. Lacquerware bowls and crockery have come down through the centuries, as have variously shaped boxes with all sorts of uses: document holders, tea caddies, incense boxes, paintbrush holders, inkwells, card cases, pill boxes, etc. While there has always been lacquered furniture, the preference has almost always been for small objects, for work that is enchanting in its meticulous perfection.

Zôhiko

Zôhiko

In 1661, Yasui Shichibei 安井七兵衛 (1632–1692) opened a shop he named Zôgeya 象牙屋 “At the Sign of the Ivory”, where he sold lacquer-ware and Chinese products. His successor was Kusunoki Jihei 楠治兵衛 (1659–1714), who focused on lacquerware. The shop remained in the family for five generations before passing to Nishimura Hikobei 西村彦兵衛 (1719–1773), then head of production, because there were no heirs in the Kusunoki branch. Kusunoki Jirôbei 楠治郎兵衛 (1723–1784) left not only the shop but also the task of caring for his family’s tombs to his senior assistant, thus creating an indissoluble tie of successorship. From that day down to this, Zôhiko has been run by members of the Nishimura family, each of whom has taken the founder’s first name. Zôhiko’s current director is the ninth Nishimura Hikobei.

The third Hikobei (1806-1875) was granted the title “Master of maki-e” by the Emperor for the excellence of his work. One of his most remarkable pieces is a maki-e panel representing the Fugen Bodhisattva on a white elephant. History says that the people of Kyoto were so charmed by the beauty of this image that they named it the “Zôhiko panel,” with “Zô” meaning the elephant and “Hiko” being the first part of Hikobei’s first name. This is the origin of Zôhiko’s company name.

Buckle inspire by the Vacheron Constantin logo

Zôhiko has had a longstanding relationship with the Japanese Imperial Court. The fourth Hikobei was one of the Court’s official suppliers, and the current director made the reigning emperor’s official seat. The workshop’s first exports date to the very end of the nineteenth century, upon Japan’s opening to abroad after the Meiji restoration. The company’s expanded horizons were the work of the eighth Hikobei (1887-1965). He was unanimously considered to be a pioneering figure in the lacquer industry. He also founded a maki-e school that became a standard of reference for many specialized lacquer artists.

Zôhiko’s long history reflects a tradition of excellence that is unparalleled in its respect for both artistic continuity and continually renewed creativity. While continuing to cultivate a tradition that is already over a thousand years old, Zôhiko upon to the world. Sharing with Vacheron Constantin gave rise to an extraordinarily intense collaboration, the fruit of which is called the Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques collection.

Qatarwatch by Thomas Prescher

Recently Thomas Prescher was asked if he could do a watch with a flag or national symbol. After asking for what country, the answer was: “Qatar”.

After a lot of research about this exceptional country, a picture of its Coat of arms inspired Thomas Prescher.

The coat of arms of Qatar (Arabic: شعار قطر‎) shows two crossed swords in a yellow circle. Between the swords there is a traditional sailing ship called dhow, sailing over the waves beside an island with two palm trees. The yellow circle is surrounded by a white and brown band, which is divided horizontally with a zigzag line.

The realization of the watch: One sword tip shows the minutes, while the other indicates the hours.  With this retrograde system, after the swords reach the end of the index sector they jump back to the beginning to rise again.

After pushing the button in the crown the swords move to a resting position to show the original coat of arms in gold and noble colors. After a second push the swords move back to continue to show the actual time.

Thomas Prescher has developed this exquisite concept to give the connoisseur the choice: Having the figure continuously showing the time or allowing it to simply remain in its non-temporal state. This could be only achieved through the use of a complicated and ingenious new system, which Thomas Prescher created specially for his watches, after studying and repairing old originals.

Excellent design, the finest materials, perfect processing, invaluable beauty for generations.

Select a handcrafted timepiece, a unique work of art, luxury from the house of Thomas Prescher.

For further information see our website or contact: office@prescher.ch

Movement Information

Diameter:
37 mm, including module

Height :
7 mm, including module

Displays
retrograde jumping hours, retrograde minutes.
Each shown by the tip of the sword on a index sector

Winding automatic :
Power reserve 40 hours

Number of jewels:
25 bearing jewels

Frequency:
28,800 vph

Escapement:
Swiss lever escapement

Balance spring:
flat hairspring

Shock protection:
Incabloc

Decoration:
completely hand-engraved and gold-plated

Rotor:
18-karat gold, completely hand-engraved

Case Details

Case material:
18-karat gold

Diameter:
39 mm

Height:
13 mm

Glass:
Crystal convex sapphire crystals on front and back

Crown:
contains button for activating time display

Dial material:
laquer

Figure:
18-karat gold

Index plates:
18-karat gold

Name plates:
18-karat gold

Water resistance:
1 atm, 10 meters

Strap:
hand-cut and sewn alligator skin uppers and lowers

Buckle:
18-karat gold

Pierre Dubois, CEO of Pierre DeRoche, presented Tsuyoshi Wada with a GrandCliff TNT Royal Rétro

Baseball is Japan’s national sport and far more popular than football. A member of Japan’s national baseball team, Mr Wada participated in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. Idolized for having won the bronze medal with the national side in the 2004 Olympics and the gold medal at the 2006 World Championships, he is also highly respected for his work with children, most notably for the vaccination campaigns organized by his foundation.

It was an emotionally-packed moment when Pierre Dubois handed him the TNT Royal Rétro watch, N° 21, the star’s number in the national side. As Mr Dubois pointed out, Tsuyoshi Wada embodies technical mastery, excellence and reliability, values that have created a bond between him and Pierre DeRoche, the designer of high-tech, sports-inspired timepieces.

PIERRE LANNIER - Flower collection - Ladies watch all stainless steel, water resistant 3 ATM. All chocolate coloured.

15 French jewellery, high jewellery and watch companies will take part at the “International Jewellery Tokyo” and “Tokyo International Watch Fair” to be held from 27th to 30th January 2010 in Tokyo Big Sight:

11 precious jewellery and high jewellery manufacturers, stone and pearl dealers on the French Pavilion, in the “International” Section,
2 costume and fashion jewellery manufacturers in the “Fashion & Costume Jewellery” Zone,
1 men’s jewellery manufacturer located in the “Men’s Jewellery” Zone,
1 watch manufacturer exhibiting in the “Watch” Section (Tokyo International Watch Fair).

The major trends are:

For Jewellery and High Jewellery

The trend is towards softness with rounded shapes in jewellery-high jewellery (links, disks, waves, metal or crystal balls, pearls), with lightness and transparency effects (open-worked jewellery, lace patterns, links, filigree). Large designs are seen alongside extra-dainty pieces.

Plays on contrasts (matt-shiny, polished-satin or sand finish), oppositions of materials, mixtures of colours and materials are very important.

The white metal and diamonds combination retains many fans but gold comes in lots of different colours too: yellow and, above all, pink as well as, more recently, green gold. Gemstones in a variety of shapes – cabochon, facetted, twisted, briolettes, pyramids, pears – choose shades of pastel or harmonized colours or, on the contrary, combinations of bright colours. Red, in every shade, from pale pink to deep violet, is amongst the star colours this season, with a special mention for rubies, which are being rejuvenated. Pearls and mother of pearl, particularly black, are also very fashionable.

Tie-necklaces, long and fine-chain necklaces set with a variety of patterns or beads made from different materials, chains with pendants or charms as well as multi-link necklaces made from chain of different sizes, colours and shapes are particularly highlighted.

Rings are opulent: wide engraved rings, big central stones surrounded by ribbons set with diamonds, precious or semi-precious gems, large solid or open-worked settings, decorated with gem-set patterns….

Simple shank, wide or narrow link chains decorated with charms, several rows of small chains, wide rigid cuffs engraved or richly set with gems, bracelets come in a wide range of designs.

Long and hanging, hoops, studs and sleepers, earrings come in a variety of styles too.

Men’s jewellery is also the object of particular attention with ranges ceaselessly renewed in terms of designs that are adapted to or inspired by their passions. Cufflinks are back, in more modern style.

PIERRE LANNIER - PL 9 - Elegant ladies timepiece with sparkling stones decorated case. All stainless steel. Water-resistant 3ATM.

For Watches

For city wear, evening wear, sports or leisure time, watches come in highly varied styles, adapted to each activity.

In cases, the round shape is popular along with the square or rectangle and, to a lesser extent, barrel, oval and even side shifted shapes. Dials are calming down, displaying only hour-symbols, figures or finely decorated with narrow stripes, discreet patterns.

New finish techniques (PVD, IP) soften the total black look which is still a major theme (case, strap and dial), using touches of colour. Black is also combined with white (steel, lacquer, ….) whilst gold plating, gold (yellow and, above all, pink) and silvered metal are enjoying renewed success.

Diamonds, gemstones or synthetic gems remain fashionable set onto cases, dials and straps.

Leather, skin or synthetic straps are making a big comeback. Metal design are varied in terms of style or shape, adorned with a variety of patterns and sometimes combined with leather.

Men’s watches come in extra-wide sizes, sometimes oversize and in dark colours, mainly black. Chronographs, automatic, multi-function models or with complications are very popular. Urban-chic style is seeing renewed success with ultra-flat, sober and elegant designs.

For ladies, the fashion is for designs more adapted to feminine wrists, in delicate, elegant lines: metallic case-strap sets come with links or bows, rigid reeds, thin straps ors multi-lace watchstraps, cuff-watches finely decorated with a variety of patterns (flowers, butterflies, …), jewel-watches. In addition to black, which is also fashionable, black and white, white and pastel shades are in the majority.

For Costume and Fashion Jewellery

Highly graphic, the collections celebrate nature and all its riches. Simple shapes highlight the radiant white mother-of-pearl with its many different shades, focusing on its iridescence. It is associated with Japanese pearls, palm wood, glass or amazonite in ingenious settings where the mother-of-pearl plays on the sober lines themselves highlighted by clever transparency, shades of blue and radiant reflections.

Fun and feminine, the models are marked by bright, coloured animal themes (farm animals, multicoloured birds) and various takes on everyday objects to create timeless jewellery associating pewter, coloured resin, natural stones and Swarovksi strass…

For more information on the French watch, jewellery and high jewellery industry, visit the website: www.emotionfrance.com

Bedat & Co LANDMARK EXHIBITION 8th - 17 th October 2009

Bedat & Co confirms its legitimacy and leadership in feminine designs and reinforces its presence in Asian markets.

Following a strong appearance of the Brand in Baselworld 2009 and in the JCK Vegas Show, with an unprecedented support to its business partners in the current economic difficulties, the 100% Swiss company prepares a great manifestation in Hong Kong uber-luxury Landmark Mall from October 7th until October 17th.

During a 10 days exhibition, the main hall of the luxury mall will be transformed into an elegant display, dedicated to the Swiss artisan. Watch connoisseurs will be invited to special previews throughout the week. Bedat & Co, who prides itself as being the pioneer in the art of setting diamonds on steel, promises to range the most intricate yet beautiful feminine designs, reflecting the timeless and avant-garde Art Deco spirit. Thanks to the unswerving collaboration with the best ateliers of the Jura Valley, the brand has the highest standards of craftsmanship, stamped with the A.O.S.C1 label, the utmost symbol and guarantee of quality and ethics certifying the Swiss origin of all components.

Bedat & Co LANDMARK EXHIBITION 8th - 17 th October 2009

The brand’s commercial development is highly stimulated even in such economic context: expanding its already strong retail network with successful openings across Asia in China, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, as well as the first unique stand-alone Boutique in the world renowned epicentre of fine haute horlogerie in Starhill Gallery Malaysia; in addition to the prime Shop-In-Shop presence within the premises of Lane Crawford of Beijing and Hong Kong.

Today, Bedat & Co is pleased to experience rewarding success and enthusiasm from retailers. The brand is determined to show appreciation to all its defenders by organizing more special efforts and manifestations in Asia this autumn.

Zhang Ziyi showed the new Constellation 2009 watch autographed by herself in OMEGA SOGO Flagship Store.

Shanghai, 27 August 2009 – For 161 years, OMEGA has never stopped surprising the world with its pioneering spirit. Today, the Swiss luxury watchmaker and its global ambassador Zhang Ziyi jointly launched the new OMEGA Constellation 2009 Collection to the Asian market in Shanghai, China. This was not only the world premiere of the new collection that combines tradition and innovation – it also marked the first official appearance of Zhang Ziyi as the newest member of the OMEGA family of brand ambassadors. The glamour and elegance of the OMEGA Constellation Collection has conquered the world for over half a century.

Zhang Ziyi visits OMEGA SOGO Flagship Store, experiences watchmaking

At 2 p.m. the president of OMEGA, Stephen Urquhart, gave Zhang Ziyi a tour of OMEGA’s new Corporate Flagship Store located on 1F at Shanghai SOGO Department Store.

Earlier this year, during the photo shoot for OMEGA’s new Constellation advertising campaign, Zhang Ziyi expressed her strong interest in watchmaking technology. Today, in the OMEGA store, she spent time at the watchmakers’ bench, placing some components in a movement with the professional guidance of an OMEGA watchmaker.

Later, Urquhart presented Zhang Ziyi with a new Constellation watch and invited her to autograph the watch box before locking it up in the transparent safe. This watch will become a splendid Constellation dream come true for the luckiest guest: thousands of VIP customers will be invited to the OMEGA Corporate Flagship Store to draw the lucky key which will open the safe. The key holder will become the owner of the magnificent Constellation watch.

Accompanied with the President of OMEGA, Stephen Urquhart and the watchmaker, Zhang Ziyi enjoyed the watch-making in the OMEGA SOGO Flagship Store.

Constellation Shined Shanghai Concert Hall

At 5 p.m. the New OMEGA Constellation Launch Event was held in Shanghai Concert Hall.

Shanghai Concert Hall boasts European classic exterior design style with nearly 80 years of history, making it the perfect place to present the OMEGA Constellation Collection. A huge poster of Zhang Ziyi’s new advertising image was hung on the exterior wall of Shanghai Concert Hall, presenting the new OMEGA Constellation 2009 Collection on the wrist of the stunning actress. The fleeting moment captured through a lens by top fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti made a powerful impression on the almost 400 guests who saw the image at the hall’s entrance.

The launch event started auspiciously with the performance of the theme “Bell at Dawn, Drum at Dusk”. The large screen displayed a magical vision of chaos transformed into bright peace through time-lapsed images of the universe and the alternating appearance of the sun and the moon. Countless stars drew beautiful arcs in the vast expanse of the sky and slowly gathered to form one constellation after another.

OMEGA Constellation

The new OMEGA Constellation watches slowly emerged among radiant stars.

The Constellation’s flame brightened the vast expanse of the universe in which popular movie images flashed by – from a pure and unsophisticated village girl in The Road Home, headstrong Jen in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the elegant and divine blind dancer in House of Flying Daggers, to a gracefully restrained traditional Chinese woman in Forever Enthralled – these distinctive characters were all perfectly interpreted by Zhang Ziyi in the past decade. Today, her dedication to the acting profession has won her a brand new role – OMEGA Ambassador. Her accomplishment and glamour make her an ideal spokesperson for the OMEGA Constellation Collection.

Zhang Ziyi, who has been wearing a Constellation for over a decade, said, “The values of OMEGA – credibility, achievement and pioneering spirit – are what I have devoted myself to for the past ten years.“ She added, “When I was first approached by OMEGA I was very happy because the company is extremely well known and respected in China, where they have been since 1895.”

Urquhart welcomed Zhang Ziyi as an OMEGA brand ambassador and explained their role, pointing out that they are much more than celebrity spokespersons – they become part of the OMEGA family.

OMEGA counts among its brand ambassadors some of the most accomplished men and women in the world. Three international superstars with remarkable achievements in the world of cinema and fashion, supermodel Cindy Crawford, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and Oscar-winning actor George Clooney, extended their best wishes to Zhang Ziyi in a videotaped message and welcomed her to the OMEGA family of ambassadors.

As the newest member of the OMEGA brand ambassador, Zhang Ziyi not only brings elegance to the new Constellation but also inherits the unparalleled tradition of this classic collection that shines brightly in the world of luxury watchmaking.