The 2011 fundraising gala to benefit the Andrea Bocelli foundation

Los Angeles, California (December 5, 2011) – Girard-Perregaux, iconic luxury Swiss watch brand, is proud to partner up with Andrea Bocelli, the worldʼs highest selling solo artist in the history of classical music, in the launch of his new foundation, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, with a 2011 Benefit Gala on December 9th.

The foundation will be launched at a fundraising event produced by Studiomusica and Jo Champa presented by the Grammy Museum Foundation and will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles and will seek to raise funds and awareness for its efforts to fight poverty around the world and to help people overcome barriers caused by illness, discomfort or disability.

“We are very proud and excited to join forces with Andrea Bocelli in the launch of his new foundation”, says CEO of Sowind Group (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard) Michele Sofisti. “His accomplishments as an artist and philanthropist are an inspiration to all of us and we are happy to support him in this new pursuit”.

“I feel very strongly about helping people make the most of the world that we live in”, says Andrea Bocelli. “I was born with a poor eyesight and became completely blind at the age of twelve. Overcoming blindness and dealing with its consequences has taught me about the nature of externally imposed limits, and has encouraged me to think about how to help and support others facing barriers in their lives. Every human being has the right to be
happy, fulfilled and to live a flourishing and meaningful life. I want to help those who face barriers in achieving their lifeʼs potential”.

The Gala will feature a dinner and performances by Andrea Bocelli himself as well as David Foster, Heather Headley and Anna Maria Martinez.

About the Andrea Bocelli Foundation

The Andrea Bocelli Foundation will be a grant making body, aimed at supporting those living in poverty or overcoming barriers caused by illness and disability in order to deliver tangible real life results. Two types of programs will be supported- those that alleviate poverty and those that help people overcome physical limitations caused by illness. The Foundation will actively seek to identify innovative and original projects to support.

Andrea Bocelli

About Girard-Perregaux

Girard-Perregaux is a Swiss high-end watch manufacturer tracing its origins back to 1791. The history of the brand is marked by legendary watches that combine sharp design with innovative technology such as the renowned Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges presented by Constant Girard-Perregaux in 1889 at the Paris Universal exhibition where he was awarded a gold medal.

Devoted to the creation of state-of-the-art Haute Horlogerie, the Brand is one of the very few watchmakers to unite under the same roof all the skills to design and manufacture watches including the forging of their heart, the movement. With over 80 registered patents, Girard-Perregaux is fully committed to research and development to constantly fuse its unique heritage into modern watchmaking.

A note from the editor

Tickets are still available and you can get them here ».

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal®

In a split decision, the United States Supreme Court has upheld an appeals court ruling that found Costco Wholesale Corporation had violated U. S. copyright law when it sold Omega Seamaster wristwatches well below retail price without Omega’s permission.

The practice employed by discounters and off-price retailers of buying imported luxury watches and other products from middlemen and selling them at lower prices is referred to as grey market trading.

Omega argued successfully that it could use the copyrighted logo on its watches to block their sale. For Omega, the decision was a victory as it upholds their right to control the distribution, price and resale of its products.

The Swatch Group and Omega commend the decision as it provides a legal mechanism to help control the spread of grey market trading. According to an analysis conducted by Deloitte LLP for Bloomberg in 2009, the grey market costs manufacturers as much as $63 billion per year.

Highlights of this year’s new Hamilton watches include the interesting Pulsomatic that runs on an self-winding movement, but displays the time on a digital display. The retro-futuristic piece is inspired from the world’s first digital watch that was manufactured by Hamilton in 1970. This combination of classic watch making and modern high-tech style reflects Hamilton’s innovation and their pioneer status.

The Pulsomatic

Three new mechanical models for women reflect Hamilton’s desire to reach out to what the company refers to as an under-served market. The strategists at the Swiss manufacturer believe that women lack options for well priced, mechanical watches. If the market is as strong as they think, Hamilton will be amongst the leading manufactures of mid-size mechanical watches at the entry luxury price level.

Particularly striking amongst these new ladies’ models is the Railroad Automatic, which runs on the self-winding 2824 calibre by E.T.A and starts at only C$950. It also showcases a new system of straps that incorporates easy-to-use pushers that allow the owner of the watch to interchange bracelets quickly and without tools. The 38mm size is not oversize, but far from the tiny timepieces that women had a decade or so back.

The rest of the Railroad series is also noteworthy. The largest model in the series is the chronograph, who’s stainless steel case spans 46mm. It is equipped with a Valgranges A07-211, a fantastic movement that is greatly less common than the 7750, albeit still manufactured under the control of E.T.A.

RailRoad Chronograph

One category that is never forgotten by Hamilton watches is the aviation-style watches and this year there are several new additions. Amongst the first releases of 2010, and already available for purchase is the 46mm, automatic, Khaki King Pilot. It captures the traditional “Big Pilot” look very nicely but is offered at amazing value, starting at C$995. Watchpaper readers already know the next one. If you haven’t read HAMILTON Khaki X-Landing it is worth taking a look at, and it is featured in a video presentation embedded below.

Fans of good ol’, classic, vintage elegance will not be disappointed. A few minor retouches have been done to the very popular Jazzmaster Slim to create the new Slim 43 Petite Seconds. As the name suggests these changes include the addition of a small subsidiary dial for the seconds. In order to compensate for the added thickness of the small seconds, the back of the case has been “closed.” While no longer see-through, the case back is engraved with the company’s vintage logo.

I had a real good time visiting Hamilton headquarters. I thank Vivian and Martine who helped me organize it and showed all the amazing new Hamilton watches.

Marco is a webmaster and blogger for MattBaily.ca and an enthusiast of Hamilton watches.

If you do not see a video embedded here, visit the original post on watchpaper.com.

For all the videos produced from the Hamilton visit go to: http://www.mattbaily.ca/blog/tag/hamilton_visit_2010/

OMEGA presented Woolstencroft with a Seamaster Planet Ocean wristwatch

Skier won a record five consecutive gold medals

Vancouver, BC, April 6, 2010 – Canadian skier Lauren Woolstencroft had been known as the Golden Girl of Paralympics since 2002 when she claimed two gold medals and a bronze at the Games in Salt Lake City. At the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games her status evolved from impressive to legendary as she topped the podium in each of the five events she entered.

Woolstencroft is the only winter Paralympian in history to win five gold medals at a single Paralympic Games.

OMEGA, the Official Timekeeper of the Paralympic Winter Games, presented Woolstencroft with a Seamaster Planet Ocean wristwatch in celebration of her remarkable accomplishment. The presentation was made at the OMEGA Olympic Games Boutique on the ground floor of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

After receiving her watch, the ski star posed for photographs and signed the Boutique’s guest book. Woolstencroft said “What a great honour to be recognized and be given the gift of time for my accomplishments at the Paralympic Winter Games. To receive an OMEGA watch from the official timekeeper of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games is very exciting.”

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games have been widely heralded for their representation of the notion of true sport. At the Closing Ceremony on the 21st of March, International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philip Craven praised the Games and the athletes, saying, “Together, we have all captured the Paralympic Spirit from these Games and can carry it around the world.”

OMEGA and the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games

OMEGA’s famous logo has been a familiar site in Vancouver and Whistler and on television screens around the world throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The brand’s association with the Olympic Games dates back to 1932 in Los Angeles and OMEGA was also proud to have the opportunity to apply its timekeeping expertise to the Paralympic Games. The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games were the 24th at which OMEGA has been Official Timekeeper. The Swiss watchmaker recently extended its agreement to continue to serve in its timekeeping role at the Olympic and Paralympic Games through 2020.

Christophe Berthaud, the general manager of OMEGA Timing presents Sir Philip Craven with an OMEGA Seamaster Vancouver 2010 Limited Edition watch

Sir Philip Craven, the President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), visited OMEGA’s Paralympic Countdown Clock in downtown Vancouver and the Olympic Games Boutique at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Tuesday, March 16th.

Sir Philip, joined by his wife, was welcomed by Christophe Berthaud, the general manager of OMEGA Timing, the company responsible for the timekeeping and data handling at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Berthaud introduced Sir Philip, who has been president of the IPC since 2001, to the Boutique’s staff who showed him some of the highlights of their display, including the Constellation ’09 Collection, the Olympic Pocket Watch 1932, the Seamaster Vancouver 2010 Limited Edition watch created to commemorate the Games, and the Speedmaster Professional – the legendary Moonwatch.

Afterwards, Sir Philip signed OMEGA’s guestbook and Christophe Berthaud presented him with a commemorative Olympic Pin Set and an OMEGA Seamaster Vancouver 2010 Limited Edition watch. Sir Philip and Mr. Berthaud then posed for photographs with members of the Boutique’s staff and chatted with visitors and well wishers.

In addition to his high-profile role as president of the IPC, Sir Philip Craven is one of the most successful Paralympians of all time, having represented Great Britain in wheelchair basketball at five editions of the Paralympic Games between 1972 and 1988. Remarkably, in 1972, he also competed in track and field athletics and swimming.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games opened on the 12th of March and will continue through the 21st of March.

Montres DeWitt is eager to reinforce its positioning and its visibility in America and has therefore chosen a man whose philosophy and values match perfectly with the image of the company. Indeed, Mr Omer not only brings an incredible experience in the luxury business, but also a profound understanding and a true passion for Haute Horlogerie.

Nathalie Veysset:

“Having Jon Omer in our team is a very important step forward for our company. Jon is a great professional with an impressive track record. His profound understanding of the North American market will most definitely help us serve our clients even better. Jon’s perception and love of fine watchmaking matches perfectly with the DeWitt philosophy and our extremely high quality standards. He will play a crucial role in the development and strengthening of the brand. Welcome Jon!”

Jon Omer:

“It is with great pleasure that I have accepted the invitation to join the DeWitt watch family. In these exciting times in world of luxury goods, the buyers today are looking for uniqueness, brand integrity, and lasting value in the products they buy and the DeWitt brand is all about these qualities. Its commitment to uniqueness and quality provides the values that resonate with the watch connoisseur who is looking for the very best. I look forward to working with the DeWitt team to build an even greater awareness of their marvellous watches in the exciting North American market”.

With this recruitment, DeWitt therefore intends to firmly establish the notoriety of its Brand throughout North America, Mexico and the Caribbean region.

An impressive track record:

Mr Jon Omer is a strong manager and a creative strategist. He has demonstrated success in the set up of profitable distribution operations and in the streamlining of production and inventory systems. He knows how to strengthen brand appeal as well as to foster an atmosphere of customer-focused service.

Vice President of “Harry Winston “for the past 8 years, Mr Omer operated major changes to the distribution network and grew sales revenues impressively. Previously, Mr Omer also led the development and growth of Bulgari’s activities in North America for more than 10 years.

Last but not least, Mr Omer is Chairman of the American Watch Association and on the Board of Directors of the American Watch Guild. He has received various distinctions for his service to the nation during the Vietnam War.

Hublot BODE BANG

The partnership between the watchmaker and Miller began in November 2008 and in December 2009 Hublot debuted the “Bode Bang” limited edition watch designed by Bode together with the Hublot design team.

Miller visited the manufacturer’s facility and was fascinated by the know-how and meticulousness of the watchmakers and he set out to craft his own watch. His meeting with Jean-Claude Biver, the CEO of Hublot, led to an immediate mutual understanding. Both passionate, direct men with an expressive and unconventional manner of speech, they quickly found a host of shared values.

The talented, feisty and determined skier, and the inventive, exceptionally energetic boss both demonstrate great generosity through their involvement in supporting humanitarian causes. The creation of the Bode Bang is the fruit of this bond. Together, they decided to divert some of the watch’s royalties to the Turtle Ridge Foundation, founded by Bode Miller and his family in 2005 (www.turtleridgefoundation.org) to support those less fortunate in life, an ambition equally dear to Jean-Claude Biver.

“BODE BANG” Technical Specifications

Case
“Big Bang” diameter 44.5 mm in sandblasted black ceramic

Bezel 
Sandblasted black ceramic with 6 H-shaped steel black PVD screws, sunken, polished and blocked

Crystal
Sapphire with anti-reflection treatment and Bode Miller’s signature at 9 o’clock

Bezel lug
Black composite resin

Lateral inserts
Black composite resin

Back 
Sandblasted black ceramic with sapphire crystal

Crown
Steel black PVD, with natural black rubber insert

Push-pieces
Steel black PVD, rectangular, with natural black rubber insert

Water-resistance
100 m or 10 ATM

Dial
White with black nickel applique indices and numerals

Hands 
Faceted matt black

Movement
HUB4100 Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding

Calendar 
Trapezoid aperture at 4.30, white background, shiny black numeral

Power Reserve
42 hours

Strap
Adjustable black rubber with clasp in steel black PVD

Clasp
Steel black PVD

Limited Edition
250 numbered pieces 01/250 – 250/250

Source: www.hublot.com

Beatrice de Quervain Blanchard

Born in Switzerland, de Quervain Blanchard studied economics at the University of Zurich and attended Sup de Luxe in Paris to gain additional luxury goods experience. In 1993 she started her career in the Swiss watch industry by working with Jean Claude Biver at the iconic brand Omega, where she worked her way through the various stages of Product and Marketing to oversee the U.S. Marketing Division. In 1999 she joined Chopard as its first Marketing Director and was instrumental in gaining brand awareness in the brand’s watch and jewelry divisions. In 2001 she created her own distribution company before joining Harry Winston in 2004. At Harry Winston she was brought on board to oversee its luxury timepiece sales division on the East Coast and in select Caribbean markets, and in 2007 was promoted to global marketing director to head its communications initiatives.

At Hublot, Beatrice de Quervain Blanchard will focus on gaining market share through a diverse marketing program that will include the opening of new boutique stores, a strong wholesale network and newsworthy communications initiatives. “I am very excited to join such a formidable brand as Hublot,” says de Quervain. “I have worked with Mr. Biver and Mr. Guadalupe before, and I am greatly looking forward to fusing our minds together to increase the brand’s presence in the U.S. market.”

HUBLOT Gold King Power Tourbillon GMT

About Hublot

In just five years, Hublot has become one of the most sought-after high-end watch brands with some of its timepieces making watch history, such as the One Million Dollar Big Bang, All Black Big Bang and Mag Bang watches. Jean-Claude Biver and his team is undoubtedly leading the company’s guiding principle of “Fusion,” which combines unusual materials such as gold with ceramic, tantalum, magnesium and titanium with a modern version of Hublot’s rubber strap.

Source: www.hublot.ch

Oris Oscar Peterson Limited Edition

Jazz giant honoured by Oris

Oris’ track record in producing limited edition watches is almost as distinguished as the track record of the man to whom Oris dedicates its latest jazz watch: Oscar Peterson.

Regarded by many as the greatest jazz pianist of all time, his career and chosen instrument inspired the special design features of this elegant watch.

The delicately applied indices take the form of piano keys and sit atop a central dial ring with concentric grooves. This dial ring is reminiscent of an LP and refers to the hundreds of recordings Oscar Peterson made during his career.

Oscar Peterson loved watches with Roman numerals and this limited edition honours that – even displaying the VIII in gold plate – a reference to the eight Grammys he won during his lifetime.

The case back carries the Oscar Peterson lion logo and the limited edition number from 0001/1925 to 1925/1925, chosen because it was the year the great man was born.

Oscar Peterson’s talent knew no bounds: the Oris Oscar Peterson Limited Edition is a fitting tribute to a jazz giant.

Oris Oscar Peterson Limited Edition - Back

Product Features

Oris Oscar Peterson Limited Edition
Ø 42.00mm Ref: 733 7642 4084

- Automatic mechanical movement. Centralised second, minute and hour displays. Date display at 6 o’clock.
- Multi-piece stainless steel case with stainless steel crown. Water resistant to 10 bar/100m.
- Sapphire glass domed on both sides with inner anti-reflective coating.
- Black dial with applied ‘piano key’ indices.
- Black dial with applied Roman numerals. VIII plated in rose gold plated.
- Nickel hands with Superluminova inlay. Second hand with ‘O’ counterbalance.
- Black calf skin leather strap with croco imprint and stainless steel folding clasp.
- Varnished wooden box, certificate and DVD.

Canadian Jazz Maharaja, Oscar Peterson

About Oscar Peterson

Oscar Emmanuel Peterson, (August 15, 1925 – December 23, 2007) was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer. He was called the “Maharaja of the keyboard” by Duke Ellington, “O.P.” by his friends, and was a member of jazz royalty. He released over 200 recordings, won seven Grammy Awards, and received other numerous awards and honours over the course of his career. He is considered to have been one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, who played thousands of live concerts to audiences worldwide in a career lasting more than 65 years.

Source: www.oris.ch
www.wikipedia.org

Gold Medal winner Maelle Ricker, and OMEGA President Stephen Urquhart in bobsleight, standing in the back is Astronaut Tom Stafford and in the back is Astronaut Gene Cernan

Snowboard cross star was the first Canadian woman to win gold at home

One of the most thrilling finishes at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games resulted in a tale of national pride and Olympic redemption. Maëlle Ricker, competing in snowboard cross only a few kilometers from where she grew up, became the first Canadian woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal in her homeland.

OMEGA, the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Winter Games, presented Ricker with a Seamaster Planet Ocean wristwatch in celebration of her accomplishment. She joined OMEGA president Stephen Urquhart and NASA astronauts and OMEGA brand ambassadors Gene Cernan and Tom Stafford in the brand’s lounge at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver where the presentation of the watch took place.

They then crossed the street to pose for photographers in OMEGA‘s red bobsleigh in front of the Official Countdown Clock in downtown Vancouver.

When he presented Ms. Ricker with her watch, Stephen Urquhart said, “We are so happy to share this gift of time with Maëlle. She’s a true champion and embodies all that is great about the Olympic Winter Games. She demonstrated drive, determination and a winning spirit. We are particularly pleased to be making this presentation to a national hero in her home city.”

Maëlle Ricker responded enthusiastically, “This amazing Omega watch is a great honour. Now I definitely won’t be late for any of my upcoming snowboard world cups. Olympic partners like Omega really keep the Games running on time and I’m really happy to have created a gold medal moment for Canada.”

When Maëlle Ricker participated in snowboard cross at the Turin 2006 Olympic Winter Games her hopes for a medal were dashed by a fall which resulted in a concussion. She has said that Turin served as a motivation to work particularly hard in preparation for the Games in Vancouver.

Ricker is an established star in her sport. She has 23 World Cup medals in snowboard cross, including 12 victories. She has been to the podium seven times in World Cup halfpipe competition and has claimed two gold medals.

OMEGA and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

OMEGA’s famous logo is a familiar site in Vancouver and Whistler and on television screens around the world. The brand’s association with the Olympic Games dates back to 1932 in Los Angeles. That year, OMEGA became the first company ever to be entrusted with the timekeeping at every Olympic event. The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games are the 24th at which OMEGA has been Official Timekeeper. The IOC and the Swiss watchmaker recently extended their agreement through 2020.