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

de GRISOGONO boutique in Las Vegas at Crystals

December 15th 2009 — de GRISOGONO has opened a boutique in Las Vegas at Crystals, the new premier luxury shopping destination at the City Center. A new space filled with baroque touches that reflect all the magic and creativity of the jewelry and watch making brand created by Fawaz Gruosi.

After Geneva, London, Gstaad, Hong Kong, Rome, Porto Cervo, Paris, St. Moritz, Kuwait, New York, two in Moscow, Tokyo, Saint-Barthélemy, Dubai and New Delhi, it is in Las Vegas that de GRISOGONO has chosen to open a second boutique in the United States, which brings its worldwide total to 17. Those who already know the de GRISOGONO “style” will be surprised upon entering this new boutique, because unlike the rest, it will have a new décor. Faithful to the brand and closely following Fawaz’s vision, this new treasure trove will appear as a more modern version of the other boutiques around the world. All in a space of 85 square meters, in the most luxurious of style, the interior highlights the company’s traditional yellow and grey walls, dark cherry hardwood floors and imported furniture from Florence. The exterior is in sleek black and modern, shining the company’s brand name in gold.

For more information contact:

de Grisogono Las Vegas
Crystals at CityCenter
3720 Las Vegas Boulevard South Suite #205
Las Vegas, NV 889109

Antonio Calce CORUM CEO CORUM USA President wearing ADC Challenge 44 Black & Gold Photo: Stephane de Bourgies

“…and the star-spangled banner that in triumph will wave…”
Francis Scott Key

After the takeover of CORUM USA LLC on October 1st, Montres CORUM Sàrl now announces the new organization of its US subsidiary: Antonio Calce remains President and appoints a new Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer.

As of January 2010, Antonio Calce, Chief Executive Officer of CORUM watches will keep the presidency of the US subsidiary and will be supported by Mr. Steve Shonebarger, appointed COO and Executive Vice-President for North America.

Antonio Calce, CORUM CEO and President of CORUM USA said:
“For me, it is crucial to confirm my status of President on this market since it reflects the importance of the US market which has a tremendous promise to reveal. Even though this market is still very difficult due to the economic downturn, it remains a key market for our brand and has not reached its true potential yet. This new organization aims to unify all our forces to regain the trust of our retailers, strengthen our relations with our partners and give CORUM the success its deserves in the U.S. By appointing Steve Shonebarger, we rely on a man benefiting from a sound experience in the US. As a brand ambassador, he will closely manage the business. Steve will be supported by a local team of 18 people as well as by every Department at CORUM HQ who has proved in recent years all their strength and prominent skills. With this new organization, CORUM will achieve its USA target in line with our international strategy.

Steve Shonebarger, CORUM USA COO and Executive VP

Steve Shonebarger – Short Biography

As a successful senior executive with over 25 years experience in retail and wholesale luxury watches and jewelry in the United States, Canada and Caribbean, Steve has been the strategic leader for many successful brands.

In 1996, he joined HARRY WINSTON INC. in New York and was appointed Managing Director of the Ultimate Watch Division and Wholesale Jewelry Division of the brand. By developing and executing strategic plans for the U.S. and Caribbean luxury watch division and by supervising the worldwide wholesale distribution network, Steve set up the U.S distribution from inception and significantly developed the brand notoriety in US.

Over the past 9 years he was Senior Vice President and Director of Wholesale North America for BVLGARI CORP. OF AMERICA in New York. This new experience enabled him to re-build the wholesale network of the brand to a strong position consistent with BVLGARI’ own retail stores. Today being entrusted with the position of COO and Executive Vice-President of CORUM USA, Steve is expected to expand significantly the brand image of CORUM and its sales. Based upon his vast experience, strategic vision and strong network especially with prestigious professional affiliations (Director of the American Watch Association, Executive Director of the Jewelry Information Council, Director of Jewelers Vigilance Committee) we are confident Steve will excel in his new position.

CORUM Key - Unlock & Conquer Photo: Eveline Perroud

CORUM

Positioned as an exclusive brand, CORUM offers high-quality watch collections featuring an innovative and distinctive design, and equipped with sophisticated mechanical movements. Its 150-current references, spread between four key pillars – Admiral’s Cup, Romvlvs, CORUM Bridge and Artisans – enjoy a legitimacy rooted in the brand history. The full set of collections comprises models ranging from 5,000 to 1 million US$ retail price and giving pride of place to precious metals and horological complications. Founded in 1955 in la Chaux-de-Fonds, CORUM has since 2005 undergone a complete renaissance that has enabled it to achieve a perfect match between the product and the demands for quality and creativity that are the very foundations of its credibility. Its firmly upscale move is a logical result of the brand’s efforts to recapture its historical standing while significantly reinforcing its horological substance. CORUM’s substantial investments have led to the integration of watchmaking professions, the development of production tools, the enhancement of human resources and the promotion of staff training. The result is a brand once again entirely in tune with its genetic heritage.

www.CORUM.ch

Corum Black Ti-Bridge

This acquisition is in line with CORUM’s global distribution policy and allows a stronger presence of the brand in the American market, whose significant size and commercial opportunities are considered of utmost importance. CORUM’s goal is to strengthen contacts with its retailers in Northern America and the Caribbean Islands and continue to build long-term relationships with optimal support for the sales of its timepieces.

Michael Wunderman, Johnny Wizman and Steven Wizman, owners of the American distribution since early 2008, remain involved in the watch business as owners and operators of the W Luxury Group, the exclusive North American distributor of Franc Vila timepieces. Michael will remain as President within the subsidiary company until the end of October. From November, Mr. Antonio Calce, CEO of CORUM Watches, will assume the interim presidency until the appointment of a new President.

The employees of Corum USA LLC will remain in office and continue as usual. CORUM’s management is grateful to count on the commitment and motivation of its new subsidiary company’s workforce. Relations with the distribution network will thus not be interrupted.

CORUM’s management would like to thank Michael Wunderman for his personal commitment to the brand’s development not only in the American market but all over the world.

With 160 employees worldwide, the independent family-held company CORUM is aware of the value of its teams and importance of human value. The brand initiated a global repositioning process several years ago and intends to continue its growth and reinforce its reputation in the American market thanks to a product strategy based on four iconic pillars and a strong distribution network.

Montres CORUM Sàrl
Rue du Petit -Château 1 – Case postale 374 – 2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds – Switzerland
Tél. +41 ( 0 ) 32 967 06 70 – Fax +41 (0) 32 967 06 00 – info@corum.ch

Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph

In May 2009, Swiss luxury watch company Blancpain and Lamborghini Manhattan teamed up for a special unveiling of the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce in New York.

An exclusive cocktail reception for 70 guests was held at the Blancpain Boutique at Madison Avenue, New York. Guests had the unique opportunity to “test drive” the 2009 Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph, a limited edition timepiece which celebrates the partnership between Blancpain and Lamborghini in the Super Trofeo race series. Directly in front of the Boutique, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce and LB715 Gallardo Spyder drew much attention from guests as well as passers by on prestigious Madison Avenue.

“The alliance between the world’s oldest watch brand and one of the most iconic car manufacturers has resulted in the creation of an exceptional automobile championship, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.” said Marc Junod, Blancpain USA Brand President. “As a crowning touch to this partnership, Blancpain is proud to introduce a new horological gem: the Super Trofeo Chronograph.”

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

About Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph

The Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph displays state-of-the-art design and all the attributes of cutting-edge technology. The case, specifically designed for this prestigious line, is inspired by the sleek profil eof the Lamborghini Gallardo. Crafted in steel – the 43.5 mm diameter case that is water-resistant to 100 metres features alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces. At this heart of this new sophisticated and performance oriented case, the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph, lies its throbbing “engine”, Calibre F185. This mechanical self winding calibre is endowed with a 40-hour power reserve and comprises 308 parts. The unmistakable black dial is distinguished by two red and white 9 and 12 o’clock numerals stylised to evoke the numbers painted on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 racing cars. Another exclusive feature of this exceptional model is its gold oscillating weight engraved with the inscription “Super Trofeo 2009”. The Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph is teamed with a strap in alcantara – like the seats in the Lamborghini Gallardo – secured by a steel folding clasp. The Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph comes in a presentation box inspired by the taut, opulent lines of the ultra-dynamic Gallardo.

Marc Junod (Blancpain USA Brand President) and John Kaufman (General Manager of Manhattan Motorcars)

Juan-Carlos Torres and Monique Barbier-Mueller

Vacheron Constantin organized an exceptional evening event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York as part of the inauguration of “African and Oceanic Art from the Barbier-Mueller Museum, Geneva: a Legacy of Collecting”, an exhibition dedicated to the masterpieces from the Barbier-Mueller family collection and supported by Vacheron Constantin.

On this auspicious occasion (a first in the history of the New York museum),leading watchmakers – Vacheron Constantin – hosted 250 guests for a dinner in the splendid Temple of Dendur set beneath the museum’s huge glass roof looking out onto Central Park.

The evening saw a world-first presentation of the 4 latest “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” creations, timepieces celebrating horological expertise and the tradition of Métiers d’art (artistic crafts) faithfully cultivated for over 250 years by the world’s oldest watch Manufacture.

A partner of the Barbier-Mueller museum since 2007, Vacheron Constantin held an exceptional soirée at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, coinciding with the official inauguration of “African and Oceanic Art from the Barbier-Mueller Museum, Geneva: a Legacy of Collecting” – an exhibition dedicated to masterpieces from the family collection and supported by the Geneva-based brand.

This unique event was graced by the presence of Monique Barbier-Mueller and Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, along with Marc Guten, International Director of Vacheron Constantin, Hugues de Pins, President of Vacheron Constantin North America, and Laurence Mattet, Director of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva.

250 guests – comprising customers, collectors, art connoisseurs and friends of Vacheron Constantin – were hosted in New York’s largest museum and one of the most important in the world in terms of both its size and the quality of its collections.

During this evening, guests enjoyed a preview of the Barbier-Mueller Museum exhibition (on show in the MET through September 27th 2009). After that, inside the spectacular Temple of Dendur Room beneath the huge glass roof looking out onto Central Park, they were able to admire an exhibition of exceptional historical watches from the Vacheron Constantin heritage, as well as the two first boxed sets of “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” timepieces on show alongside the original masks of the Barbier-Mueller Museum. This display was further enhanced by a demonstration of artistic watchmaking crafts, and in particular those of Master Engraver and Master Watchmaker.

Performers from the Julliard School

The highlight of the dinner was a dance performance by artists from the famous Juilliard School (featuring a sound and light choreography evoking the four continents from which the “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” creations). This was followed by the world-first presentation of the third and last set of four “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” timepieces – a collection celebrating the horological expertise and the tradition of artistic watchmaking crafts cherished by the watch brand.

This eventful evening set the crowning touch to the “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” collection, paying tribute to the Barbier-Mueller family, as well as to human intelligence and dexterity, while once again testifying to Vacheron Constantin’s deep-felt attachment to art and culture, travel and discovery.

About the Vacheron Constantin “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” collection

Unveiled for the very first time at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in 2007, the Vacheron Constantin “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” collection depicts the artistic crafts cultivated by the Geneva-based watch manufacture, and in particular that of Master Engraver.

Each model features an authentic mask reproduced and miniaturized on a watch dial. The original masks that inspired this collection all stem from the private collection of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva, the world’s largest private collection of primitive art. Three series – one per year, in a limited edition of 25 each – have thus been presented in boxed sets of four creations representing four different masks from 4 distinct regions of the world: Asia, the Americas, Oceania and Africa.

Vacheron Constantin at the MET

Each timepiece in this collection is equipped with the self-winding Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460G and bears the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. This movement enables hand-free read-off of the time. Driven by a complex set of wheels and gears, four discs appear through dedicated hour, minute, day and date apertures, thereby freeing up the dial centre for the artisans to give free rein to their creativity as expressed through the masks.

A world-first viewing of the third and last boxed set of four timepieces was presented at the Metropolitan Musem of Art. The four masks reproduced and miniaturized in these watches are inspired by originals from Indonesia, the Tibet region, Mexico and the Gabon.

Vacheron Constantin was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1755 and is the oldest watch manufacturer in the world with an uninterrupted history spanning more than 250 years.  Like their predecessors who laid the foundations for the spirit of technical and precious Haute Horlogerie, the men and women of Vacheron Constantin continue designing, developing and producing in Geneva a range of exceptional timepieces remain unwaveringly faithful to the three brand fundamentals:  fully mastered technique, harmonious and inspired aesthetics, and exquisite finishing.

Vacheron Constantin Executives & Barbier-Mueller Family

Vacheron Constantin and the Barbier-Mueller Museum

Geneva’s old town is home to one of the world’s oldest and richest private collections of Primitive Art: that of the Barbier-Mueller Museum, initiated in the 1920s by Josef Mueller and perpetuated ever since by his daughter Monique and her husband Jean Paul Barbier-Mueller. In 1977, three months after the death of Josef Mueller, the couple opened the first museum bearing their name in Geneva. In 1997, the Museu Barbier-Mueller Precolombi was established in Barcelona.

It was in 2007, marking the 100th anniversary of the family collection, that Vacheron Constantin became an official partner of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva. That milestone year was also the 30th anniversary of the original museum and the 10th anniversary of its counterpart in Barcelona.

Since then, through successive events at the National Palace Museum in Taipei in Taiwan, the Jacquemart-André Museum in Paris, and now in New York in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the two Geneva-based ‘institutions’ have cultivated an ongoing partnership and close affinities testifying to their shared dedication to cultural diversity and to a consistently pioneering spirit.

Geneva, June 10th 2009.

Ryan St. George, Managing Director of Wyler Genève

Ryan St. George is a U.S. national from Los Angeles who graduated with an M.B.A. from the University of California in 2000 before moving to Rome to work in marketing with Johnson&Johnson Italy. A promotion in 2004 saw him move to London where he took over marketing responsibilities with Johnson&Johnson for the EAME region. In 2007 he returned to Italy to join sportswear manufacturer Adidas as the Head of Sports Marketing for Italy, handling all the brand’s athletes and team partnerships.

In 2008, Ryan joined the Milan-based Binda Group, the parent company of Wyler Genève, as International Marketing Director with responsibility for the Breil Milano, D&G Time and Jewels, Moschino Cheap and Chic and Ducati brands. He became the Managing Director of Wyler Genève on 1^st May 2009.

Harrison Ford with his Hamilton Khaki Conservation watch © Hamilton

What made Hamilton the choice for this project?
As is often the case in life – a series of coincidences! Some time ago I came across a Hamilton watch that I really enjoyed wearing. Then, since Hamilton has a strong presence in Hollywood with its watches being chosen to feature in lots of major movies, I came into contact with some of the Hamilton guys, including their designer. We then got talking about my work as Vice Chair of Conservation International. Our conclusion was that it would be great to create a watch inspired by the charity’s activity in nature conservation, to benefit the charity. That is how I got to the Hamilton drawing board to give birth to the Khaki Conservation watch!

How did you come up with the design for the watch?
Hamilton gave me a lot of freedom for the design of the watch! First of all, it was important for me that the resulting watch should reflect the global scale of the vital work of Conservation International. To satisfy that need I came up with the idea of using the GMT functionality, with its second time zone selection, to draw attention to a range of focus locations for Conservation International projects, from Brazil to Indonesia. Also, the preservation of our planet is an extremely time-critical issue that should always be at the forefront of our minds – that’s why each watch has the Conservation International logo, together with my signature, engraved on it – as constant reminders of the urgency of our work. Finally, the choice of materials that expresses the colors and richness of Nature was key – right down to the watch’s special packaging in recyclable corrugated cardboard!

The Hamilton Khaki Conservation © Hamilton

Are you happy with the way it turned out? Why?
Since I had such freedom in designing the watch I have no excuses – I love it of course! I really like the way the mixture of precision timekeeping, while the vintage design touches reflect the message of Conservation International concerning the fragility of time.

Why is this cause the one for you? Why do you feel it’s important?
Our health relies entirely on the vitality of our fellow species on Earth. When we protect the places where the processes of life can flourish, we strengthen not only the future of medicine, agriculture and industry, but also the essential condition for peace and prosperity. This summarizes the mission of the Conservation International organization and I can’t think of anything more relevant – to me or any other human being!

Khaki BASE Jump Automatic

An adrenalin kick for the wrist

Hamilton literally looked up to the skies for design inspiration for the new Khaki BASE Jump watches. These robust timepieces may not have a ripcord, but their appearance visually recreates the adrenalin-filled spirit of BASE jumping (jumping with an unopened parachute from a Building, Antenna, Span or the Earth). There is an automatic version containing a 2824 ETA-movement, as well as a sophisticated automatic chronograph with a 7750 movement. With their bold 50 mm cases and rugged color scheme, the Khaki BASE Jump timepieces give wearers wings when it comes to style.

High-flying functionality

A unique feature of the Khaki BASE Jump Auto Chrono is the chronograph functionality activated via the turning bezel. The Khaki BASE Jump Automatic version also integrates a turning bezel, in this case for an original bi-directional countdown. Both watches use a typeface of the sort commonly found on ‘classified information’ files, ensuring that the looks signal dynamic operation possibilities. The robust character is highlighted by a protected crown, positioned on the left-hand side of the watch for easy use in extreme situations, and an easy-grip finish on the bezel’s outer edge.

Elevated precision

Just like the sport that inspired the watch’s name, the Khaki BASE Jump timepieces have precision at the top of their checklist. An eye for design detail complements the quality of the Swiss movements. The dimensions of the case commensurate to the parachute are contrasted provocatively and stylishly with a ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern. The chronograph model comes with a choice of a titanium case with a black finish, or a stainless steel case coated in black or brown with matched dials. All versions have rubber straps to match the dial and underline the edgy, sporty statement. The non-chronograph interpretation has identical color combinations and a stainless steel case. In all of its declinations, the Hamilton Khaki BASE Jump promises to become as iconic as Icarus – hopefully bringing their wearer more luck in high-flying activities.

Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in over 350 films. The brand also boasts a strong aeronautical heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world with 160 production sites in Switzerland.

Technical Specifications

Khaki BASE Jump Auto chrono
Size 50 mm
Material Titanium / PVD black or bronze
Dial Color Black / bronze
Attachments Black rubber / brown leather
Movement Automatic 7750
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 100 m
Price Ca 1495 Euro, 1945 US$, 2250 CHF
Launch September 2009

Khaki BASE Jump Automatic
Size 50 mm
Material Stainless steel / PVD black / PVD bronze
Dial Color Black / bronze
Attachments Black rubber / brown leather
Movement Automatic 2824
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 100 m
Price Ca 895 € , 1195 US$ , 1345 CHF
Launch September 2009

BASE jumping is an activity using a parachute to jump from fixed objects, with the parachute remaining unopened at the start of the jump. BASE stands for the four recognized categories of fixed objects from which BASE jumpers can jump – Building, Antenna, Span (a section between two intermediate support and earthen objects such as a bridge) and the Earth.

Providing a further link with Hamilton, the acronym “BASE” was coined by film-maker Carl Boenish. He was the real catalyst behind modern BASE jumping and in 1978 filmed the first BASE jumps (from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park).

Hamilton Jazzmaster Slim Automatic - pink gold plated

Hamilton  presents a refreshing new dimension in precision timekeeping

With their slender cases, the Jazzmaster Slim Automatic watches bring new dimensions of elegance and comfort to classical design. A fine Swiss automatic movement takes its place underneath a black or silver dial, enclosed by a choice of 40 mm or 43 mm housing in polished stainless steel. The large 40 and 43 mm diameter contrasts the slenderness of the polished stainless steel case. The variation with a ‘Milanese’ metal bracelet underlines the Hamilton commitment to uniting modernity with craftsmanship.

About Hamilton

Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in over 300 films. The brand also boasts a strong aeronautical heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world with 160 production sites in Switzerland.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Slim Automatic

www.hamiltonwatch.com

Price:
43mm – Ca 625 €, 795 USD, 950 CHF
40mm – Ca 525 €, 695 USD, 795 CHF