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Chopard x Time Avenue: Showcasing of Luxurious Timepieces and Jewels

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Exclusive Preview of Chopard’s Latest Creations

Mumbai’s top retailer, Time Avenue, recently hosted an exclusive preview of Chopard’s latest creations. The exhibit showcased the brand’s novelties unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2024 and a collection of exquisite timepieces.

Emphasis on Jewelry and Indian Clientele

Xavier Lasserre, Chopard’s Global Sales Director, emphasized the Indian clientele’s affection for the brand’s jewelry. The company also displayed some beautiful pieces, including the Alpine Eagle and L’Heure du Diamant collections, exclusive from both collections for Indian clients to experience firsthand. Lasserre stated that these pieces resonate deeply with the Indian audience, who have a rich tradition of wearing high-quality jewelry.

 

Celebrating a Long-Standing Partnership

Celebrating its 26th anniversary this year, Time Avenue has been a trusted partner of Chopard for nearly two decades. Led by Viraal Rajan, this Mumbai-based retailer has been a prominent supporter of independent watchmakers. Lasserre highlighted the collaborative approach between the brand and the retailer. He explained that Chopard has been in the Indian market for many years and that they had launched a unique creation of Lord Ganesh with eight pieces specifically for India.

Enhancing Brand Visibility

Lasserre also emphasized how Time Avenue’s new boutique in Mumbai has enhanced the brand’s visibility. He said they have a long-standing relationship with Time Avenue and hope it continues to grow. Nikki Rajan, Director at Time Avenue, remarked that Chopard’s collaboration with Time Avenue at the event highlights their commitment to luxury and precision in watchmaking. She said their presence in India enhances the luxury watch market and fosters a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship among enthusiasts and collectors.

Manufacturing Capabilities and Integration

Discussing Chopard’s manufacturing capabilities, Lasserre shared that they have five manufacturing facilities and are almost fully integrated, producing everything from A to Z. He noted that they even have their gold foundry, which is rare in the industry. This level of integration provides a significant advantage in serving their clients.

 

Expansion Plans in India

He also mentioned their recent engagement with partners in Mumbai and Delhi to expand their fine jewelry presence. He outlined their ambitious growth plans for India, with 12 locations already, new openings planned for Chennai and Goa, and discussions for Ahmedabad. He also recognized the need for boutiques in Delhi and Mumbai as part of their future plans.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a core focus for Chopard. Regarding their ethical gold commitment, Lasserre stated that their family’s values drove Chopard’s commitment to using ethical gold. He noted that brands are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council and avoid conflict diamonds, and their ethical gold sourcing ensures traceability. He highlighted that all their jewelry is now made from ethical gold. Additionally, he mentioned the launch of a new Chopard’s Lucent Steel in 2019, made of 80% recycled steel, offering better light reflection and scratch resistance.

Popular Collections

Many collectors are drawn to Chopard’s L’Heure or sports watches. Lasserre explained that for men, their Mille Miglia line represents about 80% of their sports watch volume, while their L.U.C. creations cater to the dress watch segment. For women, he noted that their Happy Sport collection, featuring moving diamonds, is their signature line.

Global Market Strategy

Finally, Lasserre discussed Chopard’s market strategies. He stated that they approach their market strategy globally, acknowledging that their clients are often international travellers. He said they focus on securing and supporting their iconic collections rather than creating market-specific approaches and noted that many of their clients, including those from India, are incredibly knowledgeable about their brand and products, often more so than their sales staff, thanks to their engagement with digital platforms and their website.

Successful Event

The event was a huge hit with watch enthusiasts and collectors. It showed the brand’s outreach, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market.

 

Day 2 at Watches and Wonders 2023

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If you have recovered from yesterday’s exhilarating trip, be ready to be spun around some more because the show keeps getting surreal.

Without much ado, we shall begin our discovery of the exquisite novelties that await us.

BEAUREGARD – Dahlia White Gold – Fire Opal

The Maison’s founding collection Dahlia was unveiled in 2018 to immediate international recognition. The collection was selected for the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) alongside international powerhouse brands. This poetic floral creation with its Haute Joaillerie dial, animated by a central flying tourbillon and set with 600 flawless diamonds, is presented this year with a dial handmade in vibrant Fire opal. Sourced in the Mexican village of Magdalena, the world center for the 5 mines producing this fascinating gem, this flawless selection of rough stones is worked in a Montreal workshop to the highest standards of craftsmanship.

A delicate-looking yet sturdy timepiece on a lovely wrist has a calming effect on time.

CHOPARD – Alpine Eagle 41 XPS

Alpine Eagle extends its range with an ultra-thin model featuring a small seconds indication. The L.U.C 96.40-L movement measures 3.30mm only, enabling the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS to beat with chronometer-certified accuracy. Optimal proportions and a textured “Monte Rosa Pink” dial endow this model with undeniable elegance and distinction, while its finishes have earned it Poinçon de Genève recognition.

This one is sure to charm you and make you look at the world with Rosa tinted glasses.

FERDINAND BERTHOUD – FB 3SPC.1

The Chronomètre FB 3SPC.1, one of the two versions, is equipped with an 18-carat white gold case, 2N pale yellow gold movement components and an eggshell-coloured dial in sandblasted silver-toned brass.

Golden dreams are made of these.

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT – Classic Tourbillon Manufacture

Honouring the watchmaking traditions, the Classic Tourbillon is manufactured in gold in a limited quantity of 150 individually numbered watches. The tourbillon was first unveiled in 2008, 15 years ago, with a comma-shaped aperture in 2023, the comma has become a full circle.

The elegance of this timepiece is not to be missed.

HUBLOT – MP-13 TOURBILLON BI-AXIS RETROGRADE

Hublot is known for its disruptive, creative and technical Haute Horlogerie. Now writing a new chapter in the MP story with masterpieces that are collectors’ dreams. The new MP-13 is a unique 100% Hublot Manufacture complication with a double-axis Tourbillon and Dual Retrograde Display from the watchmaking of tomorrow.

Wrap your head and time around this one because this is one complicated yet beautiful timepiece.

HUBLOT –Square Bang Sapphire 

Hublot unveils its interpretation of the square watch, a new geometry for the watchmaker. Inspired by the Maison’s iconic Big Bang, this Square Bang Unico adds a new pillar: ‘The Shaped Collection’ to sit alongside the Spirit of Big Bang.

A show-stopper is an apt word for this one. If the world were square, it would probably just fit in fine in this one. The transparent sapphire case makes this the watch to have. 

 

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN – Ingenieur Automatic 40 Black

During the 70s, Gerald Genta created the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832. Today’s Ingenieur Automatic 40 embodies his vision of bringing a stainless steel sporty watch with an integrated bracelet. While meeting the highest standards set for technology, ergonomics and finish, the watch also shows off daring aesthetics.

The black ‘grid’ will seamlessly intersect and network into your multiple parallel universes, real or imaginary.

LAURENT FERRIER –  Square Micro-Rotor Evergreen

Always committed to creating timeless yet modern pieces that are functional yet can sway you with their aesthetic power, Laurent Ferrier now brings forth watches that are an eclectic mix of sophistication and elegance, the Square Micro-Rotor Evergreen and the Classic Micro-Rotor Evergreen.

Simplicity has immense power, check this watch out if you do not believe me.

ROLEX – New Cosmograph Daytona

Rolex has launched new age Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona updating its range. The case design is singular in nature and features its characteristic chronograph with refined details.

This model has the most unique colour combinations and this being Rolex it wears its crown high.

Wonderful Novelties at Watches and Wonders – Day 1

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The excitement was palpable and there was a buzz in the city of Geneva which woke up to the first day of Watches and Wonders. This was the day everyone was looking forward to since 2020. The wonderful novelties that were unveiled at Watches and Wonders on day 1 were long awaited. The watch was on.

All the brands were eager to welcome trade partners and watch enthusiasts and the visitors were equally elated to see the wonderful novelties displayed in all their splendor. The fruit of the hard labor was ripe, and all the innovations were ready to see the lights.

The convention was kickstarted with a beautiful opening ceremony and several brands had keynote addresses. But the moment the novelties were unveiled the magic began.

The first day saw a mix of brands and here’s a rundown on day one at the most happening event.

Armin Strom: Orbit

What is unique about this spectacularly beautiful piece?

It is the world’s first watch with an on-demand date indicated on the bezel. The pusher at 10 when pushed shows the date on the bezel for a few seconds. The date hand when in the stationary mode, remains in its fixed position pointing at 12 o’clock.

Their signature bridges, hold the micro-rotor at the one o’clock position, and the equal force barrel at the 6 o’clock position. The watch comes with transparency that is unique in the watch industry highlighting the inner workings of mechanical watchmaking on the dial-side. It comes with an integrated bracelet and a contrasting ceramic bezel. A sport-chic watch that is flaunt-worthy.

Discover the timepiece here: https://arminstrom.com/en/collection/system-78/orbit-first-edition/?v=ee2d312f5477

Chopard: Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillion

The Alpine Eagle flying tourbillion is a watch made in Lucent Steel making it 50% harder and more luminous. The well-highlighted flying tourbillon placed at 6 o’clock has no upper bridge and you can see right through to the movement.

The brushed dial starts at the tourbillion moving outwards. With an integrated bracelet, the watch is simple and yet a delightful piece.

Discover the timepiece here: https://www.chopard.com/intl/alpine-eagle-flying-tourbillon-298616-3001

Cartier: Tank Chinoise

A comeback after a century, in an art-deco design, rectangular and true to its vertical brancards design the Tank Chionese is as simple and elegant as they come. With two additional brancards across the top and bottom of the square case, it evokes the portico design.

In a beautifully polished gold case, its iconic design and shape with “chemin de fer” and the hidden Cartier signature it is a watch that puts geometry in fashion.

As part of the Cartier Privé collection, there are six models in this collection. Three models, in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Made to a limited 150 pieces per model. There are also additional 3 models with see-through dials and skeletonized movements. The traditional Chinese window designs are eye-catching and made in a limited quantity of 100 pieces each.

IWC Schaffhausen; Pilot’s Chronograph Top Gun Edition Woodland

IWC has new models in its Pilot’s Chronograph Top Gun Edition. We are going to talk about Woodland here.  Featuring in sombre green ceramic with Ceratanium® at the case back and the pushers this watch looks as cool as the forests the pilots fly over. It is a double pusher chronograph, with the 30-minute and hour counter on the dial.

The indices look green but look nicely lit. Following the monochromatic design, the rubber strap continues to run in green with a fabric inlay. Each of the two models will be made in a quantity of 1,000 pieces.

Discover the timepiece here: https://www.iwc.com/en/watch-collections/pilot-watches/iw389106-pilot_s-watch-chronograph-top-gun-edition-woodland.html

Laurent Ferrier

A grade 5 Titanium, case making this an extremely light watch. The dial is in a blue gradient starting with a lighter centre and growing outwards to a darker blue. The assegai watch hands go so well with white gold indices adding to the elegance of the watch.

At the back is a see-through manual winding movement hand-finished and refined.

Discover the timepiece here: https://laurentferrier.ch/products/classic-origin-blue?variant=41961889759394

Tag Heuer: Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph

Tag Heuer forays into its first solar-powered watch with a TH50-00 caliber.

The dial is transparent and allows the sunlight to enter the movement to power it up. Just two minutes in full sunlight can power it up for a day. It also lightens up the Super-Luminova that features on the carbon bezel as well as indices. If the timepiece stops working exposure of 10 seconds to sunlight can restart the watch.

A sporty watch that professional divers can take down to the depth of 200 meters. Comes with a power-saving mode.

Discover the timepiece here: https://www.tagheuer.com/in/en/event/tag-heuer-aquaracer-professional-200-solargraph.html