Archive for February, 2008

Charles & Colvard Sales Down 35%


Charles & Colvard, Ltd., the global source of moissanite, a created jewel available for use in fine jewelry, reported Thursday that net sales in the fourth quarter decreased 35 percent to $7.9 million year-over-year. Gross profit fell 42 percent to $5.4 million year-over-year.

Gross profit margins decreased 830 basis points to 68.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007 from 76.9 percent in the comparable quarter of 2006 primarily, as a result of higher production costs during the period being relieved from inventory, the Morrisville, N.C.-based company said.

Ebel And Bayern Munich A Five Year Partnership


 

 Ebel is continuing and intensifying its commitment to the world of football. Following in Arsenal’s footsteps, Bayern Munich is the latest team to have signed a strategic alliance with the Architects of Time.

On 10 February, Thomas van der Kallen, the Chairman of Ebel, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the Chairman of Bayern Munich, held a press conference in the Bavarian capital to announce the partnership between the watch manufacturer based in La Chaux-de-Fonds and Germany’s most prestigious football club. In its capacity as Bayern’s official partner, Ebel will take on responsibility over the next five years ?

Bedat & Co A Store On-line


 

 In a pioneering development, Bedat & Co recently opened its official online watch store. Initially it will be reserved to enthusiasts of the company living in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States; in the near future however it will be extended to the entire euro zone. Its opening in Japan is planned for later in the year.

With this online store, Internet users will be able to make their choice from among all models of the different collections, thanks in particular to a ?

Valentine’s Day Watches


Here are a few Valentine’s Day themed watches from Audemars Piguet, Blancpain and Hublot . More pics after the jump.

Women Saint-Valentin 2008 by BLANCPAIN

Valentine’s Day Big Bang by HUBLOT

Ladies’ Royal Oak Offshore Ladycat Chronograph by AUDEMARS PIGUET

Birks & Mayors Net Sales Up, Same-Store Sales Down


Birks & Mayors Net Sales Up, Same-Store Sales Down

Luxury jeweler Birks & Mayors Inc. said Wednesday that third-quarter net sales increased 6.4 percent to $122.6 million year-over-year. Meanwhile, same-store sales decreased 6 percent for the period, ended Dec. 29.

Net income for the Montreal, Canada-based jewelry chain was $12.7 million, as compared to net income of $19.6 million in the prior-year’s third quarter. Included in net income were currency translation benefits of approximately $0.8 million.
 
Net sales for the retailer (with stores in the U.S. and Canada) for the 39-week period ended Dec. 29, increased 4.9 percent to $250.5 million year-over-year. Excluding the impact of $4.3 million of net sales related to the one extra selling week in the first quarter of the prior year, net sales rose 6.8 percent. Sane-store sales decreased 1 percent for the period.

Vacheron Rated Most Prestigious Watch Brand


High net-worth consumers rated Vacheron Constantin the most prestigious luxury watch brand, according to a survey by the Luxury Institute. Patek Philippe and Piaget were ranked second and third, respectively. 


Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 
traditionnelle openworked perpetual calendar

Vacheron Constantin is “one of the best in skeleton movements and finishing” is “very dependable” and “unique,” respondents to the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index said.

“Luxury watch marketers break down into two types,” said Milton Pedraza, Luxury Institute chief executive officer. “One type craves customer feedback to understand how they are rated on critical metrics vs. competitors and use that feedback to make improvements. These executives operate from a passion for serving customers at the highest levels.

Jaeger-LeCoultre, Le Sentier New Extension


 

 The Jaeger-LeCoultre site, which currently occupies a floor space of 16,000 m2, will have an additional 9,000 m2 by 2010. This extension is part of a wider programme to emphasise the manufactory’s natural integration in its geographical and social environment.

VaBene watches ‘good’ for Fashion Week


New York—Watch brand VaBene teamed up with fashion designer Nicole Romano for her Fall 2008 runway show, held at Espace in New York City during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Watches from VaBene—which means “it’s all good” in Italian—were featured at Romano’s show, including a black chronograph with black bezel and a white chronograph with rose gold bezel. Both timepieces are acrylic.

Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and Romano also sported the watches at the show.

For more information about VaBene, visit its Web site, Vabeneusa.com.

Tiffany Expects 10% Sales Growth in 2008



Tiffany & Co. said Friday it is expecting double-digit international growth and single-digit domestic growth for 2008.

"Our U.S. sales results for the month of January were modestly improved from December and we are seeing ongoing strength in Asia-Pacific outside Japan and in Europe," said Michael J. Kowalski, Tiffany chairman and chief executive officer. "Generally speaking, we are planning our U.S. businesses cautiously for the first half of 2008 while planning for continued healthy international sales growth throughout the year."

For fiscal 2008, Tiffany said it is planning for at least a 10 percent increase in worldwide net sales. This includes:

Need a watch with a working slot machine?


Need a watch with a working slot machine?

Las Vegas—Luxury watch brands and the Las Vegas set have become a staunch pair over the last few years, with companies such as Corum sponsoring pro poker players and watch designers whipping up a flurry of timepieces marked with poker chip- and playing card-inspired insignias.

And now, another Swiss watch brand, Girard-Perregaux, has taken a cue from the casinos, designing the first-ever timepiece to combine a tourbillon with a working slot machine.

The brand’s “Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon” features a handle on the right side of the case, which, when pulled, allows three reels at the top of the dial to spin. A striking mechanism allows the watch to chime every time a reel stops.