Author Archives: Timmy Tan

Azimuth: Jade-d?

by
Azimuth’s Round-1 White Jade. Printed on the dial: the hour numeral eight, “fabrique en Suisse” meaning “Swiss Made” and “Azimuth pour Jade Culture” or “Azimuth for Jade Culture”. The dark stain between the nine and ten o’clock positions is a natural blemish on the stone. Estimated pricing at around US$5,600 or S$7,000. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Photo taken with a Leica D-Lux 5

Azimuth’s Round-1 White Jade. Printed on the dial: the hour numeral eight, “fabrique en Suisse” meaning “Swiss Made” and “Azimuth pour Jade Culture” or “Azimuth for Jade Culture”. The dark stain between the nine and ten o’clock positions is a natural blemish on the stone. Estimated pricing at around US$5,600 or S$7,000. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Photo taken with a Leica D-Lux 5

It is relatively easy for watch collectors to suffer from “dial fatigue” especially when visually “dulled” by models that seem to undergo only slight modifications to their dials year after year.

Well, for “jaded” souls, how about a full jade dial? That is exactly what Azimuth will be launching in July 2013.

The entire dial is cut and produced by jade specialist Jade Culture in collaboration with Azimuth. What is striking is the use of white jade, hence the name: Azimuth Round-1 White Jade.

The jade dial shown to us was creamy milk white and it was simply attractive. [Yes, we do love milk.]

The name “jade” is derived from the Spanish words piedra de ijada which means “hip stone” in English. Piedra means stone while ijada refers to a side or flank. This is because the “hip stone” or jade is perceived to be a protection against and cure for kidney diseases, according to the comprehensive book Gemstones of the World by Walter Schumann.

The estimated pricing for the Round-1 White Jade is around US$5,600 or S$7,000. From what we understand, only 20 pieces will be made.

Franck Muller: Shenyang Forum

by
Franck Muller’s first duplex boutique was opened in September 2012 at Forum 66 in Shenyang, China. Click on the image for a better view. The scale can be better appreciated by comparing the size of the boutique with the height of the people seen at the bottom right-hand corner. The grand opening of this impressive boutique will be held on 7 June 2013. Photo: © Franck Muller

Franck Muller’s first duplex boutique was opened in September 2012 at Forum 66 in Shenyang, China. Click on the image for a better view. The scale can be better appreciated by comparing the size of the boutique with the height of the people seen at the bottom right-hand corner. The grand opening of this impressive boutique will be held on 7 June 2013. Photo: © Franck Muller

China remains a hot topic these days, especially for luxury brands, including those offering Swiss luxury timepieces.

Between January to April 2013, Swiss watch exports to China experienced a significant decline of 25% to 432.5 million Swiss francs from 574.6 million Swiss francs over the same period in 2012, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH.

However, one must note that 2012 was a record year for Swiss watch exports to China. When compared to the period from January to April 2011, Swiss watch exports from January to April 2013 would appear to be more stable, as the decline was 2%.

What is noteworthy is that on a global basis, the value of Swiss exports of timepieces which cost more than 3,000 Swiss francs grew by 8% in April 2013. The value of Swiss wristwatches in gold exported also increased by almost 6%.

One key question is: where is demand coming from for the “sweeter spots” in the watch industry? Additionally, are the Chinese buying when overseas or are they purchasing locally?

Well, perhaps one place for a China forum on watches, notably those from Franck Muller, could be the brand’s duplex boutique which was opened in Shenyang, China in September 2012 at Forum 66 (pun most definitely intended).

This 144 square-metre or 1,550 square-feet boutique appears impressive indeed. Kingston Chu, vice chairman and executive director of Franck Muller Asia, highlights that this is the brand’s very first duplex boutique.

Franck Muller Gold Croco automatic in 18K gold. Photo: © Franck Muller

Franck Muller Gold Croco automatic in 18K gold. Photo: © Franck Muller

It is also here that one can enjoy the brand’s full collection including the Gold Croco automatic wristwatch launched in early 2013. Could this be one such model that is spurring the demand for timepieces in gold?