Bovet - In a strategic partnership with DKSH
DKSH will assume marketing, sales and after-sales services throughout Asia, while also taking a strategic shareholding in Bovet and both its manufacturing facilities (Dimier), thereby allowing for cooperation in the production and supply of watch components.
DKSH rigorously continues the strategic expansion of its Luxury & Lifestyle business. Following the selective expansion of its marketing, sales, and after-sales services network in the luxury and lifestyle goods sector by acquiring the long-established trading houses Desco von Schulthess and Hagemeyer-Cosa Liebermann, plus the marketing and distribution rights to, and controlling majority in Maurice Lacroix, the luxury goods activities of DKSH are being strengthened by a further significant strategic partnership. DKSH is taking on the exclusive marketing and distribution rights for Bovet timepieces in the Asia region, thereby complementing its high-status product portfolio in the premium segment. Moreover, DKSH is acquiring a strategic shareholding of 20% in Bovet, which covers both the Bovet 1822 brand and its two production facilities for horological components under the name of Dimier. This move generates valuable synergies in manufacturing collaboration and in the supply of strategically vital components for watches.
"Today, the Asia Pacific region is the biggest market for Swiss luxury timepieces. We see DKSH, the leading independent provider for marketing, sales, and distribution of premium luxury goods in Asia, as the ideal partner for professionally marketing our premium Bovet timepieces in the growing Asian markets," says Pascal Raffy, owner of Bovet 1822 and Dimier 1738.
He goes on to say: "Promising perspectives are opening up through this strategic partnership. With the in-depth market expertise of DKSH in Asia and its comprehensive network, we are confident in the further dynamic growth of Bovet in this region."
This strategic partnership with Bovet further strengthens the position of DKSH as the leading independent services provider for the marketing, sales and distribution of premium luxury goods in Asia. In addition to its blanket distribution network across Asia, DKSH also employs its own watchmakers in the core markets of Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, and China, ensuring professional and prompt after-sales services for those exclusive luxury brands.
Dr. Joerg Wolle, CEO & President of DKSH Holding: "We are proud of being able to represent Bovet when dealing with our long-established Asian customers. Bovet timepieces are synonymous with the highest levels of Swiss watchmaking art and technological innovation."
"We are highly enthusiastic about the growth potentials and synergies that will be generated by the strategic linking of our comprehensive marketing, sales and after-sales services network throughout Asia with the manufacturing competence of one of Switzerland's most exclusive and prestigious watch brands," adds Gonpo Tsering, Member of Group Management and responsible for the Business Segment Luxury & Lifestyle at DKSH.
Both parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details of this transaction.
Martin Braun - Reboot for Martin Braun
WORLDTEMPUS - 8 February 2011
The watch world has been talking about it for a while, and glimpses seen on various wrists at GTE in January made it clear that collectors would soon be graced with a new line of watches. While their maker is familiar to collectors, the look and feel of these new masterpieces will not be.
Gone are the astronomical developments that sealed Martin Braun's reputation as an innovative movement designer. It should come as no surprise that Braun's new horological offerings will include unprecedented technical elements, particularly in the debut timepiece that will be the star of the show at Baselworld. This perpetual calendar adds a new twist to an old theme. Its manually wound movement featuring an integrated perpetual calendar (not a module) holds power for six full days, and its clearly legible large date is unusually positioned. The entirety of the design harmonizes well with the new movement—so well in fact that the waiting watch world may be well inclined to forget its need for back-to-basic, retro-styled looks that the major brands are currently pushing.
Professionals
Braun's new marque—in addition to its alter ego, movement manufacturer MHO—was founded with the financial backing of Swiss entrepreneur Antoine Meier. Soon thereafter Braun, who says, "We aim to go beyond existing boundaries and to give unconventional ideas a chance," hired an experienced industry executive to run the new venture.
Bruno Jufer, previously employed with Maurice Lacroix, Jaquet Droz, and Zenith, was most recently a member of Carl F. Bucherer's executive management. He describes his new place of employment as "a benchmark for innovative technology in movement construction and unique watch design." These are no light comments coming from a man of his experience, with Braun quickly adding that Antoine Martin—a name that is easily pronounced in every language and chosen to represent its two founding visionaries—was born under Jufer's professional tutelage.
No predefined routes are scheduled to be followed by this new company, which should keep collectors on their toes. Stay tuned to Worldtempus for the entire story as it unfolds.