How strong is the economic recovery in Asia, and in particular for DFS?
We are seeing positive signs of a retail recovery in our locations around Asia. Travelers account for around 30 per cent of worldwide luxury purchases, and because we serve this steadily growing market we are able to see trends much faster than traditional domestic retailers. At DFS we will continue being disruptive in our product offering with new exclusive products and experiences to innovate and surprise our customers.
The new Altiplano is incredibly thin – the world’s thinnest automatic in fact. The watch itself is 5.25mm thick, while the incredible 1208P caliber is only 2.35mm thick. Sized at 43mm, the Altiplano is your biggest ultra-thin watch in the world, and one which overlooks a new road. The concept of broad but thin is something we are beginning to see more of in the industry and one which until recently, wasn’t something viewed as marketable. If a watch was to be sparse, it ought to be little. If it had been to be wide in diameter, then it needs to be thick. Piaget Gouverneur Watch Replica has ever been ultra-thin watches of a moderate size, but the 43mm Altiplano pushes matters further.When I met with Audemars Piguet chief artistic officer Octavio Garcia at the Summer of 2010, six months after Piaget had announced this very watch, he said this concept as something that we’d be visiting a great deal of in the near term from AP, and others. While he did not mention that the Altiplano specifically, it is clear this watch caught the attention of designers the world over because by SIHH 2011, we watched could more watches in this vein, though none executed to this level.The concept of the modern ultra-thin watch is built supporting the assumption that they’re worn into elegant affairs, with, at minimum, a fine suit and tie, and in max, a tuxedo. The ultra-thin watch is different and imperial, and quite simply not appropriate for everyday wear. Generally, I would say that statement is accurate. With this Piaget, nevertheless, I’d argue they have built one of the most flexible ultra-thins ever created, and one that functions just as well with jeans and a sweater walking around NYC since it will work with a suit and tie on the way to the office.
The Polo S Pen is pushed by Piaget’s 1160P movement, which has all the qualities you would expect in the contemporary high-end chronograph movement. As soon as the Www.Piaget Watches.Com Replica 1160P is closely observed and contrasted with fellow Richemont manufacturer Cartier’s 1904-CH MC, you will see that there are plenty of similarities between them both. Make of that what you will, but I don’t see this as a problem.More importantly is the fact that there’s a display case back and that the motion is quite well completed. The large rotor blocks much of the view, but at least it is well decorated with curved C?tes de Genève and the Piaget coat of arms. The main plate also features circular C?tes de Genève with beveled bridges and blued screws. And, naturally, the black model has an anthracite equilibrium wheel.The Piaget Polo S Chronograph will face tough competition, but what it has going for it is its own distinctive styling, nice craftsmanship, and also the fact that it’s a Piaget. In addition to the sports watch offerings from Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet, I can even imagine the Polo S Chronograph offering a compelling alternative for somebody looking for a more distinctive and less common choice to this Rolex Daytona. The Piaget Polo S Chronograph is priced at $12,400 and the Polo S Chronograph black variant with rubber strap is priced at $11,950.
What brands perform most in percentage?
That stated, I will not deny that there are similarities between the Polo S along with both similar-looking Patek Philippe sport watches, however, in the flesh, the Polo S has a much more distinctive layout than that which press photos would suggest. Further, the limited edition (there will likely be 888 made) Polo S Chronograph in black with its rubber strap gives a clearly sleeker and younger design. In any event, both of these models present a comparatively value-priced offering that’s a notch above choices from Omega and Rolex and are aggressive with bits such as the Nautilus, Overseas, Royal Oak, etc.The Piaget Watch Thinnest Replica Polo S Chronograph comes in a 42mm stainless steel case and also steps 11.4mm thick. These are pretty typical dimensions for a contemporary luxury sports chronograph. On the other hand, the thick bezel along with the horizontal case back help to make the watch look smaller than it actually is. In person, the horizontal case back helps keep the eye near the wrist and creates the illusion of a thinner watch. It is a pretty comfortable watch to wear.On the wrist, the Polo S Chronograph exudes substantial existence as a result of its dimensions and the fine job that Piaget has performed with the instance. It’s well-finished and unites elements of around and cushion-shaped cases for a rather distinctive look – that the bezel is around and the cushion-shaped dial is someplace between the two. Water resistance is 100 meters, which is adequate to get a sports watch.
Some of the best performances we have seen in watches and jewelry are the brands who continue to be daring in their approach to product development and who excel in digital communication. At DFS, we curate our customers’ experience as well as our product collection around the thrill of discovery through new and innovative store designs, unique pop-ups, personalization services, and our engaging and well-trained sales associates. Watch and jewelry brands that have been able to reinvent their product offer, controlled over-distribution, and maintained a close relationship with their audience have been seeing the best performance. We have seen many trends in watches this year, whether it is the explosion of the blue dial offering, to Worldtimers, or new strap systems that give the customer the flexibility to wear their timepieces in a formal or casual sport setting.
Is there any surprise (out-performing brands for instance?)
In addition to the higher frequency and boost power book, the 1208P is completed to a entirely new degree for the Altiplano collection. The bevelled bridges have been adorned with C?tes de Genève, along with also the mainplate is circular-grained. Steel components are satin-brushed and screws are blued, while the wheels are round sunray-brushed. Looking at the rear of this Altiplano 43mm is actually something unique, and the artistry and sophistication of this caliber is nothing short of unique. Watch for yourself below.Does it matter that the Altiplano is the thinnest automatic watch together with the thinnest automatic movement in the world? Not really, unless you’re one for pub room or board room antics. What does matter is that the Altiplano 43 delivers on every level that it should and then some. You’ve got an supremely elegant dress watch to be worn in the most formal of occassions. You have a tremendously beautiful caliber decorated to the finest of information. That is one side of equation.What you also have with this Altiplano that you merely do not possess with many any of its competitiors in the ultra-thin category, is you actually have a flexible, wearable watch that won’t be relegated to the safe on the weekends or when you are not attending formal occasions. This watch is an every day watch which just happens to be the thinnest automatic in the world, and it’s great.
At DFS, we are committed to having the right product at the right time for our discerning consumers, and this means that we need to plan events like the Master series up to 12-14 months in advance. Knowing how to balance the most popular brands now with ones that we predict to be hot a year and a half in advance is really a skill for us. Research tells us that travel retail is expected to grow at a CAGR of +8% by 2020, and Watches, Jewelry, and Accessories is expected to grow by +14% (fastest growth of sales mix) followed by Fashion (+9%). So we closely monitor consumer patterns, trends, and brand dynamics so that we can stay ahead of the needs of our traveling customers.
Is there an impact on your mid-term strategy ?
We will pay close attention to the novelties launched at each year’s SIHH and Baselworld events as injecting newness to the core timeless products in each assortment offering is key. Classical dress and sports watches respecting the brands’ heritage and DNA make up a large part of our watch sales. It is very important to also support the smaller brands as much as the larger brands – they invest constantly in pushing new innovation and product development. We are always amazed at how technology mixed with traditional watchmaking skills advances the selection of watches year after year, whether it is ultrathin movements, new materials hosting more accurate movements, and all the work on the development in ladies offering. But at the end of the day it is the customer who decides what we do and where we focus.
Do you see an evolution in customer trends for watches ?
Watches are very personal companions that last a lifetime and can be tailored to one’s mood, lifestyle, or even profession. Many of our customers are looking for the watch their parents used to wear. Equally, a growing segment of younger customers want to discover a new brand with some edgier styling and not anything that their parents might have worn! While this segment is growing, the brands who have a long heritage and recognizable DNA remain in the highest demand in our network.
What’s special about Macao Masters of Time this year ?
This year, we took our customers on a sensorial experience revolving around the concept of memory and how watch collectors and creators commemorate life’s most significant moments. Parmigiani Fleurier made its debut while Montblanc displayed high-end writing instruments for the first time. Bulgari, Tag Heuer and Piaget Watches Prices 2015 Replica showcased worldwide exclusives or pre-launches. We also hosted Vacheron Constantin’s exhibition “Invitation to Travel: Blue Hour” with exclusive commissioned photos of Hong Kong and Macau from photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze. We also integrated other DFS categories to delight all our customers, such as offering them The Macallan whisky and fine Petrossian caviar. The 2017 Masters of Time exhibition will remain available for viewing and purchase at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons until February 28, 2018, so there is plenty of time for people to visit this year’s display.
As a VIP retailer, what do you think of Baselworld’s new format?
As a partner to many brands in the various fairs around the world, what we love most about our job is gathering together with the industry and fellow retailers to talk about WATCHES! While Baselworld is shorter this year, our teams stay from start to finish – planning ahead for the years to come and also taking the time to meet new people and new brands.
Will you attend GMT’s 18th Anniversary during SIHH?
Only if the champagne is cold enough! Of course we will, the GMT gatherings are always a great place to relax and talk about watches with new and old friends.
