Back in Geneva, Zenith, JeanRichard and MV Agusta
Monday, April 2, 2007
I had a great trip back to the US. I got a chance to spend four days with my sons in Pennsylvania, then I went down to Miami for a very nice Zenith event. It was held in South Beach, which is a beautiful place, and the weather was fantastic -- 80 degrees and sunny every day. Zenith introduced some great new watches, including a black titanium and rose gold Defy which really caught my eye.
I really like Zenith's CEO Thierry Nataf. He is very passionate about Zenith and he has really done wonders for the brand since he took over. Here is what Thierry had to say about Zenith's direction:
"Zenith at the Zenith is our mission," he said. "Zenith is the highest point in the sky, going beyond all limits and really bringing to the industry the incredible vision that makes us unique. We have to invest in new technology, not only mastering the traditional complications, which we do now, which was my vision. There is not one movement that is not made in house. We are focused not only the technical performance of our movements, but at the same time, I have the vision of bringing modernity to this industry, breaking rules with new mechanical movements thought of in a complete new way. Zenith is about the combination of yesterday and today and the power of emotional design."
In addition to seeing the new product Zenith has ready for Basel, I got a chance to meet some really prominent retailers from around the country and was able to spend some time running on the beach, lounging in the sun and swimming in the Setai Hotel's three pools (with varying temperatures -- one at 75 degrees, one at 85 and one at 95).
I could have stayed in Miami, it was that nice, but I couldn't wait to get back to Geneva and get ready for Basel, which is just around the corner.
Also, I am picking my motorcycle up today -- I brought back a power cord for my TomTom GPS unit and a cruise control -- can't wait to ride!
Speaking of riding, remember that the InSync JCK ride is the day before the JCK opens, which makes it May 31. Most of us are going to be renting from Las Vegas Harley-Davidson, but it's up to you what motorcycle you ride and how you get it. Just make sure you are part of the InSync Watch Riders this year!
In other motorcycle news, JeanRichard just announced a partnership with MV Agusta motorcycle company to make special watches for them. Good news, as this definitely means a trip to the MV Agusta Italian facility to do some test riding for a story in InSync!
Here's the text of JeanRichard's press release: Swiss watch making company JEANRICHARD has signed a co-branding contract with MV Agusta, the producer of Italian luxury motorcycles. Two young directors leading these independent companies, Massimo Macaluso and Giovanni Castiglioni, have built the first ever partnership between the worlds of "Haute Horlogerie" and motorcycles. Both brands, known for the exclusivity of their products, decided to collaborate in order to bond their expertise and passion for style, technological know-how and innovation, which are strengths shared by the two companies.
Watch making company JEANRICHARD, belonging to the Sowind Group, producesprestigious watches, developed and manufactured in its workshop in la Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland). Taking advantage of the centuries-old watch manufacturing knowhow of the Sowind Group, JEANRICHARD stands out by creating stylish and modern timepieces, merging creativity and technological innovation. MV Agusta is a legend in worldwide competition and remains the symbol of "Made-in-Italy." Renowned for their technical and aesthetic detail, the emblematic red and silver motorcylces are manufactured in the workshops of Varese in Italy. MV Agusta is distinguished at an international level by triumphing over 75 World Titles.
"This is a great opportunity for JEANRICHARD. We are not only willing to create synergies in the field of communication; we also want to take inspiration from the design and the technologies stemming from the motorcycle area," said Massimo Macaluso, Vice President of JEANRICHARD.
This partnership will be launched in April at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, where the first JEANRICHARD watch series endowed with MV Agusta branding will be introduced.