Ebel....

So word around the campfire is that a major announcement is due from/regarding Ebel in the "not-too-distant future".

As many may already know, Ebel in their infinite wisdom decided to sell their chronograph to Ulysse Nardin.  So now, the word bubbling in and around the valleys is that another "big" announcement from Ebel is imminent.  With Mr. Hoffman the proud owner of Ebel's chronograph, and perhaps ready to finally move UN forward after the passing of it's patriarch, my money would be on perhaps a few possible outcomes:

Although I am not a betting man, my first marker would be put on UN buying Ebel from Movado.  Although nobody is talking, my suspicion is that there is enough money in the "war chest" to at least partially fund this.  Ebel could still go on, sharing technology with UN - there is still a market there, and   no offense Movado - you never really took advantage of this.

But then, as Gordon Gekko would have said - "Bright, but not bright enough Sherlock.  Let's move the pieces around..."

A more realistic bet would be the same folks from China who currently own Eterna and now Corum.  It makes sense.  Eterna for calibers, Corum for FLASH, and Ebel can round out the group.  Of course, Richemont or LVMH might decide that they want a taste.  It makes no sense for RIchemont, LVMH has now missed the boat several times.  Hublot is the crown jewel, and is devaluing by the day.  Zenith, despite having a fantastic CEO is still found on Ashford.com and other grey market Internet supermarkets dumping product.  So a now only semi-viable brand (which honestly should be INCREDIBLY VIABLE) might not be on their shopping list.  

But then what about our friends at PPR?  With the acquisition of Gucci, JR, GP and the rumors swirling about Richard Mille - well maybe Ebel would be some low-hanging fruit?  Keep in mind that any deal with Richard Mille will most likely not happen until next year as Mr. Mille has certain commitments that must be "settled" prior to any sale - if the reports from other sources are credible - and I see no reason why they would not be.  So maybe Selma H. will be wearing an Ebel in the not-too-distant future?

And this would leave Concord as the last remaining REAL watch brand in the stable.  So what is the play?

You may hear it somewhere else first, but I promise to report as soon as any news reaches me.

And as always, you are free to draw your own conclusions.

Richard Mille and PPR - What If?

So the news is out there already, mostly attributed to Reuters and "Industry Insiders".  It would seem that Richard Mille is ready to part company with his watch brand.

Reuters broke the news that PPR is in talks with Richard Mille to purchase 51% (and therefore controlling) interest.

The theory being that Mille would stay on in some sort of executive role for a fixed period of time.

By all accounts, it would seem that SWATCH, LVMH and Richemont are sitting this one out.

So it would seem that this could be the next horological jewel in the crown for PPR.  But what I personally find more interesting is that there is, to some extent, a third wheel in this equation.  Audemars Piguet by many accounts not only provides movements for Richard Mille, but also own a small percentage.  So it is of course RIFE for speculation as to first and foremost, would AP move along with the deal maintaining their (some report) 10%?  Would they sell up, or is there a further twist in the tail?

We will see - but for the whole story, here is a link to what Reuters released earlier -

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/17/us-ppr-richardmille-idUSBRE95G0N520130617

Girard-Perregaux Celebrates Women's Day

Girard-Perregaux finds the roots of its name in the marriage between Marie Perregaux (1831-1912) and Constant Girard (1825-1903). Girard-Perregaux’s name is composed from the name of wife and husband, underlining the important role that women have always played in the watchmaking industry.

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

Today Girard-Perregaux celebrates all women who actively contribute to the preservation and continuation of the art of watchmaking and who perform incredibly meticulous tasks with passion, imagination, patience and focus. The Manufacture premises are filled with vibrant, motivated and highly skilled women that have devoted themselves to the creation of unique timepieces.

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

The International Women’s Day is not only a mere celebration of women and their achievements but aims also to raise awareness against gender discrimination and violence. In its commitment to fight against any form of discrimination against women, Girard-Perregaux shares PPR’s beliefs and active efforts through the PPR Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights.

Girard-Perregaux salutes all women and is proud to pay a special tribute to eight of its ladies on its digital journal -

www.TheNewFaceofTradition.com

Girard-Perregaux certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)

This is the type of news that most blogs and forums don't cover.  It isn't sexy - at least not in the "watch as pornography" way we tend to think about watches.  Further we tend to think of industry news (such as comings and goings) with the same sort of titillation generally reserved for People Magazine.


So today, I wanted to share some good, honest and real news.  Girard-Perregaux has been certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).  




Responsible and ethical business behavior - I think that's pretty sexy!


Here's the news, straight from La Chaux-de-Fonds -

Girard-Perregaux, iconic high-end Swiss watch manufacturer, is proud to announce that it has achieved Responsible Jewelry Council certification by meeting the ethical, social and environmental standards established by the RJC’s Member Certification System.

'We are honored to be accredited by the Responsible Jewelry Council. This certification underpins Girard-Perregaux's belief in corporate social responsibility and sustainability, while we continue to work towards achieving the highest ethical best practices both internally and externally in our business. This is an encouragement to push forward with our commitment!' says Sowind (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard) CEO Michele Sofisti.

As part of the PPR Group, Girard-Perregaux is also working closely with PPR’s sustainability experts in PPR HOME in striving to ensure traceability and the company champions PPR’s commitment to source 100% of gold and diamonds used in the Group’s products from verified operations that do not have a harmful impact on local communities, wildlife or the ecosystems which support them, by 2016.