For the second year in a row, the Darwel agency has the great pleasure to unveil the latest creations of the Swiss finest watch brands for your Christmas issue. By mid-October, you will receive a series of newsletters presenting the latest creations guaranteed 100% Swiss Made. Each letter will cover around ten products, that is exclusively addressed to the media and that will come together with a press release informing you about the latest trends as well as the health status of the economy of the Swiss watch-making industry.

DISCOVER THE LATEST CREATIONS OF THE SWISS FINEST WATCH BRANDS !

Diary ready…
The first edition of the newsletter will be sent out in a few days, followed by other bulletins which will be continuously broadcast. So, go ahead and save some space in your Christmas issue in order to tell your readers about the most recent achievements of the Swiss brands.

Steady… Download!
All the new items will be presented in French and English, and will enclose a technical data sheet. It will forward you to the http://www.swisstime.ch website, where you can find all these information, but also download high-resolution pictures as well as the original press releases when given by the brands. Note that the website is dedicated to the media and an accreditation – which needs to be done only once and is free of charge – is required !

www.swisstime.ch, a website conceived for you!
Are you not acquainted with swisstime yet? It is a platform exclusively dedicated to the products of Swiss brands in the watch-making and jewelry industry. It is managed by a specialized press agency and references 216 brands and more than 1,500 products. The website offers you to navigate in its contents in five languages – English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish – in only a couple of clicks. You will also find useful information about the Swiss Exhibitors at BASELWORLD.

BASELWORLD 2011, March 24th to 31st
As you certainly know, the two months prior to BASELWORLD will be very intense. Darwel will not derogate from its custom and therefore will communicate, all in good time, the latest news of the Swiss Exhibitors as well as their appointment that you cannot miss! In the course of February 2011, the Press Preview will unveil in premiere the items that will create the trends and the brands to keep an eye on. In a shape of newsletter or a press pack, you will know everything: current trends, news, economic evolution, press releases and the schedules of the Swiss Exhibitors! We will distribute the unmissable Swiss Exhibitors Guide as of the press day on March 23rd 2011 as well as during the Salon at the Swiss Press Center in Hall 1.2, stand B01. The document will also be available online on http://www.swisstime.ch/ as of March 24th. Be ready!

The Darwel team is looking forward to presenting you the latest in the Swiss watch-making products and remains at your disposal for any questions or comments.

A Chronoswiss luxury watch took a stroll down the red carpet last night at the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles. Steve Carell one of American comedy’s most popular faces showed off the Kairos by Chronoswiss. Valued at $3,800, the Kairos is one of the most successful models in the Chronoswiss collection. The pane of sapphire crystal in the back of the consummately shaped case offers an unobstructed view of the self-winding movement. Love for details is evident in the finely guilloched dial and meticulously polished, blued steel hands.

Chronoswiss is a German watch manufacturer based in Munich. The company was founded by watch making legend Gerd R. Lang in 1983 with the mission to bring about the renaissance of the mechanical watch and manufacture timepieces with uncompromising technical and aesthetic value. Chronoswiss prides itself in exclusivity by producing less than 6,000 watches per year. Though a German company, every component of the timepieces is manufactured in Switzerland and then hand-finished and assembled in Germany.

Vacheron Constantin has chosen today to revive some of the finest moments in the quest for ultra-thinness. The Geneva-based manufacturer has indeed been closely involved in the epic milestones of this distinctive form of expertise, such as in the 1950s and 1960s when Vacheron Constantin introduced the world’s thinnest wristwatches.

Today, Vacheron Constantin is enriching its “Historiques” collection with two new creations directly inspired by its heritage, each imbuing one of two legendary calibres with a new and distinctively modern touch.

“Historique Ultra-fine 1955”
the world’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date,
equipped with the mechanical hand-wound 1003 movement
the thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick,
rebuilt – for its 55th anniversary in 2010 – in 18-carat gold, and bearing the Hallmark of Geneva

&

“Historique Ultra-fine 1968”
equipped with the ultra-thin mechanical self-winding 1120 movement
featuring a new decorated oscillating weight, and bearing the Hallmark of Geneva

***

Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 and can legitimately claim to be the world’s oldest watch manufacturer still in activity, with over 250 years of continuous expertise and production behind it. A truly unique status within the watch industry.

This proud heritage cultivated over a quarter of a millennium is punctuated with timepieces and movements that have each in their own way left an indelible imprint on their era. This stunning and inestimably valuable patrimony, through which the brand’s history is inextricably bound up with that of the watch industry, eloquently testifies to the brand’s consistent technical and aesthetic creativity.

Evolving in step with new inventions, techniques and of course with the tastes of horological enthusiasts, Vacheron Constantin has explored all fields of the watchmaking art, including pocket-watches and wristwatches, as well as ring-watches, pendant-watches, and brooch-watches. Its range encompasses highly complicated models, automatons, sophisticated clocks, as well as an area which is less conspicuous yet requires an incredible wealth of expertise, experience and talent: that of ultra-thin mechanical movements.

Extreme slenderness is traditionally not considered as a horological complication, in that it does not itself contribute an additional watch function in the same way as a date or a chronograph. It would nonetheless be entirely legitimate to describe it as such, due to its highly complex nature that often pushes micromechanical boundaries to the limit. Although many try their hand in this field, few are successful.

While the first ultra-thin Vacheron Constantin calibres were produced in the 19th century, the manufacturer became most prolific in this speciality during the 20th century, which is generally considered as the ultra-thin “golden age”. It was indeed in the early 20th century that wristwatches began to gain popularity, and weight and thickness thus became crucial factors in ensuring the wearer comfort of such models.

The Vacheron Constantin heritage comprises
extraordinary ultra-thin creations and a succession of slimness records.

Right from the start of the 19th century, the Vacheron Constantin archives (including a letter written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to a certain Mr. Girod in Paris, dated May 18th 1912) feature references to thin watches. Another letter dated January 28th 1829 and written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to François Constantin also mentions the production of “a few thin pieces”.

Vacheron Constantin’s historical records for 1911 also include three 8, 9 and 10-ligne calibres, each measuring 2.82 mm thick. The remainder of the century witnessed an impressive number of ultra-thin calibres, representing impressive horological feats and becoming ever slimmer over the years: 2.25 mm in 1917, 1.88 in 1924. Some were used to create such extraordinary models as a rock crystal watch presented in 1926 and equipped with a 2.63 mm red gold movement (visual available).

In 1931, Vacheron Constantin set a new world pocket-watch record with a mechanical movement measuring 17 lignes 5/12 in diameter and less than 1 mm thick – exactly 0.94 mm to be precise (visual available)!

Ultra-thin movements continued to inspire the Geneva-based manufacturer, leading it in 1981 to present the “Structura” collection, which set a highly original stage for one of these movements by reversing it and fitting the hands on the bridge side, thereby enabling connoisseurs to admire the full complexity of its structure.

In 1992, Vacheron Constantin confirmed that its expertise in the field of extreme slenderness also extends to Grand Complication movements by presenting the thinnest minute repeater wristwatch movement to date, measuring 3.28 mm and earning the Geneva-based manufacturer set another record. (visual available).

Nor was Vacheron Constantin lagging behind when it came to self-winding movements. From 1945 onwards, it began developing ultra-thin self-winding movements such as the 477 9/12 which was to be the first of an entire generation: the 498 in 1951, the 499 and the 1019 in 1953, followed by the 1071 in 1958.

The world’s thinnest mechanical movements are developed in
Vacheron Constantin’s historical L’Ile premises.

Within this impressive legacy, one particular hand-wound movement continues to attract the attention of specialists and collectors. Work on its development began in 1952 in L’Ile (the building on the Rhone River ‘island’ that has housed Vacheron Constantin’s historical premises since 1875) and it was presented for the brand bicentenary celebrations in 1955 under the name Calibre 1003.

Its 9-lines or 21.05 mm diameter and 1.64 mm thickness have made it the world’s smallest mechanical manual-winding movement on the market. By way of comparison, this micromechanical masterpiece composed of 120 parts is about the size of a small Swiss 20-centime coin.

This now legendary calibre (of which the excellence was to be confirmed by the subsequent orders placed by other great names in fine watchmaking) was used to equip three round watches that set a new record as the world’s thinnest watches measuring just 4.54 mm thick. These three timepieces have forever imprinted on people’s minds the image of the archetypal Vacheron Constantin watch: round, classic, ultra-thin and extremely reliable.

In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to pay tribute to this legendary calibre by housing it within a reinterpretation of one of those three watches: the “Historique Ultra-fine 1955”, currently the world’s thinnest hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date.

The development of Calibre 1120 began in 1966 and production began at the end of 1967. It too attracted the notice of specialists and collectors and was ordered by other great names in fine watchmaking. In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has also chosen to pay tribute to this equally legendary calibre by housing it within a reinterpretation of the vintage ultra-thin watches: the model now called “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”.

These two timepieces will find their natural place within the “Historiques” collection, specifically created to bring back to life the various designs and movements that have shaped the finest hours of Vacheron Constantin.

A collection composed of watches intended for watchmaking collectors, connoisseurs and devotees, for those with a taste for discreet and elegant models, as well as purists. It features models such as the Chronomètre Royal 1907 presented in 2007 to mark the 100th anniversary of the original, and the amazingly daring Historique American 1921 model reinterpreted in 2008 and which was named “Watch of the Year” in October 2009 in Geneva.

“Historiques” collection

Calibre 1003 for the “Historique Ultra-fine 1955” watch

For Vacheron Constantin, celebrating the 55th anniversary of the birth of the ultra-thin Calibre 1003 provides an opportunity to revisit its heritage, as well as to highlight its ultra-thin expertise in a period when this term tends to be somewhat overused.

Considered by many experts to be one of the most beautiful and refined ultra-thin movements on the market, Calibre 1003 has been defying mechanical laws for over 50 years. It is extremely complex to produce and its adjustment calls upon the full measure of expertise cultivated by a fine watch manufacturer.

Vacheron Constantin has chosen to present a redesigned version of this movement, while its 1.64 mm thickness – still a market slimness world record – and its 21.10 mm diameter remain unchanged.

Its finishing is however even more refined, since the bridges and mainplate are now crafted from 18-carat gold. Its 117 parts enable it to beat at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations, and endow it with an over 30-hour power reserve despite its tiny size.

The decoration is extremely meticulous: Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering, and drawing the steel parts with a file are all performed by hand. This exceptional degree of finishing earns the new version of Calibre 1003 the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, an independent and sovereign certification awarded by the State of Geneva which thereby guarantees the origin, precision, durability and fine craftsmanship of models from a handful of Geneva-based watch companies.

For its 2010 re-edition, Calibre 1003 is presented in a round watch in 4N 18-carat pink gold measuring 36 mm in diameter, inspired by one of the three historical models introduced in 1955, reference 4961. The latter has been selected because of a design that already embodied a decidedly modern touch at the time of its launch.

The reinterpreted version in 2010 magnifies the aesthetic qualities of the original without betraying its spirit. It also features further enhanced technical characteristics on a par with today’s tastes and expectations: water-resistance to 3 bar, equivalent to 30 metres; an exhibition caseback fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal; a titanium casing circle contributing to the overall rigidity; and an even slimmer 4.1 mm case making it currently the world’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch.

The result radiates an aura of uncluttered, pared-down restraint and purity. Its fascinating aesthetic features – the slender bezel; the distinctive lugs, each shaped like an arm of Vacheron Constantin’s Maltese Cross emblem; its solid gold opaline silver-coloured dial adorned with baton hands marking the hours and minutes – combine to endow this watch with a rare breed of elegance stemming from the compelling strength of sheer simplicity.

“ Historiques” collection

The “Historique Ultra-fine 1968” watch and Calibre 1120

Vacheron Constantin has chosen to make 2010 a tribute year to its ultra-thin timepieces by reissuing, again within its “Historiques” collection, a square-shaped model dating from 1968 and equipped with the famous ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 1120.

In revisiting this watch, the Manufacture has adopted an extremely distinctive style: that of the 1960s. This 4N 18-carat rose gold timepiece creates a striking contrast between the strict square dial opening and the slightly curving case flanks. The resulting design exudes an impression of elegant understatement, further accentuated by a vertical-brushed silver-coloured dial adorned with simple and geometrical hour-markers.

The pared-down lugs lend a pleasingly strict touch to the overall effect, while the sapphire crystal that is bevelled all around further underscores the ties between this watch and the non-conformist period when it was first launched. Everything about the design echoes the legendary Swinging Sixties through an original model that has in time become a great classic.

Compared with the original 1968 watch (reference 7614), the watch now presented features updated technical characteristics in tune with modern times: water resistance to 3 bar, equivalent to around 30 metres; a sapphire crystal, and a clipped-down solid case-back exactly like the original model.

Despite such improvements, which generally tend to increase bulk, this watch measuring 35.2 mm along its sides is even thinner than its historical predecessor: 5.5 mm compared with 6.52 mm, making it one of the thinnest watches in its category.

Like the 1968 model, the contemporary version is equipped with the ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 1120. This exceptional movement driving hour and minute hands has powered some of the most prestigious ultra-thin self-winding watches in horological history.

Despite its apparent simplicity, it features a sophisticated construction that called for some unusual technical solutions. For this re-edition, the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin has rebuilt the calibre: although its dimensions – 28 mm in diameter and 2.45 thick – remain unchanged, it is now equipped with an 18-carat gold oscillating weight bearing the Maltese Cross system. It offers an approximately 40-hour power reserve.

Stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, its exceptional finishing features Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering on all parts, and hand-drawn flanks.

By way of conclusion, Vacheron Constantin has chosen in 2010 re-issue two ultra-thin watches that have made their mark on its history, duly christened “Historique Ultra-fine 1955” and “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”.

By choosing to equip them with the same legendary vintage calibres – the 1003 and 1020 rebuilt for the occasion and now bearing the independent and sovereign Hallmark of Geneva certification – the Manufacture is showcasing its peerless creativity in the field of exceptional classic watches. And in the process, it is also demonstrating its complete mastery of extreme slenderness by treating it as a full-fledged complication in its own right.

TECHNICAL DATA
Reference Historique Ultra-fine 1955
33155/000R-9588

The World’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch
measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date

Movement 1003
Rebuilt in 18-carat gold for its 55th anniversary in 2010
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva

Mechanical, manual-winding

The thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick

Thickness of movement 1.64 mm

Diameter of movement 20.80 mm

Jewels 18 jewels

Frequency 18’000 vibrations/hour

Indications Hours, minutes

Power reserve More than 30 hours

Case 18 carat 4N rose gold
Diameter: 36.00 mm. Thickness: 4.1 mm

Water resistance 3 bar, equivalent to 30 meters

Dial 18 carat gold, silvered opaline
Mirror-polished Maltese Cross and indexes

Strap Black hand-stitched, saddle-finished
Square-shape scales alligator leather.

Clasp Buckle in 18 carat 4N rose gold, polished half Maltese Cross

TECHNICAL DATA
Reference Historique Ultra-fine 1968
43043/000R-9592

Movement 1120, Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva

Energy Mechanical, self-winding

Height of movement 2.45 mm

Diameter of movement 28.00 mm

Jewels 36 jewels

Frequency 19’800 vibrations/hour

Indications Hours, minutes

Power reserve More than 40 hours

Case 18 carat 4N rose gold
Square-shaped 35.2 x 35.2 mm, thickness: 5.5 mm

Water resistance 3 bar, equivalent to 30 meters

Dial Silvered, 18 carat black finished indexes
Mirror-polished Maltese Cross

Strap Black hand-stitched, saddle-finished
Square-shape scales alligator leather.

Clasp Buckle in 18 carat 4N rose gold, polished half Maltese Cross

Bell & Ross Watches was a sponsor of Chefs & Champagne New York, the James Beard Foundation’s annual summer gala held in the Hamptons in July 2009. Bell & Ross donated its BRS White Ceramic Watch to the fundraiser’s Silent Auction. The event honored Alex von Bidder and Julian Niccolini, owners of the legendary Four Seasons Restaurant on the restaurant’s fiftieth anniversary.

BRS White Ceramic Watch

Bell & Ross’ BRS White Ceramic Watch was chosen for the event because of its sophistication and high quality, two attributes that epitomized the Chefs & Champagne gala. The watch is an ultra-light and slim version of Bell & Ross’ signature BR01 Professional Instrument watch. Refined, sleek, luxurious and supremely comfortable to wear, the BRS quartz watch will become a part of everyday life for demanding men and women

Chefs & Champagne and The James Beard Foundation

Over thirty chefs from New York, California and Las Vegas contributed their expertise to the event that celebrated the culinary arts. Guests sampled exquisite food and wine in the lovely Wolffer Estate Vineyard and also got a chance to mingle with the famous chefs in attendance.

Bell & Ross supports Chefs & Champagne and the James Beard Foundation whose mission is to celebrate, preserve and nurture America’s culinary heritage. The foundation also provides scholarships to culinary students who require financial aid.

The Swatch group Half-year report of 2009. Swatch group is a strong out performer in the current challenging economic environment.

* Strong outperformance compared to Swiss Watch Federation export sales, with gross sales reaching CHF 2 480 million in the first six months of 2009 (-15.3% compared to an absolute record first half-year 2008, adjusted by divestments).

* Further expansion of market shares in all watch segments and regions, due to consistent distribution and product strategy, strong innovation, new product development and highly motivated personnel.
* Despite very strong ongoing marketing activities and high R&D investments as well as the clear commitment to preserve jobs for its employees, still high operating profit margin of 14.7% of net sales or CHF 345 million (21% or CHF 593 million in the record first half-year 2008, representing a decrease in operating profit of 41.8%) in a challenging economic environment.
* Consolidated net income of CHF 301 million or 12.8% of net sales (CHF 418 million and 14.8% in the first half of 2008, a decrease in net income of 28%) thanks also to a positive financial result.

* Substantial improvements in accounts receivable days outstanding confirm strong demand for Swatch Group products.
* Ongoing selective and strong expansion of retail and distribution activities, taking advantage of opportunities in the current challenging economic environment.
* Sales and operating margin achieved in May and June compared to the first four months of the current year show a very positive trend, which is confirmed in July and will continue in the months to come despite order cancellations for components from third-party watchmakers.

The first half of 2009 was marked by a very challenging economic environment with a drop in demand and a declining consumer confidence worldwide. The Swatch Group was much more resistant to this negative development than most of the industry, with gross sales decreasing on a comparable basis (excluding the two divestment’s made in 2008) by only 15.3% to CHF 2480 million. This result is by far better than the export figures for the first half-year 2009 published by the Swiss Watch Federation.

The Swatch Group is benefiting from its worldwide presence and the excellent positioning of its 19 internationally known brands in all price categories. This success factor has enabled the Group once more to increase market shares in all watch segments and regions.

Unlike in the previous period, the global effects of the volatility of foreign currencies did not have a material impact on Group sales (-0.1%). In the current economic environment, the Group is continuing to take advantage of interesting opportunities in the retail and distribution activities in order to consolidate brand presence over the long term.

Operating profit declined by 41.8% to CHF 345 million. This represents an operating profit margin of 14.7% of net sales, compared to 21% in the first half-year 2008, despite very strong ongoing marketing activities and high R&D investments as well as the clear commitment to preserve jobs for its employees. Net income realized is CHF 301 million, compared to CHF 418 million in the first half of 2008. The decrease was less important than on operating profit level, thanks to the positive correction on the financial markets mainly in the second quarter. With CHF 247 million, the operating cash flow was almost at the same level as in the first semester 2008 (CHF 268 million).

Outlook

The Group’s unique brand portfolio and worldwide presence in distribution, combined with its solid equity and liquidity base, will enable the Group to largely overcome the difficult economic conditions and to emerge from them even stronger.

A main growth driver in the coming months will continue to be the improving sales in most of the countries where demand should pick up with the anticipated weakening of the recession. The sales development in the last two to three months as well as current order entries show signs of recovery. This positive trend has been clearly confirmed in July 2009.

Retailer overstocking is about to slow down, and they start again to re-order at a normal level. New product launches from Breguet, Tiffany, Omega’s new Constellation line, the new mechanical movements for Tissot and Swatch as well as new product development in practically all brands will further improve Group sales.

Overall this should enable the Group to realize sales in the second half-year 2009 comparable to or for several important brands even better than the last six months of 2008. Stronger cost reduction measures have been applied where necessary, without harming the Group’s long-term strategy of continued growth. Marketing activities will remain at a similar level as last year. Foreign currencies are expected to remain stable, with a slight negative impact on sales until the end of 2009.

With the strong balance sheet as well as the healthy cash position, the Group certainly is in a favorable situation to seize opportunities when available.

The Swatch Group Ltd. will be announcing their half-year earning tomorrow August 14th at 7AM. Investors don’t have  big expectations due to the economic downturn in luxury sector has been particularly hit. The released the following statement. We will be giving an early publication of half-year results 2009 on August 14, 2009 Biel-Bienne, 13 August, 2009 – The Swatch Group will publish the half-year results on Friday, 14 August 2009 at 07:00 AM, CET. We hope the above information will facilitate your scheduling.

The Swatch Group Ltd. maker is the many popular watch brands such as Breguet, Blancpain, Jaquet Droz, Glashütte Original, Union Glashütte, Léon Hatot, Omega SA, Tiffany & Co., Rado, Longines, Swatch, Tissot, Calvin Klein, Certina, Mido, Pierre Bal-main, Hamilton, Flik Flak and Endura. As well as ETA movements.

Longines is proud to unveil the winners of the Longines Press Award for Elegance 2009. At the Dublin Horse Show, the 7th and final stage of the Longines Press Award for Elegance, the American female rider Laura Kraut and the Swiss male rider Pius Schwizer have been awarded the prestigious prize.

Longines would like to congratulate them on this achievement, not only reflecting their distinctive elegance, but also their exceptional sporting performance throughout the 2009 Nations Cup season. Longines was also very honoured to award the Longines Grand Prix to Toni Hassmann (Germany). The award for the Longines Best International Athlete went to Robert Yves Bost while Captain Shane Carey was Best Irish Athlete.

Among the ten best performing riders throughout the six previous CSIO events (La Baule, Rome, St. Gallen, Rotterdam, Falsterbo and Hickstead), the American Laura Kraut and the Swiss Pius Schwizer convinced the international jury of equestrian journalists most with their incomparable elegance at the Dublin Horse Show.

“The American Laura Kraut has a beautiful forward riding style and she’s in perfect unison with her horse”, said Louise Parkes from The Irish Times.

Irish Times Grania Willis pointed out that “the key to Pius’ great performance is the excellent communication between the Swiss rider and his mount”.

Kraut and Schwizer have been awarded yesterday the Longines Press Award for Elegance receiving a trophy, a set of Longines watches and a check for 20’000 Swiss francs.

At this year’s Dublin Horse Show, Longines is proud to serve for the fourth time in a row as official partner, timekeeper and title sponsor of the Longines Grand Prix.

The talented Toni Hassmann from Germany won the last Longines Grand Prix of the season, followed by the two Swiss Pius Schwizer and Beat Mändli. Robert Yves Bost and Captain Shane Carey were respectively awarded the Longines Best International and Irish Athletes.

The Hickstead Royal International Horse Show (GB), where Longines was the official partner and timekeeper, lived up to the expectations last weekend. The winner of the Longines King George V Gold Club on Sunday was Peter Charles (GB) on Murkas Pall Mall H, followed by his two compatriots Tim Stockdale and Ben Maher. A very good day for the British riders indeed!
At the sixth stage of the Longines Press Award for Elegance, the following horseriders were the most performing female and male riders in Hickstead:

Female horserider:

Christina Liebherr (Switzerland)

Male horserider:
Guy Williams (GB)

The following two riders are leading the intermediate global ranking of the Longines Press Award for Elegance, which will be awarded at the CSIO Dublin on 9^th August, 2009:

Female horserider:
Laura Kraut (USA)
Male horserider:

Jur Vrieling (The Netherlands)

Each winner will receive a trophy, a set of two Longines watches and a cheque for CHF 20,000.

The 2009 Frédérique Constant’s contributing lot will be as unique and engaged as this Only Watch Charity Auction: The Heart Beat Trilogy, for the first time assembled in a common luxurious jewel box, which includes a choice of different bracelet. This very feminine Heart Beat Trilogy intended for a very special woman, designed by women for women.

Each of the three watches in the Heart Beat Trilogy is special:

Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Pavée, the most luxurious and sparkling ladies timepiece within our Heart Beat collection.

Double Heart Beat Chocolate Pavée, joined to the “International Children’s Heart Foundation”.

Love Heart Beat, linked to “Paint a Smile” Foundation.

As the Official Timing Partner, Frederique Constant is excited to announce that the Healey Challenge Canada 2009 in Kingston, Ontario, has been a great success. More than 550 Healey owners and their partners were in attendance, to share their passion around the legendary Austin Healey cars.

During five days, over 230 Healey cars could be admired during numerous activities; from Rallies to a Concours d’Elégance and Track races, offering them wonderful moments in the picturesque Canadian countryside.

Frederique Constant introduced the new “Healey Chrono-Automatic”, issued in a limited edition of 1, 888 numbered timepieces, during the event.

FC is already looking forward to next year’s Healey Event.