How are luxury watch brands faring in the current market?If the 2010 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) is anything to go by, the worst is over. The Geneva watch fair opened its doors yesterday to display the crème de la crème of the world’s most sought-after complicated watches (primarily Richemont brands) and offered an unrivalled insight into upcoming trends.
SIHH sprawls 30,000m² of flawless cream hallways and bespoke branded booths, an opulence to echo the predicted upturn and to restore confidence amongst international media, retailers and watch aficionados. This year demonstrated a retro trend amongst most brands, a signal to us all that the foundations of great watchmaking cannot be shaken by an economic downturn and a reminder of why these marques are â and have always been â architects of the finest watches in the world.
Highlight of the exhibition? For me it was the remarkable A. Lange & Söhne ZEITWERK Luminous with glowing numerals that seemed to float across the dial of the watch; a digital masterpiece and reminder of Lange’s ability to push the boundaries of pioneering watchmaking whilst remaining true to its heritage.