MARKET WATCHING
Designed for the futuristic males of today Titan has launched its neo-futuristic collection of self-energising (light-powered) watches – the HTSE (High Tech Self Energised) range. Inspired by the most complex self-energising bodies, this ultra-modern collection converges avant-garde vision with revolutionary style. The HTSE collection targets the techsavvy, modern male of today with a discerning attitude towards fashion. With space and space exploration being the ultimate frontier of futurism, each watch in the collection is a completely self-sufficient unit to the extent of having the capability of energising itself. Titan has also launched the world’s first-ever mobile application for iPhone and Android to be “powered by light”. “Power up the mobile app by pointing the camera on your phone to any light source,” explains the company. “Use the app to check out the HTSE collection and
explore key features of each watch, and try on a watch virtually using augmented reality. Consumers can also share the watch images, features and virtual trials on Facebook and Twitter, and locate their nearest Titan stockist using GPS.” With translucent black dials which harness light, the bezel rings which flow into the lug and the precisely engineered crowns, these timepieces embody not only technology, but also fashion and style. The watches are extremely energy-efficient and can be charged by any light upward of 200 lux. Once fully charged, the watch continues to run for four months even if locked up in complete darkness. The quick start function enables the watch to come alive within 10-20 seconds of exposure to light from a zero charge dead condition. The “sleep mode” feature of the timepieces ensures the increased shelf life of the battery by switching on the mode on the cue of the lesser current usage by the user. Titan Industries Ltd is part of the US$70 billion global conglomerate, the Tata Group, with business interests spanning steel, automobiles, software, retail and telecommunications.
A US$1,4 billion (revenue in 2010-2011) listed company, Titan is the fifth-largest integrated watch manufacturer in the world, manufacturing more than 11 million watches every year, with a customer base of over 100 million in 27 countries and is available in more than 70 stores locally.
Contemporary styles for SA market A sea of colour from Nautica Nautica has released a fresh array of colours in its signature BFD100 sports collection. The bright colours are intended to celebrate the European summer season with red, yellow, orange, green, blue and purple, according to a current fashion for sports watches – a trend which has long been a core feature, according to the brand’s heritage and one of its attributes. Featured in the new collection are coloured dials with matching straps which make a bold fashion statement. Designs are sporty and functional with authentic diving style details, including a turning top ring and oversized numbers. A luminous option and open-design hands with luminous arrow tips for quick readability in any environment plus a J-Class sail etched on the crown are other details.
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The new Jacques Lemans collection released at Baselworld was a quick response to the latest trends. These represented a combination of black with blue details and the presence of ceramic in black and white in a variety of designs, a move established well in advance. The styles covered many sporting activities and those selected for South Africa were contemporary, reported Sabine Glantschsig, who is responsible for export activities. Facebook appears to be a practical medium for the brand, which currently has some 5 000 followers through this source. “It is necessary to appeal to a wide range of emotions in our active marketing programme,” explained MD of local distributors CJR Gift Sales, Rowan Jacobson, who believes they have found their feet in the SA market. Among this year’s new releases is the Milano Series, which has proved to be the brand’s new “star”. Striking designs and details which include the use of white and black ceramic on a stainless steel case, high-grade materials and extravagant presentations are the key to this line’s success. It is the mixture
of sporty designs in a wide range of models combined with classic elements in a selection of colours with matching watchbands to which the followers of the Jacques Lemans’ style are attracted in both gents' and ladies' designs. All models have the stainless steel case, hardened “Crystex” crystal and are water-resistant to 10 ATM. The skinfriendly, high-grade silicon strap is UV-proof and leather straps are made from Italian leather. The Milano series, featuring feminine interpretations including La Passion Collection, have Swarovski elements on the bezel and striking details on the dial. The brand is based in Austria, where its in-house designers interpret and follow the general trend for watches. Being a sporting brand, it has chosen a renowned tennis player, Jurgen Metzer, as its brand ambassador – a former winner at both Wimbledon and on the Australian circuit. Jacques Leman is represented in 120 countries and is well established in the marketplace. (Above): Jacques Lemans’ multi-function chronograph in the white ceramic and stainless steel version.
SA JEWELLERY NEWS – MAY 2012