Development of Swatch Group in 2012

The Swatch Group 2012 Figures

SWATCH - Joie de Vivre!

In 2012, Swatch continued to embody joie de vivre, something to which everyone aspires and which the brand successfully infuses into both its products and its communications. Over the past year, this joie de vivre was expressed again through a feeling of freedom derived from color and movement.

If 2012 was the year of vibrant color, it was largely thanks to the New Gent Lacquered watch, a new product introduced in the spring that saw Swatch combine industrial production with product personalization. Featuring a visible movement with colored lacquered components, this model enjoyed a high-profile launch and has since proved popular all over the world, particularly in European countries.

The Swatch Touch is another key product that enjoyed continued success. This touch-screen digital watch was a technological innovation when it was launched in 2011, and has continued to appeal to customers, generating excellent results at points of sale and for the Swatch online store. Enthusiasm was especially strong in Asia, particularly in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. This watch was also well received in European countries such as in France, where the advertising campaign featuring MC Hammer’s song, U Can’t Touch This, which burst onto TV sets around the country.

OMEGA - Bridges to London: the Olympic Games and James Bond

Trends:

Omega’s solid performance was built on the success of its exclusive Co-Axial movements, enhanced distribution through monobrand boutiques and a continued streamlining of its retail network, and three far-reaching partnerships: the Olympic Games, golf’s Ryder Cup and the incredible legacy of James Bond.

In July and August, some four billion viewers watched as Omega served as Official Timekeeper at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. At The PGA of America’s events, including the thrilling Ryder Cup in September, the brand’s on-course presence elevated its profile in the sport. Skyfall, released in autumn, was the seventh film to feature James Bond wearing an Omega Seamaster. The most successful movie in the history of the franchise, it was a perfect platform for the brand. More than 90% of Omega’s mechanical movements now feature Co-Axial technology. The year also saw the debut of Omega Ceragold™, a world premiere of a process that seamlessly bonds 18 K gold with ceramic.

In 2012, Omega opened new boutiques at select locations around the globe. Some 285 monobrand stores are located at the world’s best shopping addresses. The year was also defined by Omega’s social engagement, with support of Orbis International and its Flying Eye Hospital, the launch of Planet Ocean with a strong message to protect the planet and the partnership with Solar Impulse, which saw the first-ever intercontinental flight of the solar-powered plane.

Omega - Daniel Craig as James Bond in Skyfall

Creations:

Constellation 38 mm Day-Date The Constellation 38 mm Day-Date introduced the Omega Co-Axial caliber 8602 / 8612. It is the first in Omega’s family of proprietary Co-Axial movements to feature day and date indication with instantaneous jump.

The James Bond 007 50th Anniversary Collector’s Piece To celebrate fifty years of James Bond on screen, Omega released an update of the Seamaster Diver 300 M long associated with 007. The James Bond 007 50th Anniversary Collector’s Piece was created in 41- and 36.25-millimeter versions featuring the Co-Axial caliber 2507.

Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M “Skyfall” Limited Edition Omega launched the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M “Skyfall” Limited Edition to mark its seventh role in a James Bond film. Its bezel is distinguished by a matt black ceramic ring. On the dial at the 7 o’clock position is a 007 logo. The commemorative timepiece is powered by the Omega Co-Axial caliber 8507; only 5007 pieces were produced.

Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold™ In 2012, Omega launched a collection of Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold™ watches featuring a bezel whose diving scale is made of an innovative product called Ceragold™. The incrustation of Ceragold™ into zirconium-based ceramic bezels is a world premiere.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT The Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT premiered the Omega caliber 8605 / 8615, the first of the brand’s proprietary Co-Axial movements equipped with a GMT complication. The 43-millimeter case is produced in 18 K red gold, stainless steel or bicolor, presented on a matching bracelet or leather strap.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Omega and 25 Olympic Games

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games represented a number of milestones for Omega. In London, the brand assumed its Official Timekeeper role for the 25th time since 1932; thus, in 2012, Omega celebrated the 80th anniversary of its partnership with the IOC. The Organising Committee and the people of London committed themselves to revitalising an entire section of the British capital, while using some of the most iconic venues.

To read the complete Swatch Group Annual Report for 2012, click HERE

Source: Swatch Group