The Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry Company announces the launch of its first collection of timepieces to be unveiled in January 2009 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) watch fair in Geneva, Switzerland.

Last year, Polo Ralph Lauren and Richemont, two leading companies in the global luxury market, announced the formation of the Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry Company, S.A.R.L., based in Geneva, Switzerland. In this unique partnership, Polo Ralph Lauren and Richemont formed a joint venture to design, develop, manufacture and distribute luxury watches and fine jewelry through select Ralph Lauren boutiques and the finest independent jewelry and luxury watch retailers globally. The partners each own 50 percent of the new entity and are committed to this joint venture on a long-term basis. This is Richemont’s first such joint venture with a luxury fashion designer and it is Polo Ralph Lauren’s first foray into the precious jewelry and luxury watch businesses.

Ralph Lauren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation said, “I have waited a long time to create and introduce timepieces that I feel exemplify the ultimate in luxury and quality. Richemont shares that understanding and has the global reputation and experience to fulfill these shared goals. I have the highest confidence that this unique partnership will be tremendously successful and an important part of our global luxury accessories strategy.”

Johann Rupert, Executive Chairman of Richemont, said, “I have long admired Ralph Lauren. His impeccable taste, style and attention to detail are unique. These factors, combined with Richemont’s expertise in jewelry and watches has led to a fascinating business venture. Jointly, we aim to create a new luxury business, which I am confident will develop into a world leader. This is an exciting partnership and I am very happy to work with Ralph Lauren on this project. I am very enthusiastic about the timepieces we will be unveiling at SIHH 2009.”

The SIHH watch fair will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from January 19-23, 2009. SIHH is a private event for professionals in fine watchmaking. Top international retailers and press will attend the fair to view an exclusive roster of the industry’s most prestigious brands, including: A. Lange & Söhne, Alfred Dunhill, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jean Richard, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Ralph Lauren, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Source: Polo Ralph Lauren

www.poloralphlauren.com
www.richemont.com

Contact: [email protected]
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