Swiss luxury watchmaker Swatch will create several hundred new jobs as it expands production to meet strong global demand, its chairman said in comments published on Saturday.

"We are in the process of increasing our capacities to meet growing demand," Nick Hayak said in an interview with Le Temps newspaper.

"We have purchased several pieces of land in different parts of Switzerland to build new factories," he said.

Hayak said Swatch, the world's largest watch group, would create new jobs in the expansion, but he did not give a total figure.

www.france24.com | 9/4/10 10:26 AM

Swatch releases its New Gent model, a larger version of the watchmakers popular Gent silhouette.

www.topix.net | 8/31/10 1:39 AM

For a while Fortis watches have come in special "art edition" forms. These highly artistic renditions of the popular dive, pilot, and overall high intensity activity watches provides an interesting departure from staunch utility. This is the Fortis Art Edition Mattern watch that looks a lot like something from the 1980s. With a look that mixes pop art and bauhaus, the timepiece is part of a collaboration with artist Michael Mattern - whose work is known to use a variety of colorful geometric shapes, and mechanical style imagery.

He designed the dial (and perhaps case) of the watch. To me it feels like a combo of Swatch and Max Bill. The case is 40mm wide in satin finished steel with a fascinating dial in white, black, yellow, and blue - that is partially skeletonized. While artistic, the dial is still easy to read. In addition to the metal bracelet, the watch is available with a black, yellow, or blue rubber strap. The movement is likely a Swiss ETA 2824 automatic, and the case is water resistant to 200 meters and has a sapphire crystal. Overall a very cool design and great project between Michael Mattern and Fortis. The watch is limited to 2012 pieces, and is priced at about $2,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Fortis Art Edition Mattern Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switzerland - Watch - Swatch - Max Bill - Sapphire www.luxist.com | 8/26/10 5:01 PM

Hengdeli Holdings Ltd., the retail partner of Swatch Group AG in China, plans to raise $134 million in a share sale to fund expansion. www.businessweek.com | 8/25/10 7:44 PM

Swatch Group, the world's largest watchmaker, is aiming for another record year in 2011 as new products come on to the market in the coming months, the group's new chairwoman was quoted as saying on Sunday.

www.topix.net | 8/22/10 12:27 PM

Here is another good sub $1000 watch from a reputable Swiss brand. This is the newest Mido Ocean Star, the Ocean Star Captain IV watch. In a 42.5mm wide steel case, it makes for a solid diver style timepiece for those who love blue. The dial is textured a bit like water, and the hands and hour indicators are easy to read. Blue is used further in the bezel, and a dash of red is used for the seconds hand. The case is water resistant to 200 meters, and has a sapphire crystal - which makes it a solid sports watch.

Inside the case is a Swiss ETA 2836-2 automatic movement with a day/date complication. The watch is available on a metal bracelet or rubber strap. Prices start at $880, which is actually surprisingly good. Brands are pushing prices down a bit trying to enhance the desirability of entry level luxury brands. Several years ago all brands wanted to increase their level of luxury and prices, but that just didn't work. Mido, and other Swatch Group brands thankfully have more watches like this that are handsome without too handsome prices. Look for the new Ocean Star Captain IV soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Mido Ocean Star Captain IV Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switzerland - Watch - Swatch Group - ETA SA - Steel www.luxist.com | 8/20/10 5:02 PM

Luxury watch maker Swatch Group today said it will introduce the 'Omega' brand jewellery and accessories in India by early next year. economictimes.indiatimes.com | 8/18/10 10:16 AM

Luxury watch maker Swatch Group today said it will introduce the 'Omega' brand jewellery and accessories in India by early next year. economictimes.indiatimes.com | 8/18/10 10:16 AM

Brazilian beach volleyball star Emanuel clinched on Sunday his record 1000th win on the sand courts when he and partner Ricardo won the bronze medal in the 2010 Fivb Swatch World Tour in Norway. One day after the Brazilian women's pair of Juliana and Larissa clinched their fifth World Circuit title, Emanuel and Alison won third place in the men's category, beating compatriots Marcio Araujo and Ricardo 15-21, 21-14 and 15-12. After the landmark win, Emanuel received a special award from FIV ... english.people.com.cn | 8/16/10 10:46 AM

Brazilian beach volleyball star Emanuel clinched on Sunday his record 1000th win on the sand courts when he and partner Ricardo won the bronze medal in the 2010 Fivb Swatch World Tour in Norway.One da... story.venezuelastar.com | 8/16/10 2:46 AM

Brazilian beach volleyball star Emanuel clinched on Sunday his record 1000th win on the sand courts when he and partner Ricardo won the bronze medal in the 2010 Fivb Swatch World Tour in Norway.One da... story.venezuelastar.com | 8/16/10 2:46 AM

Swatch Group AG, the world's largest watchmaker, reported a 54.5 per cent rise in half-year net profit Wednesday as sales recovered from a slump during the global economic downturn.

www.topix.net | 8/4/10 4:07 PM

Swatch, the world's largest watchmaker, has reported a 54% increase in profits for the first six months of the year.

www.topix.net | 8/4/10 3:50 PM

Swatch is a trend-setter when it comes to designing watches. But when it comes to business, it is no dedicated follower of fashion. online.wsj.com | 8/4/10 3:05 PM

Swatch, the world's largest watchmaker, reports a 54% increase in profits for the first six months of the year. www.bbc.co.uk | 8/4/10 2:05 PM

Swiss watchmaking giant Swatch on Wednesday reported a 54.5 percent increase in its first half net profit as sales boomed to record levels for the period, straining its production capacity.

Net profit over the first six months of the year reached 465 million Swiss francs (338 million euros, 448 million dollars), the group said as it released its financial results two weeks ahead of schedule.

www.france24.com | 8/4/10 10:07 AM

Defying high gold prices and a strong franc, Swatch Group reported a 55% jump in first-half net profit, helped by a strong rebound in Europe and the U.S. online.wsj.com | 8/4/10 9:50 AM

"Nicolas Hayek was asked to help shut the troubled Swiss watch industry, but instead he revived it by introducing the Swatch." Source of caption and photo: online version of the NYT article quoted and cited below.

www.topix.net | 7/28/10 9:59 AM

Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari was obviously a man of great style - just look at the supercars bearing his name. For Ferrari enthusiasts he is of course nothing short of a god as well. Now Collector Studio Motorsport Gallery in Toronto is offering the ultimate in Ferrari memorabilia - a museum quality collection of Enzo's bespoke clothing and accessories, priced at $100,000. The highlight of the collection is an original Bertazzoni of Modena custom tailored beige wool houndstooth sport coat made for the great man in 1972, and worn for the next 10 years, including at the 1972 AutoSport ceremony, along with a pair of bespoke Bertazzoni gray flannel pants he wore with it.

Also included is an original and totally unique "Ferrari" brown and white silk necktie custom made for Enzo in 1978, and worn for the next 10 years; and an original pair of bespoke Marelli brown leather shoes worn by him in the 1970s and 1980s, complete with box. The collection comes accompanied by a letter of authenticity from a Ferrari colleague of Enzo's who acquired the items from him directly, as well as many photos of Enzo wearing each item. Also included are the original notes from the Modenese tailor who made the clothing, along with fabric swatch samples and measurements to match.

[via JustLuxe ]

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style

Enzo Ferrari's Bespoke Clothing for Sale at $100,000 originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EnzoFerrari - Ferrari - Toronto - Clothing - 1980s www.luxist.com | 7/13/10 11:47 PM

- - - - ZURICH -(Dow Jones)- Swatch Group AG (UHR.VX) said Monday it will take over Tanzarella Ltd., a Swiss firm which assembles watch movements. The Swiss luxury goods maker didn't disclose financi... story.venezuelastar.com | 7/5/10 6:33 PM

Swiss President Doris Leuthard and actor George Clooney were among the mourners at a July 3 memorial service to express gratitude to Lebanese-born entrepreneur Nicolas Hayek for rescuing the nation&rs... story.venezuelastar.com | 7/5/10 5:51 AM

Nicolas Hayek, 82 His Swatch widely credited with saving watch industry By MARGALIT FOX The New York Times Sun.

www.topix.net | 7/4/10 1:12 PM

The business adage "time is money" could have been coined specifically for Nicolas Hayek, the founder of Swatch, who has died at the age of 82.

www.topix.net | 7/4/10 1:37 AM

Following the death of Nicolas Hayek, Nicholas Foulkes writes in praise of Swatch, the thriving company he leaves behind.

www.topix.net | 7/2/10 4:25 PM

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Etc., Europe, Smart, Celebrities

The man responsible for the Smart Car has reportedly passed away at the age of 82 of heart failure. Nicholas Hayek was a savvy businessman who wanted to apply the success he had experienced in the watchmaking world to car universe. Hayek brought affordability to the Swiss watch market with his Swatch products, and envisioned an automobile that would be just as customizable and affordable as his then wildly popular time pieces. What would eventually become the Smart Car was originally a joint venture with Volkswagen that flew under the Swatchmobile banner.

But the VW partnership eventually hit the rocks, and Mercedes-Benz stepped in to lend a hand. Oddly enough, Hayek left the Smart Car program after Mercedes-Benz balked at his ideas for a diesel-hybrid model. Now Smart is launching its all-electric ForTwo ED .

While the Smart portfolio hasn't exactly taken the world by storm - or made money for its owners - there's no denying its impact. Nearly everyone knows what the quirky little cars are, even if they've never driven one. Hayek's brief time in the automotive spectrum had a lasting effect that will likely continue on for years to come.

[Source: The New York Times ]

Report: Swatch founder and Smart Car inventor Nicolas Hayek dead at age 82 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 6/30/10 10:39 PM

GENEVA: Nicolas Hayek, chairman and former CEO of the giant Swiss watch-manufacturing firm Swatch, has died. He was 82. Swatch Group said Hayek died unexpectedly of heart failure on Monday at hi... story.venezuelastar.com | 6/30/10 7:31 PM

Swatch Group AG, Switzerland's largest watchmaker, said Nayla Hayek will become chairwoman, succeeding her father, the late Nicolas Hayek.

www.topix.net | 6/30/10 6:50 PM

Two days after the death of Swatch founder and Chairman Nicolas G. Hayek the Swiss watch and luxury-goods maker said his daughter Nayla has been elected as his successor. online.wsj.com | 6/30/10 6:46 PM

Nicolas Hayek, the Lebanese-born businessman who founded of Swatch and some say rescued the Swiss watch industry, died on Monday .

www.topix.net | 6/30/10 5:14 PM

GENEVA - Swatch Group AG, the world's largest watchmaker, said Wednesday it appointed Nayla Hayek to succeed... www.bostonherald.com | 6/30/10 1:53 PM

&$ &$ File photo of Swatch Group chairman Nicolas G. Hayek. Hayek, one of Switzerland's most prominent and colourful entrepreneurs, died unexpectedly of heart failure at his workplace June 28, 2010, the company said in a statement. Hayek, who was 82 in February, was widely credited with saving the Swiss watchmaking industry when he completed the reorganisation of the ailing Asuag ... english.people.com.cn | 6/30/10 5:29 AM

The chairman and former chief executive of the giant Swiss watch-manufacturing firm Swatch, has died.

www.topix.net | 6/30/10 12:26 AM

The chairman and former chief executive of the giant Swiss watch-manufacturing firm Swatch, has died.

www.topix.net | 6/29/10 9:31 PM

Nicolas Hayek, a Lebanese-born business consultant who is widely credited with having saved the Swiss watch industry with the introduction of the Swatch, died on Monday in Biel, Switzerland. economictimes.indiatimes.com | 6/29/10 6:44 PM

Nicolas Hayek, founder of famed watch-maker Swatch, died of heart failure on Monday at age 82. He was known to wear two or three watches... www.huffingtonpost.com | 6/29/10 6:18 PM

Nicolas Hayek, a Lebanese-born business consultant who is widely credited with having saved the Swiss watch industry with the introduction of the Swatch, the inexpensive, plastic - and, as it transpired, highly collectible - wristwatch that made its debut in 1983, died Monday in Biel, Switzerland.

www.topix.net | 6/29/10 8:57 AM

The founder of the iconic Swiss watch brand 'Swatch' has died at the age of 82. Nicholas Hayek, who is credited with saving the Swiss watch… www.euronews.net | 6/29/10 5:27 AM

One of the richest men in the world and often cited "savior of the Swiss watch industry" Nicolas Hayek has recently today. His history is closely linked with the Swiss watch industry that he helped pull out of doom by creating the Swatch Group. Forming the low-cost Swiss Swatch watch brand of quartz watches helped fund and keep alive the mechanical watch industry that Hayek adored and fought for since the 1980s. If you own a Swiss watch, chances are it was somehow influenced or made possible by Mr. Hayek. Read more about him here on Wikipedia .

Born in Lebanon in 1928, Hayek moved to Switzerland early in life. A series of clever business moves and initiatives brought him to a fateful time in the early 1980s when the quartz crisis (as the Swiss call it) was threatening the mechanical watch industry with much cheaper quartz movement based watches from places like Japan. It was a key time of "do or die" in Switzerland, and Hayek really did an incredible job of keeping Switzerland's most famous export alive, and even thriving.

His death was sudden and unexpected. He remained working until his final moment. As far as I know, his death was without much or any prior medical notice. Hayek prided himself on being the soul voice of the Swatch Group. Giving interviews and answering questions daily. I unfortunately had some interview questions with him pending at the time of his death, which I doubt will answered posthumously. While it is not clear who will take over for Mr. Hayek, it will likely be his son Nicolas Hayek Jr. Switzerland and the entire world of watch lovers mourn on this day for the late and great Nicolas Hayek.

See the official announcement here from the Swatch Group .

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Swatch Group Chairman Nicolas Hayek Passes Away At 82 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swatch Group - Switzerland - Nicolas Hayek - Swiss Made - 1980s www.luxist.com | 6/28/10 11:21 PM

The head of the world's largest watchmaker, Swatch Group, Nicolas Hayek died on Monday at the age of 82. en.rian.ru | 6/28/10 11:02 PM

The founder of the Swiss watchmakers Swatch has died at the age of 82, the company has announced. news.bbc.co.uk | 6/28/10 10:33 PM

The founder of the Swiss watchmakers Swatch has died at the age of 82, the company has announced. news.bbc.co.uk | 6/28/10 10:33 PM

Swatch Group AG Chairman Nicolas Hayek, credited with reviving the Swiss watch industry in the 1980s, died today of heart failure, the company said. www.businessweek.com | 6/28/10 9:49 PM

"Nicolas Hayek's extraordinary vision enabled him to realise and ensure the sustainability of a strong watchmaking enterprise with high Swiss added value," the company said in a stateme... story.venezuelastar.com | 6/28/10 9:15 PM

Nicolas Hayek , the founder and chairman of Swatch Group, the company that fitted the world with colorful, affordable, and loud-ticking plastic wristwatches, died of heart failure today . He was 82 and Swiss. Both you and your '80s watches are old. More »
gawker.com | 6/28/10 9:01 PM

Nicolas Hayek, chairman and former chief executive of the Swiss watch-manufacturing firm Swatch, has died aged 82. www.telegraph.co.uk | 6/28/10 8:33 PM

In honor of the passing of Nicolas Hayek , CEO of the Swatch Group, we decided to wax a little nostalgic about his most breathtaking - and lucrative - product: the Swatch watch. Swatch was the brainchild of Elmar Mock and Jacques Müller, two engineers who were attempting to make the thinnest wristwatch in the world. Instead, they created a simple plastic quartz watch with a movement that contained only about sixty pieces instead of the 100 plus found in Japanese quartz movements at the time. Hayek saw this as an excellent opportunity to create a "throwaway" watch that could be worn for a season and then swapped with another model. Artists and designers bedecked the watches in odd patterns and the company brought the nascent Swatch Group, formed by Hayek in the early 1980s, to the forefront of Swiss watch manufacturing. At $20 or so, these watches were amazingly cheap and many collectors bought two at a time, one to wear and one to keep hidden away. The watches married high tech with high design and, given their fashion-forward nature, are the precursors to many of the design decisions made today by CE manufacturers. The iPod as an object of desire couldn't have existed without the Swatch paving the way for inexpensive but highly designed objects to woo the consumer into regular upgrades. Here are ten of our favorite Swatch innovations: techcrunch.com | 6/28/10 8:32 PM

Swatch's chairman and former chief executive Nicolas Hayek has died, aged 82. Mr Hayek died unexpectedly of heart failure at his office in Biel, Switzerland.

www.topix.net | 6/28/10 7:23 PM

Swiss watch-making company Swatch says its chairman and former chief executive Nicolas Hayek has died.

www.topix.net | 6/28/10 7:23 PM

Swatch Group AG founder and chairman Nicolas Hayek died Monday from heart failure at the age of 82. online.wsj.com | 6/28/10 7:20 PM

GENEVA — Nicolas Hayek, chairman and former chief executive of the giant Swiss watch-manufacturing firm Swatch, has died. He was 82. Swatch Group said Hayek died unexpectedly of heart failure... story.venezuelastar.com | 6/28/10 7:08 PM