by John Sealander  

Couture Las Vegas Terminates Watch
Journal’s Popular Couture Time Watch Event

For the past three years, Couture Time has been a popular show-within-a-show at the annual Couture watch and jewelry event in Las Vegas. Couture Time, sponsored by the prestigious Watch Journal Magazine, was thought by many to be the most important watch event in the United States.

Glen Bowen, publisher and editor-in-chief of Watch Journal, conceived of the Couture Time event as an environment where leading timepiece brands could meet face-to-face with leading retailers. For three years, that’s exactly what happened. Couture Time by Watch Journal, held at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel in conjunction with Couture Las Vegas, became an essential destination where the world’s top luxury watch brands could meet America’s premier jewelers and watch retailers.

The centerpiece of this weeklong event was the annual Couture Time Awards. This highly regarded watchmaking competition was the only event of its kind in the United States and provided a unique showcase for exhibiting watch brands at the show.

All that ended when Glen Bowen announced on October 3rd that Watch Journal Magazine’s three-year partnership with Couture had ended. In an open letter to participating watch brands, Bowen stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for you’re past participation in Couture Time by Watch Journal. It has been a pleasure to work with each of you and your teams and to help you get the most out of the show. Likewise, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to partner with Couture to create Couture Time by Watch Journal as a very special venue for watches.”

Effect on Watch Industry

The absence of Couture Time at the annual Couture show will be a big disappointment to many in the watch industry. Gevril Group President Samuel Friedmann, a regular Couture exhibitor, feels that the new owners of Couture Las Vegas didn’t give the show-within-a-show concept enough time. “Many American retailers do not make the expensive trip to Baselworld,” says Friedmann. “Couture Time and Watch Journal gave these people another alternative. If Couture had a little more patience, I am convinced that the watch show would have grown tremendously and become a major draw for both Couture and the entire watch industry.”

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One can only speculate why Couture chose to sever its relationship with Watch Journal and discontinue the popular Couture Time show-within-a-show. For the over 80 watch brands that regularly attended the annual Couture show, Couture Time was an essential component of the Couture experience. Watch Journal Magazine is highly regarded as an industry authority by many watchmakers and the magazine’s participation gave Couture Las Vegas even more prestige within the watch industry.

It is too early to guess the extent to which the absence of Couture Time will impact the 2014 Couture show. Couture is still one of the important trade events of the year for North American jewelry retailers, but the loss of the Couture Time show-within-a-show will not go unnoticed by the watch industry.

About Gevril Group

Gevril Group is the exclusive US representative for select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sports timepieces at a wide range of price points. Gevril Group also operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers. Contact Gevril Group by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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Globally, Las Vegas represents the ultimate in exquisite indulgences in nearly every way imaginable. The fashion industry is no exception.

Luxury timepiece dealers and distributors meet every year at the majestic Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada for The Couture Show, the premiere jewelry and watch event for high-end retailers in the U.S. Watch industry insiders gather at Couture Las Vegas to browse exclusive new collections, strengthen business relationships, and prepare to bring the best of the fashion and luxury watch world to consumers throughout the United States.

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Historically, the Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Show, held in Basel, Switzerland, has been the world’s premiere timepiece trade show. Beginning in 1917 in the world capital for fine timepiece manufacturing, “Basel Fair”, as it is often called by Europeans, is the largest show for watch manufacturers and distributors worldwide, and was by default the most important show in the industry.

However, as the U.S. market is becoming increasingly important to luxury and fashion timepiece brands, The Couture Show in Las Vegas is growing in importance, as well. According to many Couture 2013 attendees, this fabulous five-day show now rivals its Basel counterpart.

Paolo Marai, CEO of Vertime, commented that “Compared to Basel Fair, as a very limited number of US customers are coming to see the new products, Couture is really the hot moment of the year to show the new collections to our customers based in the U.S.” Danny Govberg, owner of Govberg Jewelers agrees. A fan of the show, he calls Couture Las Vegas, “one of the most prestigious shows in the world with the most prestigious designers and watch brands.”

Besides quality and exclusivity, location and accommodation also make The Couture Show at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas a growing and vital influence within the luxury timepiece industry. To have such a quality trade show in the U.S. makes it easier for more North American retailers to attend and do all their shopping for the upcoming season in one place.

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Furthermore, American buyers are often more accustomed to the large, luxurious accommodations in Las Vegas, as opposed to the more conservative and “cozy” accommodations available to Baselworld attendees, so going to Couture Las Vegas is not only more convenient, but potentially more comfortable than traveling to Switzerland for Baselworld.

As the U.S. luxury watch market grows with designer brands launching high-end fashion watch brands to accompany their clothing lines, the timepiece exhibition at The Couture Show in Las Vegas will continue to grow in importance and excellence.

About Gevril Group

Gevril Group is the exclusive US representative for select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sports timepieces at a wide range of price points. Gevril Group also operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers. Contact Gevril Group by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog updates. Like us on Facebook. Reader comments are welcome.

by John Sealander

If Your Business is Luxury, You Always Make Time For Couture

Perfectly timed to coincide with Las Vegas Jewelry Week, Couture is just around the corner. From May 30 until June 3, the world’s leading jewelry and timepiece designers, retailers, and manufacturers will gather at the exclusive Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas for Couture. For over 16 years, the Couture show has been the destination of choice for the stars of the luxury goods industry. With every passing year, this prestigious event continues to gain steam within the luxury community and is now considered the preeminent place to showcase jewelry and watches.

According to Gevril President Samuel Friedmann, “the Couture show has become the place where established brands, rising stars, powerful retailers and luxury trend setters discover what is going to excite customers and drive sales during the year ahead.”

Friedmann says that participation in the influential Couture show is absolutely essential for Gevril Group. In 2012, Gevril showcased virtually all of the 40 fine timepiece brands it represents, in the Wynn Hotel’s spectacular Chambertin 2 Ballroom. During the five-day event, the show generated much more traffic and interest than the company initially anticipated. “We had success with every price point. Even drop-ins led to serious discussions,” said Friedmann.

This year, Gevril Group will once again be showcasing many of their prestigious brands at the Couture Time exhibit; including world renowned names such as Fortis, Gevril, Versace, Ferragamo and Versus. Joining Gevril at Couture are industry leaders like Stefan Hafner, Chopard, Bell & Ross, Bvlgari, Perrelet, David Yurman and many others. The prestigious Watch Journal will be returning as co-host of Couture Time in 2013. Watch Journal is the first luxury magazine built around watches and is widely regarded as a leading voice within the industry.

With new brands and exciting faces in attendance, the 2013 Couture show promises to be the best ever. Paul Ziff, President of Ferragamo Timepieces for the US and Caribbean, is looking forward to this year’s event. “We are very pleased to be participating in the 2013 Couture show” said Ziff. “Couture is the perfect venue for leading retailers to meet with executives from the industry’s top brands in a relaxed and luxurious environment. It is in this setting that new relationships are forged and existing partnerships strengthened.”

Kari Allen, President of Versace Timepieces for the US and Caribbean, agrees. “I am excited to share the new 2013 Versace and Versus Versace Watch Collections at the Couture show this year” said Allen. “We have gotten fantastic responses from all the top retailers making appointments for this year’s show. The Couture Show at the Wynn Las Vegas is where everyone comes to see all the top luxury watch and jewelry brands in one elegant setting.”

The Couture show proves once and for all that what goes on in Vegas doesn’t necessarily have to stay there. From May 30 until June 3, Gevril Group will give the world’s premier luxury retailers a unique opportunity to see, touch, and just say “wow” to one of the most diverse collections of fine timepieces available today.

Gevril Group will be at Couture from start to finish in the Chambertin 2 Ballroom. You can reach Gevril Group by email or by calling 1-866-425-9882. During the event, call Ruth Dombroff at 914-689-4360.

About Gevril Group

Gevril Group is the exclusive US representative for select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sports timepieces at a wide range of price points. Gevril Group also operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog. Reader comments are welcome.

by John Sealander

From May 31 thru June 4, Gevril Group was the hot ticket in town, with a glittering show at the spectacular Las Vegas Wynn Hotel.

The glamorous Couture Time watch show made an indelible impression this year on America’s leading independent jewelers and watch retailers. At Couture, Gevril Group showcased many brands the company represents in a single spectacular location, the Wynn Hotel Chambertin Ballroom, during the five-day event. Everyone who attended the show had a front row seat to see the incredible selection of fine timepieces that Gevril Group displayed.

According to Samuel Friedmann, Gevril Group President, the show generated more traffic and interest than initially expected. “We had success with every price point,” Friedmann remarked.

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“Couture Time was a big success for Versace Timepieces. The new 2012 collections continue the tradition of Swiss Made excellence and innovative Italian design. This Versace combination of fashion and luxury will bring glamour to many consumers this fall who will find the collections available at a retailer near them.

“Moreover, the new launch of Versus by Versace watches at Couture was a hit with a broad range of retailers. The combination of youthful rock and roll energetic chic styles and accessible retails ($150 to $300) make for an exciting addition to the marketplace,” said Kari Allen, President of Versace Timepieces in the US and Caribbean markets.

“I am very pleased with the results we achieved at the Couture show. It proved to be a very effective environment to meet both clients and prospects and provided a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, which blended nicely with the Ferragamo luxury lifestyle message. It was extremely well organized and a very positive overall experience,“ added Paul Ziff, President of Ferragamo Timepieces in the US and Caribbean markets.

Gevril		Fortis		Versace
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Ferragamo		Eterna		Edox
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saint Honoré		Jean d’Eve		Catorex
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Louis Erard		GV2		Haurex
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Jowissa		Hector H		Police
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Ruth Dombroff, Gevril Group’s event planner for the show, was impressed with the genuine interest and activity that the company’s brands generated. “Retailers, watch collectors and Couture judges came by during the show to see what all the buzz was about,” said Dombroff.

Herman Sternberg, Gevril Group Regional Manager, succinctly summed up the event when he said, “A picture may be worth a 1000 words but seeing and touching the real thing is worth way more!” Couture 2012 gave top retailers a unique opportunity to see, touch, and admire the most diverse collections of fine timepieces available today.

Those who attended the show were delighted to see that many of the famous fashion brands they loved were available from Gevril Group. Samuel Friedmann said that Couture 2012 gave many retailers a more complete picture of how the company’s packages, brands, and services could help their businesses grow. Retailers were also very impressed that Gevril Group provides its own after sales service for all the brands it represents.

Las Vegas is known for putting on a good show. This year, Gevril Group was there and proved once and for all that what goes on in Vegas doesn’t necessarily have to stay there: When this year’s Couture Time attendees returned home, they brought back a lasting impression of fabulous brands, tailor made for their markets.

Meccaniche Veloci		RSW
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Johan Eric

3H Italia

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About Gevril Group

Gevril Group is the exclusive US representative for select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sports timepieces at a wide range of price points. Gevril Group also operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog updates. Reader comments are welcome.

by John Sealander

Couture Time Las Vegas is where the world’s best luxury watch brands will meet America’s best jewelry retailers. Of course, Gevril Group will be there.

Couture is unrivaled in the jewelry industry. For more than fifteen years, this spectacular annual event has been the place where the world’s best jewelry designers and brands gather to build relationships with their retail partners. This year once again, Couture partners with renowned Watch Journal publisher Glen Bowen to bring you Couture Time showcasing many of the world’s most luxurious watch brands.

With the addition of luxury timepieces to the Couture Show, this essential event now offers top retailers a unique opportunity to find everything they need to make their business successful in a single spectacular location.

From the opening reception on May 31 until festivities end on June 4, the spectacular Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas will attract high-end watch dealers from around the globe who are looking for the most exquisite and unique timepieces available.

According to Paul Ziff, President of Ferragamo Timepieces for the US and Caribbean, Couture is the place to be. “With the recent launch of Ferragamo Timepieces beyond the company owned boutiques,” says Ziff, “Couture provides the perfect venue to introduce our brand and explore new market opportunities. Couture is a luxurious environment that fits well with the Ferragamo lifestyle.”

Samuel Friedmann, founder of Gevril Group and long-time creative force in the watch business, agrees. “Couture Time is the perfect setting to establish new partnerships with serious retailers and build our brands together.”

Gevril Group, which distributes luxury technical Swiss watches, along with some of the world’s most prestigious fashion watches, will use Couture Time to meet watch retailers, to introduce its watch brands, and to provide an overview of its large-scale advertising initiatives in support of retailers and Gevril brands. With a distribution channel that covers more than 1,000 points of sale across all brands, Gevril Group understands the importance of being able to reach successful independent jewelers. “We’re looking to meet retailers who’ve been able to focus on and successfully build their niche in the luxury watch industry,” says Friedmann.

According to Gevril Group Regional Sales Manager Herman Sternberg, “Couture Time provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the newest interpretation of elegance and trendy.” There just isn’t another event quite like Couture. From the Wynn’s fabulous Chambertin 2 Ballroom, a premiere location within Couture, Gevril Group will display some of the world’s most prestigious and interesting timepieces.

For one fabulous week, the Wynn Las Vegas will become an unforgettable destination for over 4,000 jewelry retailers. New friendships will be established. New business relationships will be forged. The best of the best may even win one of the event’s prestigious Couture Design Awards.

Gevril Group will be at Couture Time from start to finish. You can reach Gevril Group by email or by calling 1-866-425-9882. During the event, call Ruth Dombroff at 914-689-4360.

About Gevril Group

Gevril Group is the exclusive US representative for select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sports timepieces at a wide range of price points. Gevril Group also operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog. Reader comments are welcome.