by John Sealander

If you liked the classically styled GV2 Berletta, you’re going to love the new Berletta Chronograph.

It didn’t take fashion forward women long to discover the sophisticated appeal of having a GV2 Berletta on their wrist. The understated elegance of this 37 mm ladies’ timepiece added something extra to just about any outfit. Now fashionistas have a new reason to celebrate, with the addition of a spectacular chronograph to the Berletta family.

The GV2 Berletta Chronograph maintains the same size and proportions that made the original Berletta so popular. This 37 mm timepiece is perfectly sized for a woman’s wrist. Many of the Berletta’s distinguishing features, including the beautiful quilted dial, diamond indices, fluted cabochon tipped crown, and glittering diamond cut bezel are continued on the chronograph models.

GV2 1550 Berletta Chronograph MSRP $3,795		GV2 1551 Berletta Chronograph MSRP $3,995
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What’s new are three well placed totalizers centered in the dial’s quilted center that allow you to accurately time virtually any event. Two pushers located on either side of the fluted setting crown control these sub-dials. This impressive chronograph is powered by a precision Swiss made ISA8171-202 quartz movement and is water resistant to 99 feet.

An antireflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal protects the beautiful dial. Like all GV2 timepieces, the Berletta Chronograph is protected by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and comes in a beautiful presentation box with instructions and warranty.

GV2 1552 Berletta Chronograph MSRP $3,995		GV2 1553 Berletta Chronograph MSRP $3,895
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Six different chronograph models are available, including stainless steel, IP rose gold, IP yellow gold, and two tone editions. The Berletta Chronograph can be fitted with a matching stainless steel link bracelet secured by a butterfly clasp or a high quality black, white, blue, green or tan quilted leather strap.

Some models include both the bracelet and the leather strap, giving the watch two distinct personalities.

GV2 1554 Berletta Chronograph MSRP $3,495		GV2 1555 Berletta Chronograph MSRP $3,295
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With so many available options, the GV2 Berletta Chronograph is perfect for both dress and casual occasions. If you like the additional functionality a chronograph provides, but don’t want to give up the sophisticated style of the three-hand model, the Berletta Chronograph is the watch for you.

To see what one of these beauties looks like on your wrist, contact your authorized GV2 dealer immediately and ask to see the entire Berletta Chronograph Collection.

Gevril Group US Agent for GV2 Watches

Gevril Group is the sole US agent for GV2 Watches. Contact us by email or call 845-425-9882.

In Europe, the GV2 brand is distributed by Gevril Group Europa.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also follow GV2 Watches on Facebook and Twitter.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog digest.

by John Sealander

If you thought it was impossible to find a truly unique wristwatch, your luck is about to change.

Designed to bring the Gevril name and quality reputation to a wider audience, GV2 watches are prized for their innovative designs and affordable prices. Almost every year GV2 introduces something new that amazes and excites watch aficionados, and 2014 is no exception.

The playfully original GV2 Lucky 7 Collection features a fully functional roulette wheel on the watch’s caseback. Protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, the turret on this miniature wheel actually rotates. Several Lucky 7 models even utilize playing cards as numbers and employ an authentically marked gambling die as a winding crown.

GV2 9300 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,595		GV2 9301 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,495		GV2 9302 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,495
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This massive 48 mm watch is an automatic attention-getter wherever you go. With models that include a beautiful dial inspired by gaming images or sportier versions that feature a carbon fiber dial and date window, this could easily be the ultimate sports and party watch.

Don’t think that this fine watch is just a plaything however. The Gv2 Lucky 7 includes an almost indestructible 316L stainless steel case that is water resistant to 165 feet as well as a precision Swiss made automatic movement designed to provide years of reliable and accurate service. Like every GV2 timepiece, each Lucky 7 has been handcrafted in Switzerland by old-world craftsmen.

GV2 9303 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,395		GV2 9304 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,395		GV2 9305 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,595
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Available in stainless steel and IP black variations, the Lucky 7 has been fitted with a comfortable black rubber strap for a sporty, casual look.

All watches in the impressive GV2 Lucky 7 Collection represent a tremendous value. It is almost impossible to find a watch with this level of quality and craftsmanship at this price point. You get the best of both worlds: a watch that’s sure to create a sensation wherever you wear it, at a price that makes it affordable enough to wear anywhere.

GV2 9306 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,595		GV2 9307 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,595		GV2 9308 Lucky 7 MSRP $2,595
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Will a GV2 Lucky 7 watch bring you luck? It just might. You’ll have to be wearing one to find out though. The Lucky 7 is expected to be one of the most popular GV2 designs yet.

If you’d like to see one of these whimsically wonderful creations on your wrist, don’t gamble with availability. To make sure you get lucky, contact an authorized GV2 dealer today and secure your favorite Lucky 7 watch immediately.

Gevril Group US Agent for GV2 Watches

Gevril Group is the sole US agent for GV2 Watches. Contact us by email or call 845-425-9882.

In Europe, the GV2 brand is distributed by Gevril Group Europa.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also follow GV2 Watches on Facebook and Twitter.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog digest.

by Adrian Herscovici

Chess is an ancient board game of strategy and tactics played by millions of people around the world. The game’s ongoing popularity is owed in part to the myriad possibilities of how a match can unfold, which is dependent on the mastery of strategies and maneuvers.

Like a watch, chess is portable: all that is required is a chessboard and a set of pieces called chessmen, which can be toted easily from one place to another. And like mechanical watchmaking, chess has an innate connection to several branches of mathematics making it an apt theme for watch design.

The GV2 Scacchi is a men’s collection of chess-themed watches — Scacchi is an Italian word for chess. Each Scacchi watch features a substantial 46 mm case made from stainless steel. The caseback boasts a round checkerboard engraved pattern as well as a small aperture to glimpse the movement’s winding rotor. The sides of the case are fluted, as is the head of the crown, which resembles a rook — an important chessman.

GV2 9500 Scacchi MSRP $2,195		GV2 9501 Scacchi MSRP $2,295		GV2 9502 Scacchi MSRP $2,295
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The current GV2 Scacchi collection contains six versions: three with a black-and-white checkered chessboard dial, and three more with a solid black dial. Both dials are available in one of three cases: stainless steel case with black IP bezel, black IP case and bezel, and rose gold IP case with black IP bezel. The design of the bezel features checkered squares cast at contrasting angles.

GV2 9503 Scacchi MSRP $2,095		GV2 9504 Scacchi MSRP $2,195		GV2 9505 Scacchi MSRP $2,195
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Scacchi checkered dials resemble a chessboard from a bird’s-eye view. In addition to the board, the design features a red king’s crown at 12 o’clock, a red queen’s crown at 6 o’clock, red knights (represented by horse heads as they do in the game) at 2 and 9 o’clock, and white pawns at the remaining hours. The hour and minute hands are also shaped like chess pieces, probably bishops, although they could also be variants of the king or queen since chessmen have numerous forms from one set to another.

Variants with the solid black dial retain the red crown at 12 o’clock, but use Roman numerals as hour markers instead of chessmen to create a more traditional look and feel. The date function at 3 o’clock is mutual to every Scacchi model.

Every GV2 Scacchi watch contains a Swiss made self-winding movement, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a black leather calfskin strap, which pairs well with the watch’s black bezel. Scacchi watches are water resistant to a maximum of 165 feet and each variant is a limited edition.

Chess is the game of kings. Some enjoy it quietly between friends; others play competitively at the international tournament level. The Scacchi watch by GV2 is appropriate in either scenario and versatile far beyond. Whether it’s to express a general interest and strike up a conversation, or simply to delight in the game’s regal sensibilities on a daily basis, consider the GV2 Scacchi as the next addition to your watch collection. Contact an authorized GV2 dealer to find out more.

Gevril Group Worldwide Agent for GV2 Watches

Gevril Group is the sole worldwide agent for GV2 Watches. Contact us by email or call 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also follow GV2 Watches on Facebook and Twitter. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog.

by John Sealander

If you liked the classically styled GV2 Apulia, you’re going to love the new Apulia Chronograph.

It didn’t take fashion forward women long to discover the sophisticated appeal of having a GV2 Apulia on their wrist. The understated elegance of this 37 mm ladies’ timepiece added something extra to just about any outfit. Now fashionistas have a new reason to celebrate, with the addition of a spectacular chronograph to the Apulia family.

The GV2 Apulia Chronograph maintains the same size and proportions that made the original Apulia so popular. This 37 mm timepiece is perfectly sized for a woman’s wrist. Many of the Apulia’s distinguishing features, including the beautiful quilted dial, diamond indices, fluted cabochon tipped crown, and glittering diamond cut bezel are continued on the chronograph models.

GV2 11550-414 Apulia Chronograph MSRP $1,095		GV2 11551-515 Apulia Chronograph MSRP $1,295
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What’s new are three well placed totalizers centered in the dial’s quilted center that allow you to accurately time virtually any event. Two pushers located on either side of the fluted setting crown control these sub-dials. This impressive chronograph is powered by a precision Swiss made ISA8171-202 quartz movement and is water resistant to 99 feet.

An antireflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal protects the beautiful dial. Like all GV2 timepieces, the Apulia Chronograph is protected by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and comes in a beautiful presentation box with instructions and warranty.

GV2 11552-919 Apulia Chronograph MSRP $1,295		GV2 11553-916 Apulia Chronograph MSRP $1,295
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Six different chronograph models are available, including stainless steel, IP rose gold, IP yellow gold, and two tone editions. The Apulia Chronograph can be fitted with a matching stainless steel link bracelet secured by a butterfly clasp or a high quality black, white, blue, green or tan quilted leather strap.

Some models include both the bracelet and the leather strap, giving the watch two distinct personalities.

GV2 11554-511 Apulia Chronograph MSRP $1,095		GV2 11555-411 Apulia Chronograph MSRP $995
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With so many available options, the GV2 Apulia Chronograph is perfect for both dress and casual occasions. If you like the additional functionality a chronograph provides, but don’t want to give up the sophisticated style of the three-hand model, the Apulia Chronograph is the watch for you.

To see what one of these beauties looks like on your wrist, contact your authorized GV2 dealer immediately and ask to see the entire Apulia Chronograph Collection.

Gevril Group US Agent for GV2 Watches

Gevril Group is the sole US agent for GV2 Watches. Contact us by email or call 845-425-9882.

In Europe, the GV2 brand is distributed by Gevril Group Europa.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also follow GV2 Watches on Facebook and Twitter.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog digest.

by John Sealander

The home of some of Italy’s most glamorous wines and spirits is the inspiration for one of GV2’s most desirable timepieces.

Asti, Italy has a history that goes all the way back to the Roman Empire, but it is best known as the center of one of Italy’s most famous wine districts. World famous brands like Martini and Rossi call Asti Provence home, along with some of Italy’s finest red and white wines.

To celebrate this festive heritage, GV2 created an equally festive timepiece, the beautiful GV2 Asti. This classically styled 38 mm ladies timepiece features a fashion forward three-hand configuration with two genuine diamonds at twelve o’clock.

GV2 1800 Asti – MSRP $1,995		GV2 1802 Asti – MSRP $1,995
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A sparkling diamond cut stainless steel bezel encircles a lustrous mother of pearl dial adorned with raised Roman numbers and a convenient date window at 3 o’clock. This inspired creation has a beautiful fluted onion style setting crown and can be fitted with your choice of a premium black or white quilted calf leather strap.

The Asti Collection is available in stainless steel and IP rose gold limited editions, with production strictly limited to 500 pieces worldwide. Each of these fine timepieces is powered by a premium Swiss made Ronda 515 quartz movement and protected by an anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

GV2 1801 Asti – MSRP $2,095		GV2 1803 Asti – MSRP $2,095
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The understated, elegant design is the perfect way to enhance virtually any outfit. The watch is large enough to wear with sporty attire, while exhibiting the refinement you need for your dressiest occasions. The beautifully crafted Asti is surprisingly affordable, and like all GV2 timepieces, carries a two year manufacturer’s warranty.

To fully appreciate the GV2 Asti, make sure you have one of these beauties on your wrist the next time you enjoy a glass fine Italian wine. To see which Asti watch model is the vintage for you, contact your authorized GV2 dealer immediately and ask to see the entire Asti Watch Collection.

Gevril Group Worldwide Agent for GV2 Watches

Gevril Group is the sole worldwide agent for GV2 Watches. Contact us by email or call 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also follow GV2 Watches on Facebook and Twitter. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog.

Carrara, Italy is known around the world for its beautiful marble. Now, it shares its illustrious name with an equally beautiful watch.

Carrara marble has been renowned for its beauty since the days of Ancient Rome. The Pantheon and Trajan’s Column were constructed using Carrara marble, and the beautiful stone from Carrara, Italy’s famed quarries is still widely used in modern buildings today. With this illustrious history, it is no surprise that GV2 chose Carrara as the namesake for one of its most beautiful timepiece creations.

Like Carrara marble, the stunning new 38 mm ladies GV2 Carrara watch possesses a timeless beauty that will always be in style. This classically proportioned two-hand configuration features elegant pencil hands, raised metallic bar indices, and a row of three genuine diamonds anchoring the 6 o’clock position.

GV2 1700 Carrara MSRP $3,295		GV2 1701 Carrara MSRP $3,495		GV2 1702 Carrara MSRP $3,495
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A glittering diamond cut bezel surrounds the tastefully minimal dial and an onion shaped fluted crown capped with a precious blue cabochon completes the inspired design. This spectacular timepiece is available in exclusive stainless steel, IP rose gold, and IP yellow gold editions, with production limited to 500 pieces each. Each timepiece has been fitted with a matching stainless steel link bracelet.

The Carrara is powered by a precision Swiss made Ronda 762 quartz movement designed to provide years of reliable service. An anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal protects the beautiful mother-of-pearl dial. Like all GV2 timepieces, the Carrara carries a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

With its classic design and proportions, the versatile GV2 Carrara is the perfect way to accessorize just about any outfit. The watch is refined enough for dress and formal occasions, while remaining large enough to serve as an attractive accent to the latest sporty styles. To see how one of these timeless beauties looks like on your wrist, contact your authorized GV2 dealer today and ask to see the entire Carrara Watch Collection.

Gevril Group Worldwide Agent for GV2 Watches

Gevril Group is the sole worldwide agent for GV2 Watches. Contact us by email or call 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also follow GV2 Watches on Facebook and Twitter. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog.

by Erica Love  

A Mom and A Mogul

Heidi Klum is currently host and executive producer of the six-time Emmy-nominated series, Project Runway. Heidi hosts Germany’s version of America’s Next Top Model, and wrote a book, Body of Knowledge: 8 Rules of Model Behavior. Soon, she will launch the Heidi Klum channel on AOL, a resource for women to get information on various topics, including health, beauty, business and fashion.

Heidi Klum with Her Kids

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Heidi Klum is an international inspiration to many working parents, as her numerous other ventures include two self-designed maternity collections for A Pea In the Pod and Motherhood Maternity, a sportswear and gym shoe collection for New Balance, which will be sold exclusively on Amazon.com, campaigns for McDonald’s, Diet Coke, Volkswagen, H&M, Nike, American Express, Target, Dannon, Express, Liz Claiborne, Lenscrafters, Siemens, Givenchy, Ann Taylor, Nine West, INC, Finesse, Braun and the Pirelli calendar, and and In An Instant, an age-preventive line of creams and serums.

Project Runway Judges

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Heidi Klum as an Icon

Heidi Klum wears a lot of hats! So it’s a good thing that as a former super-model and a fashion icon, she certainly knows about style. Heidi reached international fame for her work with Victoria’s Secret as an Angel, and after appearing on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She has been featured in every top fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine, including Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, InStyle, ID, W, Allure, French, British and German Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, New Woman, Esquire, Lucky, Self, Town & Country, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Arena, British GQ, German Elle, Self, GQ, Fitness, Dutch and Grazia magazines.

Heidi Klum in Silver

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Heidi Klum has been photographed by many of the world’s top fashion photographers including Patrick Demarchelier, Gilles Bensimon, Rankin, Robert Erdmann, Walter Chin, Mark Seliger, Marco Glaviano, Michael Thompson, Arthur Elgort, Wayne Mazur, Sante D’Orazio, Raymond Meier, Richard Burbridge, Matthew Ralston, Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel.

Heidi Klum Wearing a Gevril 5111 Watch

A constant red carpet fixture, Heidi Klum always makes a splash at awards shows, premiers, parties, and charity events. Even when spotted running errands with her kids, Klum is consistently considered to be among the industry’s most confident and impeccably styled personalities.

Gevril Group Worldwide Agent for Gevril Watches

Gevril Group is the worldwide agent for Gevril Watches. You can email us or call us at 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also follow Gevril Watches on Facebook and Twitter.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog digest.

Although the Hush Puppies brand has been a household name for decades, the classically designed moccasin-style Ceil loafers are relatively new. This soft, comfortable shoe is available in a rainbow of this season’s most popular colors, including raspberry, aqua, yellow gold, taupe, silver snake, and many more.

Hush Puppies in Oprah Magazine

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Hush Puppy’s popular, fashion forward Ceil loafers are just one of the ways that this historic brand is keeping up with the times. The brand is now bringing the relaxed appeal of their famous footwear to a wide variety of other apparel and accessories. One of their most popular brand extensions has been a collection of casual timepieces.

Just like the famous footwear that inspired them, Hush Puppies Watches never go out of style. A Hush Puppies watch provides fashion forward customers like Oprah Winfrey with a huge selection of classical styles for both men and women, including the iconic 1958 Collection, named after the date the famous footwear brand was launched.

Hush Puppies 1958 – HP.3789M.2519		Hush Puppies 1958 – HP.3761M.2501
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All of these stylish watches feature precision quartz movements, durable stainless steel cases, and scratch resistant mineral glass crystals. Since Oprah likes the good looks and quality construction of her Ceil loafers, she’d probably love a Hush Puppies watch. Each watch in the brand’s distinctive 1958 Collection combines a vintage vibe with a reliable, modern quartz movement for the ultimate in wearable, casual style.

Will we see a Hush Puppies watch on Oprah’s wrist soon? You never know. Since Hush Puppies Watches feature the same fashion forward styling and exceptional value found in her favorite shoe, it’s definitely a possibility.

Gevril Group US Agent for Hush Puppies Watches

Gevril Group is the US agent for Hush Puppies Watches. You can email us or call 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog digest.

For Immediate Release

The Gevril Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Norman as the new US and Caribbean brand manager for the Morellato and Just Cavalli brands. Karen comes to Gevril Group with over 20 years of sales experience within the wholesale and retail industry. Her excellent communication skills and meticulous attention to detail have resulted in impressive sales figures throughout her professional career.

As brand manager for two of the Gevril Group’s fastest growing brands, Karen will be responsible for developing new relationships with jewelry chains and key retailers to grow the market for these popular and innovative watchmakers.

Morellato is already a popular and well-respected brand in over 40 countries around the world. Now, with a spectacular new flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue, and with Karen’s unique sales expertise, the Morellato name will soon become even more familiar to watch aficionados around the country. Morellato’s signature Colours Collection, with its vibrant colors and youthful modern styles, creates a huge new opportunity to make Morellato a familiar name with fashion forward customers everywhere.

Roberto Cavalli is already a familiar name to fashionistas. His popular Just Cavalli brand is bringing his signature style to a whole new audience. Karen’s sales experience will be a valuable asset for Cavalli as she opens new markets for this trendy and surprisingly affordable brand.

Karen is a graduate of Brooklyn College and received an Associate Degree from New York’s prestigious Parsons School of Design. Her unique combination of design and sales skills will give her a big advantage when working with these two fashion forward brands. Morellato and Just Cavalli watches are available in the US and Caribbean through the Gevril Group.

About Gevril Group

Gevril Group, directed by company founder and long-time creative force in the watch business Samuel Friedmann, is the exclusive US representative for 40+ select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sporty timepieces at a wide range of price points. Gevril operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers.

Gevril Group is the sole US and Caribbean agent for Morellato and Just Cavalli Watches. Meet us March 8-15, 2012 to view the colorful Morellato and fashion forward Just Cavalli exhibits at Baselworld 2012, Hall 1.1, Booth B-23. Contact Karen Norman by email or at 845-425-9882.

There’s More to the Victor Cruz than Football and Salsa

Most people think of Victor Cruz as the Superbowl champion New York Giants wide receiver who salsa dances in the end zone, so some were surprised to see him this week at the New York Fashion Week launch and to learn more about his Young Whales clothing brand launch.

At Gevril Group, we weren’t at all surprised! We’ve known for a while that Victor Cruz has a great sense of style and fashion. A few months ago, Victor Cruz joined Ferragamo Timepieces USA President Paul Ziff at a Ferragamo GQ event to help fund prostate cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Vincent Ottomanelli, President, Ferragamo USA, Victor Cruz, New York Giants Wide Receiver, and Paul Ziff, President, Ferragamo Timepieces USA		Victor Cruz, New York Giants Wide Receiver, and Paul Ziff, President, Ferragamo Timepieces USA

 

Ferragamo joined together with GQ Magazine, sports celebrities and other high-profile fashion savvy New Yorkers to celebrate the launch of the Tramezza Special Edition Collection of 100% handmade, hand-painted shoes while showcasing the latest in Ferragamo Swiss timepieces.

Ferragamo F80 Chronograph in White with Ceramic Bezel at November 1, 2011 Ferragamo GQ Launch that Helped Raise Money for Prostate Cancer Research

About Ferragamo Timepieces

The Ferragamo Timepieces collection draws on original styling to express iconic features in the Ferragamo tradition like the gancino, and merge them with other recurrent Brand themes including a creative use of color, contrasting combinations of unusual and sophisticated materials, experimentation with shape and volume, and the finest detailing. Paul Ziff is Ferragamo President at Gevril Group, sole US and Caribbean distributor for Ferragamo Timepieces.

About Gevril Group

Directed by company founder and long-time creative force in the watch business, Samuel Friedmann, Gevril Group is the exclusive US representative for well over thirty select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sporty timepieces at a wide range of price points. Gevril maintains a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers. You can email us or call 845-425-9882.

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

During their first 100 years, Fortis hasn’t just gone faster, further and deeper than other watch companies; they’ve re-defined horology.

Starting in March 2012, Fortis will celebrate their 100 Year Jubilee. There is certainly plenty to celebrate. The history of Fortis is a history rich with innovations and accomplishments. As far back as 1926, this 100-year-old company was surprising the world with technical achievements that both amazed watch aficionados and delighted customers.

Fortis Develops First Automatic Watch

Fortis was the first in the world to develop a practical self-winding automatic watch movement. The revolutionary Harwood Automatic became such a classic that Fortis has reissued it twice over the years.

John Harwood Inventor of the Automatic Watch		Lady Hay Wears Hammond Automatic Watch on Count Zeppelin 1929 Around the World Journey		Lady Drummond Hay Glancing at the Time

 

Harwood Prototype Front View		Harwood Prototype Back View		Harwood Prototypes on Blueprint Background

 

Fortis Invents Automatic Chronograph Alarm Watch

As the company grew, more innovations followed. Fortis brought the first waterproof Swiss watches to the world with their popular Fortissimo models. Fortis began manufacturing their first chronographs in 1937 and it wasn’t long before they mastered these complex mechanisms. In 1997, 60 years after their first chronograph, Fortis patented the world`s first automatic chronograph alarm watch. This beautifully complex mechanical alarm watch is still highly prized by collectors today.

Fortis Fortissimo Automatic Bumper Watch		Fortis Impression Alarm Chronograph Watch

 

Fortis Blasts Off into Space

As Fortis solidified its reputation as a technical leader, people began to notice. A Fortis timepiece became an essential piece of equipment for discriminating pilots and aviators. When these aviators became astronauts and ventured into the new frontier of space, Fortis came along for the ride. Some of the original Mercury astronauts chose to wear the Fortis Spacematic watch.

Original Mercury Astronauts

 

During the Russian-German space mission to the MIR space station in 1997, the Fortis Cosmonaut Chronograph was the mission’s official timepiece. To this day, all cosmonauts and astronauts leaving the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia receive a Fortis watch as part of their official space equipment. Fortis also still has the distinction of being the first watch worn in open space, after a Fortis watch was worn outside the spacecraft on an early Russian spacewalk.

Fortis has already let it be known that it would enjoy being the first watch on Mars, with the release of their spectacular Mars 500 commemorative edition.

Fortis Flipper World’s First Fashion Watch

At the same time that the space race was changing the world of technology, pop culture was changing society itself. Fortis was at the forefront of this cultural shift with it’s innovative new Flipper watch. While other Swiss watch companies were going out of business with the advent of new inexpensive quartz technology, Fortis embraced the quartz watch and created one of its most popular models ever.

The innovative Flipper was an instant hit with its colorful plastic case and interchangeable bezels. The watch became a cult classic when celebrities like The Rolling Stones, Roman Polanski, and the late Leonard Bernstein began wearing it.

Some say the watch was even instrumental in the election of the late former American president Ronald Regan. The popular Flipper was the world’s first fashion watch and became a top seller in over 40 countries.

I Like Flipper Campaign		Fortis Ronald Regan Flipper Watch

Large Assortment of Colorful Fortis Flipper Watches

 

Preeminent Fortis Pilot Watch Collections

Even though the company was producing one of the world’s most popular quartz watches, Fortis was not content to rest on its laurels. On the company’s 75th anniversary, Fortis began an ambitious program to re-launch the mechanical watches that had established the company’s reputation.

Not only was the historic Harwood automatic successfully reintroduced, so were many of the legendary pilot’s watches that had made the company a favorite with aviators worldwide. The result was a whole new generation of pilots who began wearing a Fortis watch on their wrist. The Fortis success in reintroducing the mechanical wristwatch did not go unnoticed in the industry. Many say that this Fortis initiative, which began in 1987, marked the beginning of the current renaissance of mechanical watches.

Fortis Mens 638.10.11.M B-42 Official Cosmonaut Black Dial Chronograph Watch		Fortis Mens 635.10.11.L.08 B-42 Pilot Professional Black Dial Chronograph Watch		Fortis Mens 635.10.12.L.01 B-42 Flieger Automatic White Dial Chronograph Watch

 

Fortis Limited Art Editions

100 years after it was founded in Grenchen, Switzerland, Fortis continues to set the pace for other watch companies to follow. There are Fortis watches on board the International Space Station. Fortis watches were part of a real time Russian simulation of a flight to Mars to see if man can withstand the rigors of extended space travel. Even internationally renounced artists like Michael Mattern, Andora, Rolf Sachs and Frank Burmann have gotten on the Fortis bandwagon, creating spectacular limited “art editions” for the company.

Fortis Andora		Fortis Frisson by Rolf Sachs

 

Where is Fortis going next? It’s impossible to say. One thing is certain though. The next 100 years will be even more exciting than the first. Fortis will continue to follow man into space. They will continue to lead the world in technical innovation. There are even rumors that the popular Flipper will be returning soon.

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the official Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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Now that everyone from Michael Kors to Donna Karan has declared opulent orange to be the hot new fashion color for 2012, don’t you wonder where they got the idea?

Orange is in this year! Top fashion designers including Michael Kors, Cynthia Rowley, Max Azaria and Donna Karan have all made this hot new color a big part of their Spring 2012 ready to wear collections. Pantone, the color authority for designers around the world, has even declared that Tangerine Tango is the 2012 color of the year.

Where do you think all these designers discovered the opulence of orange? They might have just looked at their wrist. Many of the world’s most popular wristwatches were incorporating this color in their designs long before the fashionista’s discovered it.

Maybe these designers noticed the sporty looking orange Haurex Caimano. This spectacular Italian design features a two-tone orange color scheme with a dark orange dial and lighter orange plastceramic case and strap. This distinctive 45mm diver style is powered by a quality quartz movement and is water resistant to 100 meters.

It is just as likely that they might have seen something in the innovative new Haurex Ink collection. These beautiful watches feature colorful anodized aluminum cases in a wide variety of colors, including a spectacular women’s Ink model in bright orange.

Haurex Mens O7354UOO CAIMANO Rotating Bezel Orange Dial Plastic Sport Watch		Haurex Ladies7K374DOO INK Orange Aluminum Watch

 

High visibility orange has always been a popular color for diver’s watches. Just look at the new Swiss Calibre Marine Orange Rubber Date Watch. With a bright orange rotating bezel and matching silicon strap, this watch is hard to ignore.

The Swiss Calibre Immersion Orange Dial offers another view of how watchmakers utilize this popular color. This handsome watch utilizes a bright orange dial with contrasting bar-shaped indices to provide maximum visibility under any conditions.

Swiss Calibre Mens 06-4M1-04-007.79 Marine Textured Black Dial Orange Rubber Date Watch		Swiss Calibre Mens 06-4I1-04-079 Immersion Orange Dial Black Rubber Watch

 

More Orange Watches

3H Italia Ref. 441AN		Haemmer Ref. HC-07		Johan Eric Ref. JE5001-04-001.79

 

Offshore Limited Ref. OFF001D		Avio Milano Ref. 50 MM TP ORANGE		Police Ref. PL.12557JS-04

 

Fortis Ref. 647.11.42.SL.20		Viceroy Ref. 432099-45		Paris Hilton Ref. 138.4320.99

 

We can’t tell you exactly how long you’ll be seeing orange on the world’s fashion runways. Like Heidi Klum always says “one day you’re in, and one day you’re out.” We can tell you where to find next year’s hot color however. Just look at your wrist. Maybe it’s yellow, or purple, or green. These days, it’s almost certain that you can find your favorite watch in any color under the rainbow.

About Gevril Group

Gevril Group, watchmaker and wholesale watch distributor, is the exclusive U.S. agent for exquisitely designed and crafted European luxury and fashion watch brands, distributing and servicing some of the best affordable luxury and Swiss watches and trendy fashion watches. Gevril Group also operates a full-service watch repair, staffed by master Swiss watchmakers. Contact Gevril Group by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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This year, Italian fashion house Valentino, global fashion leader for almost half a century, and Ben Stiller, star of Meet The Fockers, Night At the Museum, Zoolander, and other famous comedy films, joined forces to raise money for disadvantaged children around the world.

Elisabetta Ferracini		Maria Grazia Cucinotta		Nathalie Rapti Gomez

 

Making its debut September 8, 2011, the Valentino “T-Shirt Couture for the Stiller Foundation” signature t-shirt is a beautiful way to support programs designed to help all children reach their fullest potential. The Valentino Stiller Foundation t-shirt is a delicately designed piece made from nude stretch jersey with lace detail. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, creative directors for Valentino, designed the shirt with versions for both girls and women.

Valentino Stiller Foundation Ladies T-Shirt		Valentino Stiller Foundation Girls T-Shirt

 

Half of all proceeds from the sale of the couture tee will go towards The Stiller Foundation’s programs to improve the lives of children around the world. The shirt can be purchased at Valentino boutiques around the world or online at shop.valentino.com. The shirt is part of the Autumn-Winter 2011-2012 Collection.

The Stiller Foundation, founded in 2010 by American comedic actor Ben Stiller, says that their primary objective is “to promote the education and well-being of children worldwide through initiatives that focus on education.” Ben Stiller is the son of American comedians and actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.

Since its inception, the Stiller Foundation has focused primarily on providing educational opportunities for children in Haiti through the construction of schools through the Haitian School Initiative, an effort to aid children affected by the earthquake of January 2010.

Valentino has actively supported charities and causes through benefit events throughout the brand’s history. This unique fundraiser is in line with the “modern evolution,” orchestrated by Chiuri and Piccioli since they took over as designers for Valentino in 2009, subsequent to the retirement of founder Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani.

Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani		Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri

 

The Roman duo are also the creators of Valentino Timeless, a new line of luxury timepieces styled to appeal to the high standards and tastes of fashionistas and watch enthusiasts alike.

Valentino Ladies V54SBQ9797-S099 Eden Collection Watch		Valentino Ladies V57MBQ4R01IS001 Lace Collection Watch

 

If you like Valentino timepieces, you might like Versace watches, as well.

About Gevril Group

Gevril Group, directed by company founder and long-time creative force in the watch business Samuel Friedmann, is the exclusive US representative for 40+ select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sporty timepieces at a wide range of price points. Additionally, Group Gevril 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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