THE SWATCH GROUP US ANNOUNCES THE FIRST TWO HOUR PASSION BOUTIQUES IN THE UNITED STATES
The Swatch Group is bringing Hour Passion to New York and Las Vegas. For the first time in the United States, the worlds largest watch manufacturer will be offering collections from all of its mid to high range brands in one convenient location.
The brands featured in this specialist multi brand concept include: LONGINES, RADO, TISSOT, BALMAIN, CERTINA, MIDO, HAMILTON, CALVIN KLEIN WATCH AND JEWELRY, SWATCH and FLIK-FLAK.
Expected to open in late November, the first Hour Passion location within the United States will be a 2,500 square foot space on 34th Street in Manhattan. Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas will follow with an expected opening of the 1,500 square foot boutique soon after. The boutiques will offer newcomers and watch specialists alike an informative and enjoyable experience with a broad selection of timepieces across each of the collections. Each location has been designed to offer the customer a relaxing environment to discover the world of watches.
The contemporary setting combines modern simplicity with the elegance of tradition including materials such as cut stone, wooden floors, and stone tiles against a backdrop of glass and polished surfaces. The unique identity of each brand is reflected through its own retail area, using the brand colors, materials, and imagery. Exclusively in New York is a mezzanine lounge where customers can familiarize themselves with selected timepieces. The space can additionally be used for showcasing brands’ exhibits and novelties.
Nick Hayek, President of Swatch Group Management Board said: “The US market and the American consumer are very important to us. We feel that they should be served in the best way possible. The outstanding Hour Passion boutiques in New York and Las Vegas will give consumers a chance to experience some of our finest brands.”
These boutiques will fulfil the principal of the Hour Passion concept: presenting the values of each brand whilst respecting its DNA and unique individuality.
HOUR PASSION is a retail entity of the Swatch Group, the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of watches. Created in 2004, HOUR PASSION offers customers an expert multibrand watch and jewelry concept. Gathering together Swatch Group brands of mid and high range in downtown locations, HOUR PASSION also presents a more extensive brand portfolio in airport boutiques. In 2013, the retail network consists of more than 50 boutiques present in Switzerland, UK, France, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, USA, Malaysia and China.
About the Brands
LONGINES
Founded in 1832 in St Imier (Switzerland), la Compagnie des Montres Longines Francillon SA, known widely as Longines, is proud to be the oldest registered trademark in the world. Longines has played a pioneering role in many technological advances with a noted presence in aviation and sports time keeping, at the same time maintaining its touch of elegance.
RADO
Rado’s history dates back to 1917 when the Schlup & Co clockwork factory was founded in Lengnau. Just 40 years later in 1957 and the first watch collection under the Rado brand name was launched. Innovative design and visionary high-tech, scratch-resistant materials are unmistakeable characteristics of the brand. A leader in high end watches, Rado has become world famous for its research into the science of materials in watch making. The use of sapphire crystal, pioneering high-tech ceramics and even high-tech diamonds are what make Rado truly unique.
TISSOT
Tissot, with its signature “Innovators by Tradition”, has been pioneering craftsmanship and innovation since its foundation in 1853. For over a century and a half, the company has had its home in the Swiss watch making town of Le Locle in the Jura Mountains. Today, Tissot is the number one Swiss watch brand in the traditional watch segment in terms of units and has achieved a strong international presence reaching over 160 countries around the world
BALMAIN
Born in the exclusive world of Parisian High Fashion and founded by Pierre Balmain, the noted Haute Couture master, Balmain brings to time longstanding traditions of taste and elegance. Today its distinctively original spirit drives a watch brand backed by the Swatch Group– the source of invaluable technical and marketing advantages benefiting Balmain timepieces
CERTINA
Precision, reliability, innovation and dynamism have underlined the Certina philosophy since 1888. In 1959, Certina engineers introduced the innovative double security or DS concept, a new standard in shock and water resistance. Certina has been the official partner of the Swiss Sauber F1 Team since 2005 and now, in its 125th year, Certina have become the official partner and timekeeper for the FIA World Rally Championship.
MIDO
Founded in Switzerland in 1918 by Georges Schaeren, Mido is today based in the town of Le Locle in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains. The brand name Mido comes from Spanish meaning ‘I measure’. Sublimating a timeless approach, Mido creates reliable and long lasting Swiss timepieces.
HAMILTON
Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in 400 films. The brand also boasts a strong aviation heritage.
CALVIN KLEIN
The US designer Calvin Klein and the Swatch Group pooled their formidable talent in 1997 to create cK watch, a watch brand with graphic lines that are striking, refined and contemporary. A new and inimitable type of watch was born – the fashion accessory watch. Today, over 200 different Swiss-made models designed for men as well as women adorn storefronts in more than 60 countries
SWATCH
Swatch launched in 1983 by Nicolas G. Hayek, is a leading Swiss watch maker and one of the world’s most popular brands. The first Swatch watches surprised everyone with their revolutionary concept, creative design and provocative spirit. Today Swatch continues to innovate and surprise with new models, collections and special editions.
FLIK FLAK
Flik Flak is the world’s best-selling children’s watch and has been keeping children all over the world on track since 1987. It was the first child’s watch to translate the concept of telling the time into accessible fun and entertainment