Première collection au SIHH 2009

Pas la moindre fuite avant le SIHH de janvier prochain, pas la moindre image dans la presse, pas la moindre communication sur la nouvelle collection : ce sera à prendre ou à laisser dans l‘espace concédé aux montres Ralph Lauren dans l‘enceinte du SIHH. Pour la mise au point de cette première collection horlogère, ni les équipes engagées par Richemont, ni celles de Polo Ralph Lauren n‘ont ménagé leurs efforts, au service d‘un partenariat qui était tout sauf évident comme tenu des métiers différents de chaque camp. D‘une part, Ralph Lauren en personne est un amateur de montres qui aime donner son avis sur ce que doit être une montre de luxe aujourd‘hui, c‘est-à-dire à la fois un produit de mode, de haue horlogerie et de loisirs sportifs. D‘autre part, Johann Rupert lui-même s‘est pris d‘un vif intérêt pour une licence qui n‘est apparemment pas stratégique, sauf si on prête au groupe - probablement avec raisoln - des ambitions plus marquées dans le life style. Bref, ces montres, qui seront présentes dans les vitrines dès le printemps 2009 (réseau Ralph Lauren et détaillants haut de gamme, avec une priorité de mise en place sur le marché américain) ont deux redoutables fées qui se penchent sur leur berceau.Ce qui explique que cette première collection horlogère ait finalement été décalée du SIHH 2008 vers le SIHH 2009, où elle fera une entrée en fanfare dans le club très fermé de la haute horlogerie. Tout ce qu‘on peut savoir aujourd‘hui, c‘est qu‘il s‘agira de « montres de luxe », vendues aux alentours de 6 000-9 000 euros (estimation Worldtempus sur la base d‘informations recueillies auprès des détaillants et des fournisseurs), relativement classiques dans leur design, avec cette touche vintage qu‘aime Ralph Lauren et des arguments horlogers mis au point par Valfleurier, la manufacture interne de Richemont.

Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry Company to unveil its first timepieces at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2009Watch Collection to launch in stores in Spring 2009 Geneva, Switzerland - September 2008 - 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. ABOUT POLO RALPH LAUREN
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For more than 40 years, Polo‘s reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company‘s brand names, which include Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Rugby, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, RL Childrenswear, Chaps and Club Monaco, constitute one of the world‘s most widely recognized families of consumer brands. ABOUT RICHEMONT
Richemont owns a portfolio of leading international brands or ‘Maisons‘, which are managed independently of one another, recognising their individuality and uniqueness. The businesses operate in five areas: Jewellery Maisons, being Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; Specialist Watchmakers, which comprises Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, IWC, Baume & Mercier, Vacheron Constantin, Officine Panerai, A. Lange & Söhne and Roger Dubuis; Writing Instrument Maisons- Montblanc and Montegrappa; Leather and Accessories Maisons, being Alfred Dunhill and Lancel; and Other Businesses, which includes, specifically, Chloé. In addition to its luxury goods business, Richemont holds a 19.5 per cent interest in British American Tobacco, one of the world‘s leading tobacco groups.