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In this issue

A decline in gift giving in China may not be a temporary phenomenon and the next 12 months could be tough

Jan 20, 2013

Glory days of watchmakers on hold as sales start to lose lustre

A chinese cleaner cleans the window of a luxury store in Beijing ©Getty

A decline in gift giving in China may not be a temporary phenomenon and the next 12 months could be tough, writes James Shotter

Harry Winston sign ©Alamy Jan 20, 2013

Corporate strategy: Swatch fills gap in portfolio with purchase of Harry Winston

The $1bn deal has raised eyebrows, but analysts say it makes a lot of sense for both sides. James Shotter reports

Juan-Carlos Torres, Vacheron Constantin CEO Jan 20, 2013

CEO interview: Juan-Carlos Torres, Vacheron Constantin

A slowing market may seem an inauspicious time to be increasing production, reports James Shotter

inside mechanism of a chronograph Jan 20, 2013

Cartier launch: Investment in technical base starts to pay off

Stock as a horological heavyweight is rising, says Timothy Barber

Carole Forestier-Kasapi, watch designer Jan 20, 2013

Designer: Quiet reserve marks superstar at the front of a revolution

Carole Forestier-Kasapi talks to Robin Swithinbank

watches on display in the 2013 SIHH Jan 20, 2013

SIHH preview: Time to raise curtain on sophisticated show

Maria Doulton takes a look at this year’s offerings

view of Georg Jensen iPad app Jan 20, 2013

The iPad effect: How to unite physical and digital worlds

Claire Adler finds technology that aids human contact

Plevé pieces Jan 20, 2013

Design evolution: High-tech methods drive fashion for invisible settings

Syl Tang explores innovations that allow designers to use as little metal as possible

Eva Herzigova, the supermodel (left) ©Getty Jan 20, 2013

SIHH v Couture Week: Difficult dates to juggle for high-end client diaries

The watch fair clashes for the first time with the Paris fashion shows. Avril Groom reports

Baume & Mercier range inspired by the 1950s Jan 20, 2013

The new simplicity: ‘In a tougher world, the age of logos and bling is on the wane’

Timothy Barber reports on a trend toward more discreet, subtle designs

Jan 20, 2013

Luxury location: Cluster of wealth puts focus on Palm Beach

Syl Tang reports on the attractions of a small city in Florida

Jan 20, 2013

Richemont: The creative and the money man join forces

James Shotter considers the outlook for a group with two bosses

Jan 20, 2013

Exclusive exhibit: Magical creations to wow the horolophiles

Simon de Burton takes a privileged early peek at the Mysterious Hours models on display at SIHH

Jan 20, 2013

Alternative auctions: Boutiques find niche in an underserved marketplace

Reality TV shows play their part in a rising trend, writes Syl Tang

Jan 20, 2013

Asia sales: Hong Kong vies with Geneva for top spot

Simon de Burton looks at the numbers that indicate competition for the big Swiss auctions

Jan 20, 2013

The secret watch: Time for a hint of fantasy

Vivienne Becker finds revived interest in tiny bejewelled pieces

Jan 20, 2013

Valentine’s day: Bid to ensure you are not otherwise engaged

Claire Adler reports on efforts to keep diamonds at the heart of romance

Jan 20, 2013

Jewellery day: A concentration on classic forms true to houses’ heritage

Avril Groom considers the designs on show as part of couture week

Jan 21, 2013

Antwerp: Diamond hub throws another party to up its game

Efforts are under way to reverse the decline of Antwerp’s historic quarter, writes Claire Adler

Jan 21, 2013

Buying groups clock up extra sales

Bulk purchase independent jewellers are increasingly clubbing together, says Claire Adler

Jan 21, 2013

Thefts: Smash-and-grab raids pile pressure on retailers

Watch thefts have sparked a security reappraisal, writes Robin Swithinbank

Jan 21, 2013

Security card provides protection against fakes

Simon de Burton looks at an anti-counterfeiting system devised to ensure your timepiece is genuine