ARY Group launch Stellamaris brand of jewellery watches

At a press conference to announce the launch of Stellamaris - ARY Jewellers' exclusive brand of Gold & Diamond designer jewellery watches , Naheed Anees, Director Fine Jewellery, ARY Jewellers, said that UAE's liberal business environment based on open market policy with easy-to-comply government formalities have helped the gold and diamond industry in the region to flourish.

According to the federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, the Middle East as a market accounted for 5.3 % of the world watch market in 1999 and 2000. In fact, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the top 15 countries in the world to which Swiss watches are exported.

"ARY already have over three decades of experience in design and production of diamond and gold jewellery, and it seemed logical to offer our customers a range of watches that would compliment their jewellery." said Naheed. Their decision to expand into watches comes as a natural progression of their existing business.

Current buying trends show that an average person today owns atleast 4-5 watches to match their clothes and their jewellery. Customers are also becoming increasingly quality & brand conscious.

"2002 has been a very challenging year for us. However, we have recorded a 14% growth for ARY Group and 11% for ARY Jewellery. With plans for new product launches over the coming year, we are expecting to achieve a 15% - 20% growth in 2003." explained Naheed.

In line with these trends and figures the Stellamaris range offers watches that are categorised as high quality, designer watches targeted at customers who are fashion as well as quality conscious and who look for classic yet trendy designs. The range is made up of nine models of ladies watches and has two basic lines one with diamonds and one without. The straps come in gold and leather - with the leather straps following trends in fashion, which presently demands pastel colours. The entire range is 18 carat gold.

"Today, watches are no longer just instruments you wear on your wrist to tell the time. They have become lifestyle statements - an extension of your wardrobe and accessories. The Stellamaris range offers customers a wide selection in terms of colours and designs as well as a stamp of quality assurance," said Naheed.

The watches will initially be sold through ARY Jewellers existing network of outlets, which span the Gulf, UK and Pakistan, however on a long term basis ARY plans to build a distribution network of top retailers around the world to market the watches in outlets that reflect the tastes of its target customers.