UAE tops as watch importer in Middle East, 11th worldwide for Swiss watches

The growth augurs well for the booming Swiss watch industry according to luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Baume & Mercier. "The sharp upturn in business for the luxury watch industry has benefited from very strong global demand," said Baume & Mercier CEO, Michel Nieto.

He noted that the luxury sector was performing strongly with watches doing exceptional business during 2007. "The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry is projecting 2007 to be a record year and we are looking forward to an even better 2008," Mr. Nieto said.

The GCC region has been experiencing economic expansion at a fast pace offering significant business potential for the luxury watch segment.

"We have been operating in this market for several years together with our partners Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and see a lot of potential for developing our business in the prosperous and growing markets of the region," Mr. Nieto remarked.

Baume & Mercier, present in 75 countries, currently enjoys regular sales growth in all its markets. The company gives extraordinary focus to design because of which there is an authenticity to each and every model that is recognisable as distinctively Baume & Mercier, even though every model is different.

The luxury Swiss watch manufacturer has recently tied up with the world renowned Magnum Photo Agency to exhibit rare photographs documenting the history of world cinema. The 'Magic of Cinema' exhibition will be held on the sidelines of the Fourth Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) from December 11 to 16 at the Dubai Media City.