One-of-a-kind luxury timepieces to be showcased at Dubai International Jewellery Week 2008

As far as style statements go, it's hard to beat an exquisite timepiece around your wrist that says it all - style, class, precision, perfection and elegance.

Dubai International Jewellery Week (DIJW), the region's premier watch and jewellery exhibition, has earned a reputation over the years for being an event that is ahead of its time, and this year, the show is poised to sparkle more than ever with an exquisite collection of timepieces.

More than 500 brands, visitors, designers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers from 30 countries are set to share the stage at this year's event, with the finest collection of timepieces seen in the region all under one roof.

Many of the luxury timepieces will be featured in Areeq Dubai, the ultra-luxurious arm of DIJW which will showcase brands from the crème-de-la crème of the jewellery world.

The biggest brand names and the most prominent watch distributors and exhibitors from the region and beyond, including Bin Hendi, Charles Oudin and Breitling to name a few, will be vying for the spotlight at the three day event that will attract the finest of Dubai high society.

If any indication was needed about the rising demand for quality timepieces, it lies in the increased ad spend by the watch and jewellery industry.

Brands are raising the bar and digging deep into their pockets to get noticed and stay a step ahead of the competition, resulting in the ad spend for last year alone clocking in at $151.9m, a remarkable 16.6% increase from 2006.

With the watch assuming a significant standing as a status symbol, the need to be different and stand out from the crowd is at an all time high.

Customisation is in, and is here to stay, and DIJW 2008 will provide the perfect platform for a series of new launches, niche designs and futuristic trends that will be unveiled for the very first time.

"Money is not a barrier for elite, high profile executives who seek individuality and exclusiveness" says Mr. Haissam Chamsine, Senior Vice President for Watches and Jewellery at Bin Hendi, one of the key exhibitors.

"Over the years we have catered for various special custom made watches with retail prices ranging from Dhs2m to Dhs6m. Our most popular orders would be customised dials with initials, names or logos in fancy coloured diamonds, as well as a choice of bracelets, Bezels with diamonds, pave or baguette. The precious metal used here varies from Yellow, Rose or white gold as well as the most expensive "Platinum". These are of course limited to only one or two pieces of luxury, which guarantees individuality and exclusivity" he adds.

Bin Hendi's elite customers, like Jacob & co, Ulysse Nardin, Franc Vila, Nubeo and De La Cour, have been a popular target for customisation.

The group has also introduced the GoldVish, the latest, most exclusive and most expensive mobile phone in the market, which will now join the existing luxury brands to get an exclusive customised touch.

"The GCC has always possessed a population that has a thorough understanding of quality jewellery and timepieces" said Ms. Trixee Loh, Senior VP, Exhibitions and Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre.

"This coupled with their high-spending power and a thriving per capita income makes the region a perfect market for high-end jewellery and timepieces, making DIJW which incorporates Areeq, the ideal place to get a first-hand feel of the best in the business" he added.

With the biggest names in the industry, an extremely high glamour quotient, a series of new launches and special events and lots more in store, Dubai International Jewellery Week is one show that any connoisseur of fine jewellery and timepieces cannot afford to miss.

The event will be held from 11 to 15 November 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Jewellery Collections Dubai and Jewellery Trade Dubai, the Retail and Trade elements of the show will take place from 11 to 15 November, while the 'Luxury' event Areeq Dubai will be held from 13 to 15 November.