The limited edition watches business is booming as more new collectors are emerging these days in different parts of the globe, said Dominique Bernaz, veteran industry professional and retail director of acclaimed watchmakers, Vacheron Constantin.



One of the solo models exhibited at the launch. Right: A Malte High Jewellery tour billon, studded with precious stones, which was unveiled at the event.

The Swiss company, which is perhaps the oldest existing watch manufacturer, with an illustrious tradition of more than 260 years, has been doing business in Qatar for the last 46 years, thanks to the long patronage extended to the  brand locally by Alfardan Jewellery. Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755.
Bernaz was in Doha last week for the formal introduction of some of his company’s limited `made against order’ editions. Each of the premium luxury watches is in the price range of QR2.5mn to QR10mn.
“The new pieces are not only the first of their kind in the world, but each of them is unique and the only one in their range,” said the industry veteran while explaining the reason for his company’s watches getting a growing clientele.
“For our company, each watch is a project by itself and a minimum of six months’  hard work of no less than 25 professionally skilled personnel are involved in its making.”  Bernaz said most of the Vacheron Constantin pieces consume one year or more for its production and some watches like a recent one launched in the US at a whopping price of over $10mn, took almost three years and six months for its production.  
Besides a team leader, a design developer, an engineer and technicians are  involved in the production of a limited edition watch. “In short, one could say the making of such a piece is more of a combination of aesthetic experts and technically-skilled professionals,” said the Vacheron official.
While demonstrating some of his company’s unique solo pieces, Bernaz said each of them is designed, bearing in mind the local features and aspects of the country to which it is to be parceled. “For instance, while designing a watch for a customer in Qatar, we would take into account such aspects as the local 
sunrise, sunset and also the country’s sky chart,” he explained, while describing the level of professionalism in the production of a piece.Replying to a query on the challenges in the industry, the official said many of the craftsmen their company is employing at its facility in Geneva have inherited the qualities and expertise from their previous generations. “A number of our craftsmen and technicians are in the third or fourth generation  (some even more) in watch making.” Though it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable hands in the industry, Vacheron Constantin has been fortunate to get qualified professionals , he said.
Queried about the growing interest in complicated timepieces in the Gulf, particularly Qatar, Bernaz said each region has its specialties and Middle East also  stands out as collectors here have shown more interest in watches which are rich in aesthetics, artistry and complicated techniques.
Alexander Schumit, a senior official of the Vacheron Constantin was also present.