 |
German designer Thomas Sabo (pictured middle) is joined by Alex James and Andre Schlagowski |
INTERNATIONAL. German jewellery company THOMAS SABO launched its first-ever collection of fashion timepieces at the Embankment Galleries in London’s historic Somerset House earlier this month.
Already famous for its sterling silver jewellery in travel retail and international domestic markets, THOMAS SABO Watches will hit the retail shelves in October 2009. With over 60 styles, clearly reflecting the DNA of the Sterling Silver collection, accented with cubic zirconium and stainless steel, they offer a broad range of styles, from sporty to classic models with a special focus on design and details.
Describing the range as “very comprehensive”, THOMAS SABO Travel Retail Sales Director Jordi Valls told The Moodie Report that the core range retailed at €200-400 but some timepieces exceeded this price point due to high-end materials such as ceramic.
Guests at the international launch event – dubbed Time to Party – were treated to a special appearance by fashion icon Roisin Murphy and celebrities such as Alex James from Blur, Mutya Buena and Mimi Mueller-Westernhagen. Key international press flew in specially for the event, which was held at the Embankment Galleries in London’s historic Somerset House on 1 July.
Thomas Sabo himself, the normally publicity-shy designer and founder [pictured here for the first time on The Moodie Report], said he chose London to launch the watches, as it is one of the major fashion capitals in the world and also one of the brand’s biggest markets.
“It’s the perfect place to introduce this new trend-setting timepiece range, we know people in London appreciate our innovation and style in the new watch collection,” he said.
Key journalists from style publications such as Vogue, Elle and GQ danced to DJ sets by Roisin Murphy and Berlin-based DJs White Label.
About THOMAS SABO Watches
Designed to be collectible and a completely autonomous range at retail, the first collection of over 60 watch models features dials with skulls, lily crosses and Chinese dragons in the Rebel at heart Collection. Radiant suns, rotating Eiffel Towers and glittering elements are used in the It Girl Collection, while the Classic Collection sets out to be “timeless and elegant”.
 |  |
The watch launch event was held at the Embankment Galleries in London’s historic Somerset House | |
Rebel at heart Collection 2009: These rock’n’roll-themed watches, many in black, incorporate dragons, crosses and skulls on dials and straps. Motifs used in this collection include: the Skull, as a popular symbol of the intrepid, for a rebellious look; the Dragon, symbolising power, endurance and longevity. Worn as an amulet, tradition has it that it ensures that difficult situations end happily; and the Lily Cross, described as a heraldic cross with floral terminals based on the royal French fleur-de-lys, signifying the purity and power of faith.
 |  |
Fashionista guests Roisin Murphy and Mimi Mueller-Westernhagen get ready to party | |
It Girl Collection 2009: Features of this women’s line include elegant, high-end ceramic cases, rotating Eiffel Towers and sparkling bezels comprising zirconia stones. Ceramic inlays on the bracelet are also a highlight. Motifs used in this range include: the Eiffel Tower, paying homage to the city of love, Paris, “where time passes a little differently”; the Sun as the symbol of life and joie de vivre; Peace, symbolising peace and hope, for a relaxed, hippy-style look; and Great Blessing, which is described as one of the most popular Asian motifs. The symbol promises Buddhist blessing and represents joy, health, integrity, peace and longevity.
Classic Collection 2009: For men and women, the timeless design of the Classic Collection models are designed for evening or day wear. Straight-lined and sporty, the clear, graphic look is designed to correspond with THOMAS SABO’s Sterling Silver Classic Collection of jewellery.
 |  |
The Rebel at heart Collection centres on rock’n’roll-themed black watches; Right: A Classic Collection model | |
Materials and special features
All THOMAS SABO watches are equipped with quartz movements, aiming to ensure a high degree of accuracy. The collection spans chronograph and sports watch models with pin buckle or butterfly clasp closures.
Materials used include stainless steel and ceramic for the cases and satin straps for evening wear. The embossed cowhide leather straps are available in an alligator look and also with a wide, embossed cross pattern.
 |  |
Left and middle: It Girl watches featuring sunray and peace symbols; Far right: A Rebel at heart skull motif model | |
Special features:
– Sunray dial: This is said to provide a sheen as light flickers across the surface of the dial like the rays of the sun. This effect is achieved by the filigree grooves on the surface which reflect light;
– Motifs on leather: Some of the Rebel at heart Collection models feature integrated motifs on their leather straps;
– Luminous hands: Luminous lacquer is applied to the hands so the watch can be read in the dark;
– Embossed case backs: An elaborately-embossed logo adorns the case backs and, in addition to the striking design, also offers wearers information on the material and water resistance.
MORE STORIES ON THOMAS SABO
Thomas Sabo shows its caring side – 12/03/07
Charming Thomas Sabo goes downtown in Asia – 04/01/07
Thomas Sabo reflects on dark winter months – 01/08/06
Thomas Sabo turns on the Charm in travel retail – 07/04/06
[comments]
