Stuart McGuire, the Founder and former owner of Scorpio Worldwide (subsequently sold to Gebr. Heinemann), is set to reintroduce that firm’s Aviator F-series watches at TFWA World Exhibition this year, in partnership with Hanse Distribution Founder & Owner Nikolas Hogrefe and his team.
Aviator pieces will be showcased at the Hanse stand (Red Village J24) during the Cannes show. The collections will include Professional, Retro Classic, Ladies Luxe timepieces and Smart Technique digital watches.
McGuire, who originally launched Aviator watches in travel retail in 2006, said: “I am so delighted to relaunch Aviator F-series watches in the travel retail market. With proven success across the globe prior to COVID-19, there has been strong customer and consumer demand for the brand. We have prepared an amazing collection, building on the brand DNA and working closely with the Aviator Swiss collection, which is available in domestic markets.
“The F-series watches are exclusively available in travel retail, and are designed and targeted for the travelling consumer. They are also ideal for gifting. The Professional collection uses steel cases and high-precision Japanese quartz movements, offering water resistance up to 10atm. The pieces incorporate Tachymeter and world time zones.
“The next-generation Smart Technique watches use the latest technology coupled with the signature Aviator styling that made generations 1 and 2 so successful. The Retro Classic collection blends functionality with style and affordability, remembering the era of aviation and exploration. The Ladies Luxe collection combines elegance and style with aviation functions.”
He continued: “Nikolas’s Hanse sales and operations team are already so strong in the market and will be able to seamlessly integrate the Aviator collection into their business. Ladies Luxe Aviator has already secured a watch listing on Lufthansa starting this winter, and an exclusive Swiss-made model will be launched on Swiss Air.
“The full collection will be launched in Cannes, together with a range of gents’ accessories, leather goods, jewellery and sunglasses – all designed with the spirit of aviation. I am very lucky to be able to partner with Nikolas and the team on this exciting project.”
Hogrefe commented: “I have known Stuart for so many years and admired from afar the success of Aviator watches and accessories during this time. We often discussed working on some models together, and now it is tremendous to be able to have worked together as partners on this project.
“We have had so many enquiries for the brand already, based on the historical success and strength of the brand, so are very excited for 2024 sales.” ✈
