Richemont Results for Year Ending March 31, 2009
Swiss luxury goods group Richemont has announced its audited results for the year ending March 31, 2009. Overall group sales increased 2 percent, however good growth in the first six months was largely offset by lower sales in the second half of the year. For the group as a whole, operating profit declined 12%. Richemont’s specialist watchmakers saw sales increase 4% over the prior year, from �1,378,000,000 to �1,437,000,000. Sales of IWC, Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre were particularly strong. All of Richemont’s long-held Maisons were profitable. However, the group incurred charges relating to the purchase of Roger Dubuis and the cost of a second SIHH in the same fiscal year. Operating results for the specialist watchmakers were �287 million versus �374 million for the prior year, reflecting a decline of 23%. The new joint venture with Polo Ralph Lauren had no impact on sales.Richemont’s specialist watchmakers include IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCou

Hair!
I've had my RO Chrono for a few weeks now (BNIB from a grey dealer) and noticed the other day that there's a small dark hair, about 2mm long, on one of the chrono dials!I doesn't really concern me as it's barely noticeable (it took me weeks to see it despite staring at it for hours) but just wondered if you guys thought it was an issue.Can they remove it when they service it next or do they not take it apart to that degree?I would post a pic but only have my phone and it can't focus that closely.

bezel and bracelet
i recently bought my AP ROC s/s and experienced getting quite a few scratches on the bracelet and bezel during a night out..is it possible to remove these scratches? how so? some say polishing, some say buffing.. what is the best way to put it back to original? the scratches bother me as i love this piece.. once i fix em, i promise to use it on occasions I'm sure it won't get scratches.. i'll be extra careful..

00724
Just ordered my 00724 from my AD in Melbourne - he'll let me know when it comes in... looking forward to adding this one to my collection. Had a good look at it while I was in Dubai a few days ago... love the blue on the seconds hand...cheers

What do you guys think of this aftermarket bracelet.
I always wanted a steel braclet for my Pam but I was not going to pay $3000+ only on a steel bracelet. So one day surfing the web I bought this aftermarket steel bracelet that fit perfectly for my Pam.I presonally think it looks great. Now what do you guys think.