PPR Becomes the Majority Shareholder of Sowind Group
Sowind Group and PPR jointly announced today the launch of a reserved capital increase of Sowind Group that will be fully subscribed by PPR. PPR will then become the majority shareholder of Sowind with a 50.1 % stake. PPR already owned a 23% share based on a strategic partnership agreement signed in 2008 when Sowind was controlled by Luigi Macaluso, who passed away in October last year. The transaction allows PPR's Luxury Group to strengthen its presence in the haute horlogerie segment while supporting Sowind Group's international development. Sowind Group includes Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard. Under the agreement, Francois-Henri Pinault becomes Chairman of Sowind Group, alongside Monica Mailander Macaluso, who becomes Vice-Chairman.Sowind Group, which is one of the last independent Swiss watchmaking manufactures, has a presence in 60 countries, namely with the Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard brands.Fran?ois-Henri Pinault said: This operation strengthens PPR's Luxury Group in the

No More "Luxury" Watches
I want "luxury" to die. Not actual luxury from an economic standpoint, but a lot of how we use the actual word "luxury." Allow me to set up this topic just a bit, and explore my ideas with you. I promise that in the long run my suggestions will benefit everyone, and this is free advice to an industry that I think needs it.I write about timepieces, lots of different timepieces including many that are high-end. "High-end" having the association that they are perhaps well-made, use expensive materials, are exclusive, and cost a lot. You know"luxury." What cheapens many of these brands is that they attach the term "luxury" to their image and products. Cheapening not only the word "luxury," but also the products themselves. Things aren't "luxury" because you insert that word into your slogan. Nothing is worse for luxury watches than the term "Luxury Swiss Watches" next to a brand name as a slogan. Real luxury is earned through attaining and meeting the various qualifications that define the

Ebay Auction Concerns
Gentlemen, earlier today I placed a winning bid on an AP Diver for $8300 + $100 shipping from Russia. This is my first big watch purchase and now getting second thoughts of moving forward. Here is the link:.ebay/itm/152173678172...%3AMEBIDX%3AITHas anyone purchased a watch like this on Ebay? The price is a little lower than the market rate so I am a little skeptical. The seller says it comes with all boxes and papers. What do you guys think? Thanks for the newbie help!!

Need help determining year and model
This was my Dad's old watch. He was a jeweler and I remember when he had the diamonds set into the bezel. Just doing some research on the watch now and can't seem to find one that matches the face of this one for identification purposes. Any ideas? Thanks

First shipment of new Basel Releases?
I've heard that the first wave should appear late May/early June. Does this sound realistic?