Rolex is expanding its real estate portfolio and in doing so is affecting its competitor Omega Replica. This coming weekend, the Vienna Watch Fair will be the focus of the Die Presse Schau. Philippe Dufour is auctioning off a unique “Simplicity” piece for his Dufour Foundation at Christie’s. And MeisterSinger is offering 123 examples of the NL Edition Mystique with a mystical blue dial. Here comes the 14th Uhrenkosmos Press Review.

Geneva real estate deal

We would like to start the new Uhrenkosmos weekly review with a sideshow that is not without its explosive aspects. In addition to the coveted Rolex watches, real estate is another important pillar of Rolex. According to reports, all production facilities and the buildings of the various country representatives are owned by the Rolex Foundation.

The approximately 300 square meters also include a special VIP lounge and a customer service corner. The first Omega boutique was opened personally in Zurich by Nicolas G. Hayek (you can read more about his life and work here) in 2000. On this occasion, the former, now deceased Swatch Group Chairman told the audience that Omega would open around 50 flagship boutiques in the world’s most popular cities over the next ten years. The goal was achieved in 2008. And it has now been exceeded by far.

Of course, the deal will not mean that Omega will give up its shop on Geneva’s Rue du Rhône. After all, there are contracts that must be kept. But after Rolex took over the Bucherer jeweler, this is another unpleasant matter for the Swatch Group. And Omega will in future transfer the certainly not inconsiderable rent to the Rolex subsidiary’s account.

Vienna in watch fever

Vienna is not only an illustrious, waltz-dancing city, but also a ticking city. From November 10 to 12, 2023, it will once again be in watch fever, when over 70 brands will be showing familiar and, of course, many new things as part of the Die Presse Schau trade fair on around 5,000 square meters in the Marx Hall.

The circle of watch exhibitors includes, among many others, Alpina, Bauhaus, Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Carl Suchy & Söhne, Chopard, Frédérique Constant, Garmin, Iron Annie, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Junghans, Maurice Lacroix, Matthias Naeschke, MeisterSinger, Mühle Glashütte, Nomos Glashütte, Oris, Parmigiani Fleurier, Qlocktwo, Seiko, Speake Marin, Tutima Glashütte, Ulysse Nardin, Zenith and Zeppelin