Nicolas Hayek, chairman and former chief executive of the giant Swiss watch-manufacturing firm Swatch, has died. He was 82.
As chairman of the Swatch group, Hayek cut a high profile in the world of Swiss watch-making and was one of the most well known Swiss business leaders.
In the 1980s, he transformed two Swiss watchmakers struggling to cope with Japanese competition into what would become Swatch, owning brands such as Breguet, Blancpain, Omega, Longines in addition to its eponymous Swatch line.
According to a survey published April 27 by New York’s independent Luxury Institute, Blancpain, Vacheron Constantin, and Breguet are considered the three most prestigious watch brands by ‘high net-worth consumers.’
Despite not being widely known outside of timepiece connoisseurs, Swiss manufacturer Blancpain stood out as the most luxurious brand of the 33 featured in this study, with the highest ratings for all four measures.
They were defined as ‘consistently superior quality,’ ‘uniqueness and exclusivity,’ ‘making the customer feel special across the entire experience,’ and ‘being consumed by people who are admired and respected.’
Blancpain has announced the newest Spécialités Tourbillon Diamants, a 40mm men’s model with more than 20 carats of diamonds.
Diamonds are clearly the theme of this over-the-top luxury timepiece—a theme that Blancpain takes with the utmost seriousness.
The white gold three-piece case is set with 571 stones totaling 14.15 carats, and the dial adds another 164 diamonds and 5.17 carats.
