Heralding the New Year

Rolex, as a brand, has always intrigued me. When it comes to watches, globally, Rolex is one brand that is aspired by both, watch connoisseurs and novices alike. When I first visited Rolex, I wasn’t able to fully understand the allure of these watches that make them universally appealing. After all, the same complications were
offered by many other brands. However, today, I have come to understand what makes Rolex what it
is. The brand not only has a well-defined foundation in watch-making, but also nurtures a socially
responsible attitude. It is perhaps this composition that attracts consumers globally. It is a brand that is
more than a watch. It is a symbol of love. This realization came about when we experienced Rolex from close
counters. One of the experiences was an exhibition, ‘Into the Realm of Rolex’, held at the Beijing Financial Street Conference Centre. Engineered by Rolex, the show offered an insight into the history of the brand, now over 100 years old. This event eloquently expressed the sophistication and the understated luxury synonymous with the brand—the kind of qualities that
cannot be described in words, but have to be experienced. These feelings were further reinforced when we recently attended The Rolex Mentor & Protégé Arts Initiative in London. This initiative embodies the values that Rolex stands for. It helps ensure that artistic heritage is passed on to the next generation. Started in 2002-03, it is a unique concept, where a mentor spends time with their protégé and imparts their knowledge/skills to the amateur in the same field. This concept is very similar to that of the guru (teacher) and shishya (disciple) in India. You can read more about this initiative in our March-April ’10 issue.
As we embrace the New Year, we must introduce Armin Strom, a recent entrant in the world of watches. Although he first showcased at BASELWORLD in 1984, the brand has grown in visibility only since 2006. Armin Strom is a Swiss watchmaker who still skeletonises watch movements by hand. It all began with skeletonising a pocket watch, and then came the skeletonised wristwatches. Armin (a manual-winding calibre, with an eightday power reserve and a distinctive design) by Armin Strom is something one can look forward to, as they will soon enter India. Before that happens, you
can read all about it in the March-April ’10 issue. The New Year also brings with it a renewed sense of hope. We at Time ’n
Style hope to present our readers with watches that represent excellent craftsmanship and technology. So watch out for our coverage of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (Geneva).
Until then, we wish you lots of luck for a peaceful and a happy 2010!