News Raymond Weil, the first Swiss watch manufacturer to become established in India, continues its development on that market with the recent creation of its own subsidiary and the opening in June of three stores.
The history of Raymond Weil in India began more than 30 years ago under the impulse of the firm’s founder, who at the time earned a reputation as a pioneer by becoming the first Swiss watchmaker to make inroads into what is now a rapidly expanding market. India’s extremely rapid development and its knowledgeable customer base mean that today the country is one of the brand’s top priorities in terms of international development projects. The recent opening of the distribution subsidiary RW India, in Bangalore, therefore marks a decisive step for the family business, as does the inauguration in June of three points of sale.
Indeed on 10 June in Delhi, Raymond Weil hit the headlines by opening its first exclusive store in association with Johnson Watch Co (see photos). The firm’s foremost historic distributor in India, this brand has played an important role in luxury watchmaking since 1950. The inauguration was followed by a prestigious evening event held at the Sheraton in the presence of Philippe Welti, the Swiss ambassador, and Daniel Freihofer, councillor for economic and social affairs. Many journalists and VIPs were also present alongside Olivier Bernheim, Chairman and CEO of Raymond Weil, in particular the choreographer Harmeet Bajaj and fashion designers Rajul Jain and Abdul Halder.
Then, on 11 June, it was in Hyderabad, the city of the Nizams renowned for its art of living, that the Geneva based firm celebrated the opening of a new shop in shop, in partnership with Kamal Watch Co. Closely linked to the values of Raymond Weil, this company is a family business, proud of its independence and passionate about its activity. Many personalities were on hand to celebrate the event.
Lastly, on 13 June, the city centre of Pune witnessed the opening by Raymond Weil of a shop in shop at C.T. Pundole & Sons, a family business dedicated to luxury watchmaking for five generations which enjoys a superb location for luxury shopping on the famous MG Road. VIPs, personalities in the spotlight, leading collectors and the media were able on this occasion to admire the brand’s latest collections.
After a particularly busy June in terms of events, Raymond Weil will continue its development in India over the coming months with the opening of new shops in Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.
August 26, 2010
