Creating, imagining, returning to roots, surprising: always with faith, never without passion. Such driving forces are not necessarily reserved for leaders, but are often the strength of those pursuing a just cause. By their very nature, these intrinsic qualities confer yet another virtue on those endowed with them: generosity. While sharing their love of innovation with their customers, they also give ideas to those who don't have any. This natural flow of intellectual wealth is prevalent both within the watch industry itself and within its faithful ally, the specialised press. The Swiss watchmaking world is sometimes referred to as a world apart, with that of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie floating in a kind of fourth dimension consisting of sheer wonderment and sparkling dreams.

For the second year running, in a format that has already been adopted by others since its launch, the GMT Stars & Snow aspires to reflect the captivating universe of watch brands, not only through their creations, but also through their ambassadors and the symbols with which they associate their values. Vying to outclass each other in terms of glamour and originality, special evening events are still a favourite formula for brands wishing to pamper their customers, while sailing appears to be increasingly popular as a channel of communication, and the throbbing engines of high-speed cars and old-timers are inciting more and more watch companies to establish automobile partnerships. What a paradox for a country that is landlocked and has no automotive industry; but what a subtle triumph for Geneva, a watchmaking city by definition whose Nautical Society currently the America’s Cup and which is gearing up for the 100th anniversary of its international car show in 2005! Discover our Flyback which concludes this winter edition, offering an entertaining look at the major events in the life of watch brands over the past year.

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