Girard-Perregaux and the Rallye des Caprices

For the second year running, Girard-Perregaux partnered the Rallye des Caprices held in mid-September, Switzerland’s only 100% feminine motorsports event. Graced with the presence of Miss Suisse Romande (Miss Western Switzerland), the welcome event was held at the company “chateau” in La Chaux-de-Fonds, next to the Manufacture, where the brand and its CEO Antonio Calce welcomed the 12 teams before the official start of the rally. An exhibition of old-timer cars, a briefing session and a roadbook distribution took place in a relaxed atmosphere. The Rallye des Caprices is not a speed event but a regularity trial involving compliance with an average daily time. The collector’s vehicles wound their way through Switzerland along a route conducive to exploring the regions through which they passed. “Several crews were novices taking part in their very first rally,” said co-organizer Nathalie Lepoutre. “These four days were all about friendship and the pleasure of being together and enjoying various discoveries. To begin with, the competitive spirit was not particularly perceptible, but it was soon heightened and sharpened !”

Bell & Ross and racing driver Carmen Jorda

A keen fan of driving and motor racing since an early age, this talented Spaniard is naturally the only development driver for Renault Sport Racing to also take part in the Amber Lounge Fashion Show, the most sought-after jet-set evening at the Monaco Grand Prix. Wearing a BR S Diamond Eagle, she declared that she had “fallen in love with the Bell & Ross brand last February, and especially with the BR S collection. These unique watches with their exceptional design bring to mind both strength and femininity. I am delighted to have an opportunity to represent the brand’s ladies’ line.” For Carlos-A. Rosillo, CEO, Bell & Ross : “Carmen represents the Bell & Ross woman in every respect, sophisticated and strong, always ready to stand out and chart her own course. From our very first meeting, we were entranced with her personality and sought a means of incorporating her into the Bell & Ross team. Strength and precision are key values for every ambitious racing driver and we find them both in Carmen and in our watch models.”

Alpina and skier Nastasia Noens

With a name like Alpina, it is hard not to think of being the supplier of some ski federation’s official watch ! And in that respect, it happens to be the French Ski Federation that has set its heart on the Geneva-based Swiss brand. During the official presentation of the 2017 national team in Paris this autumn, Alpina decided to create closer ties with one of its members, slalom expert Nastasia Noens, who has become an ambassador for Alpina. In this capacity, she wears a connected Alpina Lady, which allows her to improve her performance by optimizing her activities and sleep patterns. By welcoming her to its teams of “Alpinists”, CEO Guido Benedini is demonstrating a vote of confidence in her ability to inspire young generations of skiers thanks to her positive attitude and her results.

Alex Benlo and Martina Hingis

Officially launched last year and presented for the first time at Baselworld 2016, the Swiss watch brand Alex Benlo is making an impressive move by associating with the incredible tennis player Martina Hingis. A world-famous athlete and iconic Swiss sports personality, Martina Hingis not only has a winning spirit and exceptional character, but it also known for her attachment to family ties and nature. Alex Benlo is a family business that derives inspiration from the power of nature, drawing upon the earth and human wisdom in making watches within which minerals shaped by the human hand spring to life on unique and captivating dials. Fascinated by stones and their properties, its founders have developed a substantial knowledge of fine gemstones and their virtues, interpreted through a richly colorful collection based on natural jade, pink or rutilated quartz, tiger’s eye and moss agate.

Hysek on the courts of Gstaad

For the big return of an international women’s tennis competition to Switzerland, which had been deprived of any such event since 2008, this summer’s Ladies Championship Gstaad was backed by the Swiss watch manufacturer Hysek, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year. As its CEO Akram Alijord pointed out, “We couldn’t have dreamed of a better match in terms of both values and timing. This is an independent tournament, just as we are an independent firm. It’s part of a long-standing tradition, just as we are when it comes to the values of Fine Watchmaking that we’re constantly promoting and refreshing. What’s more, the Ladies Championship Gstaad stands for feminine distinctives – as does our Kalysta collection, launched at Baselworld.”