If you think this new watch from Ermenegildo Zegna has a familiar look about it, it’s probably because it has been designed by renowned Swiss watchmakers Girard Perregaux. This watch marks a new alliance of two luxury brands committed to a long term partnership.
Ermenegildo Zegna, the luxury men’s outfitters who claim to be the world leader in men’s fine clothing, will work with the Sowind Group, owners of the 220 year old watch firm Girard Perregaux, in the design and production of a collection of Ermenegildo Zegna signature watches which will reflect the tradition style and values of Ermenegildo Zegna.
The Ermenegildo Zegna Watch Collection will be available exclusively from Ermenegildo Zegna Flagship Stores around the world starting in 2011.
Fashion and Haute Horlogerie may seem different but this is tried and tested waters in terms of many fashionable clothing brands who offer watches as well as high end luxury fashion. For example, in March 2007, Richemont and Polo Ralph Lauren announced the formation of a joint venture, the Polo Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewellery Company, S.A.R.L.
More to the point, this is the uniting of two highly successful Italian businessmen, Luigi Macaluso, head of the Sowind Group, and Gildo Zegna the grandson of the firm’s founder and now at the helm of the Zegna empire. Together they are on a quest for perfection and the global mastery of their individual areas of expertise.
Talking of global mastery, many of those dedicated Zegna clients will be coming not from the traditional markets such as cash strapped Europe and the US, but from mainland China, a market where Zegna have 57 Zegna stores and, in greater China, more than 70. Ermengildo Zegna employ more than 1,000 people in China which is more than they have in the United States.
Gildo Zegna CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group said: “After the successful launch of the Centennial Limited Edition Watch developed in cooperation with Girard Perregaux, the natural progression was to consolidate our partnership and embark on a new adventure. The concept is to create a range of Ermenegildo Zegna watches, made exclusively in Switzerland, of very specific design, which is precisely what our clients need and expect from our brand.”
