We asked members of iW’s Leading Watch Retailers to tell us what they saw, liked and didn’t like during their recent visit to Geneva for the SIHH 2016. In this second part of the report, read Part 1 here, we offer the reviews of Corey McCarthy & Kellen Moss at Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry in Menlo Park, California (CM&KM), the combined team of watch experts at Eiseman Jewels in Dallas (EJ); Dhiraj Doshi from Jewels In Paradise located in Montego Bay, Jamaica (DD); and Robert Weintraub from Manfredi Jewels in Greenwich, Connecticut (RW).
What is your top brand pick from SIHH 2016? Which watch blew you away?
We really loved the MB&F HM6 SV Space Pirate. We are continually impressed with the developments from Greubel Forsey, MB&F, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille. (CM&KM)
Vacheron Constantin. But as usual, IWC was the most exciting display at SIHH. (EJ)
It was a toss between two timepieces: The A. Lange and Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, which I have to say was one of my favorite timepieces, along side the minute repeater introduced by Audemars Piguet. (DD)
Top picks were the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas, and the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Limited Edition. The watch that blew us away was Voutilainen Piece Unique GMT. Our favorite booths were Richard Mille and Vacheron Constantin. (RW)
Were you on a fact-finding mission to acquire any new brands during the show?
We were not actively seeking out any new brands, but we always have our eye on new and innovative watch brands. (CM&KM)
We were! Richard Mille was definitely a brand we would like to add to our portfolio. (DD)
Yes, we met with De Bethune and the independent watchmaker Akrivia. (RW)
Which brand surprised you the most?
We were impressed by many of the brands featured in the new Carré des Horlogers hall. If we had to single out one brand, it would have to be MB&F. All the product from the HM6 Space Pirate through the new Sherman robot was, as expected, very impressive.(CM&KM)
IWC – overall releases were very refreshing for the brand.(EJ)
IWC was surprising. The direction of the brand, the introduction of the new pilots series, and the use of steel finally for a perpetual calendar is now accessible to retailers. (DD)
Montblanc. Their innovation and value continues to impress and surprise us! (RW)
What do you believe were the various brands’ strongest marketing arguments at this years show?
The booths themselves continue to impress year after year. (CM&KM)
This year I found it to be a lot more muted than previous years. I don’t think many brands really displayed a prominent asset in terms of marketing. (DD)
The increase of press present at the event, and the incredible amount of online coverage from blogs and forums. (RW)
How do your selections differ from last year?
A little more conservative. Our focus is on special high-end timepieces. (DD)
We were more conservative and careful with our buying, using cautious optimism for the coming year. (RW)
Can you describe this year’s show in one word?
Extraordinary (CM&KM)
Reinvention (EJ)
Breathtaking (DD)
Safe (RW)