DELMA presents its new collection at BASELWORLD

Cool steel, glittering gems and exotic mother of pearl
Every year, the sector presents its latest creations in the run-up to the international Watch, Clock and Jewellery Show in Basel. DELMA, the traditional company based in Lengnau, has also included new models in its range, in time for this important date. Flat steel watches for men plus polished gems and elegantly designed mother of pearl dials for ladies: this summarises the trends for 2003. In general, a tendency towards higher quality can be observed. A watch is again perceived as a medium- to long-term investment and less as a short-lived fashion accessory. The DELMA collection is perfectly in line with this market development, which explains the encouraging course of business of this independent family firm.

A question mark over the Middle East, success in Eastern Europe
For decades, the Middle East has been one of DELMA's main markets. Some models are specially created and produced to meet the needs of its Arab clients. At times, the sultans even have DELMA manufacture a special watch in small series for their closest friends. At present, the unstable political situation in the region has not yet had any noticeable effects on the local watch market. However, executives at Lengnau in the Canton of Berne are aware that this may change at any moment, and are all the more pleased to see above-average growth on the Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian and German markets.
DELBANA Swiss watches, also distributed by DELMA and sold almost exclusively in Eastern Europe, are highly popular there. These robust mechanical and quartz watches offer an excellent price/performance ratio that perfectly suits that market. The DELBANA Classic, also presented at the Basel Show - with hand winding or an automatic movement, and featuring a nostalgic old-fashioned look - has all it takes to become a cult watch.

Upswing of private labels
Owing to the turbulent events and take-overs in the watch sector, some manufacturers specialising in private label watches are no longer present on the market. This has enabled DELMA to expand this segment considerably. Fred Leibundgut, DELMA's Head of Marketing, nevertheless stresses that the firm has no intention of entering the market for cheap watches: “Even when the name DELMA isn't on such a watch, we make no compromises where quality is concerned.”

Premières at Basel 2003
DELMA is presenting several new models at this year's specialised show in Basel. They include elegance in the new format “Versailles Cube Ladies” with gemstones, and the matching men's watch with an attractive steel bracelet. The “Torino Sport” is a strong newcomer with a diameter of 39 mm. There is also the graceful beauty of the “Sonesta Baguette”, the “Torino and Lido Ladies” with mother of pearl dials and fiery, sparkling stones, plus “Valencia”, the latest family of watches, offering a new way of experiencing time that reflects today's trend for elegance.


For further information, please contact:
Delma Watch Ltd., Fred Leibundgut

Source: Delma press release
April 2003