First, a Very Happy New Year to all visitors here!

I have been pondering for a few days since the new year started about what is in store this year for watch collectors and fans. Brands since last year changed their modus operandi and not let on what is in store at the coming Basel and SIHH fairs. So, one can only speculate what is new in store for this year.

Do I wish for another repeat of 2006 or something more? I think 2006 was a consolidation year for many brands and I suspect (looking at my proverbial glass ball) that a couple of brands will be announcing completely new calibres and movements (including a completely new Chronograph movement!) and I know that at least one new brand will be launched officially (Romain Gauthier) at Basel or SIHH events.

What I hope to see is that brands will return to the bread and butter of watch industry for eons - quality, quality and quality. Given that quality is a subjective measure, we know it when we see it. I was rather taken aback in 2006 how brands were releasing old designs in new colours and diamonds as well as releasing models that are over designed or garish/loud. I wonder when the Swiss watch industry will awaken to realise - they are not in the fashion industry.

The other worrying trend that many of my fellow collectors have complained is the rate of inflation of prices for Swiss watches. It is almost mechanical as to the rate and time when the prices of watches are being revised - upwards. Often explained due to demands from suppliers, exchange rates, cost of operations and manufacturing. Revision of prices downwards is a rarity (although that happened late last year for IWC albeit a small adjustment). So when I read the press release from Richemont (owner of many watch margues) on the Revolution site here: // REVOLUTION // Richemont Net Profit grew by 37% to Euro 371M (Press Release Excerpts) - I was totally surprised at the level of growth that company enjoyed. Not surprising though is that Richemont has posted record growths for some years already. It does make me wonder whether their capability to post record growths across their brands due to greater market share or due to the inflation of prices? I hope sooner than later that the manufacturers realise that there is a ceiling for price inflation - even for luxury goods - before collectors starts to consider alternatives for their hard earned money.

The good news this year is that Hour Glass Singapore will be hosting the Tempus II event in the third quarter! This long awaited event being the second after the very successful first run held two years ago. By all measures, it looks like it will be an even more exciting event than the first Tempus. It will be an exhibition of watches par excellence and I expect an even greater number of watch collectors from all over the world coming to the event that will have public forums, presentations and seminars in addition to the wonderful array of timepieces. More details about the event will be reported here when it is being released.

In addition to this event, I expect as in last year some exciting developments in the local scene to which I will endeavour to cover and share with you here. So, keep an eye out for more exciting horological offerings and more watch photography in 2007 here!