Avstev Group Australasia, the local distributor of luxury Swiss watch brands Ball Watch Co, Frederique Constant, Girard-Perregaux and Raymond Weil, has started 2013 with a “surge in sales”.
According to Group CEO Steven Rom, the most outstanding results have been garnered “in the high end of the market” by Girard-Perregaux whose timepieces retail for $10,000 to $1.5 million each.
“While sales at the lower end of the spectrum have remained consistent, there has been a marked increase in demand for the brand’s more expensive collections,” said Rom.
“Testament to this is the sale of the exquisite Haute Horlogerie Cat’s Eye Tourbillon set with over 280 baguette diamonds with a total diamond weight reaching almost 20 carats.
“Demanding over 700 hours of work, this piece was sold in Victoria in February for more than $650,000.”
Rom said he was confident the group’s wonderful start to the year “with fantastic sales and growth across all our brands Australia-wide” would continue.
“The increase in sales is due to a very strong and growing demand for luxury products and brands in Australia,” he said.
“Girard-Perregaux has a very innovative and dedicated product development team which has defined consumer demands, and created the right product to cater to these demands.
“ The Chinese import taxes mean a number of our customers travel to Australia, not only for a holiday, but to make a luxury purchase at a competitive price.
“The Girard-Perregaux Tourbillion timepieces take up to three months to craft and the increased Australian demand ensures we receive the best selection of watches ahead of other markets.”