A new collection of bi-colour unisex watches titled: “Pantone Universe by Ice-Watch” will be launched in January starting with an emerald-coloured timepiece in the Pantone 2013 Colour of the Year (revealed globally on 6 December).
The Ice-Watch creations feature the Pantone logo, a bi-colour dial and a bi-colour moulded strap. Initially, there will be two variants: emerald and white / white and emerald.
It is the first time Pantone has collaborated with watch and jewellery industry. Other colours will follow in autumn 2013 and be presented at Baselworld.
The tie-in for jewellers with Pantone colours is an important one. New colours inspire new purchases. Fashion designers will be creating items with the Pantone Emerald 17-5641 colour in mind and women will be looking to accessorise in the same hues.
As a jeweller, knowing what the new season’s colour is shows your customers your store is on trend when it comes to fashion and accessories.
Ice Australasia CEO Larry Porter said the collaboration with Pantone was a strategic one.
“The collaboration made perfect sense from a brand perspective. [It] reinforces the Ice-Watch brand not only as an established global brand, but the brand synonymous for use of colour. Pantone are expanding their licensing into accessories and this is their first collaboration in the watch and jewellery sector. So for both brands it is a partnership that makes sense.
“On a consumer point of view, [it gives us] the possibility to offer to our fans a unique, exclusive and daring new collection with the colour of the year.”
Porter said the benefits to jewellers included high visibility and creativity. He added that Ice-Watch was a unisex brand and with Pantone famous in the design world, these new watches would appeal to men and woman.
Ice-Watch CEO Jean-Pierre Lutgen, said: “Pantone is the authority on colour for the design industries. Through this partnership, Pantone recognises the Ice-Watch brand as a credible partner and an important player in its sector, sharing the same dynamic and colourful spirit.”
Additionally, Pantone vice president Lisa Herbert said fashion jewellery felt like a natural category extension for the brand.
“It’s all about expressing one’s individuality and personal style, especially through colour,” Herbert added.
The Ice-Watch today is sold in more than 100 countries with some 500 models and styles. In five years, over nine million watches have been sold across the world.
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