Ice Watch

Ice-Watch is definitely worth 60 seconds of your time... Time has never quite been the same since the arrival of Ice-Watch to the watch market in 2007. A watch whose colourful fashion-focussed and accessible concept would lead to an international, intergenerational and intercultural brand that’s ticking along nicely. Since then it has been constantly ticking away, changing and inventing new collections, with complete transparency. This value is conveyed by its name: ICE.

Its stroke of daring – transforming a watch into a fashion accessory but a chic one at that – could have melted like ice in the sun. On the contrary, it has become one of the coolest successes on the planet. At a time when every minute counts, the Ice-Watch brand ensured its world domination by going out and getting the skills wherever they are. It was a matter of finding the right pace. Its limitless creativity is supported by talented designers based in Belgium and reliable Belgian services, the quality of Japanese movements (Miyota), Chinese expertise in production and assembly, and Hong Kong organisation for the logistics and distribution. It is said that a tree can be judged by its roots: they remain firmly planted in Belgium thanks to the efforts of the Ice-Watch brand’s founder and CEO, Jean-Pierre Lutgen. Marketing, communication, legal aspects and web campaigns are shared between Brussels and Bastogne, where the local presence was boosted in 2014 with the construction of a 6,000 m2 European storage centre. From one cog to the next, from solid teams to dynamic partners, from superb designers to committed distributors, the Ice-Watch brand has given itself the means to constantly grow its presence on an international scale. As flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged at each level, it’s easy to understand how a simple idea could be transformed into a trendy accessory worn all around the world. Multiple styles: minimalist, sporty, urban, colourful, glamorous, romantic. Multiple materials: Ice-Ramic, silicone, metal, leather. Multiple audiences: men, women, kids and juniors. Multiple desires: 8 to 10 new collections per year, fitted with a screwed back, making them waterproof to 10 ATM. Collector’s models and more targeted models are released thanks to partnerships and prestigious co-branding arrangements (BMW Motorsport, Pantone Universe, Vendée Globe Race). The wide range of Ice-Watch timepieces can adapt to the lifestyle and activities of those who wear them. It’s more than a marketing strategy, it’s the commitment of a brand that’s a legitimate leader in its sector. The Ice-Watch brand enjoys high visibility, whether on the wrist, in its ‘BeCubic’ presentation box, on social media (4,5 million Facebook fans) or through the vast network of Flagship Stores, Ice-Stores, kiosks and retail points of sale. Ice-Watch collections have generated many different product placements on the international music scene: Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez, David Guetta, etc. Photo credit: Courtesy of Ice Watch