Luxury watches 'should make people smile'

First published: 26-01-2012

Watches have a duty to make people feel good about themselves even when times get difficult, according to the owner of one luxury timepiece company.

The recent Geneva watch fair has seen some of the world's most prestigious manufacturers showcasing a range of new designs and innovations for release in the luxury watches sector this year.

While the price tag on many of the watches is far beyond the reach of most people, the companies have the view that the creation of luxury can help to brighten up difficult times.

According to Richard Mille, the founder and chief executive of Richard Mille watches, the industry needs to keep producing these timepieces.

"The high-end watch industry has a duty to make the world smile," Mr Mille told Reuters.

Some of the most famous names in Hollywood recently turned out to see the latest creations from IWC Schaffhausen at a special Top Gun themed party in Geneva.