88 Rue du Rhone

88 RUE DU RHONE

Type	Family-owned independent
Industry	Watchmaking
Founded	2012
Founder	Pierre and Elie Bernheim
Headquarters	La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Key people	Pierre Bernheim, Elie Bernheim
Products	Wristwatches, timing devices/systems, contemporary accessories, Swiss made accessible watches
Website	88rdr.com

88 RUE DU RHONE is an independent brand of Swiss made accessible luxury watches, launched in 2012 by Elie and Pierre Bernheim. Grandsons of the Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil, they have set up the brand in La Chaux-de-Fonds where they produce their collections.

The name "Rue du Rhone" was inspired from Geneva's street Rue du Rhône as well as the Rhône that runs through the heart of the city.^[1][2][3][4] Indian singer Kanika Kapoor is the brand ambassador of the brand.

Watch collections

88 RUE DU RHONE launched its first collection, Double 8 Origin, in 2012, featuring over 100 Quartz, Automatic and Chronograph timepieces that range from 29 mm to 45 mm.^[1][2][5]

Watch Models

• Double 8 Origin: Launched in July 2012, Double 8 Origin is the first key piece of the Double 8 Origin collection. Entirely black this 39 mm watch displays all of the collection's signature features.^[6]
• Black Chrono: Introduced in August 2012, the Black Chrono is the first chronograph model that was launched. It is recognisable by the red stitching on its black leather strap as well as its extra resistant matte 42 mm steel case.^[7][8]
• Lucky Lady Diamond: Launched in September 2012, this feminine timepiece features a stainless steel 35 mm case coated in extra resistant black PVD and a shiny alligator-style leather strap.^[9]
• Vibrant White: In January 2013, 88 RUE DU RHONE revealed a more feminine model. Its polished 35 mm case is displayed with 88 Wesselton diamonds. The white dial set with an extra 11 diamonds wraps the wrist with a white alligator style leather strap.^[10]
• Automatic Black Shadow: In February 2013, the brand reveals this Automatic model. The 42 mm piece features a black leather bracelet, stainless steel case, guilloche dial and monogrammed crown.^[11]
• Power Chrono: in March 2013, just before Baselworld, the brand reveals one of its first 45mm pieces. Similar to the Black Chrono, this watch features a black leather strap with a matte black case as well as an anthracite grey dial.^[12]
• Urban Class: introduced in April 2013, the Urban Class is presented as an elegant and refined piece. It features a black leather strap as well as a mat 45mm blackcase. It also comes with a silver dial and a subtle 8-filigree motif.^[13]
• Black Rose Chrono: presented during Baselworld in April 2013 the Black Rose Chrono is the first Chronograph designed for ladies. This watch comes with a dark black leather strap, a 35mm matte black case and dial. The watch also features rose gold Roman numerals & hands. 6 Wesselton diamonds mark the odd hours.^[14]
• Rio: From the 2014, this vibrant and bold timepiece captures the thrill of Brazil. This flawless, contemporary watch is a 45mm quartz chronograph with a sleek stainless steel design that adds a touch of refinement to your everyday style.^[15]
• Broadway : launched in 2014, this classically chic timepiece captures the thrill of the world’s most iconic theater district. Nicknamed "The Great White Way" for the stretch of white lights along the famous street in New York City, Broadway represents timeless class and style effortlessly manifested in the 88 RUE DU RHONE watch bearing its name.^[16]
• Marilyn : 88 RUE DU RHONE was thrilled to reveal the dazzling Marilyn.^[17]
• Alexandra : This timepiece is born from the partnership with Courir…Ensemble, non-profit foundation, which aims to improve the daily life of children suffering from cancer at the Children’s Hospital in Geneva. Pierre Bernheim, CEO and co-founder of 88 RUE DU RHONE, personally affected by cancer, was a frequent visitor to the Hospital of Geneva where Alexandra was a patient. Alexandra’s biggest wish was for 88 RUE DU RHONE to design a watch especially for her. The brand chose to honor Alexandra’s strength and courage with a stunning pink diamond watch called the "Alexandra."^[18][19]

Official Time Sponsor of BAFTA and MIFF

In 2014, 88 RUE DU RHONE has been selected as the official watch partner for the Miami International Film Festival.^[20][21]

Taking place in March, 88 RUE DU RHONE was really pleased to be a part of the festival’s many film-focused events, screenings, and galas which attracts more than 60,000 audience members and more than 400 filmmakers, producers, talent and industry professionals.88 RUE DU RHONE played a role in the Festival’s Opening and gala. Guests had the chance to try on their favorite 88 RUE DU RHONE watch styles. 88 RUE DU RHONE was also delighted to offer a watch in honor of John Turturro, who was being presented with the Career Achievement Tribute Award. After the ceremony, 88 RUE DU RHONE hosted a glamorous V.I.P. party to John Turturro at the Epic Hotel.^[22][23][24]

88 RUE DU RHONE is the Official Watch & Timing Partner of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and more recently the Miami International Film Festival (MIFF).

88 RUE DU RHONE has produced 50 limited edition watches to commemorate the 2013 British Academy Film and Television Arts awards as its Official Time Partner.^[25]

88 RUE DU RHONE also sponsored the inaugural Past Forward BAFTA Art Exhibition, a collection of iconic images taken from the BAFTA archives. The exhibition has been created by architect-turned-artist Kevin Vucic-Shepherd using imagery from the extensive archive of BAFTA (1955–2003) and imagery from its future archive (2003–present).^[26]

88 RUE DU RHONE in the World

In July 2012, Double 8 Origin was exclusively launched at Selfridges on Oxford Street in London.

The brand is available in over 40 countries among which North America, the United Kingdom, China, Switzerland, France, Australia, Austria, Israel, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates,^[27] Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and is represented by over 800 points of sales worldwide such as Selfridges, Tourneau, Macy's, Bloomingdales, John Lewis, The Watch Gallery, Goldsmith, etc.^[3][5][28]

Key dates

• 11 July 2012: 88 RUE DU RHONE was launched in the Selfridge's "Wonder Room" in London, a 19,000-square-foot space entirely dedicated to luxury items, fine jewellery, watches and wine.^{[29][30][31][32]}
• 15 September 2012: The brand expanded in the U.K. market by selling their watches via John Lewis on Oxford Street, London.^[33]
• October 2012: 88 RUE DU RHONE focused on establishing the brand on the U.S. market throughout retailers such Macy's, Tourneau, Lord & Taylor, Ross-Simons, as well as on the Turkish market.^{[7][34][35][36]}
• February 2013: 88 RUE DU RHONE was launched in Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.^[37] 88 RUE DU RHONE offers 50 limited edition watches as official time sponsor of the BAFTA to Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Irvine, Sarah Jessica Parker, Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix, Juno Temple, Tim Roth and Stephen Fry.^[38]
• April 2013: 88 RUE DU RHONE participated for the first time at the World Watch and Jewellery show, Baselworld, among 1'450 other watch brands.^[39] 88 RUE DU RHONE set up a partnership with Courir…Ensemble, non-profit foundation, which aims to improve the daily life of children suffering from cancer at the Children’s Hospital in Geneva.^[40]
• May 2013: 88 RUE DU RHONE participated to the JCK Show in Las Vegas.^[41]
• June 2013: 88 RUE DU RHONE was launched in Israel and Slovakia.
• August 2013: co-founders unveiled 88 RUE DU RHONE in Qatar.
• September 2013: 88 RUE DU RHONE was launched by Al-Futtaim Watches and Jewellery in Dubai.
• October 2013: Co-founders of 88 RUE DU RHONE announce their partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and launch of the "Pink Lady" Chronograph watch to support the fight against cancer.^{[42][43][44][45]}
• February 2014: 88 RUE DU RHONE launched by Lions Brands in Australia.^[46]
• March 2014: 88 RUE DU RHONE participated to the MIFF as official time sponsor.^[47][48]
• April 2014: 88 RUE DU RHONE participated for the second time at Baselworld.^[49][50]
• May 2014: 88 RUE DU RHONE participated at JCK Show in Las Vegas.^[51]
• 11 July 2014 : 88 RUE DU RHONE celebrates its two-year anniversary.^[52]
• August 2014: 88 RUE DU RHONE launched by Harmony in China.^[53]
• September 2014: 88 RUE DU RHONE is distributed at Manor in Switzerland, origin country of the brand and the watchmaking’s cradle.^[54][55]
• 27 October 2014: 88 RUE DU RHONE launched in France at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.^[28]

References

1. "Bernheims to Debut 88 Rue du Rhone, New Swiss Brand". IW Magazine. 16 May 2012.
2. "The RAYMOND WEIL family creates new independent brand, Rue du Rhone". World Tempus. 22 May 2012.
3. "New Brand: 88 Rue du Rhone". Worn & Wound. 26 June 2012.
4. "88 Rue du Rhone". The Snob Magazine. 7 January 2013.
5. "RAYMOND WEIL's grandsons launch own watch brand". WatchPro. 6 June 2012.
6. "88 Rue du Rhone Unveils Its Very First Campaign". Yahoo!. 25 July 2012.
7. "88 Rue du Rhone - affordable and 'very lucky'". National Jeweler. 23 August 2012.
8. "Black and White Watches For Winter". Maxim. 11 December 2012.
9. "88 Rue du Rhone Unveils 'Lucky Lady' Diamond Watch". Diamonds.net. 20 September 2012.
10. "Vibrant White" (PDF). 88rdr.com.
11. "88 RUE DU RHONE – Double 8 Origin – Men's Watch Campaign (2012)". Luxury Things. 19 February 2013.
12. "88 Rue Du Rhone Power Chrono". IW Magazine. 18 June 2013.
13. "Introducing the double 8 Origin Urban Class". 88rdr.com.
14. "88 RUE DU RHONE - Double 8 Origin Black Rose Chrono". Horizima.com. 30 April 2013.
15. "Introducing RIO, a new timepiece for the 2014 FIFA World Cup". http://www.chronollection.com. 27 June 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
16. "88 RUE DU RHONE - Broadway Chronograph". http://www.masterhorologer.com. 27 April 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
17. "88 Rue du rhone: Marilyn". http://www.tribe-all.com. External link in |journal= (help)
18. "88 RUE DU RHONE ALEXANDRA WATCH". http://iwmagazine.com. 19 June 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
19. "88 rue du rhone Double 8 origin "Alexandra"". http://www.watchmarvel.com. External link in |journal= (help)
20. "prnewswire.com - 88 RUE DU RHONE Named Official Watch Of Miami International Film Festival 2014". http://www.prnewswire.com. External link in |journal= (help)
21. "news.com - 88 RUE DU RHONE Named Official Watch Of Miami International Film Festival 2014". http://www.news.nom.co/. 26 February 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
22. "88 RUE DU RHONE CELEBRATES ROLE AS OFFICIAL WATCH OF THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2014". http://iwmagazine.com. 11 March 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
23. "Miami International Film Festival, A Program of Miami Dade College’s MDCulture, Announces its 31st Edition Film Lineup". http://www.mdc.edu. External link in |journal= (help)
24. "MIFF Award Winner Rocks with Impressive Debut". http://miamifilmfestblog.com. 24 April 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
25. "Tonight's BAFTA Awards Accompanied by Swiss Watchmaking". Forbes. 10 February 2013.
26. "BAFTA Art Commission: Piccadilly to Jermyn St. 2012-2013". Bafta. 19 February 2013.
27. "Al-Futtaim expands watches portfolio". http://www.emirates247.com. 22 September 2013. External link in |journal= (help)
28. "88 RUE DU RHONE SWISS-MADE LUXURY WATCHES NOW SOLD AT GALERIES LAFAYETTE HOMMES IN PARIS". http://www.trendsandcolours.com. 14 November 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
29. "88 Rue du Rhone selects London for global launch". WatchPro. 13 July 2012.
30. "The Watch Gallery Launches 88 Rue Du Rhone". The Watch Gallery. 25 July 2012.
31. "88 Rue Du Rhone Arrive In The UK". Fashion Beans.
32. "The GQ Watch Guide 2013". GQ Magazine.
33. "88 Rue Du Rhone Announces Further UK Stockists". Yahoo!. 14 September 2012.
34. "Luxury Swiss-ness, Right on Your Wrist". UrbanDaddy. 12 November 2012.
35. "Siyahın sonsuzluğunda zaman" [Black infinity time]. GQ Magazine (in Turkish). 21 October 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
36. "88 RUE DU RHONE Adds Ross-Simons, Inc. as Partner". Businessweek. 13 November 2012.
37. "OMASCO launches new watch". Times of Oman. 6 February 2013.
38. "Why the Brits Hold the Secret to the Sexiest BAFTA Looks - Just Ask Sarah Jessica Parker...". The Huffington Post. 14 February 2013.
39. "88 Rue Du Rhone at Baselworld 2013". WatchPro. 7 May 2013.
40. "Une montre 88 RUE DU RHONE pour Alexandra". http://www.courirensemble.ch. External link in |journal= (help)
41. "88 Rue du Rhone Official UK Watch Partner of TV Series Mad Men". http://www.europastar.com. 27 November 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
42. "88 RUE DU RHONE AND THE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION FIGHT BACK WITH PINK PRODUCT". http://globenewswire.com. 17 September 2013. External link in |journal= (help)
43. "88 RUE DU RHONE PARTNERS WITH THE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION TO FIGHT BACK THIS OCTOBER". http://iwmagazine.com. 25 September 2013. External link in |journal= (help)
44. "88 Rue du Rhone Releases Watch for Breast Cancer Awareness". http://www.atimelyperspective.com. 2 October 2013. External link in |journal= (help)
45. "88 RUE DU RHONE's Breast Cancer Awareness Tribute". http://bostoncommon-magazine.com. 2 October 2013. External link in |journal= (help)
46. "Lion roars into Rue Du Rhone". http://www.jewelleryworld.net.au. 11 February 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
47. "John Turturro, Anne Hathaway Come Out For Miami International Film Festival". http://hauteliving.com. 11 March 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
48. "Watchmaker 88 Rue Du Rhone is set to partner with a second film organisation in as many months". http://www.watchshop.com. 4 March 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
49. "88 RUE DU RHONE PARTNERS WITH AKSTROM". http://iwmagazine.com. 28 May 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
50. "88 Rue du rhone Media messe". http://media.messe.ch. External link in |journal= (help)
51. "Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey. We appreciate your feedback and participation. Exhibitor Details 88 Rue du Rhone". http://jcklv14.mapyourshow.com. External link in |journal= (help)
52. "88 Rue Du Rhone celebrates second anniversary". http://www.watchpro.com. 22 July 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
53. "Luxury With a Midprice Flair". http://www.nytimes.com. 27 March 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
54. "88 Rue du Rhône : la marque est distribuée en Suisse chez Manor Genève et Vevey". http://www.montres-de-luxe.com. 15 October 2014. External link in |journal= (help)
55. "88 Rue du Rhône disponible chez Manor". http://www.lebijoutier2.com. 19 November 2014. External link in |journal= (help)

External links

• Official website