Ermenegildo Zegna, CEO of the Zegna Group, and Gino Macaluso, majority shareholder of Sowind Group, which heads Girard-Perregaux Watches and Jeanrichard, announce a partnership agreement for the design and production of Ermenegildo Zegna Watches. Ermenegildo Zegna will utilise the know-how of the Sowind Group in the design, production and services to develop a specific collection of watches that reflect the tradition, style and values of Ermenegildo Zegna, which are identified fully in the technical and quality parameters of Swiss high end watch making.

The Ermenegildo Zegna Watch Collection will be available exclusively from Ermenegildo Zegna Flagship Stores around the world from 2011. The agreement is long term, as is always necessary in the Haute Horlogerie sector.

This partnership unites two sectors, Fashion and Haute Horlogerie, who may seem different yet share the same constant quest for perfection and the global mastery of a distinct expertise. The relationship between Gildo Zegna and Gino Macaluso is founded on common affinities in which the research of excellence, innovation and professional ethics prevail.

Gildo Zegna CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group said: “After the successful launch of the Centennial Limited Edition Watch developed in cooperation with Girard Perregaux Watches, the natural progression was to consolidate our partnership and embark on a new adventure. The concept is to create a range of Ermenegildo Zegna watches, made exclusively in Switzerland, of very specific design, which is precisely what our clients need and expect from our brand. The collaboration with Sowind, with whom we share beliefs and philosophy, will utilize the specific know-how of the Swiss watch making sector, to further complete the Zegna world and consolidate our position as the leader in men’s luxury”

Gino Macaluso CEO of Sowind Group said “This partnership is an interesting tale of two families whose commitment and work ethic have become their own life philosophy, and who have chosen to travel together along a new mutual path while still maintaining their own identities. I am sure that from our side working with the fashion world will be a very informative experience. The incredible qualitative values of style and Italian know-how will merge well with the uniqueness and excellence of the top end Swiss watch making.”