Bedat & Co. was founded in 1996 by Simone Bedat and her son, Christian. After a year spent developing their ideas, they launched their first collections, the N°3, N°7.Ref. 304 and Ref. 314, which they presented at the 1997 Basel show. Just three short years later, the Gucci Group acquired 85% of Bedat and incorporated the company within Gucci Group Watches. The Gucci Group now owns 100% of the company and the founders departed in 2006.

In January, rumblings from the watch industry were that Bedat & Co. was soon to close its doors. Owned by the Gucci group of brands, Bedat & Co. seemed to be another in a long line of economy-afflicted watch makers.

 

It's been recently reported that Bedat & Co. has apparently been saved from financial death. While the future of the brand is unclear (as well as the terms of the agreement), Bedat & Co. has been sold to Luxury Concepts Watches & Jewelry, a Malaysian based firm that apparently has what it takes to keep the brand up and running.

 

Luxury Concepts is a luxury brand manager and retailer/distributor network with current presence in at least Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Its brand portfolio is impressive with niche brands such as Hermes, Romain Jerome, Hysek, Pierre DeRoche, along with several others. In addition, Luxury Concepts acted as a distributor and dealer for Bedat & Co. watches, so it makes sense that with its knowledge of the brand, it has what it takes to keep the brand alive and thriving. Luxury Concepts will maintain operations for the brand and continue watch production.

 

Frank Low, CEO of Luxury Concepts said, “I am excited at the opportunities that lie ahead for Bedat & Co. and am delighted that we will be able to build upon the legacy that has been created at the brand and to develop its potential further.” The watchmaker will present its new creations at this year's edition of Baselworld.

 
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