TOURNEAU Invites New Yorkers to "Meet Under the Mistletoe" on New Years Eve

NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TOURNEAU, America's leading watch retailer, has unveiled a very special holiday installation at its new 510 Madison Concept Store in New York City.  TOURNEAU invites shoppers and guests to visit the world's largest mistletoe ball, and share a "Festive Moment" with the 111 year old brand. Joining Manhattan's holiday landmarks, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the UNICEF Snowflake, the TOURNEAU mistletoe ball joins a group of treasured holiday installations that are signature to NYC.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111215/NY23270 )

Suspended from the ceiling of the 3,000 square foot luxury retail space, the world's largest mistletoe ball measures an approximate 5-6 feet in diameter. "New York City is such a special place, especially during the holiday season," said TOURNEAU 510 Madison Store Manager, Michael Gordon.  "As a company, we wanted to create a destination for NYC locals and visitors alike to create a holiday memory to cherish over the years."  

The use of mistletoe to celebrate holiday love dates back centuries.  It is referenced in ancient Norse mythology in stories of a goddess named Frigg, who declared the mistletoe plant to bring love into the world.  Worshipers then kissed under the mistletoe to show their obedience to the goddess.  Mistletoe is also referenced in ancient traditions originating from the Babylonian-Assyrian Empire. Centuries later the mystical plant shows up again in English literature, where young men would kiss women standing under the mistletoe, often as a promise of marriage.  It is first mentioned as a holiday tradition in 1820 by American author Washington Irving in his "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon."

Since his arrival in March of 2010, TOURNEAU CEO, James Seuss, has been rebuilding the brand and was honored in November 2011 by the Accessories Council with the "Specialty Retailer of the Year" Award at the ACE Awards in NYC.  Through curated displays, educational tools, expert assistance and technological innovation, TOURNEAU helps customers at the 510 Madison Concept Store discover the remarkable world of fine timepieces.  Over 30 exceptional brands are presented including TOURNEAU's own TNY Series, and the space boasts New York's first freestanding Rolex boutique showcasing a fantastic selection of Rolex timepieces.

For more information, contact:

Merideth Gilmor, TOURNEAU 917.860.5792 [email protected] or

Caitlin Bosh, C&M Media 646.336.1398 x209 [email protected]

About TOURNEAU

Established in 1900, TOURNEAU is the leading retailer of luxury watches in the United States, offering more than 100 world famous brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega, Breitling and Tag Heuer in more than 8,000 unique styles. The company's thirty plus stores also sell Certified Pre-Owned timepieces and watches under the TOURNEAU brand. Considered "the watch authority," TOURNEAU is known for it's extensive selection and unparalleled customer service.

SOURCE TOURNEAU