Updated 14 Feb, 2012, 4:00 pm IST

Vertu Launches New Signature Series

30 Jan, 2009, 8:14 am IST | tech2 News Staff |

Maker of luxury mobile phones, Vertu, is to unveil its new Signature collection to mark its tenth anniversary this year.

The new Vertu Signature is the most highly crafted phone ever made and will be introduced in hallmarked white gold and yellow gold together with stainless steel.

"We are delighted to present our new Signature collection, here in Paris", said Alberto Torres, President of Vertu. "Especially, since we launched our first ever phone in this beautiful city, back in 2002. When Vertu first started out with the idea of producing luxury phones, the industry thought it would never take off. Vertu was ahead of the times. But, now, you can see how successful the industry has become, as more competitors are looking to enter this space."

Vertu uses the 'sea of sapphire' that makes up the face of Signature and takes more than two weeks to create in a 2000�C furnace. It is almost impossible to scratch and is so hard it can only be cut or scratched with a diamond. The solid gold or platinum Signature phones are authenticated by a Swiss Assay Office hallmark - the only electronic product to carry this prestigious award. While the patented keypad contains 4.75 carats of solid ruby bearings; each cut and set in its exact place like a jewel.

The SIM drawer is engraved with a unique Vertu pattern like a piece of jewellery in its own right. The battery cover release is operated by a D-ring. The ruby bearings slide on pure sapphire crystal surfaces that are aligned so that no part of the metal key touches the sapphire face of the phone.

Hand-built in England, it is the first phone to be assembled by a single craftsman. It takes many years to learn the necessary skills, and very few individuals make the grade. As a mark of pride, each handset is signed by the master craftsman who painstakingly creates it. Inevitably such attention to detail means a phone of this quality can only be made in very limited numbers - making the new Signature rare, precious and highly exclusive.

All the sounds produced by Signature are taken from a piece of music composed exclusively for Vertu by the Academy Award winning composer Dario Maranelli. The music was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra with all solo flute pieces played by Andrea Griminelli, one of the world's leading flautists. "Perhaps no one has yet written a piece of concert music specifically aimed at being used as ring tones, then recorded it with one of the best orchestras in the world, and NOT made it widely available on the web. The challenge was irresistible", said Dario Maranelli.

A unique, patented button connects directly to Vertu Concierge, a personal service offering expert advice and assistance, around the clock, around the world.

The Vertu Signature will launch in white gold, yellow gold and stainless steel - available in Vertu boutiques and the finest watch, jewellery and department stores worldwide.

The Vertu Signature in Stainless Steel will cost Rs. 646,000, the Vertu Signature in Yellow Gold will cost Rs. 1,767,000 and the Vertu Signature in White Gold will cost Rs. 1,971,000.

Tags: Vertu

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