Business
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Time is everything
In Honshu's forested mountains, Seiko's craftsmen hand-build the Grand Seiko with monastic precision, proving Japan's mechanical watchmaking rivals Switzerland's finest — one meticulous, unhurried component at a time.
Nimmanhaemin
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, its metropolitan air a magnet for creatives. The Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood, in the city's north-west, is particularly attractive for its many galleries, shops and cafés.
Taking account
Three influential economists offer their predictions for 2008. Topics include the pressure on economies with ageing workforces, the importance of working with China and the rise of sovereign wealth funds in Asia.
Window of opportunity
Entering 2008 with a bonus or inheritance? Monocle has identified 10 business opportunities worthy of investment, a mixture of fresh ideas and proven concepts ready for other markets.
Off the rails
Victor La Fleur’s unique approach to sourcing brands has enabled him to build a clothing empire in his home town of Verbania – and to predict what is going to sell.
Hard cell
While the West debates the ethics of stem cell research, Chinese companies are powering ahead to find new treatments. But are loosely regulated firms such as Beike to be trusted with our health?
The inside scoop
Print media faces challenges, but it's time to stop questioning its relevance. In many markets, the humble daily newspaper has never looked so good. We're taking cues from our favourite Italian broadsheet.
Air to a fortune
Denmark is a pioneer in wind energy: some days the entire country is powered by it. Now LM Glasfiber, Danish maker of vast turbine blades, is helping convert the rest of the world.
The next best thing
In the Netherlands’ crowded newspaper market, new daily NRC Next has found an untapped readership with its wit, analysis and opinion. Could this be the new role model for the European press?
In the first lane
In July, Japan’s Fast Retailing Co bid for Barneys, revealing its wealth. Now the group is set on making its Uniqlo brand a powerful – and very Japanese – global brand.
