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New York--PPR Luxury Group has appointed a new chief executive officer for the Sowind Group, the Swiss watchmaker in which PPR recently acquired a controlling interest.

Michele Sofisti, who most recently served as CEO of Gucci Group Watches and Jewellery, is the new head of the Sowind Group, effective immediately. Sofisti will retain his CEO position at Gucci and serve as a member of the board of directors for Gucci Timepieces Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Japan.

Stefano Macaluso, managing director of Sowind brand Girard-Perregaux, is second in charge and will retain his position, as will Massimo Macaluso, managing director for JeanRichard and the manufacture.

Sofisti’s experience includes five years as president of Swatch AG (Switzerland) and he served as president of Fred Jewellers and Christian Dior watches at Möet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). He joined Gucci as a strategic advisor in 2009 and was promoted to CEO the following year.

Sowind crafts a line of high-end watch movements and owns the Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard brands.

Swiss brand Milus announced that its CEO, Jan Edöcs, was leaving the company to “focus on a new direction.” The company provided no further information.

In addition, the company announced the promotion of Cyril Dubois to general manager and production director, beginning this month. Dubois began working at Milus in 2004 as the purchase and logistics director and heading product development.

Frédérique Constant has crafted a limited-edition timepiece to mark its 5th anniversary. The tourbillon “Grand Feu” (below) features an automatic caliber FC-980 movement and a one-minute tourbillon with the balance-cock on the dial side.

The 42mm timepiece is crafted in 18-karat rose gold with a hand-stitched alligator leather strap. Frédérique Constant is making only 188 of the Grand Feu, a nod to the number of components that comprise the watch.

Also new from Frédérique Constant is the “Runabout Moonphase,” a watch created in celebration of the Runabout yachts of the 1920s. The 43mm timepiece is available in stainless steel (below) or rose gold-plated and features an automatic movement and sapphire exhibition case back.

Frédérique Constant was the official sponsor of the 39th annual Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance Wooden Boat Show, held earlier this month in California. The brand promoted the entire Runabout collection at the show and awarded the “Best in Show” winner with a Runabout Moonphase.

Modus, the first brand to debut under The Santorinos Watch Group, recently launched its first ceramic watch collection. The collection is comprised of a total of five styles with two unique bezels.

The first bezel, designed for a sporty look, is available in white or black with rose gold accents, a six-hand chronograph and quartz movement. It can be paired with a silicon strap or a ceramic bracelet.

The second bezel, intended as more of a fashion watch, is also available in black or white, with crystals framing the face and a saddle-shaped case. Paired with a ceramic bracelet, the watch features a five-hand chronograph, quartz movement and rose gold accents.

Retail prices range from $295 to $375.

In addition, earlier this month, Modus announced it was partnering with the American Soldier Network, a non-profit that works to raise awareness and educate the public about the needs and challenges faced by those in the armed services.

In initial support of the American Solider Network, Modus is donating a portion of its sales to the nonprofit and both businesses are offering their friends and fans a special invitation to support funding of the network’s programs. For more information, visit AmericanSoldierNetwork.com.