英语听力精选进阶版 6313

How much money would you be happy to spend on a nice watch? Ten dollars? One hundred? One hundred thousand?!

Well, if you're feeling very rich, there is now a watch worth five million US dollars (32 million yuan) on the market.

Swiss watchmaker Hublot has unveiled what is believed to be the world's most expensive timepiece.

The white gold watch is encrusted with 1,282 dazzling diamonds, and took 17 people 14 months to make. The precious stones cover the entire face, as well as the band.

Jean-Claude Biver, president of Hublot, said it would be hard to make a more expensive watch "because the surface of the watch is limited."

Despite the price tag it seems Hublot will have no trouble selling the high-end creation. Mr Biver revealed that several people had expressed interest in acquiring it.

Analysts¹ say Swiss watchmakers have done well this year, driven by demand in Asia.

Though many retail² sectors³ have been suffering in the economic downturn, luxury brands are thriving – and there are plenty of items for you to spend your money on.

If watches aren't your thing, you could go for a solid gold iPhone, a deluxe⁴ "Diamond-Edition" Blackberry or a plain old diamond-encrusted platinum⁵ handbag – all are on the market for six-figure sums.

Quiz 小测验

1. How long did it take to make the watch?

14 months

2. Is this statement true, false or not given? Hublot is planning to make a more expensive watch.

False. Jean-Claude Biver, president of Hublot, said it would be hard to make a more expensive watch.

3. Is this statement true, false or not given? Swiss watchmakers are in difficulty because the bad economic climate.

False. Analysts say Swiss watchmakers have done well this year, driven by demand in Asia.

4. Look at the article. What three-word expression means 'for sale'?

On the market.

5. Look at the article. What word is used to describe people whose job is to look at information and give their opinion on it?

Analysts.

Glossary 词汇表

to be on the market 开始销售

to be unveiled 透露/宣布

a timepiece 钟表（计时器）

encrusted 镶嵌在外层的 

dazzling 闪光耀眼的

a precious stone 宝石

the price tag 价格标签

high-end 高档的

a retail sector 零售行业

a luxury brand 奢侈品牌

thriving 兴旺/兴盛

aren't your thing 不是你的兴趣所在

deluxe 豪华的/高级的

a six-figure sum 六位数字（的高价）

1 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

2 retail   

v./n.零售；adv.以零售价格

参考例句：

• In this shop they retail tobacco and sweets.这家铺子零售香烟和糖果。
• These shoes retail at 10 yuan a pair.这些鞋子零卖10元一双。

3 sectors   

n.部门( sector的名词复数 )；领域；防御地区；扇形

参考例句：

• Berlin was divided into four sectors after the war. 战后柏林分成了4 个区。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Industry and agriculture are the two important sectors of the national economy. 工业和农业是国民经济的两个重要部门。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

4 deluxe   

adj.华美的，豪华的，高级的

参考例句：

• This system puts the top hotels in a special deluxe category.这种分类法把最高级的旅馆列为特殊豪华级。
• I liked the deluxe edition,but I could afford only a second best.我喜欢精装版，但我只买得起一本稍差一点的。

5 platinum   

n.白金

参考例句：

• I'll give her a platinum ring.我打算送给她一枚白金戒指。
• Platinum exceeds gold in value.白金的价值高于黄金。