英语听力精选进阶版 6313（在线收听）

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.

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

Though many retail sectors 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 deluxe "Diamond-Edition" Blackberry or a plain old diamond-encrusted platinum 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）