1. 2016 will be a strong challenge,
but it will also be a reflection of
what each brand is capable of offering
to the consumers. Years such
as 2015 and 2016 should drive us
towards excellence and creativity.
2. For Zenith our objectives remain as
before, not only to have the brand and its
qualities better known outside the current
circle of connoisseurs but also to clearly
identify where our brand stands. This
will happen by re-addressing all sectors.
3. Deluxe mechanical watches will always
be around, in relation to the worldwide
market they already exist within an exclusive
niche. It’s essential for each brand
to be credible and legitimately placed
within the market. Nothing can replace the
emotion that mechanical watches generate.
At Zenith we see the arrival of smartwatches
as a stimulus towards conserving
consumer interest in mechanical watches,
but maybe also an opportunity since smartwatches
will be worn on the wrist and perhaps
provide encouragement as a steppingstone
towards the mechanical watch.
4. Zenith’s participation at Baselworld is
imperative and signifies a great meeting
point permitting us to take orders
that themselves represent an important
percentage of our turnover. It allows
us to present our new products, to
re-iterate how our collection is made
up and to interact with all markets
relative to our publicity and advertising
campaigns over the remainder of the
year. The only complaint we could make,
is that the event goes on for too long.
EUROPA STAR’S FOUR QUESTIONS
1. What are your predictions for 2016? Do you think that exports will recover, or will the markets stagnate or continue to decline after the slump we saw in 2015? And what do you think were the reasons for the downturn in 2015?
2. What are your priorities for the coming year: consolidating your existing markets, actively exploring new markets (if so, which), rationalising / consolidating / expanding your distribution network, launching new products, PR initiatives, etc.?
3. Over the longer term, do you believe that mechanical watchmaking will gradually die out, hybridise, or continue to occupy its own exclusive niche? Do you see the advent of smartwatches as a potential threat, or an opportunity for growth and diversification?
4. What exactly do you hope to achieve from your participation in Baselworld 2016? Do you feel your presence at the fair is essential to your business, or are such forums less important now than they were in the past?