1. After record years and then a
downturn in 2015, 2016 will again be a transitional year and the indicators are certainly not on the rise for the moment.
Consumer and purchasing habits are changing. For example, the results of political and social changes in China
(anti-corruption laws, customs controls, protectionism, place of purchase restrictions, etc.) have been being felt for some months now and we have to accept
them. The Chinese economy is slowing down and there isn’t another market that’s taking its place to provide the assurance of progress as we experienced after the 2009 crisis. However I see positive
growth in the medium term.
2. We’ve developed our own in-
house assortment and calibration. It’s improvement of product quality that
we’re now targeting. We prefer to invest
in the quality of our products rather than grand scale publicity campaigns. It’s the value for money relationship that is our strength and our customers are aware of this. Consolidation of our Chinese market is a priority, which still remains highly promising and within
which we’ve become highly competent. We have also opened new sales outlets throughout various European cities and we have great potential within various international markets that we’re opening
up this year.
3. Mechanical watchmaking will perpetuate, because it remains the symbol of longevity and flies in the face of all
the objects with built-in obsolescence. It bears witness to a precious skill and
know-how and its clockwork magic
never ceases to amaze. As proof, we’ve invested greatly in the internal development
of our own assortment that
remains at the very heart of the mechanical
movement. I don’t believe in a hybrid mix between the mechanical
watch and the smart-watch, this has been tried for years without any tangible
result. The association between the two doesn’t really create an interesting
end product.
However, quarts watches may, very slowly but inevitably become “connected”,
to my mind that’s where the
true development lies.
4. We’re working hard, to make this
meeting truly worthwhile. It’s such a
large investment for the brands, that
it must show results. If not, it puts
its whole existence in question. The
show allows us to introduce ourselves
to new customers and to get to
know and develop our networks and
partnerships. This year, we present a
fabulous adventure based around
the development of one of our own
creations. We’re setting up an interactive
experience for each person who
visits our stand. To understand how
the movement works, interact with it, touch it, explore it via tactile screens
and get inside the universe that is our
brand, that’s our goal. To transform
the highly technical developments
that occur within our workshops into
a cultural and learning experience, open to all our visitors.
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?