Perpetuelle’s Authorized Dealer Interview Series Begins…

Perpetuelle.com Moderator James Bond recently had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Jonathan Dorfman of Dorfman Jewelers, an elite watch and jewelery dealer located on the very prestigious “Newbury Street” in Boston, MA.  So why should you care to read this interview?  Well…

In keeping with the Dorfman philosophy of not wanting to be all things to all people and aiming for only the best, you will find just 2 prestigious brands of watches in the company’s Newbury Street store.  Which ones, you ask?  Well, I’ll let you discover this for yourself.  On the jewlery side, Dorfman only carries one brand – Van Cleef & Arpels.  In fact they have an official Van Cleef & Arpel salon in-store and as part of this they do sell the Van Cleef & Arpel watch line as well.

What struck me most about the interview, though, are the humble roots from which Dorfman was built.  Today, Jonathan and his brother Douglas Dorfman proudly lead a family-owned business that grew from their grandfather’s humble beginnings during the Great Depression through their parent’s prescient move to 24 Newbury Street in the 1970s.   Quite the American success story if you ask me!

Click here to discover and enjoy the full interview (it is actually fairly short – only 4 questions and responses) – I think you will enjoy it.

24 Newbury Street, Boston, MA

On another note, James and I would love to be able to turn this into a series (or mini-series) of interviews with various leading Authorized Dealers of fine luxury watches.  If you are interested in speaking with us, please drop me a line at kyle[at]perpetuelle.com.

Hodinkee and Horomundi Share Good Insights In Recent Interviews With Hublot’s Jean-Claude Biver

In October 2009, I wrote an article “Beyond the Big Bang – What’s Next for Hublot?” in which (among other things) I stated the following:

…I do think that Hublot Big Bang has and continues to be a very desirous watch right now.  But…… I am concerned.  I am concerned that Hublot has now effectively become one watch, and one watch only – the Big Bang.   Not only that, but I also see that the appeal, the allure, the magic, of the Big Bang is at risk of fizzling due to the number of variations that Hublot continues to introduce.   Seemingly every month a new “limited” or “special” edition Big Bang is released, but in reality these are nothing more than Big Bang’s with a new color scheme or with a special logo on the dial….My point here is that it is too much – it is getting tiring – and I think it is starting to dilute the credential of the Big Bang.   Audemars Piguet found itself in a similar position several years ago with its Royal Oak Offshore watches – too many variations and one-off special editions – and some watch enthusiasts started to turn away.   Thankfully for AP, it was diversified – offering a much broader lineup of watches than just the Royal Oak.   Hublot is not in this position.

While my position hasn’t really changed – and in fact Jean-Claude Biver very recently acknowledged the validity of my position (which I’ll get to in a second) -  it is noteworthy that (anecdotally speaking) Hublot continues to defy the watch slump by being one of the better performing watch brands in the marketplace today.   I can believe this because Hublot makes very cool watches – watches that people want – and it creates a very special aura around owning a “Big Bang” through its often personal and hands-on marketing efforts from Jean-Claude Biver himself.

Fast forward to the present.  Earlier this week, watch enthusiasts were treated to two very interesting encounters with The Man himself.  I’ll excerpt a couple tidbits here, but I do highly recommend reading each one of them.  First Hodinkee.com, at a Hublot sponsored event at a swank New York  restaurant, gleaned some great insights as can be read in “A Glance At The New Hublot: Jean-Claude Talks Giving Back, BNB, & The Future of the Big Bang“.  Most notable for me was this exchange:

[Hodinkee asked] When will we see something from Hublot that’s NOT a Big Bang? Mr. Biver had this to say, “Asking me that question is like asking a Porsche engineer in 1990 when we will see something besides the 911. It is a benchmark for the brand and right now we are going to continue with it for many years to come. I say 1990 because years later Porsche released the Boxster (a less expensive sportscar), the Cayenne (an SUV), and now even the Panamera (a four-door), but in 1990, Porsche had only the 911. In ten years, I may have something else to say, but the Big Bang is our Porsche 911.”

OK, good point JC Biver makes – overall, the Big Bang is working, so why not continue to drive that for all its worth. Even so, Porsche had to broaden its portfolio eventually!  There is another good picture and discussion with Hodinkee about Hublot’s new UNICO movement family and where the fit in the overall Hublot pyramid – so be sure to check out the full Hodinkee article here.

Next, Revolution Magazine’s Wei Koh penned “The Luxury Übermensch: An Interview with Jean-Claude Biver” – posted in its entirety for your enjoyment also at Horomundi.com. The interview is very good, very insightful and by no means coddling:

Have you made any mistakes or failed in anyway at Hublot? [Biver:] I would say that I have made mistakes but fortunately, none that have impacted me in a major way. I think I expanded the collection too fast. I think I have too many references, and I abused limited editions. So that is already quite a few mistakes, but they did not do any lasting damage and we had it corrected.

In what way did you go wrong with limited editions? [Biver:] The idea was correct but the quantities related to limited editions were wrong. The idea was correct because if you are a mono-product brand, you have to ask yourself how many of the same watch is a consumer willing to buy from you. He can buy one watch ultimately. If I make the same watch in three materials, in theory, he can buy three. But how can I get him to buy the fourth one? You see, when I have a customer with my watch on his wrist, I never want him to quit my brand. But if he is buying three or four watches per year, I want to remain in consideration. How do I achieve this? How do I get these people? I make a limited edition in memory of Ayrton Senna because it has a great emotional story or I make one related to Alinghi or Manchester United because this will strike a different emotional chord. So you see, limited editions are a necessity. But between the necessity of making a few and the evil of making too many, there is a fine balance! We lost this balance but have corrected it.

My point exactly (!) and I am heartened to hear JC Biver speak candidly on this.  Now these 2 questions were only a small part of the broader interview – there is a wealth of great insights throughout the rest, including more discussion of Hublot’s move towards being a manufacture, the importance and meaning of the “in house movement” moniker, the [possible] classic-ization of the Big Bang, and much more….if you are interested it is very much worth the read.

So what’s my point in all this?  Well, first it is Not hear to say “I told you so” – rather I am glad that Hublot realizes that while there may be lots of runway left for the Big Bang, it is a bit overextended in terms of references, limited editions and colors.  This is the best thing about a great leader and visionary like Jean-Claude Biver – he is not so hung up on his own accomplishments (of which there are many!) as to think that he can do no wrong.  He comes across as being constantly introsepctive and adaptive.  And this is why, even though I have not met him, I admire Biver and in my own actions try to emulate qualities such as these.  Still, while Hublot is now mostly focused now on its new UNICO movements and becoming a manufacture, as well as continuing to extend the success of the Big Bang, I still think that the top of the mountain has already been reached for the Big Bang and I hope that Hublot will be ready for the next ascent.

An Exclusive Look at an Exclusive Event – It’s Breguet, Breguet, Breguet!

I thought you might enjoy this report of a very exclusive and intimate evening with Breguet that was posted on the World Watch Forum by Mr. James Bond.  Bond, James Bond, is Perpetuelle.com’s Forum Moderator and watch enthusiast extraordinaire.   If you are a regular visitor of our forum, you will most certainly know James for his uncanny ability to leave no inquiry or post untouched (ie all who post will get a reply from James) – he is the consummate watch forum gentleman.

James has built some fantastic relationships over the couple years that I have had the privilege of knowing and working with him, and as a result of these relationships, well……we all get to see some very exclusive, very expensive watches in venues and events that most can only dream of getting an invitation to.  In this particular case, James takes us behind the scenes of a private event hosted by Montres Breguet and Dorfman, one of the most exclusive watch and jewelery stores in Boston.  If you are not familiar with Dorfman of Boston, click here to check out the Dorfman’s website here and you’ll see what I mean by exclusive. They only carry Patek Philippe, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, and of course Breguet.  Nothing but the absolute best at Dorfman – their motto is “Like No Other”.  Indeed.  Let’s just say that’s my kind of place.  If you are ever in Boston, drop by their luxurious 24 Newbury Street location and you won’t be disappointed.

And now to my point – to see more pictures of this special Breguet event, including some nice pics of many many many fine Breguet watches, CLICK HERE to see James Bond’s report.  There is even a video embedded in the report that James managed to shoot. Thanks James and next time won’t you take me with you?!?

The Breguet Classique Grande Complication – a Minute Repeater and Perpetual Calendar

CLICK HERE to see James Bond’s report full of pictures like the one you see above.

In Quest to Rebuild a Brand New TechnoMarine CEO gives first online interview

If you did not know, after first being a “trendy” brand for a few years watch brand TechnoMarine lost its way and stopped being cool.  “Trends” come and they go, as they say!  However – seeing potential in the brand, new and forward thinking TechnoMarine Chairman (since 2006) Christian Viros (former Tag Heuer CEO) cleaned house and brought in industry visionary Vincent Perriard (and his demonstrable track record) as CEO to shake things up a bit.  Steven Cohen (Movado Group Canada / Ebel) was also brought in to help steer the ship into new and uncharted waters.

So what a nice surprise it was to see this morning an excellent interview of TechnoMarine CEO Vincent Perriard by Lex who runs Oceanic Time dive watch blog.  Lex asks some great questions, and receives some great answers. In fact this is quite an OUTSTANDING and probing interview – very well done Lex!

Here are a couple initial thoughts I had after reading it:

First, in addition to wondering who initiated this interview, I think that the choice of “venue” (ie a dive watch blog) is perhaps quite revealing as to the future direction and positioning of TechnoMarine.  My thought here is further reinforced by some of the discussion in the interview.  Is TechnoMarine going to define the dive watch market in ways never before seen?  Mr. Perriard will admin nothing, but I think that signs are pointing to yes.

Second, I would like to share here one excerpt from the interview which really caught my attention:

Lex As you know the internet has become a powerful marketing tool for modern watch companies, with sophisticated and expensive websites and Facebook accounts. What will TechnoMarine be doing to market themselves in Cyberspace?

Vincent We are going to invest more than 3/4s of our marketing money in electronic platforms and channels of communication. The watch industry keeps thinking it understands this media… That’s not true. A few brands have understood it. We (my new team and I), we are part of these few brands and we will maximize our efforts, I can guarantee this.

Why did this pique my interest?  Because Vincent Perriard is 100% CORRECT in his analysis here, and it bodes well for the success of the brand re-launch – which is of course highly contingent upon a successful marketing & PR campaign.  As Perriard notes, the watch industry keeps on thinking it does understand online media – when in fact 90% of all brands have NO CLUE as to what they are doing online (witness, for one recent example, Tag Heuer’s recent online accessory boutique in which they offer 8gb flash memory cards for a ludicrous price of $360).  While I was not overly impressed with Concord’s use of online and social media under Vincent Perriard’s guidance, they proved particularly adept at building buzz for the C1 QuantumGravity, and the brand did demonstrate a deeper understanding of what matters “online” than the other 90% of brands out there.  So I am quite surprised, and impressed, and excited to hear that 75% of TechnoMarine’s marketing resources will be dedicated towards “electronic platforms and channels of communication.”  This will only mean good things for the brand relative to spending its marketing/PR budget elsewhere (ie static print ads).

Like it or not, online media is the future, and those who embrace this will prosper over the long run.  But more on this subject later!

Click here to read the full interview of TechnoMarine CEO Vincent Perriard by dive watch enthusiast Lex at Oceanic Time.  I highly recommend it!  Enjoy!

Perpetuelle.com Moderator James Bond recently attended a splendid “Get Together” (or “GTG” as the hard core watch enthusiasts refer to them) in Boston, MA.  The watches in attendance at this GTG were phenomenal and I wish I could have been there to enjoy them (I’m sure the people were nice, too).  In addition to a beautiful Rolex Red Daytona, the lineup of vintage watches was amazing.  I am sharing a couple teasers below, but you’ll need to click here to check out Mr. Bond’s full report on the Perpetuelle.com World Watch Forum.  Partial Listing of Watches in attendance include: Rolex “Red Daytona”, Vintage Ulysse Nardin, Vintage Omega Seamster 300, Vintage IWC, Pink dial Minerva, Omega Seamaster Broad Arrow, Chopard, Breguet Type XX, Omega SMP, (Vincent?) Calabrese.

Thanks for the great GTG report, James!

Rolex Red Daytona

Photo: James Bond

“Group Shot”

Photo: James Bond

Again, click here to check out Mr. Bond’s full report on the Perpetuelle.com World Watch Forum.

Summer Soiree at Moda Cucina in Boston to Benefit the Make A Wish Foundation

This past Wednesday evening (July 15th) Perpetuelle.com Senior Moderator James Bond was on the scene for a splendid VIP gala at Moda Cucina in the Boston Design Center.  This event celebrated Moda Cucina winning Best of Boston Home 2009 with proceeds being donated to Make A Wish Foundation. And to help celebrate with Moda Cucina, also present were Grenon’s of Newport, authorized dealer for many outstanding watch brands, and Ferrari-Maserati of New England.

Of course James was there for the watches, but I am glad that he couldn’t help but snap a few pics of the evenings other attractions!

***Click here to see James Bond’s full report – with some very nice pictures! ***

Great report James and thanks for sharing!

A nice post to start off the week – a late-breaking interview in Perpetuelle.com’s “Post-Baselworld Interview Series” – and this one with none other than Mr. Manuel Emch himself.  For those of you not familiar with the name, Manuel Emch is President of the highly prestigious, ultra-luxurious watchmaker Montres Jaquet Droz SA.  I am pleased to share this interview with you below in which Mr. Emch shares his insights into Baselworld 2009, online media, and much more.

Montres Jaquet Droz at Baselworld 2009

Mr. Manuel Emch

Perpetuelle: How was BASELWORLD 2009 different for Jaquet Droz compared to prior years?

Mr. Emch:  It was different due to the change of schedule between the SIHH (from January, 20th to January, 25th 2009) and Baselworld (from March, 25th to April, 2nd 2009), but also due to the challenging economical environment. However, in terms of presence and orders, Baselworld 2009 was better than expected and at comparable level with 2008. We presented over 50 novelties and among them an entirely new horological instrument: the automaton La Machine à Ecrire le Temps, the first automaton of modern times.

La Machine à Ecrire le Temps

In the current economic situation, customers tend to be more selective and are searching for sustainable values. Jaquet Droz, as an exclusive brand combining classical values and innovative technologies, represents a safe hedge in this context.

Perpetuelle: Please tell us about the philosophy behind the new 2009 releases from Jaquet Droz.

Mr. Emch:  My direct environment is a great source of inspiration as it fuels me with a constant flow of various perceptions – sounds, images, colours,… – leading to fresh ideas and innovative projects.

For the new Jaquet Droz collection, launched at Baselworld 2009, each theme was inspired by music. We worked around 4 communication axes :

1. Women’s collection
2. Access to the Jaquet Droz universe
3. Men’s collection
4. Technical exception and excellency with La Machine à Ecrire le Temps

During the creation process, I always try to think “outside the box” and to focus on emotion rather than only on technical aspects. I want to challenge every precept, and I encourage my team to do the same, as I believe it is a fundamental element of creativity.

Perpetuelle: Would you please kindly highlight a couple of your favorite new models for us?

Mr. Emch:  On the occasion of Baselworld 2009, we unveiled numerous novelties but I have a preference for Les Douze Villes as this model is destined for those whose lives are characterised by the crossing of different time zones. Twelve cities, like so many possibilities for different modes of existence, lifestyles and desires… Twelve destinations, each with their own history, secrets, memories and encounters… For this timepiece, Jaquet Droz has chosen a black Grand Feu enamelled dial with its unique grain to harbour 12 destinations around the world.

Jaquet Droz Les Douze Villes

I also have a fondness for a more trendy watch: Réserve de Marche Céramique Technicolor. Five colours for a rainbow of possibilities…, An encounter between different genres this model, contemporary in spirit, possesses all of the iconic beauty of the Grande Seconde and is made of scratch-proof, resistant ceramic, whose colour and radiance will never fade.

Jaquet Droz Réserve de Marche Céramique Technicolor

Perpetuelle: What are the core strengths (and/or defining elements) of Jaquet Droz?

Mr. Emch:  Jaquet Droz is a blend of history, craftsmanship, technical know-how and design, wrapped up in exclusivity and intimacy and its core value includes all these aspects as each one contributes to translate a rich heritage into successful contemporary timepieces. “Grand feu” enamelling is one of the expert techniques that constitute the signature of a Jaquet Droz watch. Master dial-makers perform this operation entirely by hand, playing with fine powders and subjecting them to fire. They alone know the formula to produce these dials, whose colour and texture are absolutely unique.

Perpetuelle: What are you wearing now?

Mr. Emch:  I wear since 2001 the first Grande Seconde Email, which is for me the most valuable watch as it is the first model of the new design philosophy I created based on an original Jaquet Droz pocket watch of the 18th Century. This timepiece is at the very core of the brand’s identity.

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Email

Perpetuelle: Are there any areas that Jaquet Droz will be focusing on for 2010 and/or beyond (for example, a focus on certain types of watches / complications / movements)?

Mr. Emch:  During Baselworld 2010, Jaquet Droz will –as usual- unveil numerous novelties. But our main novelty will be our new base movement which we should present by the end of next year. We also started building our new Manufacture in la Chaux-de-Fonds, which will be inaugurated Fall 2010.

Perpetuelle: Please tell us about the distribution strategy and geographical availability of Jaquet Droz timepieces.

Mr. Emch:  Jaquet Droz has 6 own flagship stores: Genève, Courchevel, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Macao, and since December 2008 Moscow. We will open soon a new own Boutique in Hanoi (Vietnam). Moreover, Jaquet Droz is represented in a selective distribution network of 200 of the best watch retailers in 50 markets.

Perpetuelle: Can you tell us which, if any, geographies you believe will play in important role in the future growth of Jaquet Droz?

Mr. Emch:  Jaquet Droz plans to extend its retail strategy to Asia (opening of a new flagship store in Hanoi) on one side and on the other to further develop its activity in the region of Russia and the USA as there is still room for growth.

Perpetuelle: What role do you see for online media (such as Perpetuelle.com) and Jaquet Droz? How do you see this role changing/evolving in the future?

Mr. Emch:  Online media represents a great opportunity for Jaquet Droz to develop its presence worldwide. More and more, it will raise its importance and influence. The interactive forums will help us being closer to our clients or potential customers.

Perpetuelle: Thank you Mr. Emch for sharing your time and insights with Perpetuelle.com’s audience of luxury watch owners, collectors & enthusiasts.  We wish you and everyone at Montres Jaquet Droz  all the best in 2009 and beyond.

As part of our “Post-Baselworld Interview Series”, Perpetuelle.com recently conducted an interview with OMEGA President Stephen Urquhart.  We are pleased to share this interview with you below in which we learn a bit more of Mr. Urquhart’s views on Baselworld 2009, OMEGA’s commemoration of the 40^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, and more.

Omega’s exhibit hall at Baselworld 2009

Perpetuelle: How was BASELWORLD 2009 different for OMEGA compared to prior years?

Mr. Urquhart: Each edition of BASELWORLD has its own distinct personality and character. For OMEGA, 2009 will be best remembered for our commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. When astronauts landed on the Moon in July of 1969 they were wearing OMEGA Speedmasters; Buzz Aldrin had his strapped to the outside of his spacesuit when he stepped onto the lunar surface and the Moonwatch was born.

In Basel, we organised a press conference which featured four of the twelve men who walked on the Moon, along with some other astronauts and some key NASA personnel, including Gerry Griffin, the flight director of Apollo 11 and Jim Ragan, the NASA engineer who was responsible for choosing the chronograph to be approved for all of NASA’s manned spaceflights.

In Basel this year we also celebrated the tenth anniversary of the launch of the OMEGA Co-Axial Escapement. While it may not be quite as “sexy” as our NASA connection, the implications of our Co-Axial movements on the way mechanical watches will be produced in the future are significant.

Buzz Aldrin holding the 40th Anniversary Speedmaster, with OMEGA President Stephen Urquhart

Perpetuelle: Please tell us about the philosophy behind the new 2009 releases from OMEGA.

Mr. Urquhart: We have always created watches which combined technical innovation with design excellence and that continues to be the case in 2009.

This year we have introduced a re-design of our Constellation line. While we have maintained the design features which have placed the Constellations among the most recognisable and popular watches in the world, the look has been updated and refined. The mechanical models are equipped with Co-Axial movements, so the aesthetic appeal of the watches is supported by state-of-the-industry watchmaking technology.

Another release for 2009 which also characterizes our philosophy is the Seamaster 1200M Ploprof. It’s a new version of the popular Ploprof divers’ watch we made in the 1970s but improved technology means that it is now water resistant to 1200 metres (4000 feet). It’s equipped with our Co-Axial calibre 8500 which was developed entirely in-house. It has a distinctive look, astounding robustness, and an innovative movement. It also recalls one of the great OMEGA wristwatches from an earlier time. Thus, it honours our heritage while helping to define the benchmark in the manufacture of mechanical watches.

The OMEGA Seamaster 1200M Ploprof

Perpetuelle: Would you please kindly highlight a couple of your favourite new models for us?

Mr. Urquhart: I would refer to the Seamaster 1200 Ploprof which I mentioned in the answer to your previous question.

We also released the Speedmaster Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition watch this year. With distinctive sterling silver medallions on the small seconds sub-dial and on the case back, it’s a particularly nice Moonwatch.

The OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition

Perpetuelle: What are you wearing now?

Mr. Urquhart: At this moment I’m wearing the Speedmaster Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition. It’s particularly appropriate with the anniversary in July approaching.

Perpetuelle: Please tell us about the distribution strategy and geographical availability of OMEGA timepieces.

Mr. Urquhart: Some years ago we implemented a strategy to streamline our distribution and it has been very successful – we have reduced the number of OMEGA retailers by half with the result that we are working with those who are best able to represent the brand. Furthermore we have reinforced our strategy with regard to corporate flagship boutiques and now have over 50, the latest addition being our store on Fifth Avenue in New York City which opened in April.

OMEGA’s Newest Boutique opened at 711 Fifth Avenue in New York City

As a truly global brand, we make our full product range available to all of our markets around the world.

It’s useful to remember that our distribution strategy is not independent of our product strategy. OMEGA is still defined by its pioneering spirit and innovative watchmaking. Our Co-Axial calibres can be described as an evolution of these defining characteristics and an upgrade of the products.

Concerning our distribution, the use of fewer but better retailers, including our own stores, also represents an upgrade in our retailing strategy.

Product and distribution are keys to the success of the brand and we’ve been able to upgrade them in tandem.

Perpetuelle: Can you tell us which, if any, geographies you believe will play in important role in the future growth of OMEGA?

Mr. Urquhart: It is gratifying to see that our decision to enter the Chinese market twenty years ago with a clearly-defined strategy was the right one.  In a relatively short time China has become a leading market for luxury products and given its size and ambitions will certainly influence the luxury business in the foreseeable future.  OMEGA has also made important inroads into two other markets of the future, namely India and Russia, which together with our existing strength in the more traditional watch markets gives us a truly global reach.

Perpetuelle: Thank you Mr. Urquhart for sharing your time and insights with Perpetuelle.com’s audience of luxury watch owners, collectors & enthusiasts.  We wish you and everyone at OMEGA all the best in 2009 and beyond.

As part of our “Post-Baselworld Interview Series”, Perpetuelle.com recently conducted an interview with Mr. Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot.  We are pleased to share this interview with you below in which Mr. Biver shares his insights into Baselworld 2009, Hublot’s new manufacture movement coming in 2010, the future that is online media, and much more.

Hublot at Baselworld 2009

Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver

Perpetuelle: How was BASELWORLD 2009 different for Hublot compared to prior years?

Mr. Biver: Compared to the other years, we sold this year 8 watches when the retailer needed to order 10. Last year when needed 10 he ordered between 15 and 20. So this year we have real orders in our books with no inflation.

Perpetuelle: Please tell us about the philosophy behind the new 2009 releases from Hublot.

Mr. Biver: The King Power is an evolution of the Big Bang. A stronger case, less “sophisticated” but more complicated to produce. Inside we have a movement with a double complication: the split second hand and the foudroyante. The case is executed either in full ceramic, or in Zirconium, or in 18 karats Red Gold (we have introduced a new alloy which is a world first indeed).

The second important innovation of this Basel collection is  the evolution of the Big Bang with the introduction of the leather/rubber( both material are fused together) strap and a new dial together with the new finish of the bezel.

Hublot’s Big Bang King Power (In Ceramic and Red Gold)

Big Bang King Case Back / Movement

Perpetuelle: Would you please highlight a couple of your favorite new models for us?

Mr. Biver: I love the Big Bang evolution quite a lot. Especially as it makes the Big Bang look like a classic now. I was not expecting to reach this evolution already after such a short period

Perpetuelle: What do you view as the core strengths (and/or defining elements) of Hublot?

Mr. Biver: The  strength of Hublot is its concept in itself. The fusion of tradition and future. The permanent research of new colors and new materials. Which at the end make our watches look different and unique

Perpetuelle: What are you wearing now?

Mr. Biver: I am wearing the Bigger Bang All Black. Which incorporates both a great material (the ceramic), a great movement (Tourbillon Chronograph Column Wheel), and a great concept (All Black).

Hublot Bigger Bang All Black

Perpetuelle: Are there any areas in particular that Hublot will be focusing on for 2010 and/or beyond (for example, a focus on certain types of watches / complications / movements)?

Mr. Biver: The focus will be our own movement called UNICO. That will be the highlight of our 2010 collection. And furthermore we will have quite some interesting evolutions of complications.

Perpetuelle: Please tell us about the distribution strategy and geographical availability of Hublot timepieces.

Mr. Biver: We have and insist to keep a very exclusive and selective distribution network. Not more than 300 retailers are selling our watches all over the world. We control our distribution network in the sense that we are monitoring their sell out before we sell in. in other words a retailer cannot get a shipment of watches as long as we are not convinced about the fact that he has sold them and that he is not piling up stock. Furthermore we try never to deliver more than 70% of the demand. This enables the brand to keep its rarity and cleanness.

Perpetuelle: Can you tell us which, if any, geographies you believe will play in important role in the future growth of Hublot?

Mr. Biver: No doubt China. China will play a big and instrumental role in the future of luxury. Therefore we have to conquer China as soon as possible. The future is clearly in China. But we have to keep the other markets also under control.

Grand Opening of the Hublot boutique in Taipei

Perpetuelle: What is Hublot’s approach towards online media?  How do you see the role of online media changing/evolving in the future as it pertains to Hublot?

Mr. Biver: Online media is like China. It is the future! Online has played a huge role in the development of Hublot.  Especially all the blogs and forum on the net.  Hublot will try to reinforce its presence and communication in the online media. We have to adapt our communication tool towards online. The future is online as online is communication.

Perpetuelle: Thank you Mr. Biver for sharing your time and insights with Perpetuelle.com’s audience of luxury watch owners, collectors & enthusiasts.  We wish you and everyone at Hublot all the best in 2009 and beyond.

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