Could you tell us about your association with ST.HONORE and why were chosen to be the Brand Ambassador of the noted Swiss Brand?
I have been associated with SAINT HONORE since 2005 so it is quite a long period now. I believe SAINT HONORE like my “double personality” as racing driver and actor. SAINT HONORE had some sporty-elegant watches to promote back then and it was a good fit because I really love watches. On the other hand, Thierry Fresard and Olivier Birault from SAINT HONORE, are fans of motorsport so it was a common choice.
As the face for ST.HONORE, what qualities and characteristics do you bring to the brand and what do your responsibilities entail?
I somehow represent the French Style so important to SAINT HONORE, and also the link between sport and elegance. I have been assisting SAINT HONORE in many high profile events like boutique openings, press conferences, Baselworld… and even participating in the conception of some watches like the Black Racing series that we started in 2006. I am also using my network to introduce the brand to some “stars”.
What do you find most attractive about SAINT HONORE?
SAINT HONORE is well suited to my tastes. Watches with character, contemporary but also understated. I like their designs combining Paris Style with Swiss Made quality. I also really like their Limited Editions (Black Racing, Haussman Regatta, 125th Anniversary) and the innovative use of specific colors like bronze or rose gold.
SAINT HONORE has created a special watch “Orsay Black Racing” limited edition in honor of the relation what characteristics does this watch hold?
In 2006, SAINT HONORE asked me what would be my “dream watch” and so we came up with this idea of the Orsay Black Racing. The spirit also came from the famous Le Mans 24 Hours race and highlighted the blue and orange colors of my race team. It was a Limited Edition of course and in order to be wearable every day, on top of the racing black and blue strap we added an extra strap croco style strap. My teammates and I raced with it at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2006. So we can say that this watch has done the most extreme race in the world. This particular piece is now in SAINT HONORE Paris boutique. At that time, the black case was not very common and it was a real novelty. Since then, 4 Black Racing series have been launched and I am always happy to participate in their conception and also to help SAINT HONORE find new drivers to wear it.
The “Oraay Black Racing” is available in the Middle East, have you ever been to that part of the world that holds now two Formula 1 racing circuits and organizes several international racing events?
That’s right that 2 world class circuits are now in this part of the world with Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, not to mention Doha and Dubai. Unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to come to the Middle East yet but I hope that it will be the case very soon. I know that SAINT HONORE has some interesting boutique projects in the region…
As a successful former French racing driver who raced in Formula1 how important is it to wear a professional chronograph around your wrist?
I consider a watch as the only jewel for men and I have always been fan of nice watches, I even have a small collection, so I would say it is more a pleasure than a necessity. But professional drivers like to have the best on their wrists so having a professional, reliable and efficient chronograph is really a must-have.