fiogf49gjkf0d
Exclusive Interview with Jerome Lambert, CEO of Montblanc Watches: The Luxury Watch Market in General is Strong & Growing
What are your brand’s ‘star’ novelties for the SIHH 2015?
This year, we have two ‘star’ novelties being showcased at SIHH. For Montblanc, 2015 is about exploration. And with the new ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph, from the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection we explore the uncharted territories of fine watchmaking. It combines two of the most important chronometric complications: a chronograph to measure the duration of brief intervals and a patented tourbillon construction for absolute precision. Montblanc debuted the patented ExoTourbillon mechanism, which was completely developed and built in the Manufacture in Villeret, as part of the Collection Villeret in 2010. Five years later, Montblanc returns to this complication to integrate it into Montblanc’s own monopusher automatic chronograph calibre in the Heritage Chronométrie Collection.
Also making its launch this year is the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Vasco da Gama Limited Edition 60 that pays tribute to the spirit of exploration of this outstanding seafarer. This version is the flagship of the Vasco da Gama Limited Edition Collection. Each of the 60 chronographs in this strictly limited edition boasts several important artisanal refinement. The pane of sapphire crystal in the case back is designed with a sketch of the historic sailing vessel, as is the signature of the intrepid discoverer. The series is limited to 60 watches in reference to the 60-man crew of the São Gabriel; the Vasco de Gama’s floating flagship. Lastly, the dial’s lower level is satin-finished and unveils the intricate construction of the ExoTourbillon at 6 o’clock.
What kind of impact does SIHH have on a premium brand such as yours in the Middle East?
Salon International Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) is one of the most highly regarded and keenly anticipated exhibitions globally. As a maison that embodies the finest Swiss watchmaking and craftsmanship, Montblanc’s participation at SIHH is extremely important for us, and enables us to showcase our latest innovations in the field. Middle Eastern journalists possess an exceptional knowledge of the brand and a high level understanding of horology, and attendance at SIHH provides exclusive and privileged access to the latest launches and introductions.
What are your expectations at SIHH 2015?
There Is much excitement and anticipation for SIHH 2015. Not only will Montblanc be launching a number of exceptional new flagship timepieces, we will also be announcing our new female global ambassador. We are looking forward to a busy and dynamic show that will set the pace for an exciting year of new launches and additions to Montblanc’s Collections.
What are the foreseen trends and directions with watches in 2015?
The luxury watch market in general is a strong and growing one – consumers are becoming more and more knowledgeable, discerning and appreciate the heritage, true craftsmanship, quality and superior design of brands such as Montblanc.
Any particular trend(s) that your brand is keen on in terms of movement and or designs?
Many brands discussed the influence of smart watches on traditional fine watchmaking. We present our unique approach at SIHH: the e-Strap. We address our target groups of modern urban explorer by combining fine watchmaking and wearable technology with a digital device on an innovative Extreme Strap.
When would we expect the SIHH novelties to be available at boutiques and POS in the Middle East?
The novelties will be in our point of sales starting from May 2015 and through the year .
What are your priorities for 2015?
We look forward to launch all the novelties we present at SIHH. The collections for watch lovers, for modern explorer, for contemporary achievers and of course the Boheme contemporary lady.
What is the percentage of the women watches introduced compared to the masculine watches introduced? Are there any plans to change the current equation?
We still have a bigger share of men’s watches and this will continue.
However , the past months with our Boheme watches in the market have been extremely successful and we will further develop our offer to please this great appreciation.
How is your brand faring in the Middle East?
Montblanc has been present in Middle East for many decades and enjoys strong loyalty from generations of customers in the region. Our first boutique in Middle East was in Deira, Dubai in 1996 and has been well received from the very beginning. Now, we have 16 boutiques in the UAE and a total of almost 500 across the world.
Montblanc’s strong heritage, craftsmanship and design continues to resonate with customers, both those new to the maison and those who have been customers for many years, and for both residents and the millions of tourists that visit us every year.
Do you propose to open more independent boutiques in the Middle East?
Our business model in the region includes both boutiques and partnerships with regional retailers, not only independent boutiques. Our own boutique network and its continuing growth is a strategically important and valuable opportunity for Montblanc to showcase the breadth of our product range in writing instruments, watches, jewellery and leather goods and with this, to communicate our brand values. We will certainly continue to open new boutiques in our region.
What are the markets that you plan to focus on in the region to achieve your brands potential?
All markets in our region are important for Montblanc, and we will continue our support and development of each. In terms of size, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are our biggest markets.
Did your export figures increase in the Middle East for 2015?
I am positive by nature!
NOVELTIES:
Richard Mille RM 33-01
Richard Mille unveiled the RM 33-01, a synthesis of chic design and a sporty feel encapsulated in an automatic watch. The new skeletonized RMXP3 caliber that will drive the RM 33-01 has an off-center platinum micro rotor. This architecture reveals the grade 5 titanium movement, which is wet sandblasted and electroplasma-treated, the surfaces microblasted, drawn and satin-finished and the anglage entirely worked by hand. The tripartite case, with a diameter of 45.70 mm and a thickness of 9.20 mm, is mounted on a rubber strap secured with a folding clasp in grade 5 titanium. Water-resistant to 30 meters, it is assembled using 14 grade 5 titanium spline screws.
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Trio
A. Lange & Söhne presented three models of the SAXONIA watch family with a new dial design that further enhances their intrinsic gracefulness: SAXONIA, SAXONIA AUTOMATIC, and SAXONIA DUAL TIME. The diameter of the SAXONIA with the proven L941.1 manufacture calibre is now 35.0 millimetres. With a reduced diameter of 38.5 millimetres, the SAXONIA DUAL TIME is now the same size as the SAXONIA AUTOMATIC.
Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection
Vasco da Gama’s pioneering spirit and skilful navigation inspired Montblanc to create a new watch collection “The Heritage Chronométrie” which connects the Portuguese explorer’s obsession with precision and the roots of fine watchmaking. The Heritage Chronométrie Collection unites fundamental virtues of fine watchmaking, the best Swiss craftsmanship, and Montblanc’s own tradition. A special edition of the timepieces in this series bears Vasco da Gama’s name and pays homage to this outstanding discoverer. The distinctive cruciform constellation in the sky above the Southern Hemisphere also plays an essential role.
Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon Skeleton watch
In 2015 Cartier has approached this new interpretation of the Astrotourbillon. The Rotonde de Cartier
Astrotourbillon Skeleton watch has been entirely rethought and created according to the strictest rules of proportion, harmony and balance. Behind lies an aesthetic intention, a daring creative stance that aims to highlight the movement’s structure so that it “disappears” behind the imposing XII and VI on the dial – a true Cartier signature. Entirely skeletonised, the main plate of the 9461 MC movement rests on just these two Roman numerals. In this unique architecture, these bridges powerfully structure the calibre, defining its appearance and supporting the construction. A weightless rotation for the Astrotourbillon. This architecture is aerial both in terms of its structure and its tourbillon cage.