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Richard Mille: Looking beyond horizon
Richard Mille, CEO and Founder of Richard Mille Brand, says upcoming Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) exhibition is important for the brand. “It is going to be a spectacular show for us with some amazing timepieces to share with everyone,” says Mille. Below are excerpts from the interview with the CEO:
What is impact of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) on a premium brand such as yours in the Middle East?
SIHH is extremely important for us in every way; it is the one time in the year that we are all together and have the opportunity to talk and get up to date with clients from all over the Middle East. Of course, presenting our new models to our clients is very exciting, but this combined with the time for personal contact makes it even more important for us to be there.
What are your expectations at SIHH 2013?
My expectations are high, buoyed by not only the fantastic results we have had already through 2012, also because of the excitement around our new models; it is going to be a spectacular show for us with some amazing timepieces to share with everyone.
What are the foreseen trends and directions in watches in 2013? Any particular trends that your brand is keen on in terms of movement and or designs?
My personal trend, as always, is to continue being independently creative and not to be too concerned about what is happening around me. It seems the more that I follow my own instincts, the greater the interest is from the public.
What “star” novelties will be showcased at the SIHH?
I am afraid that you will have to come and visit us to see them yourself; in the end what I can say is that all of my watches are stars. My most favourite watch is always the newest watch that I am working on, and right now, I am already working on the future pieces for 2014!
When would you expect SIHH novelties to be available at boutiques and POS in the Middle East?
Let me answer you in depth, because this a question that everyone asks me, each and every year, and of course, I am deeply flattered that people want their new timepieces as quickly as possible - I appreciate this and understand it well. But you know, even I don’t have the supernatural powers to rush my watchmakers; and making watches requires a lot of handwork, solitude, skill and concentration. So the only realistic answer I can give you is that it will take several months. It is really important to note that the new pieces at SIHH are the first trial prototypes, and afterwards there can be small changes that I might prefer in some small details of hands, dial, etc. This is the beautiful process of being an active, independent and creative brand; it also requires time. I understand this is a source of frustration, but I am sure you understand that forcing people to work faster than they can is not a way to produce the highest quality, and I must respect my own striving for perfection as well as these artists in their work.
Which of your watch models are the most popular in the Middle East? And Why?
Hard to tell in a simple manner; I would venture to say that we have sales across the board that are similar to other parts of the world, except perhaps that we sell more jewellery pieces in the Middle East than elsewhere. Precious stones enjoy a lot more attention there and many people seem to love the sparkle and colours they add to my timepieces.
What are the challenges that you are facing as watchmakers/retailer in the existing global and regional circumstances?
Actually the only problem we have, if you can call it that, is to produce more watches to fulfill demand, and because of the high level of work we produce, it is not a simple task to increase production, even a small amount.