Manuel Emh, my interlocutor today, is sure that every person should have a passion that will lead him through life. As president of perhaps the most famous Swiss watch brand Jaquet Droz, he is passionately passionate about one thing - the watch. And, forgive me my pun, he can talk about watches for hours. Arriving in Dubai to present his new collection at the Damas Les Exclusive boutique, he kindly agreed to answer a few questions.
- Manuel, why did you decide to connect your life with the manufacture of watches, and what distinguishes the Jaquet Droz brand from other Swiss watch brands?
From childhood I was fascinated by art. At the age of 15 I even worked in an art gallery, then received a special art education in Lazanne, and today I am pleased to collect objects of contemporary art.
Watchmaking is also an art, only more accurate. I am proud to work at Jaquet Droz, because it is one of the oldest watch brands, it is more than 270 years old. The rich history of the brand constantly inspires me. I always want to create something new, not forgetting the traditions that the Jaquet Droz brand brought to the world of Swiss watches. Our watches are distinguished by the highest class of work of masters, comparable only with art. The level of skill of our watchmakers is known all over the world, and technical know-how, such as high-precision turbillons and chronometers invented by our engineers, allows us not to stop there. In addition to watches, we also produce movements, magnificent dials, which are also acquired by other well-known watch manufacturers.
- Your watch at first glance looks pretty simple. What is a tribute to almost three hundred year old traditions?
The design of all our watches is also our pride. You are right, the appearance is largely echoed by the first products of the brand, many of which were not wrist watches, but pocket watches. Personally, I really like the laconic solutions in the design of watches, large dials, readable numbers. I think that the Jaquet Droz collections are universally recognizable, largely due to their design.
- Who designs?
Mostly myself. I love it. I try to create new replicas of once existing models, equipping them with other elements and modern mechanisms. This allows you to preserve the image of classic Jaquet Droz watches that has established itself in the world and, at the same time, attract the attention of a new generation of connoisseurs of Swiss watch traditions.
- Presenting your watch here, did you think about the addiction of oriental buyers to rich jewelry, including watches?
The East has always been characterized by splendor and brilliance, but there are many admirers of our brand who watch their accuracy in watches, rather than the number of diamonds. Although some of our models, such as Zodiac, are also decorated with diamonds, it is made so subtle that a person sees, first of all, the constellation against the background of a black dial, and not the kitsch that has become so popular recently. Moreover, I'm not talking about the fact that a watch inlaid with diamonds or gems is a bad taste, no. It’s just that each watch has its own buyer, and we try to push their owners to unravel the secrets of being with our works.
- Such a philosophical approach?
All we do in life is philosophy. Our brand existed in the past, and it will certainly remain in the future. Today we create our future, being in the present. That is, just in the middle between the past and the future. And our task is to come to a complete coordination of times. Even if it's just in a watch.
- You represent your brand in Damas boutique. Why did you choose her as your Middle Eastern partner?
Because Damas is a name known enough to have every right to promote other brands in this region. We work in complete confidence in each other, and I am impressed by the professionalism with which Damas executives and employees approach their partners and customers.
- Who are the main buyers of your watch - men or women?
We position Jaquet Droz as a men's watch brand, although we have several female models. But, thanks to the latest fashion trends, proclaiming the appropriateness of large watches in a women's wardrobe, quite a lot of women acquire our male models.
- What can you say about Russian customers?
Only good! (laughs). We work in Moscow and have repeatedly faced with the fact that the Russians who have come to the watch boutique always know what they want to buy. Therefore, I am glad that among the fans of Jaquet Droz there are many of your compatriots who, by the way, are acquiring our watches around the world, not only in the Russian capital.
- Maybe you want to wish them something on the eve of the New Year?
I want to wish all your readers to have passion in their life. Believe me, this feeling is even more than love, it can move a person to such actions bordering on a feat that he never expected from himself. Passionate collecting, or some kind of creativity, a passion for traveling or finding yourself in a new profession - all this can bring you success.
- Go for it! Thanks for the conversation, Manuel. Good luck to you too.
Interviewed: Elena Olkhovskaya
