A futuristic and extremely ambitious project
As Jérôme de Witt prepares to launch the Manufacture of his dreams, not only a futuristic and extremely ambitious project, but one that is clearly defined and with a personalised stamp, this watchmaking enthusiast outlines his aims and his strategy. Pooling expertise
A Manufacture, first and foremost, relies on the know-how of master watchmakers. For someone like me, who isn't an expert in the field, having the right people is of the utmost importance. Although from the outset the company has always employed talented people, the time has now come to pool as many skills as possible, and this process has already begun. When I think about master watchmakers, I think of individuals who are capable of producing a watch from A to Z. I would like to have people who are committed, and who want to achieve, whatever their role within the company. I see a master watchmaker as someone who can fully assume his responsibilities regarding the product from the very beginning to the end. It's motivating for the person who loves his trade, and reassuring for the customer who is the end-user. I consider this way of working to be vital. I don't want a Manufacture that is run, to a greater or lesser extent, by reducing the number of tasks, with the risk that most of the personnel would then become disinterested in the end-product. I prefer to capitalise on the support of individuals, who in the course of their career also help the company to develop. In this context, I'm referring to the know-how of master watchmakers who are capable of repairing any timepiece, whatever the manufacturer or period. Quality control
When we offer the public expensive watches, such as those we make, we have an obligation to provide products of totally irreproachable quality. It's easier to guarantee this when we can control the entire manufacturing process. It's then possible to draw up our own specification documents and to demand perfection at every stage of the manufacturing process, with complete confidence in the end result. This isn't always the case when a company relies on subcontractors. A finished movement received from a subcontractor may have a number of hidden problems that it is no longer possible to check on. For DeWitt, which is positioned in the exclusive category, the stakes involved are very high. Although the brand is still fairly new, it must focus on communicating its image of quality, and in so doing gain consumer confidence over the long term. Moreover, quality control will form the basis for our future development. Winning freedom
When you make something yourself, you further your knowledge. You may test out such and such a system, improve on it, find new solutions and, ultimately, design and develop complete watch movements. For DeWitt, this approach is already on the agenda and its realisation is not that far off. We should be presenting our first basic calibre before the decade is out. I see that by integrating various processes, there is a certain kind of freedom. You are in control of your decisions from day to day, and if need be, nothing prevents us from adopting a different approach. We might discover something during development, and it would be a pity to overlook it without examining its value. The aim of working in-house is to take all parameters into account and to obtain a particularly successful end result. But we have to clearly stand out from our competitors. Building a strong brand profile
Since it was first established, DeWitt has been responsible for several inventions that have brought it international acclaim, both on the part of collectors and enthusiasts of exclusive watches. Our major accomplishments include a sophisticated Grand Complication that is a world first, an invisible system for setting off the minute repeater, a differential system for rapid winding of the power-reserve, a sequential seconds counter for the chronograph, a mysterious winding mechanism, a constant force device for tourbillons, and an innovative date display system uniquely reserved for women's watches. These examples demonstrate our ability to provide completely innovative solutions. I believe that it is vitally important to adopt a personal approach to satisfy the customer expectations of today. The Manufacture will allow us to become increasingly creative, and to establish our reputation in the 21st century with an even stronger brand profile. When you work with partners from outside, there is a risk that your ideas may be borrowed, and more or less knowingly reproduced for others, and this can occur very quickly. Paternity is more difficult to establish, and the risk of possible damage is considerable as far as company image is concerned. Rediscovering creativity
I have a great desire to see a true renaissance in the field of watchmaking. The 18th and 19th centuries were extremely inventive periods, and many are of the opinion that there hasn't been any real progress since then. Even today, there are countless references to the past. There is a tendency to go back to the archives in search of modern interpretations. I find that a great pity. Of course, there is no reason to question the underlying rules of mechanics. However, I consider that the field of research remains very open. With modern technologies, we should not just be content with improving on systems, we can also think differently and explore new avenues for development. I would tend to say that we have to rethink rather than reinterpret. It is still too early to disclose the research being carried out by DeWitt. I can say nevertheless that the evolution of art that goes from the figurative to the abstract can be taken as a point of comparison. Simplifying, taking what is best, going down to the basics are expressions that reflect the way I think. For the movement, this means in particular that energy should be released as rapidly as possible, transmitted with the least friction possible, its regulation assured in the best manner possible, and as precisely as possible. The road ahead promises to be a long one, but we have to take it if we are to merit the title of Manufacture. Research is the primary role of a Manufacture as I understand the term. Preserving the exception
The exception is the rule at DeWitt. We meet the expectations of a demanding clientele that is prepared to pay what it costs to have something that sets them apart. We have to provide our customers with reliable, personalised and innovative watches. La Manufacture du 21e siècle does its utmost to please and astound, on the basis of state-of-the-art equipment, manufacturing processes that rely on fine craftsmanship, limited production, and first and foremost, people who love the exceptional. Men of science and savoir-faire who, each in their own way, add a vital element to our timepieces. I am proud to be at the head of a team which shares its knowledge, because I am convinced that this is the way in which great ideas are developed.
A Manufacture, first and foremost, relies on the know-how of master watchmakers. For someone like me, who isn't an expert in the field, having the right people is of the utmost importance. Although from the outset the company has always employed talented people, the time has now come to pool as many skills as possible, and this process has already begun. When I think about master watchmakers, I think of individuals who are capable of producing a watch from A to Z. I would like to have people who are committed, and who want to achieve, whatever their role within the company. I see a master watchmaker as someone who can fully assume his responsibilities regarding the product from the very beginning to the end. It's motivating for the person who loves his trade, and reassuring for the customer who is the end-user. I consider this way of working to be vital. I don't want a Manufacture that is run, to a greater or lesser extent, by reducing the number of tasks, with the risk that most of the personnel would then become disinterested in the end-product. I prefer to capitalise on the support of individuals, who in the course of their career also help the company to develop. In this context, I'm referring to the know-how of master watchmakers who are capable of repairing any timepiece, whatever the manufacturer or period. Quality control
When we offer the public expensive watches, such as those we make, we have an obligation to provide products of totally irreproachable quality. It's easier to guarantee this when we can control the entire manufacturing process. It's then possible to draw up our own specification documents and to demand perfection at every stage of the manufacturing process, with complete confidence in the end result. This isn't always the case when a company relies on subcontractors. A finished movement received from a subcontractor may have a number of hidden problems that it is no longer possible to check on. For DeWitt, which is positioned in the exclusive category, the stakes involved are very high. Although the brand is still fairly new, it must focus on communicating its image of quality, and in so doing gain consumer confidence over the long term. Moreover, quality control will form the basis for our future development. Winning freedom
When you make something yourself, you further your knowledge. You may test out such and such a system, improve on it, find new solutions and, ultimately, design and develop complete watch movements. For DeWitt, this approach is already on the agenda and its realisation is not that far off. We should be presenting our first basic calibre before the decade is out. I see that by integrating various processes, there is a certain kind of freedom. You are in control of your decisions from day to day, and if need be, nothing prevents us from adopting a different approach. We might discover something during development, and it would be a pity to overlook it without examining its value. The aim of working in-house is to take all parameters into account and to obtain a particularly successful end result. But we have to clearly stand out from our competitors. Building a strong brand profile
Since it was first established, DeWitt has been responsible for several inventions that have brought it international acclaim, both on the part of collectors and enthusiasts of exclusive watches. Our major accomplishments include a sophisticated Grand Complication that is a world first, an invisible system for setting off the minute repeater, a differential system for rapid winding of the power-reserve, a sequential seconds counter for the chronograph, a mysterious winding mechanism, a constant force device for tourbillons, and an innovative date display system uniquely reserved for women's watches. These examples demonstrate our ability to provide completely innovative solutions. I believe that it is vitally important to adopt a personal approach to satisfy the customer expectations of today. The Manufacture will allow us to become increasingly creative, and to establish our reputation in the 21st century with an even stronger brand profile. When you work with partners from outside, there is a risk that your ideas may be borrowed, and more or less knowingly reproduced for others, and this can occur very quickly. Paternity is more difficult to establish, and the risk of possible damage is considerable as far as company image is concerned. Rediscovering creativity
I have a great desire to see a true renaissance in the field of watchmaking. The 18th and 19th centuries were extremely inventive periods, and many are of the opinion that there hasn't been any real progress since then. Even today, there are countless references to the past. There is a tendency to go back to the archives in search of modern interpretations. I find that a great pity. Of course, there is no reason to question the underlying rules of mechanics. However, I consider that the field of research remains very open. With modern technologies, we should not just be content with improving on systems, we can also think differently and explore new avenues for development. I would tend to say that we have to rethink rather than reinterpret. It is still too early to disclose the research being carried out by DeWitt. I can say nevertheless that the evolution of art that goes from the figurative to the abstract can be taken as a point of comparison. Simplifying, taking what is best, going down to the basics are expressions that reflect the way I think. For the movement, this means in particular that energy should be released as rapidly as possible, transmitted with the least friction possible, its regulation assured in the best manner possible, and as precisely as possible. The road ahead promises to be a long one, but we have to take it if we are to merit the title of Manufacture. Research is the primary role of a Manufacture as I understand the term. Preserving the exception
The exception is the rule at DeWitt. We meet the expectations of a demanding clientele that is prepared to pay what it costs to have something that sets them apart. We have to provide our customers with reliable, personalised and innovative watches. La Manufacture du 21e siècle does its utmost to please and astound, on the basis of state-of-the-art equipment, manufacturing processes that rely on fine craftsmanship, limited production, and first and foremost, people who love the exceptional. Men of science and savoir-faire who, each in their own way, add a vital element to our timepieces. I am proud to be at the head of a team which shares its knowledge, because I am convinced that this is the way in which great ideas are developed.
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