What is your assessment of Watches And Wonders?
We were able to present our watches in a qualitative way to a large number of journalists and important clients from around the world, who were able to interact with us, and our ambassador Reinhold Messner, whose personality fascinated everyone. They were all very positive about the overall experience.
If you had to choose between the physical 2019 show and the 2021 digital formula, what would you say?
As a people person, I attach a lot of importance to relationships and face-to-face discussions. Between a physical event and a digital trade show, my preference would be for the former.
Which three Montblanc watches were the most popular during the week?
The 1858 Geosphere Desert has proven to be a novelty with a very strong impact, as its unique design is accompanied by exclusivity and innovation. Its world time display on two domed globes – representing our two hemispheres that make complete rotations in 24 hours in opposite directions – has become a signature for the brand. This new bronze version requires a mastery of the material that is not available to all brands. Its laser-engraved titanium caseback illustrating Reinhold Messner’s crossing of the Gobi Desert is a real technological breakthrough that only Montblanc is capable of today on such a surface. No colour has been applied, everything comes from this laser engraving technique that is specific to Montblanc. Its association with the mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner reinforces the appeal of this limited edition of 1858 pieces.
In another segment of our offering, the response to what collectors are already calling “Lime Gold”, our new green gold alloy for the 1858 split-seconds chronograph, has exceeded our expectations. I guess I underestimated the appeal of offering a new gold.
Finally, the reconstruction of Minerva’s Pythagore movement is exceptional, the Montblanc Heritage Pythagore Small Second limited series is incredible. I love its aesthetics and its history with the golden ratio, its strong link to architecture, and overall harmony. Many journalists have asked me if there will be a sequel to this calibre. Indeed, it is a good basis for a movement, which allows access to the world of Minerva at a lower price point. When we see the number of people who are passionate about Minerva movements, we may be witnessing a revolution for Montblanc.
Were you able to fully tell your story during the fair?
Yes, we touched on unique functions, unique movements, and materials, showing our expertise and also new techniques such as the laser on the Geosphere, which was very popular as it almost brings a second face to the watch. We were able to cover all aspects of watchmaking in this show, and also bring diversity in the way we presented them thanks to the presence of Reinhold Messner.
What’s next for you for the rest of 2021?
We hope that the pandemic situation will improve all over the world. Watches And Wonders remains the most important event in the watchmaking industry for this year and a determining factor for the future. It was an opportunity for us to work on a few emblematic pieces and to establish our watchmaking legitimacy, but we were not the only ones to do so and we still have some nice watches to unveil during the year with less hubbub around. 2021 will be a rich year!
Do you think that Montblanc will participate in the Geneva Watch Days at the beginning of September?
I’m a big believer in local events like SIAR in Mexico, as they offer connections to customers and opportunities to showcase new products, of which there will be many more after the summer, so why not!
When do you aim to return to your base year in terms of financial results?
2019 was a baseline year, but I have learned not to make predictions, especially after these last 12 months! We thought the pandemic was on the way out after the first wave, then after the second, and now we are in the midst of a third. Of course, some markets are doing very well, and not just China, but many are still closed. In any case, what we are building around the Montblanc brand – the very strong new products; the arrival of our new creative director Marco Tomasetta for all Montblanc business categories; our new managing director of the watch division, Laurent Lecamp; our established e-commerce activity; and our global network of boutiques – all of these are positive factors. Even if there are still many external parametres that we cannot control. I always see the glass half full!
How would you like the general public who love watches to view Montblanc?
As a serious player in the watch industry, of course. I think the first thing is that consumers recognize us as a watch brand, which does not prevent us from being a writing instrument brand, or a leather-goods brand too. Montblanc is a watchmaker with genuine legitimacy, and Minerva is a key element to that. People who are interested in watchmaking need to connect to strong elements and Minerva’s 160-year history and its movements supports this. Secondly, watch buyers need to find elements of differentiation in Montblanc that will encourage them to take the plunge. If the public can recognize a Geosphere on a wrist and say to themselves, “Oh look, he’s wearing the Montblanc Geosphere” with a hint of admiration in their voice, I’ll be more than satisfied!
