Badollet and Heritage Watch Manufactory

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Badollet and Heritage Watch Manufactory - GTE
2 minutes read
Is the Geneva Time Exhibition a successful incubator for niche watchmaking brands? That is definitely the route chosen by this fair, which is once again hosting Badollet and Heritage Watch Manufactory.
WORLDTEMPUS - 12 December 2012

Marie de Pimodan-Bugnon

The 2013 GTE is already looking promising, with the renewed participation of Badollet and Heritage Watch Manufactory, two companies whose presence at an event like this is mainly intended to increase their renown in a manner that is inversely proportional to the “confidential” nature of their production. Networking, displaying their craftsmanship and attracting media coverage are the common objectives pursued by both of these brands that share similar positioning and values.

“Attending fairs is the means we have chosen to raise awareness among people seeking an exceptional product in very limited quantities” explains Badollet's CEO, Philippe Dubois. “This is the fourth time we have taken part in the GTE – we are unconditional fans!”
 
With production limited to some 50 pieces per annum and a decided taste for horological complications – the simplest watch has at least a tourbillon – Badollet targets a clientele that consists of connoisseurs who do not need to have the intricacies of a watch mechanism explained to them. The latter certainly will not miss an opportunity to (re) discover the famous Ivresse model launched in 2012. Equipped with the very first movement entirely developed and manufactured in-house, the Ivresse watch features a tourbillon driven by a shaped movement with a curved mainplate. This is a veritable revolution for the brand, which intends to capitalise on its participation in the Geneva Time Exhibition to consolidate the model's success with new variations. 

 

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For Heritage Watch Manufactory, the GTE is also an indispensable link in its strategic development. Created in 2010 by Karsten Fraessdorf, Heritage Watch Manufactory is a company that is committed to taking its time. So far, no industrial production has taken place, just prototypes presented to the press, professionals and the public.

“2012 has been a very significant year for us, during which interest in our products has been confirmed by clients and journalists alike” says brand CEO Didier Decker. The year already got off to a bang when the Tensus model received the GTE 2012 Superwatch Award. The constant force of this model ensures the optimal precision timing of its movement despite a reduced power reserve. With the experience gained in the past three years devoted to the development of its five collections – and as many patents registered – characterised by neoclassical aesthetics devoid of any ostentation and excellent chronometry features, Heritage Watch Manufactory is taking the industrialisation plunge The company is aiming to produce some 50 pieces in 2014 and a hundred annually from 2015 onwards.

“Heritage Watch Manufactory is really taking off!” rejoices Didier Decker, who is not expecting any nasty surprises, due to the groundwork done in terms of sales and marketing, particularly through fairs like the GTE. “Production is already well covered by the orders received to date!”

 

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