Who's Who of the World's Watchers 2018

Uwe AHRENDT Uwe Arendt　Nomos/CEO

Born May 16, 1969 in Glashütte, Germany. ① Joined Glashütte Original at age 16. Later, he studied mechanical engineering and economics at university, earning a joint degree in engineering and industrial engineering. After graduating, he served as production manager at IWC and A. Lange & Söhne, among others, before becoming CEO of NOMOS in 2000. ② Focused on technological innovation, he developed the NOMOS Swing System in 2014, an in-house escapement. In 2018, he developed the Cal. DUW 6101, an ultra-thin automatic movement with a date display. ③ -- ④ While the watch market is becoming increasingly digitalized, with the rise of smartwatches and other trends, there is also a growing desire for authentic craftsmanship and tradition. This sentiment is essential for the brand. NOMOS believes that demand for high-quality mechanical watches will continue into the future and will continue to produce them for decades to come. However, adapting to the needs and expectations of digital natives will be a challenge in the future. This is especially important for brands targeting younger generations.

Nicola ANDREATTA Nicola Andreatta　Tiffany Swiss Watch Company/CEO

Born in Italy in 1973. ① Graduated from the Catholic University of Milan in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in business and economics. Has worked as a manager and consultant in the accounting, operations, production and sales departments of watch brands in Europe and Asia. In 2003, he founded NOA, a company that manufactures and distributes luxury watches in 35 countries, and serves as its owner and representative director. In 13, he became representative of Tiffany Swiss Watch Company. ② He is responsible for all management operations in Tiffany's watch business, from development to manufacturing. ③ -- ④ --

Hajime ASAOKA 　Hajime Asaoka Tokyo Japan/Founder, Master Watchmaker

Born June 26, 1965 in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. 1. Graduated from the Department of Design, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 1990. Established the Hajime Asaoka Design Office in 1992 and released a tourbillon wristwatch in 2008. Established Tokyo Watch Precision Co., Ltd. in 2016. 2. Released the Tourbillon #1 in 2010, Tsunami in 2013, Project T in 2014, Tourbillon Pura in 2015, and the Chronograph in 2017. His latest Chronograph is a classic chronograph equipped with a column wheel and sliding gear. 3. Citizen mechanical chronographs. In the 1970s, mechanical watches were thought to be on the decline, and they were very affordable. 4. Maximizing my imagination as an artist, I continue to create new things. And continuing to produce existing watches with higher quality. I believe that these seemingly contradictory concepts are something I will devote my full energy to achieving.

Olivier AUDEMARS Olivier Audemars　Audemars Piguet / Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors

Born June 13, 1959 in Le Brassus, Switzerland. ① Great-grandson of Edouard-Auguste Piguet, one of the founders of Audemars Piguet. As a child, he grew up listening to stories of the watch workshop from his grandfather, Paul-Edouard Piguet, and developed a passion for watchmaking. After running a company related to materials physics, he traveled to America and Africa, and after returning to Japan in 1997, he became a member of the Audemars Piguet board of directors. In 2000, he succeeded his aunt as trustee. ② -- ③ -- ④ --

Jean-Christophe BABIN Jean-Christophe BABIN　Bvlgari/CEO

Born April 6, 1959 in Paris, France. 1. Earned an MBA from HEC Paris. After working at P&G, Boston Consulting Group, and Henkel KGaA, he became CEO of TAG Heuer, the watch and jewelry division of the LVMH Group, in 2000. He expanded the company's sales and profits and established a solid brand foundation. He has held his current position since 2013. 2. Contributed to the global expansion of Bulgari, which offers jewelry, watches, accessories, eyewear, perfume, hotels, and restaurants. In the watch division, he promoted its growth as a manufacture and established a stronger foundation. 3. A 1970s Timex automatic watch that his mother bought him at Orly Airport when he was 16. 4. A luxury watch is the culmination of unparalleled craftsmanship. It is born from high precision and timelessly beautiful design, just like a luxury car. He believes that joy is not about speed or time, but about the richness of heart required to create it and how amazing it can be.

Nicolas BARETZKI　Montblanc International/CEO

Born May 15, 1970 in France. ① Received a Master's degree in Auditing and Accounting from HEC in Paris. Started his career as a junior consultant at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in 1993. Joined Cartier International as Sales Director reporting directly to the Executive Director in 1998. Moved to Jaeger-LeCoultre in 2002. Appointed Executive Vice President of Sales at Montblanc International in June 2013. Has held his current position since April 2017. ② In 2018, the company focused on the history of Minerva, celebrating its 160th anniversary. The new "Montblanc 1858" collection is themed around military watches from the 1920s and 1930s, and features models priced in the 5000 euro range. ③ -- ④ While maintaining the company's history and watchmaking traditions and maintaining its currently successful design identity, the company is pursuing innovation to reach new heights. To reshape the rules across all product categories (watches, writing instruments, leather, etc.) and impact a new generation of Montblanc enthusiasts.

Felix BAUMGARTNER　Urwerk/Master Watchmaker, Co-founder

Born August 8, 1975 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. 1. Born into a family of watchmakers. Grew surrounded by watches in a restoration workshop. Graduated from the Solothun watch school in 1995 and moved to Geneva with the goal of becoming an independent watchmaker. In 1997, founded Urwerk with Martin Frey. 2. Joined the AHCI (Association of Independent Watchmakers) in 1998 and unveiled the UR-101 at the Basel Fair. In 2005, launched the Harry Winston Opus 5. Won the GPHG Grand Prix in 2010, 2011, and 2014. In 2014, the UR-106 won Watch of the Year. 3. Born in Schaffhausen, my parents gifted me an IWC, a must-have. It was the first precious and expensive gift I ever received. 4. Creativity and passion. People need to feel a connection to reality through their watches. A watch is an item that accompanies you every day, every hour, and almost forever. It will become you, so you need to be driven by it.

Bruno BELAMICH Bruno Belamich　Bell & Ross / Co-founder and Creative Director

Born September 13, 1965 in Paris, France. 1. Graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure de l'Industrie Creation in France. After training at advertising agencies in New Caledonia and Hong Kong from 1989 to 1994, he worked at a design office in France. In 1992, he co-founded Bell & Ross with Carlos A. Rosillo. His first collection was released in 1994. 2. He developed the BR 01, inspired by an airplane cockpit clock's "round in a square case," into a benchmark in the world of aviation watches. He continues to develop unique engines and machines, not only as a designer but also with his team. He has partnered with Chanel. 3. His father gave him the LIP "Galaxy Black" watch designed by Rudy Meyer when he was 16. 4. Luxury takes time, requires iconic design and high-quality components. Even more importantly, it's important to understand that everything is made by hand. I believe that the challenge of today is transparency and traceability for new generations.

Stéphane BELMONT　Jaeger-LeCoultre / Director of Maison Heritage & Rare Pieces

Born September 22, 1966 in Besançon, France. 1. After graduating from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, he joined IWC in 1992. In 1999, he became Marketing Director for Jaeger-LeCoultre. He then worked in product development and communications before assuming his current position in 2009. 2. He transformed Jaeger-LeCoultre from a European watchmaker into a global brand. He led the development team for the Hybris Mechanica® collection, featuring complex mechanisms, and expanded the Rendez-Vous collection by adding it to the women's line. 3. Yema's "Superman" in the 1970s. 4. I believe a product with a strong identity and unique content is key. Furthermore, in both design and mechanism, it should transcend time and be enduring for generations. Furthermore, I believe technological innovation is an important factor in success, as it adds a little surprise to traditional products that stimulates the emotion of discovery.

François-Henry BENNAHMIAS François-Henry Bennahmias　Audemars Piguet/CEO

Born July 24, 1964 in Paris, France. 1. He began his career as a professional golfer, reaching 25th place on the French Golf Tour, before moving into the luxury fashion industry. In 1994, he joined Audemars Piguet's French subsidiary. In 1999, he became president and CEO of Audemars Piguet's North American subsidiary. In 2003, he was involved in the opening of the New York 57th Street boutique, and in 2006, he also oversaw the opening of the Bal Harbour boutique in Miami, Florida. In 2012, he was appointed interim CEO of Audemars Piguet headquarters, and has held his current position since January 2013. 2. He has worked hard to build teamwork within Audemars Piguet. He has emphasized that all employees, from top to bottom, understand the brand's strategy and direction, and work collaboratively. 3. He purchased a Rolex watch from a golfing buddy at the age of 16. He had never dreamed of a watch more. 4. He believes that communicating the brand's values ​​to the younger generation is one of the keys to sharing their emotions.

Elie BERNHEIM Elie Bernheim　Raymond Weil/CEO

Born December 31, 1980 in Geneva, Switzerland. 1. After graduating from the Lausanne Hotel School, he joined Raymond Weil in 2006 and has been in his current position since 2014. 2. As the third generation of a family business, he has maintained a strong commitment to the value of timepieces and steadily inherited the brand's watchmaking know-how and legacy. In 2017, he collaborated with Sellita to develop the in-house movement, the Cal. RW1212. Based on the concept of "Music & Art," he has produced collaborative models with famous artists such as the Beatles and David Bowie. 3. Of course, it's a Raymond Weil watch. He received the "W1" as a gift from his grandfather. 4. The passion and creativity he puts into watchmaking. We will continue to explore ways to be dynamic and innovative as an independent brand, while offering unique and sophisticated timepieces at affordable prices so that everyone can enjoy Raymond Weil watches.

Jérôme BIARD　Corum, CEO of Eterna, Executive Director of CWJ European Commission

Born August 17, 1963 in Avignon, France. 1. Experienced international sales director at Girard-Perregaux and marketing for the Swiss market at Cartier. In 2017, he became CEO of the European watch division of City Champ Watches & Jewelry, which owns several Swiss watch brands. He also serves as CEO of Corum and Eterna. 2. Formulates investment strategies based on the strengths and weaknesses of brands. In terms of distribution, he focuses on Corum's flagship collections, Golden Bridge and Admiral, and promotes the development of creative products for Bubble and Heritage. 3. A Tissot three-hand watch with a blue dial and date display that his parents gave him when he was seven years old. 4. Creativity and listening more to the market. He also anticipates changes in the purchasing process of younger generations.

Jean-Claude BIVER　President of the LVMH Group Watch Division, CEO of TAG Heuer, Chairman of Hublot, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zenith

Born September 20, 1949 in Luxembourg. 1. Studied business at the University of Lausanne, and worked for Audemars Piguet, Omega, Blancpain, and the Swatch Group before becoming CEO of Hublot in 2004. In 2005, he launched the Big Bang collection, which featured a new concept of "fusion." In 2010, he received the 2010 Gaia Prize for Entrepreneurship, known as the Nobel Prize of the watch industry. In 2012, he became Chairman of Hublot. 2. He was involved in the restructuring of Blancpain. He was involved in the restructuring of Omega as a director and in charge of product and marketing. Over the course of 10 years, he increased Hublot's sales by approximately 15 times. In January 2014, he was appointed President of the LVMH Group's watch division, and in December of the same year, he became CEO of TAG Heuer. He also oversees Hublot and Zenith. In 2015, Tag Heuer refocused on "affordable luxury" and released the Connected Watch.

Tino BOBE　A. Lange & Söhne / Production Manager

Born in Dresden, Germany in 1969. 1. After graduating from the Glashütte Vocational School, he enrolled in the local Dresden University of Technology, majoring in precision mechanics and electrical engineering. After graduation, he began working at a research institute in Bavaria. In 1999, he joined A. Lange & Söhne. He gained experience in various departments, including design, R&D, production, technology, and watchmaker training, and fully developed his skills as an engineer. He has been in his current position since 2014. 2. He has developed the structure, organization, and expertise of the entire production process to enable the manufacture of more than 30 movements while consistently ensuring the highest level of quality essential to Lange. He also established various processes for the new factory. 3. As a child, he bought a Ruhla mechanical pocket watch after spending a month every day looking in the watchmaker's shop window. 4. He "never stops" in his pursuit of valuable innovation and further technological development. He always guarantees quality and exclusivity.

Nicolas BOS　Van Cleef & Arpels / CEO

Born December 16, 1971 in Paris, France. ① Started his career with the Richemont Group in 1992 at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain. Appointed Creative Director and Marketing Director of Van Cleef & Arpels in 2000. Appointed Vice President and Creative Director in 2002, and President of Van Cleef & Arpels Americas in 2010. Appointed to his current position on January 1, 2013. Appointed to Richemont's Senior Executive Committee in 2017. ② Release of the Poetic Complication in 2006 and the Automata Fée Ondine in 2017. ③ A Casio digital watch with a melody alarm that he acquired in 1980. He loved the music selection, including Star Wars. ④ Inspire people to dream, and never forget his passion for time.

Piero BRAGA 　Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry / President & CEO

Born in Italy on September 15, 1970. 1. Joined Gucci as European Wholesale Director in 2005. Appointed EMEAI (Europe, Middle East, Africa, India) Wholesale & Franchising Director in 2006. Appointed Senior Vice President of Indirect Channels and Travel Retail in March 2015. Has held his current position since October 2016. 2. Expanding the collection with original and bold designs that reflect Gucci's new worldview under Alessandro Michele, who became Creative Director in 2015. 3. Italian Air Force watches. 4. Creating watches that combine high quality and creativity. The new collection incorporates distinctive designs that are instantly recognizable as Gucci watches, reflecting the brand's DNA as a global fashion leader.

Daniel BRAILLARD Daniel BRAILLARD　Baume & Mercier/COO

Born September 24, 1965 in Lausanne, Switzerland. 1. After working in the civil engineering and construction industry for around 10 years, he began his career in the watch industry with a private brand in 1991. In 1999, he joined the Richemont Group and led the development teams for Baume & Mercier, Montblanc, and Dunhill. He later became Industrial Director at Baume & Mercier. In 2002, he contributed to the opening of the Brenet factory in Neuchâtel. In 2006, he led International Customer Service. He has held his current position since 2013. 2. Oversees the product lifecycle, from watch development to distribution and after-sales service. 3. His silver pocket watch, engraved with his grandfather's name and featuring a beautiful illustration of a Swiss hunting ground, was a gift from his grandfather to his father, and I inherited it when I started working in the watch industry. 4. Not only must a watch have a beautiful and elegant design, but it must also have reliable quality, reliability, and durability. Furthermore, it is important that it be sold at a fair price.

Matthias BRESCHAN Matthias Breschan　Rado/CEO

Born September 17, 1964 in Carinthia, Austria. 1. After gaining experience in sales and marketing, he served as CEO of Hamilton for seven years. He has held his current position since 2011. 2. The first to use high-tech ceramic monobloc construction in a watch. 3. Developed blue, brown, green, and gray colored ceramics, diversifying the collection. 4. Swatch. 5. Never stop innovating. Rado's founder once said, "If you can imagine it, we can make it. And if we can make it, we will make it." Much has changed at Rado over the years, but this brand philosophy remains the same. We intend to remain at the forefront of pioneering materials and design development in the world of watchmaking.

Gregory BRUTTIN　Roger Dubuis / Product Strategy Director

Born May 4, 1977 in Switzerland. 1. Studied watchmaking theory at the Engineering School in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Gained experience in microelectronics through internships at Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chopard, and others, before joining Roger Dubuis as a movement designer in 2002. Responsible for the development of automatic movements, chronographs, minute repeaters, and skeleton movements, he became head of the technical department in 2006, head of movement development in April 2009, and director of movement development in August 2011. He subsequently served as R&D watchmaking director, and is currently Roger Dubuis' product strategy director. 2. Involved in the development of the double tourbillon from the beginning of his employment at Roger Dubuis. Since assuming the position of head of movement development, he has continued to work on the development of high-quality movements. 3. Casio "Calculator." 4. A good balance between design and genuine technology.

Mathias BUTTET Mathias BUTTET　Hublot / Research and Development Director

Born July 27, 1964 in Lausanne, Switzerland. 1) From 1986 to 1994, he served as technical manager at Nouvelle Lemania, and from 1994 to 1999, he served as research and development manager at Vacheron Constantin. He also served in the same department at Franck Muller from 2000. He founded BNB Concept in 2004, serving as CEO from the company's founding and serving in his current position since 2010. 2) His products include the MP-05 LaFerrari and Meca-10, both with approximately 50 days of power reserve, as well as unique cases crafted from materials such as Magic Gold and vibrant red ceramic. 3) Breguet and Daniel Roth tourbillon watches. 4) Maintaining an innovative spirit, we continue to offer products that are considered unique and original. As long as our art pieces move our customers' souls, our existence is worthwhile. Why would anyone want high-priced art if it doesn't resonate with them emotionally?

Antonio CALCE Antonio CALCE　Sowind Group/CEO, Girard-Perregaux/CEO

Born in Italy on April 19, 1967. ① In 1994, he served as head of Piaget's technical department within the Richemont Group. In 1997, he became product development director for Piaget and Panerai. In 2000, he became general director of Panerai. In 2005, he became vice president of Corum, and in 2007, he became CEO of the same company. In 2015, he moved to the Sowind Group and assumed his current position. ② -- ③ -- ④ --

Marie-Laure CÉRÈDE　Cartier / Timepiece Creation Director

① After earning a master's degree from ESCP Business School, he joined Cartier and became a watchmaking product manager. He then moved to another brand and returned to Cartier in 2016. He is currently working as the brand's timepiece creation director. ② -- ③ -- ④ --

Anthony DE HAAS　A. Lange & Söhne / Product Development Director

Born in the Netherlands in 1967. ① Graduated from Swiss watchmaking school in 1989. Joined Seiko Netherlands in 90. In 97, he was in charge of after-sales service at IWC. In 99, he became the department head of Grandes Sonneriezes, a watchmaker in Le Locle. In 2002, he joined Renault & Papi (now Audemars Piguet Renault & Papi). During the development of the Tourbograph, he was invited by Fabian Krone, then CEO of A. Lange & Söhne, and transferred to the company in 04. ② Since the release of the Tourbograph “Pour le Mérite” in 2005, he has overseen all product development for A. Lange & Söhne. He has developed mechanisms such as stop-seconds and constant-force escapements, and in 2018 released the Triple Split. ③ - ④ To "never stand still" and continue to develop new, original ideas and concepts for watches that will impress collectors and connoisseurs.

Xavier DE ROQUEMAUREL　Chapek/CEO

Born May 9, 1969 in Lyon, France. 1. Started his career in 1993 with makeup and cosmetic brands such as Mars and Maybelline. In 2001, he moved to the apparel industry, working as international product manager for men's shoes and accessories at Loewe. In 2004, he served as European marketing manager at Ermenegildo Zegna. In 2011, he moved to the watch industry, serving as brand marketing and vice president for Ebel and Concord. In 2013, he became partner and CEO of digital watch brand Adrenaline digital, a position he has held since 2013. 2. Successfully achieved a valuation of 10 million Swiss francs during the turnaround of Czapek, securing profits after 15 months of operations. 3. It's Swatch! 4. Striving for perfection, every moment.