Benjamin Comar, CEO of Piaget, on the brand new Polo

Piaget CEO Benjamin Comar is on the helm of the corporate at a momentous second in its historical past: its One hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Georges Edouard Piaget based his workshop in 1874 within the small village of La Côte-aux-Fées within the Swiss Jura. It was there that Piaget made a reputation for himself, initially concentrating on producing elements and actions earlier than making his personal watches. To kick off the celebrations of this milestone anniversary, the model brings again the distinctive equestrian stylish of the unique Piaget Polo, with its signature gadroons and built-in design in an all-gold guise. The presentation of the mannequin in Gstaad allowed us to sit down down with Benjamin Comar, the model’s CEO, to speak concerning the new Polo 79 and all issues Piaget.

Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME – Benjamin, thanks for the invitation. With the One hundred and fiftieth, Piaget is celebrating an vital milestone this 12 months^Th Anniversary. What’s the essence of Piaget?

Benjamin Comar, CEO of Piaget – Two moments, now intertwined, encapsulate the essence of the model. To start with, the corporate was based in La Cote-aux-Fées 150 years in the past, when Piaget initially labored as a provider for third events. This marked the origin of our excellent craftsmanship and watchmaking.

The second defining second occurred with the creation of the model itself, after we moved to promoting merchandise below our personal label. What I discover actually outstanding is that Piaget has taken a special, daring path, moderately than selecting the standard route and focusing solely on traditional watches – which is the simplest option to go because of our experience in making ultra-thin actions. Take into consideration the creativity of the model, for instance the exhausting stone dials or the watch chains and different creations. It was a extremely fashionable and daring strategy.

The Piagets selected to be distinctive, set new tendencies and promote a mixture of sophistication, boldness, flamboyance and flamboyance. These two moments outline Piaget, and we need to have fun this distinctive legacy with our One hundred and fiftieth anniversary.

They open the celebrations for this One hundred and fiftieth anniversary^Th Have fun with a watch that embodies this extravagant and daring model. Are you able to inform us one thing about it?

What higher option to begin these celebrations than with a watch that embodies extravagance and class? The Polo isn’t just a watch; It’s a mix of timekeeping and class, a real gem. The right steadiness means it stands out with out being ostentatious. Its design seamlessly combines sporty and traditional parts and is appropriate for each day and night. The Polo embodies the true essence of Piaget – it’s a masterpiece of Piaget alchemy.

The watch is a trustworthy re-edition of the unique Piaget from 1979. And but has it been modernized?

Effectively, clearly instances have modified and we now have tailored the watch to right this moment’s requirements. The Polo was a 34mm quartz watch. We now have a mechanical micro-rotor motion. The dimensions is now 38 mm. Water resistance has been improved; Now we have an exhibition caseback… So principally it is the identical spirit, the identical model, however tailored to right this moment’s world.

Piaget was born as a watch firm however has developed this jewellery experience. How do you steadiness the 2 actions right this moment?

We attempt to steadiness each actions. On the whole, we attempt to discover a steadiness between watches and jewellery. Piaget’s foray into jewellery dates again to its early days, and the Polo is an ideal instance of that legacy. The road’s equipment (e.g. the Roger Moore Polo cufflinks) underline our dedication to integrating probably the most stunning facets of each areas.

I’m very proud to be a part of an organization that excels in each areas. There’s a wealthy narrative to inform, from our storied historical past to the prospects that await us sooner or later.

The model’s experience within the ultra-thin sector is exclusive and so much has been occurring on this space just lately. Can we anticipate new developments on this space quickly?

Naturally! Extremely-thin is the core of our experience. For a number of years it was rather less of a spotlight for watchmakers; there was even a pattern in the direction of ultra-thick watches. Nonetheless, we’re more than happy that curiosity within the subject of ultra-thin timepieces is presently rising once more.

For Piaget, the pursuit of ultra-thin excellence is a 150-year quest, and it is nice to sense imitation on this space amongst watchmakers right this moment. The Polo, with its ultra-thin motion, is only a style of what lies forward. Keep tuned for additional improvements!

They’re re-launching the Polo 79 in gold. Wouldn’t it be conceivable in different supplies?

Not for now. That is a chance, in fact, but it surely’s too early to inform.

What are the most important challenges for Piaget as a watchmaker right this moment?

The competitors is intense, however this can be a optimistic drive. We’re excited to see this vitality and vitality within the trade. The secret is to have your individual values ​​and traits and to make them recognized. Character and consistency are key. You need to emerge together with your true values. It’s all the extra vital that data and coaching in watchmaking proceed to extend. Authenticity is essential.

When you had to decide on a Piaget watch?

I’m presently sporting the “Warhol” watch. It is a watch I’ve at all times beloved. I wasn’t positive if the watch would swimsuit me, however now that I am sporting it, I actually take pleasure in it. Nonetheless, I am loopy concerning the Polo 79! It is a superb watch and a pleasure to put on. And the workmanship that goes into it’s actually distinctive.

For extra info, go to www.piaget.com