Why is Dubai Watch Week important for Audemars Piguet?
This is the only watch fair we participate in today, as we no longer attend the SIHH now known as Watches and Wonder. It is a fair that we are delighted to be a part of, firstly because we have very close relations with Dubai, especially with the Seddiqi family, with whom we have had excellent relations for years. It's truly a family relationship.
The second thing is that Dubai is an important hub for us in terms of business. It is a place where people are extremely knowledgeable, and at the same time, very open to the future. What I really like about Dubai is this very futuristic aspect – there is the Museum of the Future on one hand, and the way of thinking on the other. The people from Dubai are deeply connected to their roots, craftsmanship, etc., and at the same time, they are always pushing us, and proposing new things.
You recently received the Aiguille d'Or at the GPHG. Does such an award change anything for you?
Certainly, especially internally. It is a real source of pride for the watchmakers who created this masterpiece to receive this prestigious award that is recognized throughout the industry. It is a very gratifying acknowledgment. I believe it is an interesting award because it highlights watches and masterpieces that contribute to advancing the industry as a whole. I find it extremely important for the entire industry to understand the direction in which we are heading.
What I particularly like about the GPHG in recent years is the number of independent watchmakers who win. And it is not only about winning; it is the advancement of certain crafts, the mix of artistic skills and futuristic elements. It is this reinvention of watchmaking that I find important and cool about this award.
For you, what is the true strength of Audemars Piguet today?
Its spirit. It is both the spirit of the family, which is very strong, and its spirit of independence and freedom of thought. We call it our "Seek Beyond." It is truly the ability to be deeply attached to our roots, family values, and our craftsmanship.
It is also the ability we have to project ourselves into the future with phenomenal freedom of thought and action. It is what we call our "Invisible Road." How can everyone project their own path? It requires grounding, conviction, and the ability to move ahead. We are particularly fortunate at Audemars Piguet because we are still in the hands of the founding families. So, we have this independence that allows us to choose our path and stand by our convictions.
I wanted to talk about the role of women at Audemars Piguet, even if it is a question that I dislike because, for me, talent has no gender. However, it is truly wonderful to see you, along with your new CEO Ilaria Resta, at the top. How can we promote more women into leadership positions?
Firstly, I think we are fortunate at Audemars Piguet to have the legitimacy to discuss this since women have always been part of the history of Audemars Piguet, for example, we have our feminine models, but also, and above all the people, like Jasmine Audemars, Jacqueline Dimier, and collaborations with talented women such as Carolina Bucci. It is clear that women have had, and still have today, a strong impact as individuals. Women have driven us to develop miniaturization, establishing a horological legitimacy.
In addition to this, there is clearly a willingness from the founding families to showcase talents, and among these talents are both men and women. If we want to change the mindset, it has to start from the top. And it started with Jasmine, and you can't get any higher than her! So today, there are three women in executive positions, and we have appointed women as regional heads around the world.
If you could have one professional wish from a genie in a lamp, what would it be?
I would have loved to see the two founders of that time, to be a fly on the wall and witness what was happening during the creation of Audemars Piguet. Everything stems from there—the essence, the raison d'être, and I would have really liked to be there at that moment. I believe something very, very powerful must have happened for it to take place.
