Geneva Watch Days Symposiums: Industry Discussions

Key Points from the Discussion

• The rise of micro-brands, while seemingly innovative, might paradoxically increase prices and potentially reduce quality due to fragmented production and a lack of deep watchmaking experience among some founders.
• The symposiums highlight a celebration of boundary-breaking and challenging tradition, but sometimes without fully acknowledging the decades of expertise contributed by suppliers and partners in the industry.
• Many prominent watch brands, including MB&F and Patek Philippe, are led by Presidents, CEOs, or Managing Directors who did not attend watchmaking school, suggesting that leadership in the industry isn't solely defined by technical watchmaking expertise.
• Wei Koh, despite a 'salesman style speech,' possesses extensive watch knowledge and often asks insightful questions at press conferences, distinguishing him from many other journalists who lack fundamental horological understanding.
• Some 'independent' brands are perceived as generic, assembling components from third-party vendors without daring or unique design, which contradicts the spirit of true independent innovation.
• While some perceive certain figures as 'peacocking,' it's important to recognize that cultural norms regarding self-promotion can differ, as seen in Singapore where it might be more acceptable.