Watchmaking firms have a lot of fast talking to do whenever economic headwinds gather strength. Obviously, the pandemic has brought on a storm that might produce long-term changes in how we live, work and play. It even cancelled the Swiss watch fairs this year and changed the schedule of new releases - both of which typically only happen in the event of a global conflict, like World War 2. In times of severe uncertainty, the grand old watchmaking firms turn to the tried and tested, and so do magazines like this one. Our fortunes are inexorably linked, you see. No matter our circumstances though, it is always a pleasure to have a nice long conversation with old friends in the trade. That is exactly what we found in our chat with veteran A. Lange & Söhne Director of Product Development Anthony de Haas.
Held as it was in the depths of our season of discontent - otherwise known as the Circuit Breaker - we had to be content with a Zoom call. In a season of firsts, it was gratifying to see de Haas in his office at the manufacture in Glashütte. Everyone at the manufacture was healthy, and so was everyone at de Haas’ home. “Health is what’s important now,” said de Haas in sombre tones not usually associated with watch talk. He was also coming to grips with working from home, which he did not find inspiring, and handling the brand’s first digital-only launch, which was an experience for everyone. On the occasion of this chat, it is fair to say that neither of us probably wanted to talk novelties. Not right then. It is not as if there were more pressing things to do - interviews like this one are standard fare for us. But at that moment, going about business as normal seemed disconnected from reality.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Autumn 2020 من World of Watches.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Autumn 2020 من World of Watches.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
BRAND ELEVATION
On the sidelines of Geneva Watch Days, Bulgari CEO JeanChristophe Babin talks about the challenges of having one brand identity across all categories, and tells us what he really thinks of watch fairs.
EVEN MORE HANDS
For the third year in a row, the collective WOW team shares the watches we ponied up for. As always, we include a couple of fantasy pieces and more than a few fails.
CONCEPTS AND CONSEQUENCES
What is the legacy of concept watches? What happens when the show is over and it is time to actually manufacture them? How do these ticking research labs translate into actual, wearable timepieces...if they ever do?
THE QUESTION OF SUCCESSION
In the watchmaking industry, a company’s longevity is oftentimes measured not in decades but in centuries. What then happens to a brand beyond its founders? We speak to three CEOs to answer this question.
LEAPS AND BOUNDS
The quest to add one day to a month every four years may seem like a mundane task in the digital age, but achieving this mechanically is anything but.
FLIP SIDE
Omega celebrates the first human flight orbit the moon with a new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon.
SNAPPING BACK
A powerful showcase for a one-of-a-kind constant force mechanism, the Girard Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement is now available for everyone.
GO FOR GOLD
Forty-five years after Piaget released its allgold Polo 79 luxury sports watch to critical acclaim, the maison revisits this iconic collection with a new ultra-thin movement.
CLEAR WINNER
Hublot's fourth collaboration with Takashi Murakami puts the artist's joyful flower motif at the centre of a bold new case design.
HISTORICAL TRIBUTE
Parmigiani Fleurier launches a new version of their Tonda PF Hijri Perpetual Calendar with a vivid green dial.