DIGITAL LOVE

The year’s maiden trade show, the LVMH Watch Week 2021, was presented to us in the comfort of our homes

- ASHOK SOMAN

After the success of last year’s inaugural LVMH Watch Week (it was the world’s only major physical watch fair), the luxury conglomerate kicked off 2021 trade show calendar with the all-digital format of LVMH Watch Week 2021. From the comfort of our homes, we were transported into the manufacturing facilities of Bvlgari, Hublot and Zenith as they presented to us their latest creations and marvels.

Opening the digital press conference socially distanced from one another were Stéphane Bianchi, Jean-Christophe Babin, Ricardo Guadalupe and Julien Tornare, CEOs of LVMH Watches and Jewellery Division, Bvlgari, Hublot and Zenith respectively. A notable absence was TAG Heuer CEO Frédéric Arnault, due to a major partnership announcement event with German automobile manufacturer Porsche held separately the following week. Of course, this was not mentioned at the time, lest TAG Heuer steal the thunder entirely from the watches on show

“2020 was a year of many changes,” said Bianchi in his opening address. “Among these changes was a big one, the LVMH Watch Week which we held in Dubai. The success of it was the main reason we decided to do it again this year, but digitally with the ongoing sanitary situation. Therefore we are bringing to you our fantastic novelties from every Maison.”

Babin, his usual charismatic self, did not reveal much about Bvlgari’s novelties but spoke of his confidence that the digital format will be successful. “We have seen from last year’s Geneva Watch Days that digital is extremely efficient so I’m very convinced that you will enjoy our novelties offered with technology which will glorify the craftsmanship and mechanical wonders that all four brands will present to you.”