He also ordered that brands remain exclusive and expensive: “Our customers are extremely loyal. They know that we will never collapse for the temptation of introducing an ‘entry level’ product to increase the volume. Since the establishment of the brand we have only sold around 60,000 watches. In 2024 we have only produced 6,000.”
And he discouraged the use of waiting lists: “When an RM 56-02 Tourbillon Sapphire ‘Limited Edition’ sells more than $ 3 million in June 2024 in Christie’s New York, it proves that people are willing to pay the selling price two or three times to obtain a piece without waiting lists.”
Bénédicte Épinay
Chief Executive of the Committee Colbert, a French association of more than 100 luxury companies
According to Mrs. Épinay, the challenges with which luxury brands are confronted with regulatory pressure (“More than 150 legislative texts are currently being discussed in Brussels”), recruiting and retaining craftsmen and finding a new generation of sales employees for luxury boutiques.
She also commented on the changing customer base of De Luxe: “In the last 30 years, Japanese, American, Russian, Arabian, Korean and Chinese consumers have taken turns as primary drivers in industry, depending on the economic health of their respective markets. Nowadays Thai, Singaporese, Sauders, are Sauders.”
Christian Selmoni
Style and heritage director at Vacheron Constantin
Mr. Selmoni noted that the luxury industry her heritage and that, in the case of Vacheron Constantin: “This can be through a book, but also through visits to our archives, which include 420 meters [1,380 feet] van Rekken, and our private collection from 1600 watches dating from 1755 to the present. We increasingly encourage this kind of journey in our production world, because it creates a deeply personal bond. “
