An independent brand with a low production volume clearly gives more room for maneuver, especially in developing a number of extremely innovative products. However, we obviously don’t have the commercial clout of a big brand, nor its financial means.

Which 2014 model best reflects the Claret spirit ?

Having been totally involved in each of the models created, from conception to production and including their components, it is tough for me to pinpoint one in particular. Especially since in 2014 we are for the first time presenting three new products in extremely varied fields targeting different clients. In Geneva, we unveiled the Poker* ; and at Baselworld we are introducing the watch with a traditional detent escapement, the Maestoso, as well as our first highly complicated ladies’ watch, named Margot. The one that proved trickiest to create was the Maestoso, for which it took us seven years to solve all the problems relating to impacts, which are extremely detrimental to this type of escapement. Nonetheless, I felt it was vital to maintain the overall authenticity of this escapement, meaning a large pivoted detent complete with a large gold blade spring, a traditional balance with screws and a cylindrical balance-spring.

What’s the brand’s next challenge ?

With the help of our new Director of Operations, Wolfgang Sickenberg**, we aim to develop the brand by opening new points of sale worldwide, particularly in the Middle East. We are aiming to increase both brand awareness and the number of products sold.

*see Innovation section ** see Business News section