5 days ago
When eritage meets orological innovationWhen eritage meets orological innovation
Dimitri Aubert has been entrusted with the unique role of international sales director of two exceptional watch brands.
Since taking on the position last year, Aubert has had to strike the balance between preserving the legacy of watch brands Arnold & Son and Angelus while driving innovation.
'This is a new role for me. The interesting part is that there are two brands, instead of managing just one.
'You have to be deeply involved in both brands and give both the same attention, despite them having very different strategies and developments,' says Aubert.
'Each is distinct with their own DNA and rich history.
The Arnold & Son space at Sincere Fine Watches boutique in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
'You have to consider carefully what works for each brand,' he says.
Arnold & Son and Angelus are sister brands, but each has very individual personalities, aesthetics, values and priorities.
This keeps Aubert on his toes as he juggles a balancing act of constantly switching between the two brands, while keeping a firm hand on the respective brand's objectives.
In terms of structure, the brands are independent with a smaller team.
Aubert showing off the intricate back of one of the watches.
Inevitably, Aubert draws inspiration from each of the brand's storied past while keeping an eye on the horizon and what's to come.
Arnold & Son is a brand with English origins, tracing its roots all the way back to 1764.
The brand was founded by English watchmaker John Arnold.
Arnold made significant contributions to the world of horology, especially in the development of marine chronometers, which were of vital importance in navigating the seas.
The brand celebrated its 260th anniversary not too long ago and continues to integrate their legacy of precision, craftsmanship and innovation into their modern timepieces through traditional techniques.
Meanwhile, Angelus was founded in 1891 in Switzerland and has been one of the most influential horological manufactures of the last century.
Arnold & Son Ultrathin Tourbillon Skeleton Platinum.
Watchmaking connoisseurs have universally praised Angelus' pioneering, in-house developed movements and timepieces, which continue to be coveted by collectors all over the world.
Over the past century, Angelus has forged a fine reputation for creating exceptional chronograph and multi-complication wristwatches, multi-display travel clocks with long power reserves, and alarm watches.
Today, the Angelus collection blends the very best of vintage high watchmaking with contemporary design and materials.
Aubert is quick to point out that one of the things that both brands have in common is a long history of innovation, from Arnold's marine chronometry firsts to the groundbreaking Angelus mid-century chronographs.
The goal is to leverage these splendid legacies and build on them to introduce new complications and exciting new designs.
Inspired by the past
Aubert is very much aware that watch collectors these days are well-informed when it comes to what's going on in the watchmaking world.
Arnold & Son Luna Magna White Gold 'Ultimate II'.
'This is largely due to the digital world we live in today.
'The Internet contains all the information which customers can easily access from around the world.
'Customers are reading up more, asking a lot of interesting questions about the watches and the brands.'
But he admits that watch trends can happen differently in certain parts of the world.
'Now in Europe, there is a stronger trend for vintage watches and smaller sized timepieces.
'In other countries such as those in South-East Asia, including Malaysia, these trends have yet to pick up,' he says.
During his recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, Aubert had the opportunity to curate a presentation of the latest novelties, including signature complications and recent releases from both brands.
Special guests of the brands were introduced to the rich heritage, technical savoir-faire and horological artistry of Arnold & Son and Angelus – highlighting the mechanical mastery and visionary innovation that define each brand.
Angelus Flying Tourbillon Titanium.
'What we wanted to show in this anniversary was the introduction of the Longitude model, which celebrates the quest for precision in calculating longitude using marine chronometers that John Arnold had during his lifetime.
'At Watches and Wonders this year, we continued this legacy by introducing a piece that comes from a watch in the British museum.'
According to Aubert, this watch was a gift from Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1808 (after the death of Arnold) in memory of the friendship between the two great watchmakers of their time.
The timepiece was presented to John Roger Arnold, the son of John Arnold.
'The Constant Force Tourbillon 11 watch (fitted with the constant force mechanism) is limited to 11 pieces.
'We translated the design of the movement from a pocket watch to a wristwatch, but with a modern movement with a dead-beat second,' says Aubert.
Having been in the watch industry for 30 years and managing different brands, he has come to appreciate over time what can be done and the intricate techniques behind each watch movement.
A watch is an important part of one's outfit – be it for men or women, he opines.
He says his passion for watches is constantly ignited when he sees a new watch and how it looks.
'It's also the use of the watches and how it was made that keeps me going.
'This is something that you build over the years, and know more about over time.
'All these keep me going so nothing is boring; there is always something new to learn and find out,' Aubert declares.
