Business

Breaking all the rules

After witnessing the long queues to the Studio Underd0g stand snaking around the London venue for British Watchmakers’ Day back in March, our Editor-in-Chief Julia Pasarón couldn’t resist finding out more about the man causing the disruption: Richard Benc. 

Richard ended up in watchmaking more out of chance than passion. With a degree in product design, he landed his first job helping to create character watches (Mickey Mouse, Minions… that type of thing), and from there he moved on to the Bauhaus-inspired company, Braun. Along the way, he fell in love with mechanical things and how to make them smaller and better. “It should have been clearer to me that I was destined to design watches,” he says candidly. “I always enjoyed details. I like how a tiny design decision can have a very large impact on the overall aesthetic of a watch.”  

As the idea of creating his brand started to germinate, it was clear to him that he wanted to explore colour and vibrancy, in opposite contrast to the Bauhaus style. In general, he was disappointed by the lack of creativity in the…

The world’s most famous luxury department store celebrates 175 years of retail magic

Arguably the most famous luxury department store in the world, Harrods is marking its 175th anniversary with all manner of exciting celebrations and special-edition products. From its iconic teddy bears to its renowned Festival of Lights, there are many highlights in store for customers throughout the year. Embodying the very essence of luxury, tradition and […]

The beautiful mind driving Bovet into the future

The vice president of Bovet, Audrey Raffy, is most definitely a rising star in the watch industry. Her cosmopolitan background, natural intelligence and exceptional qualifications are the tools with which she is taking the company into the future, navigating one of the most competitive sectors in luxury. Audrey has Lebanese roots, was born in France, […]

The making of a master

In a studio-workshop at the bottom of her west London garden is a white jeweller’s workbench that was built for Sabine Roemer by her uncle Werner when she was 15 years old and deeply committed to becoming a jeweller. At this bench, she has created framed animal artworks for Nelson Mandela, the Prince of Wales […]

Taking Britain for a ride

After meeting at university and becoming best mates, Seb Inglis-Jones and William Stirrup swore that one day they’d run a business together. In 2018, they made good on their promise and became the proud names behind one of the finest examples of British manufacturing: Maeving motorcycles. I meet Inglis-Jones as he drops Maeving’s very first […]

Chitra Stern, co-founder, Martinhal Group

Chitra Stern possesses that calm charisma often seen in experienced business leaders. Proud but modest, she plays down the enormity of what she and her husband, Roman, have achieved since they undertook their first real-estate project and hotel in Ireland. “The hotel belonged to my husband’s family,” she explains. “It was a beautiful property that […]

Leading leaders

Andrea Scherz comes from a long line of hoteliers. His grandfather took over Gstaad Palace, which, under Andrea’s leadership, is thriving. His talent and ability were first recognised by the industry when he was elected to the board of Swiss Deluxe Hotels. And in January 2022 he was appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee of […]

Bugatti explores the principles at the heart of luxury

Bugatti’s first Luxury Summit, held at Château Saint Jean in Molsheim (once home to Ettore Bugatti himself) on the 14th of June, was designed to explore trends in luxury – present and future. Guest speakers included experts and CEOs of leading luxury brands, and the compere and host were Rebecca Robins, author of Meta-luxury: Brands […]

The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards turn 50

Founded in 1972, the Bold Woman Awards are named after Madame Clicquot, the pioneering businesswoman who, when widowed at the age of 27, took over her husband’s champagne business in 1805 and transformed it into a global brand. This annual event celebrates women who have made significant contributions to their communities, industries, and the world […]

A conversation with Mark Bingley MW

Glass of preferred libation in hand, Master of Wine Mark Bingley, director and founding member of MMD (Maisons Marques et Domaines, established 1986), sat back in his chair and with a small sigh reminisced that, “The world of wine has changed in both form and global reach.” Wine as a collectable has proven to be […]

Excel under Pressure

There is no question that Michael Johnson is one of the greatest athletes of all time. Four times an Olympic champion and eight times a world champion, over his career he won 12 Olympic and World Championship gold medals and established several Olympic and world records. Our Editor, Julia Pasarón, interviewed him while he was […]

Edouard Meylan, CEO H. Moser & Cie.

Towards the end of 2022, Edouard Meylan was awarded the Esprit d’entreprise Prix Gaïa; a prize presented annually – when candidate(s) of sufficient standing are deemed to be available – by the Musée international d’horlogerie. When presenting the award, which is recognised as one of the industry’s highest honours, Jean Claude Biver, horology’s venerated entrepreneur, […]