Interview with François-Paul Journe, Founder of F.P. Journe

How do you see the impact of COVID-19 on the watch market?

Concerning F.P. Journe, we have made progress during this period.

How do you see the future of traditional watch brands in a hyper-connected world?

There's no reason for it to stop. As far as the brand is concerned, we sell less than 1,000 pieces a year and have a story behind these products. Hyperconnectivity is something else.

With the presence of smart watches, do you foresee changes in consumption patterns in the watchmaking industry?

Smartwatches are getting people back into the habit of wearing a watch, and in a way opening up the world of watchmaking to them. However, I don't really have the possibility to answer this question, it would be better to talk to brands like Tissot. There is a market for sure, but these are obsolete products.

What are the particular elements that characterise your brand and that your customers particularly value?

First, it's the design. Then the movement, the dial and then the materials.

Do you see smart watches as a threat to your brand?

No, I don't see a threat.

Do you plan to offer a smart model in the future and why?

No, it is not our job and I don't see the point. Let's not mix everything up.

In your opinion, what would be the reasons for offering, or not offering, smart watches for a traditional watch brand?

Some people have tried, but I don't think they have been successful.

What do you think of non-technological innovation in terms of competitiveness for the Swiss watch industry? In other words, is innovation based on aspects other than technology interesting to you?

With the Quartz, it was a novelty at the time and it created a fashion phenomenon. Today, with digital technology, this can no longer happen as everyone knows these technologies and there are already smart watches on the market.

What do you think about the role of customer experience in the marketing strategies of traditional watch brands?

It is proximity. But for some brands, customers are numbers and hardly exist. For us, it's clearly the opposite. We have our own network of shops and control everything from production to sales and the customer is at the centre. This is something that is obvious.

What do you think of hybrid watches?

I do not think that the future is there.