“A WATCH DOES NOT JUST TELL THE TIME; IT SHOWS WHO YOU ARE”

Arnaud Bastien president and chief executive of Graff Diamonds Asia

What have been some of the most significant achievements for Graff Diamonds in 2017?

We opened our first flagship salon in Singapore’s ION Orchard in early September, which represented an important milestone for the company. Our founder and chairman, Laurence Graff, made his first trip to Asia in the 1970s and the first place he visited was Singapore. This is the place where he began meeting important clients, including royalty.

For ladies’ watches, we have enjoyed continued success in creating fabulous jewelled timepieces. The Snowfall collection, for example, is available in a variation of gemstones and is the first collection that’s been extended to a jewellery line. Our new Spiral watch, which features an uninterrupted spiral as its design to epitomise endless love, is the new access line of Graff with a starting price point of HK$ 94,000.

For men’s watches, the extension of the Gyrograff novelty has been a tremendous success: the Gyrograff Universe dial and the bespoke Japan Mount Fuji, Hong Kong and Shanghai skyline dials have all been very well received.

Which timepiece have you worn most this year and what makes it so unique? The Graffstar Slim Eclipse is an elegant dress watch of understated luxury. It’s very light, being made of titanium and features an iconic Graff faceted dial. What do you expect to be your largest markets in 2018?

While China will keep dominating the luxury market, we also foresee positive growth in southeast Asia.

What do you anticipate as the dominant trends for the luxury watch market next year regarding materials, design and features?

The use of rare and refined materials with state- of- the- art mechanics.

How much of an impact have smartphones had on your business in the past 12 months and do you foresee any revolution in the mechanical watch business in response?

Smart watch brands are targeting those who are loyal followers of the latest gadgets. But when it comes to a proper watch, clients are still looking for a design, a brand, a timepiece that is timeless and a representation of their status and sophistication.

Are there any specific releases aimed at the youth market for 2018?

We have two commercial watches that target young professionals. The Eclipse for men – a watch that I wear daily – and the Graff Spiral diamond watch for ladies.

What factors ensure a watch retains its popularity over the years?

Reliability and accuracy, complemented by a timeless and elegant design. Swiss brands continued to report growth in sales across China and Hong Kong at the 2017 Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair. How much of a pivotal role will Hong Kong play for the brand in the future?

Hong Kong will remain a very special place for the watch industry. Its status as a duty- free port is vital to the success of the luxury market.

What are you most excited about for 2018?

We’ve recently acquired the second largest diamond rough in history, at 1,109 carats, and I’m very excited to see the creations from this fabulous rough.

What’s your opinion on the new “Swiss made” 60 percent rule, and how do you think it might impact the industry?

The mechanics and technical aspects of Graff watches are made in Switzerland, whereas the diamond settings are completed in our high jewellery workshop in London. This rule does not affect us at all as we uphold a high standard in our production line.

What defines a watch for you? Smart watches are fun, but I consider them a gadget. A watch does not just tell the time; it shows who you are. A simple yet elegant design that’s true to the brand aesthetic is the key to a successful timepiece.