PuristSPro Interviews Manuel Emch

by Michael Ting

© April 2007

Montres Jaquet Droz was relaunched by the SWATCH group at Basel in 2002.  This exclusive manufacturer's main focus is to preserve the traditional arts and crafts associated with haute horology.  Over the past six years Mr. Manuel Emch has successfully led a dedicated team of watchmakers, artisans, designers, and administrators.  The team's abundant energy and creative vision has allowed Montres Jaquet Droz to enjoy double digit sales growth despite a limited annual production of approximately two thousand timepieces.  Best known for the iconoclastic Grande Seconde model with its grand feu enamel or precious stone dial, Montres Jaquet Droz continues to surprise enthusiasts with their innovation and emotive designs.   

TP:      Mr. Emch, thank you for taking time away from your busy Basel fair schedule to answer a few questions for ThePuristS.com*.

ME:     It is my pleasure.  Jaquet Droz would like to extend our thanks for all the support that our internet fans at ThePuristS provide.  We appreciate your comments and your voice will always be heard by our team.

TP:      I want to first congratulate the team on another successful Basel Fair.  Can you please share with us the inspiration for some of the new models this year?  Was there a common theme for the designs this year?

ME:     We followed two lines of inspirations for this year's new products: black and complicated; emotional and surprising.

TP:      Which new models are you most excited about and why?

ME:     What looks simple may be extremely complicated to do.  For instance it is easy to dismiss the new Black series but the black enamel created by using traditional grand feu technique is extremely difficult to master.  I also personally believe that black will be the most "in-style" colour for 2007. I like the whole series very much.

The Tourbillon of course! This is a must in our collection and it is simply beautiful.  It demonstrates Montres Jaquet Droz' commitment to haute horology and we promise to continue this tradition.

The Time Writing Machine as it is a special project which pays homage to Pierre Jaquet Droz. It is the first really modern automaton combining mechanical engineering and emotion in a completely new way.

TP:      In the most recent business report from SWATCH it mentioned that Jaquet Droz had difficult issues with its suppliers.  Can you please clarify where the problems were?  Has a solution to this problem been found?

ME:     Mainly the difficulty in supply comes from our dials because they are more complex to produce than those of any other brand and this aspect could even intensify in the future. This is also the reason why we are working on internalizing some of the crafts with the creation of our new Manufacture.

TP:      One of Jaquet Droz's main mission is to preserve traditional arts such as enameling and stone cutting.  Are there any plans to incorporate other skills such as hand engraving for the dials?

ME:     Yes, but we are still evaluating what skills should be incorporated and in which order.

TP:      What do we have to look forward to in the next few years?  Is the new Manufacture on schedule?

ME:     A new caliber is being developed.  This will be a unique and completely in-house movement.  It will serve as the basis of our future collection of even more innovative and surprising timepieces.  In regards to the new Manufacture we are currently running a bit late but are striving to make up for lost time and lay the first stone as planned.  The new Manufacture will also include the first museum dedicated to the antique timepieces from the golden era of Jaquet Droz.

TP:      Can you share some details about Jaquet Droz' new movement design?

ME :     It is too early to tell as there are still many engineering problems to be solved given the parameters which were called for in the design and development is more complex than expected.

TP:      Jaquet Droz has come a long way in only six short years, there have been many incredible achievements.  Is there anything you would have changed looking back?

ME:     Looking back, l would probably change many things but I prefer to look ahead.  I believe time might prove me right and what may seem as weaknesses or challenges now might turn into assets in the future. I have always relied on my instincts in decision making.  Although I hear and value many conflicting opinions, I believe my instincts have served me well so far.

TP:      Do you feel that Jaquet Droz is still a small manufacturer capable of remaining independent from the SWATCH group?

ME:     The Swatch Group has always considered the independence of its companies as a force and strength. When asserting the brand's identity and independence, we can foster many new concepts:  we are a sort of laboratory or incubator for new ideas. Nevertheless, the Group is key to our success as it provides us with know-how and financial support. It also gives us access to an exceptional distribution network.

TP:      Is there anything else you would like to share with all the Jaquet Droz enthusiasts?

ME:     Jaquet Droz is still building up and has plenty of surprises in store for the future … so watch out!

TP:      Thank you Mr. Emch for your time.

ME:     Thank you and all the enthusiasts for their support at ThePuristS.com

I would like to acknowledge and I am grateful for the assistance provided by Ms. Nathalie Laurent and Ms. Nathalie Kottelat in the preparation of this interview.

*This interview was conducted via electronic correspondence