CEO Corner: Pascal Raffy, Owner of Bovet Fleurier, on Expanding Its Watchmaking Legacy in China
The Swiss watchmaker is about to start a new chapter with a new flagship in mainland China after a long history with the country.
A watch made around 1835 with a Mandarin duck motif from Pascal Raffy's personal collection. (Courtesy Photo)
A watch made around 1835 with a Mandarin duck motif from Pascal Raffy's personal collection. (Courtesy Photo)
Contents
- Bovet’s historic connection to China is unparalleled to any other Swiss watch brand, yet today, while it does have seven points of sale, Bovet doesn’t have a flagship boutique in Hong Kong or mainland China. Is that apt to change?
- Is adding a greater retail presence in Greater China what you were referring to during your 2015 interview with Brice Lechevalier of World Tempus, when you stated that 2016 would be your relaunch year in China?
- In that same interview, you remarked that Asia Pacific represents only 20 percent of Bovet's sales—has that changed in the past two years?
- Additionally, you’ve mentioned that women's watches make up 40 percent of sales. Is that same gender split reflected China?
- Please tell me about
- The History of Bovet and China
- , a book written by David Chang and your own involvement in the project?
- At the Christies Geneva November 2013 watch auction you acquired a rare open-face watch made by Bovet around 1835, featuring an enameled miniature Mandarin duck motif. Where is that watch displayed today?
- Do you share the sentiment and optimism of other watch industry leaders that it is time to refocus on China?
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