We have talked with Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie. about his journey through high watchmaking world and independent watch brand H. Moser & Cie.
How did you cross paths with the watch world?
Indeed, I grew up in the watchmaking world, my family has been in the watchmaking business for several generations. My father worked for Audemars Piguet for years. I spent my childhood in one of the small valleys in Switzerland where almost everyone is a watchmaker. When my university years came, I decided to study engineering, unlike everyone else where I grew up. After graduating from school, I worked in management consulting for a while. However, my path eventually crossed with the world of watches. I started the world of watches by taking my first step into the sales-marketing part, my first job was in Asia. Afterwards, I moved to MB&F to learn the technical and business aspects of the job. I bought H. Moser & Cie. with my brother exactly ten years ago, in October 2012. It was a difficult time when Moser was heading towards bankruptcy. We turned this collapse in the opposite direction by establishing a family business. My father is now the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company.
What excites you about watches?
Actually, I like things; I like to see details, fine craftsmanship, traditional and historical textures. And we try to reflect these features that I have mentioned in Moser watches. When you look at the finish of our movements or the craftsmanship on the cases and dials, you will see how much we reflect the traditional. And of course, each of them is also quite modern watches. Combining both the traditional and the contemporary, makes H. Moser & Cie. special. This is also the aspect of Moser that excites me the most.
What do you think about being an independent watch brand?
Personally, I love being an independent watch brand. Being an independent watch brand in the industry creates a free space where you can do whatever you want. We design really creative watches. As you might remember, we made the Swiss Made model by using Swiss cheese in its case. Another example is the model that we produce in the style of Apple watches. While many brands in the industry are against Apple watches, it was a courageous step to be able to produce such a model. Being an independent watch brand gives you the freedom to take such risks.
