Since his grandfather gifted him a Swatch watch on Christmas 1982, watches have been a passion for Manuel Emch. We sat down with Emch, CEO of Louis Erard, to discuss the timepieces that have shaped his life and career.
Can you share your journey in the watch industry? What inspired you to pursue this path?
I began my career in the watch industry as the youngest CEO in the field, which was both a privilege and a challenge. From the outset, I was passionate about blending traditional watchmaking with modern, creative approaches. My journey has taken me from redesigning and rebuilding Jaquet Droz to pushing boundaries at Romain Jerome, and now to Louis Erard, where I’ve focused on making fine watchmaking accessible, creative, and relevant for today’s collectors.
Do you have a personal, emotional connection with watches? How do you view the nostalgic and sentimental side of timepieces?
Absolutely. My emotional connection with watches began early, as I grew up in Grenchen, where Swatch was initiated. My grandfather gave me my first watch, a Swatch, for Christmas in 1982, during the brand’s very beginnings. That watch holds a special place in my heart and sparked my love for timepieces. For me, watches are powerful because they combine nostalgia, personal stories, and timeless craftsmanship, making them far more than objects—they’re keepers of memories.
What is the most impressive or captivating aspect of a watch for you?
The most captivating aspect is the fusion of artistry and mechanics. A watch is a marvel of precision engineering, but it also serves as a canvas for creativity and expression. For me, the ability to tell a story—whether through design, complications, or craftsmanship—is what makes a watch truly impressive.
What is your earliest memory involving a watch?
My earliest memory is receiving my first Swatch from my grandfather in 1982. I still remember the excitement of unwrapping it at Christmas and the pride of wearing it. That watch marked the beginning of my journey with timepieces and remains a significant part of my personal story.
