amanico[JLC Moderator]
341613
I would be less severe and more confident. Mrs Renier took the helm of the brand a bit less than one year ago, after 4 years...
Apr 03, 2019,22:00 PM
4 very ( too ) prudent years. From the half of 2013 to 2018, we saw, mainly evolutions and a few introductions of really new watches, such as the Geophysic, principally. AND, let's not forget, the Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon.
I have to agree with your assessment.
Now, we cannot ask to Mrs Renier to bring a whole new collection of let's say 3, 4 or 5 all new watches in less than one year. Even Jerome Lambert just introduced the Master Compressor line in 2002. And if you remember well, it was not super warmly welcomed. A lot of people were complaining about the loss of identity, with the Master Compressor, saying that this line was not really conform to the spirit or the DNA of the brand. Just two years after the end of the Reverso Rose Gold Saga.
Mrs Renier has a huge workshop ahead of her.
Yes, she said what you wrote, but she said that at the very beginning of her new functions.
Now I am quite optimistic for the brand. Why?
1/ She loves belle horlogerie. Which means that yes, the team will work on fine ( and very expensive ) watches, but not only. For example, the Duometre line which was in danger is not a " species in extinction " anymore.
Better, Jaeger Lecoultre will work on this line. But, once again, you have to start the engine, again, and it takes time. But they are on it.
2/ She spent and she is spending a lot of time with the watchmakers of the Manufacture. Which is a good sign.
3/ The ambience at the Manufacture has changed, in good. There is a new wind blowing, happiness, excitement and creativity are back. And THAT is a very important sign.
Now, there are some things to work on. I had several discussions with the brand, about what is really missing for the moment, in the catalogue:
- A new cool watch, not too expensive, in the 5 / 10 K Euros range. The Polaris line ( automatique ) is here, but we can have another one, more " new ".
- A true sports watch, diving, and / or not diving, in both affordable and less affordable segments.
- Working on the Duometre, with a new case, a new design, and new complications. That is ok, they are working on that.
I have one regret: The fact that they favored the Polaris at the detriment of the Geophysic. I think there is some place for some good Geophysic projects and a co existence of the two line ( Polaris AND Geophysic ).
I have one hope: A very technical Polaris. Or a technical sports watch.
But I am optimistic, and honestly, we cannot ask Mrs Renier to build a whole new collection in just less than one year. We'll see what 2020 offers to us, and let me tell you that 2019 is not over. We may have some other surprises before the end of this year, as well.
Best, Marc.
Nicolas