IF YOU HAD NOT HEARD of Laurent Picciotto before, you might have at least heard that in 2017, he put the majority of his personal timepieces up for sale at the Phillips' Hong Kong watch auction while attempting to restart his collection. For the unacquainted, he's an influential man in the watch industry. He's one of the "Fs" (friends) in MB&F; he also co-founded Richard Mille while Mille was still president of Mauboussin. Though Picciotto's store on Rue Saint Honoré started as a Gérald Genta boutique in 1988, the man is "brand blind", carrying nearly all of the independents from MB&F to H. Moser, as well as "mainstream" names like Breguet and Tudor.
"I love watches and I like the people behind the craziness," Picciotto tells Augustman over a Zoom call on a Friday evening. "I don't care about brands, what is important for me is the product. That's why Chronopassion is different from other retailers. For sure retailers want to carry what's really popular, but retailers must also remember that we are in a position to surprise people with what we offer. If we're on the same taste frequency, it becomes much more fun. My vision may be a high proposition but this has been my goal since the beginning."
Suffice it to say, just looking at the many unique collaborations and prototypes up for sale back then, he enjoys an extremely close relationship with all his brand partners compared to classic retailers. "We have embarked on many adventures (collaborations) because I am deeply passionate about things I believe in," he says animatedly. "I'm always glad to be among the first to represent the brand and support the people behind the brand. This proximity has given me many opportunities to do special editions since the beginning."
When you say you don't care about the brands, does this mean you ignore the "prestige" associated with the brands?
This story is from the Issue 183 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 183 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How To Make A Hit, According To Messrs Yu And Waititi
The Asian-led action-comedy Interior Chinatown is a fan favourite and critical darling. We speak to the brains behind the new Hulu and Disney+ hit.
How To Impress Your (Potential) Father-In-Law
My only credential is that I am the first born and only daughter of a very loving man.
A Painless Way To Say Goodbye
'TIS THE SEASON FOR REFLECTION, RESOLUTIONS, AND THE UNRELENTING TIDE OF SHORT-SIGHTED NOSTALGIA. HERE'S HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LOOK BACK IN ANGER.
MADE FOR THE OUTDOORS
LUMINOX CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY WITH TWO LIMITED-EDITION TIMEPIECES.
WISH YOU WERE HERE
As 2024 becomes a memory and 2025 a future to be made present, it's worthwhile to consider what truly makes a year \"new\".
BOYHOOD HERO
INTRODUCING THE MERCEDES-BENZ CLE200, A CLASSIC COUPÉ FOR THE MODERN AGE.
ZEEKR-ING ITS WAY INTO OUR HEARTS
ONE OF 2024'S MOST UNEXPECTED GEMS IN THE EV MARKET, THE ZEEKR X DID NOT SET OUT TO WIN THE SPECS RACE, BUT IT CERTAINLY APPEALED TO SOMETHING DEEPER IN US.
A Spring In The Desert
Singaporean investor Mohamed Nazir, who recently opened his real estate company in Dubai, shares his perspectives on entering the Emirati market.
Morning Routine, Upgraded
Leon Foo wants you to enjoy a better morning with his Morning Machine.
A MEDITERRANEAN ODYSSEY
PRESENTING A TRANSPORTIVE CULINARY EXPERIENCE FROM THE HEART OF GREECE, ESTIATORIO MILOS IS A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE MARINA BAY SANDS.
