It is a big honor for us to present our new partner– CHRONOSWISS. Today we have an interview with Mr. Ebstein. Mr. Ebstein, thank you for your time. It is my pleasure to talk to such a well-known watch specialist. 

How difficult is the development stage of the sketches to the final finished product? 

It is always a challenge to find the right artisan or craftsmen to transform a specific feature or mechanism into a real watch. But as we only work with the best Swiss suppliers, so far there has always been a solution for every challenge. As we do our design and prototyping inhouse, we are able to do the reality check straight away. The selection and exactness of briefing of the suppliers/partners is crucial in this development process.

Which kind of watches are the most difficult to design and to produce? 

There are different kinds of “difficult” watches, as you put it. One aspect is the technology involved, meaning the special features of the watch represented in a more or less complex movement, with modules, etc. Another aspect is the artisan one: Some of our timepieces (the so-called Unique Pieces Collection) involve a high amount of artisan mastery. Traditional arts and crafts such as high-fire enameling or rose-engine turning can make the manufacturing process of a dial extremely complicated.

What is the price of the most expensive Chronoswiss watches? 

Within our regular collection, this would be a Flying Regulator Jumping Hour with fully-paved dial and diamond bezel, which is at 41.120.- Euro.  However, within the range of our Unique Pieces (bespoke timepieces), this can be topped easily.

How often does Chronoswiss launch an individual watch? 

We launch the new collection each spring at Baselworld. However,  there are limited and special edition launches throughout the year, but not very often – maybe 3 p.a.

Mr. Ebstein, is it true that women's watches with diamonds have higher demand compared to the ordinary watches? 

Traditionally speaking, this may be the case.

Which countries are your main target? Why are these countries your main target? 

The main markets are central Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), China and the U.S.

Does Chronoswiss plan to expand its brand with jewelry for women and men? 

No, we will keep our reach within our grasp.

Mr. Ebstein, which brands of watches, besides the brand Chronoswiss, are in your personal collection? 

Apart from some noteworthy historic Chronoswiss timepieces, I only have a few watches of well known brands in my private collection. Most of it consists of watches from brands which do not exist any longer, such as “Universal Genève”. The focus for me as a collector has never been on brands, but on the aesthetical or technical appeal of the timepiece, and if there is some connection to my own life (anniversaries, special dates…).

How many years have you been working in the watchmaking business and why did you choose this specialty in your life? 

I have only been WORKING in watchmaking for some 5 years, but have been inspired by the world of mechanical wristwatches all my life. 

For many years, Chronoswiss is represented at the Basel exhibition in Switzerland. In your opinion, which countries, in addition to Switzerland, are the watch exhibitions the most interesting for the producers and for the customers? 

To name but a few, apart from Baselworld, there is the Dubai Watch Fair, and Hong Kong of course, which are also important. But we also tend to exhibit at smaller shows, more consumer-orientated, such as the Watchtime New York.

What is the tendency of the development of the watch market and is it really worth considering high quality watches as a profitable investment? 

Nowadays, a lot of people try to find alternative investments. High-end watches may be a solution, but as with modern art, e.g., it is hard to foretell the increase in value. So I´d recommend to choose a watch of your own taste and enjoy wearing it every day. In any case, it will be something to pass on to the next generation.

What do you wish for the customers and friends of BREGNER Luxury & Lifestyle? 

I´d like to wish them all the best! Thanks for your interest in Chronoswiss watches and maybe we see you at our walk-in manufacture at the House of Chronoswiss in Lucerne, Switzerland, one day!

Mr. Ebstein, thank you very much for the interview. We wish you and your team a lot of success!