Philippe Merk
Switzerland- Biography of Philippe Merk
- A Visit to Moscow
- The Maurice Lacroix Company
- The "Pontos" Collection
- Targeting the Russian Market
- The Development Process
- Hopeful Partnership
Biography of Philippe Merk
Philippe Merk is a businessman and the CEO of the watch company Maurice Lacroix. He is one of the world's leading watchmakers and is known for his expertise in the industry.
A Visit to Moscow
During one of his visits to Moscow, Merk fulfilled a long-standing promise to his wife to show her the Russian capital. Although his visit was primarily for business purposes, he took the opportunity to share the secrets of Maurice Lacroix's work and introduce their new collection to the city.
The Maurice Lacroix Company
Merk explained that Maurice Lacroix is a manufacture watch company, meaning that most of the mechanisms are produced in-house. The company is known for its unique designs and functionality. Merk himself proudly wears a chronograph from the "Masterpiece" collection, which is renowned for its precision and advanced technology.
The "Pontos" Collection
Merk also highlighted the "Pontos" collection, which has gained popularity in recent years. The collection includes rectangular-shaped watches and the unique "Decentrique" model, which received the prestigious "Red Dot Design Award." Maurice Lacroix plans to focus on luxury watches, as there is a growing market of people willing to invest in high-end timepieces.
Targeting the Russian Market
Considering the Russian mentality, Merk recommends that the Russian business elite pay attention to the "Masterpiece" and "Pontos" collections. He also suggests the "Divina" collection, which features diamond-adorned watches, as a gift option for women. While the company aims to increase sales and production of women's watches, Merk acknowledges that women also appreciate rectangular-shaped men's models.
The Development Process
Merk explained that it takes 3-4 years to develop a single watch model, and the company strives to release several new products each year. Maurice Lacroix is prepared for the changes brought about by the stricter "Swiss Made" labeling rules, believing that it will take several years before the new regulations are implemented. The company is not concerned about counterfeits as the uniqueness of their watches makes replicating them challenging.
Hopeful Partnership
Merk noticed many Russians wearing high-quality and expensive watches upon his arrival in Moscow. He believes that consumer demand drives the market, and Maurice Lacroix sees potential in collaborating with Russia, closely monitoring and understanding the watch market in the country.
