In an exclusive interview with OHLALA, David Tedeschi, Hublot’s Regional Director for Latin America & Caribbean, Middle East & Africa, offers a captivating glimpse into his lifelong expedition in the world of watchmaking, along with his visionary perspective on the industry’s future.
OHLALA – Can you tell us how watchmaking entered your life? Was there a specific moment when you realised you wanted to follow this career path?
David Tedeschi – Well, I didn’t enter the world of watchmaking; I was born into it. My father, a seasoned veteran with over five decades of experience, was instrumental in sparking my passion for timepieces. Growing up, I spent weekends at his watch stores in Geneva, surrounded by the mesmerising world of timekeepers. It was during these formative years that I developed a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and intricacy of watches. The precise engineering and attention to detail fascinated me, igniting a desire to pursue a career in this field. While there wasn’t a single defining moment, my upbringing in the world of watchmaking laid the foundation for my lifelong journey in the industry.
OHLALA – What part of the watchmaking process do you find most interesting and why?
David – I cannot mention a specific part as I find every step fascinating for its unique contributions. From ideation to execution, each phase offers its own set of challenges and rewards. At Hublot, our process begins with dynamic exchanges within the programme and product committee, where innovative ideas are exchanged and evaluated. The journey continues through research and development, design, prototyping and model validation. However, being involved in creating special editions for my markets provides a 360-degree perspective of the entire process, making it incredibly engaging and rewarding. This hands-on experience allows me to appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship of creating each timepiece, giving us a competitive edge in the market.
OHLALA – How do you think your technical watchmaking knowledge helps you in your position as Regional Director?
David – With my background in engineering and watchmaking, I possess a comprehensive understanding of our products, encompassing movement mechanisms and design intricacies. This allows me to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients, translating technical concepts into accessible language. Moreover, as we focus on highlighting movement innovation in our new strategy, my expertise bridges the gap between technical details and broader business objectives for our stakeholders. This is essential for Hublot, which is known for its partnerships and dedication to excellence.
OHLALA – Hublot has been part of your entire professional life. How do you feel about working with the same brand for many years? How do you see your relationship with them ?
David – Working with Hublot for over a decade has been an incredible journey. When I joined in 2008, we were a small team of less than 40 employees, renting office space without owning our own building. Since being acquired by the LVMH group, the brand has grown exponentially, with over 500 employees at our Swiss headquarters and nearly 750 worldwide. Despite this growth, we’ve maintained a strong family spirit. Personally, it’s been fulfilling to witness and contribute to the brand’s evolution from my early 20s to now in my mid-30s. We’re entering an exciting new phase where we’re reaching deeper into our craftsmanship, movements and commercial strategy, marking the beginning of another chapter in our history.
OHLALA – What, in your opinion, makes people find a deep appreciation for watches? What do you think causes this fascination?
David – Hublot is a brand that evokes strong emotions – people either love or hate it. We embrace this diversity of opinion, recognising that not everyone will resonate with our brand, and that’s okay. At its core, Hublot is more than just a watch; it’s a lifestyle, a story, and a community. When you buy a Hublot, you become part of our family, mainly because of how we treat our clients and make them feel. In the Middle East, where we have a strong presence, we’ve seen significant interest from both men and women. While traditionally seen as a men’s watch brand, our sales to women are substantial, with nearly equal representation in the region. We’re committed to further developing our strategies to capitalise on this growth potential and continue expanding our reach.
OHLALA – How do you see the future of watchmaking?
David – The advent of smartwatches sparked concern within the watchmaking industry, with fears that traditional timepieces would become obsolete. However, I believe that smartwatches serve a different purpose – they’re more of an extension of your phone, focusing on functionalities like fitness tracking and notifications. While they offer convenience, they lack the timeless artistry and craftsmanship found in mechanical watches. Watchmaking is an art form, transcending mere functionality to become an expression of style and identity. Despite technological advancements, the allure of mechanical watches remains. They represent a connection to tradition and heritage, offering more than just a way to tell time. As for the future, I see watchmaking continuing to thrive, driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. Through collaborations and strategic developments, brands like Hublot will continue to evolve, remaining at the forefront of the industry.
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