In a detailed interview, Katia Jundi [KJ], fonder of Katsbling, sits down with David Tedeschi [DT], Hublot’s Managing Director for the MEA & Latin America, to discuss the latest novelties presented at LMVH Watch Week, the pivotal role of female consumers, and the innovative strides being made in watchmaking at Hublot.
[KJ]: Thank you for sharing the beautiful novelties with us today. Which of these are you most excited about?
[DT]: I’m particularly thrilled about the MECA-10. It represents a significant step forward as it features our redesigned manufacturer movement in a compact 42-millimeter case while maintaining a 10-day power reserve. This showcases not only Hublot’s spirit but also our creativity and expertise in movement development, emphasizing our commitment to in-house manufacturing.
[KJ]: That’s impressive. Shifting focus to the market here, you mentioned earlier that women account for 45% of your sales in this region. Is that a higher percentage compared to other markets?
[DT]: Yes, it’s significantly higher. Globally, women make up about 28% of our sales. The Middle East is unique not just because of its market dynamics but also due to our focused strategies that appeal directly to women. This shift has helped us tap into a segment that was previously underexplored.
[KJ]: Why do you think the Middle East has higher female engagement in luxury watches?
[DT]: It’s not just the marketing strategies; our product offerings play a big role. Our Classic Fusion collection, which features a higher number of women’s SKUs, resonates well here. People in this region appreciate both innovative and classical designs, and Classic Fusion aligns perfectly with their tastes.
[KJ]: Speaking of preferences, the Spirit of the Big Bang was also well received. What feedback have you gotten about the new colors introduced?
[DT]: The response has been fantastic. I only wish we could produce more to meet the demand. The Spirit of the Big Bang stands out not just for its aesthetics but also for its craftsmanship, which embodies our ‘Art of Fusion’ philosophy.
[KJ]: Can you share some challenges you faced with the Saxo Green watch, and what makes it stand out?
[DT]: The most challenging aspect was achieving the right tone of green while ensuring the material’s durability. The Saxo Green is comparable to emerald in its vibrancy and depth, making it truly unique. We’ve kept its production limited to maintain exclusivity, which is a cornerstone of our brand philosophy.
[KJ]: As Watches and Wonders approaches, can you hint at what we can expect from your upcoming releases?
[DT]: What I can share is that our focus will be on the Big Bang collection as we celebrate its 20th anniversary. Expect something bold that will resonate well with our audience and collectors.
[KJ]: That’s sounds exciting! Looking forward to hear more about this soon. Thanks for your time.
