Next in our MrWatchMaster Meets series, we are delighted to bring you the views of master-watchmaker, Christophe Claret. At just 19 years of age, he graduated from the Geneva Watchmaking School, continuing his education with the master-watchmaker Roger Dubuis who, in taking him under his wing, passed on the secrets of restoration and the mysteries of complex horological mechanisms.
Upon returning to his native city of Lyon, Christophe Claret set up his first horological workshop in the family home. He decided to specialise in restoring antique timepieces, perfecting his finishing techniques and crafting open-work or ‘skeletonised’ watches.
We have great pleasure in sharing Christophe’s views on business and the watch industry.
MWM: How is business?
CC: We feel a certain recovery in the markets. It is certainly not much but things are improving.
MWM: What are you currently working on?
CC: We are currently working on the new timepieces for SIHH 2018.
MWM: Tell us something we don’t know about Christophe Claret watches?
CC: I find most of my inspiration everywhere except in watchmaking: nature, poetry, magic, antiques, aerospace, automotive, mechanics, etc. In addition, I am personally involved in the aesthetic research of every component and movement that I create in order to ensure the coherence between aesthetics and the technical aspects of horology.
MWM: What watch do you wear?
CC: A red gold Maestro.
MWM: Apart from your own brand, what watch would you like to own?
CC: In order to not offend my Manufacture customers, I prefer to not answer to this question.
MWM: What do you like best about the Watch business?
CC: We are able to continue to create and produce innovative watches.
MWM: What don’t you like about the Watch business?
CC: The least we can say is that this is not a peaceful world. We must constantly fight not to be ‘eaten’!
MWM: What is next on the horizon for you?
CC: To further evolve and develop the Christophe Claret brand.
About Christophe Claret
At just 19 years of age, Christophe graduated from the Geneva Watchmaking School, continuing his education with the master-watchmaker Roger Dubuis who, in taking him under his wing, passed on the secrets of restoration and the mysteries of complex horological mechanisms.
While continuing to design exceptional movements for the most prestigious brands, Christophe Claret also produces watches bearing his own name, often one-of-a-kind creations commissioned by collectors won over by Mr Claret’s superlative horological mastery. Initially a low-key activity, his Christophe Claret branded pieces gained a higher profile in 2009 when he created the DualTow to celebrate the Manufacture’s 20th anniversary. This mechanical distillation of all of the watchmaker’s talent unlocked a freedom to create which resulted in highly complex, exclusive pieces.
The Christophe Claret brand now belongs to the extremely exclusive circle of independent Haute Horlogerie brands that design, develop and produce their watches entirely in-house. An exceptional location at the heart Swiss watchmaking, placing it firmly at the forefront of horological innovation.
Christophe Claret is a Friend of MrWatchMaster