Next we meet Hassan Sefrioui, Founder/CEO of Maison Boanton and a watch enthusiast. After working for over ten years at the United Nations and international organisations, he decided to start a new chapter in his life to make his childhood dream come true.
We hear Hassan’s views on business and the new watch he has designed with his team for the first Boanton collection which is a modern reinterpretation of the very first waterproof wristwatch in history.
MWM: How is business?
HS: Maison Boanton has officially been on the market for two weeks. Our watches are available for pre-order until March 30th. After two years of work on our first collection of dress watches, we’re excited to finally meet our first customers and ambassadors and to receive such positive feedback on our creations.
MWM: What are you currently working on?
HS: Our first collection, Ellipse B2201 (above), has just been released, but we have many projects in the pipeline. Among them is the development of a metal bracelet specifically designed for our Ellipse collection to complement its distinctive pebble-shaped case. A new collection is on its way.
MWM: Tell us something we don’t know about Maison Boanton Watches?
HS: The design of our watches is not something commonly seen in watchmaking. We employ manufacturing processes utilised in high end watchmaking. For instance, we have chosen to create a rare component that only few luxury watchmakers use: the central container. Our bezel and back are screwed to this container.
This approach adds an additional layer of complexity, going against current trends where brands strive to simplify assembly of their watches reducing production costs. In simple terms, the fewer components produced, the fewer the risks.
MWM: Which watch do you wear?
HS: At the moment I have become very attached to my Ellipse B2201-RM watch and its lunar silver dial (above). This model impresses me with its incredible versatility. While I’m focusing on this watch, I plan to revisit the other pieces in my collection at a later date.
MWM: Which watch would you like to own?
HS: My preferences change with time. Right now, I’m in a phase where I’m drawn to dress watches, and I have my heart set on the Cartier Santos, perhaps in a gold version (above). Its beauty is simple and yet breathtaking.
MWM: What do you like best about the Watch business?
HS: What I appreciate most about the watch business is that it’s not quite like any other. It has a unique perspective that makes it more human and authentic in my eyes, the passion for watchmaking that I share with so many others. It’s not just about buying a watch for the sake of it; there’s a deeper connection and appreciation involved.
MWM: What is next on the horizon for you?
HS: While our first collection is currently available online, I believe there’s something special about physically experiencing a watch – seeing its details, feeling its weight and trying it on. That’s why we are prioritizing the establishment of a network of authorised retailers. We want our customers to be able to try on our timepieces whenever they feel like it.
Please visit Kickstarter to back this project.
Please visit Maison Boanton for more information.