We will never stop seeing the bargaining spirit of Indians, says Longines chief Walter von Känel

Q. How has 2016 been for Longines?
We are now the fourth largest Swiss watch brand in the industry, selling close to 6,000 pieces a day. But one must not look purely at numbers. One cannot compare a Patek Phillipe, for example, with a Longines. Fundamentally, we need not change anything in our products, for they work for the customers.

Q. Why did Longines go back to its heritage collection at Baselworld?
Longines has had a long history and deep connect with equestrian for over a century. It was, thus, important for the brand to dedicate a collection towards this. In 2015, we expanded our ladies’ equestrian collection and, in 2016, we focussed on our historical collection (the RailRoad, Heritage 1918 and Equestrian Pocket Watch Jockey 1878).

Q. How important is India to Longines? What plans does it have for the country?
We have a good team in India. The working conditions and demand are also improving. But it still has a regime of high taxes. On the other side, India is a market which one cannot ignore. One thing we will never stop seeing is the bargaining spirit of Indians; this is a reality that luxury watchmakers have to live with. We have a strong presence in India, but hope that we can open more monolithic stores there. [Longines, which entered India in 2002, has 90 points of sale, including nine boutiques]. India already has a strong retail overseas community (non-resident Indians), with a large percentage of them being watch buyers. I had made a statement once that I will not quit until India beats China in the luxury watch market… but China is far ahead at this stage.

Q. You have had a long stint at Longines. What keeps you going?
To achieve growth. Every morning, I get up to try and do more. This job of mine has an advantage, you can travel the world, see newer markets and meet new buyers… I was fascinated by Russia and China. The interest in military history is in my blood [Walter von Känel had served in the Swiss Army as an officer in the infantry]… and yet when I come back home, I am so happy to be a Swiss. In difficult times, the company needs a captain who is critical. The macro-economic conditions in 2008 were tough, but Swiss watch companies have pulled through that.