Antony Lindsay, CEO of Fabergé.
Famed for their legendary objets d’art, the Imperial Easter Eggs created for the Russian Imperial family, Fabergé may not be a name that is historically linked to watchmaking. But today, the brand has an impressive portfolio of timepieces, where each piece showcases a stunning demonstration of horological artistry. Faberge’s CEO, Antony Lindsay tells us how heritage brands need to convey value in a relevant way for today’s market.
As one of the most revered names in luxury, what is your vision for Fabergé?
Our vision, or mission, is to continue pushing the boundaries of artistry and craftsmanship, optimising the art of colour with enamel and coloured gemstones, using both time-honoured and innovative techniques. Our creations lead us and always will.
Could you tell us about the craftsmanship behind the Fabergé Compliquée Butterfly Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition?
Marking a first for the Fabergé Compliquée watch collection, this edition introduces a butterfly motif, inspired by Sincere Fine Watches’ Platinum Jubilee celebration. Encased in an 18k rose gold case adorned with 1.83 carats of sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds, the Fabergé Compliquée Butterfly Tropics Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is a masterpiece of horological artistry. The vibrant dial features a delicate orchid, meticulously crafted from hand-set yellow and pink sapphires, set against a backdrop of lush tsavorite garnets, which evoke the verdant beauty of an idyllic garden.
The Fabergé Compliquée Butterfly.
The Fabergé Compliquée Butterfly Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition watches feature the calibre 6901, a unique movement developed by Agenhor Manufacture exclusively for Fabergé. Hours are displayed via a numbered mother-of-pearl ring that rotates counterclockwise around the winding crown at three o’clock. Minutes are indicated by the position of the butterfly’s wings, which unfurl each hour and return to zero only when the leading wing reaches 60, creating a dynamic scene as time unfolds on the wearer’s wrist.
What are some of the challenges of helming such a storied company such as Fabergé?
Being custodians of one of the most celebrated and treasured names in luxury is a tremendous privilege and responsibility, and we approach each day with an enormous sense of pride and, not least, honour. At times, this great honour can weigh heavy, but more often than not it provides us with a myriad of exciting opportunities and a constant source of inspiration.
How much does having a strong heritage help to attract some of the younger consumers in the market today?
Many of today’s leading luxury brands use their heritage and legacy to convey value, which in-turn, develops authenticity and trust, which contributes to heightened consumer loyalty. Whilst brand heritage can be a tremendous asset, it must be conveyed in a relevant way.
As times change and social movements develop, brands must adapt to survive. Heritage brands must master the delicate balancing act of meeting the demand for innovation while upholding tradition. Heritage offers the opportunity to pass on stories to the next generation and can transport clients from a journey of discovery to a destination of desire. To coin a phrase we love at Fabergé, “Our Heritage, Your Legacy.”
How would you describe Fabergé’s approach to watchmaking?
In keeping with the Fabergé tradition, we seek to work with the very finest craftsmen and women from around the world, which enables us to create unique items of unsurpassed craftsmanship and design, that will stand the test of time (pardon the pun) and can be passed down from generation to generation.
What do you make of the mood of the luxury watch market right now?
I would say it’s been a challenging year for the industry as a whole, due to ongoing global, macroeconomic uncertainties, however, I’m pleased to report that we’ve had a positive year at Fabergé to date and our watch sales are up year-on-year. We have also been nominated for no less than two awards at this year’s GPHG.
