People, it should be about people

Today was an interesting day for me.  I learned, once again, that this is a people business.  Yes, I write about watches, companies make watches and nice people like you and me enjoy watches.  It seems like a pretty simple arrangement.  But it was what happened today that reminded me that communication is a pretty fragile thing - and a misunderstanding has the ability to be taken to extremes on either side.  What it also reminded me was that there are some people out there who really shouldn't be involved working with people - because it is clear that they just don't like doing it. 

But rather than share my David and Goliath (or James and Big Watch Forum) story here, I thought it might be a better use of my energy (and hopefully your reading time) to talk about what is good, positive and dare I say it, romantic about the watch business.  The people who not only like what they do, but who make us feel passionate about this curious obsession of ours.

So first and foremost I think big props are owed to Michael Margolis of Girard-Perregaux/JEANRICHARD North America fame.  This is a guy who exudes positivity.  I can say that within the world of those of us who write about these things, there was a massive cheer when he was named the President for the US for these two fine brands.  Proof positive that nice guys can, and do sometimes finish first.  And while I'm on the topic of GP and their wonderful people, I would also have to point out that Xavier Markl, Dimitra Frechelin Darmanger and Willy Schweizer are perhaps the finest ambassadors that a brand could hope to have.  Knowledgeable, patient, friendly, and genuinely interested - and that is what makes them interesting.  Yes, I got to see them in their "natural environment" when I visited GP this past March - and the experience has stuck with me.

Jean-Claude Biver - the "last emperor" may have scaled back his duties, but this was the EVANGELIST of the modern watch industry.  More so than even Mr. Hayek himself, I believe that Mr. Biver brought real passion to the industry in everything he said and did.  Yes, watches are still manufactured, and there are industry people trying to get us excited - but we still wait collectively for the next "wizard of watch communication" to emerge.  She or he is out there, we just haven't fully heard from them yet.

Yasmina Pedrini of Frederique Constant & Alpina is another example of a communicator with passion - and a real watch fan besides!  I have never been asked so many questions about the watches I was wearing while visiting a company's booth!  "Oh, can I try that one on?"  "Tell me about this strap..."  this is someone who makes you feel so positive about writing about the industry, because they are so positive about what they do in the industry.  

Lisa Delane of Tigerlily Skye PR - yes, she is a "freelancer" but I have to say, one of the best in the business.  Knowledgeable, and thorough.  Need info for a post on short notice - Lisa has you covered.  And she always makes time for all of us "flacks" from the mighty to the not-so-mighty.  Don't know who she works with?  Yes you do, you just don't see it from a distance because she is so very good at what she does.

I think what I realized today was that innovation is great.  New complications, and metallurgical advancements are sexy.  But none of this is possible without the people who create them, and we'd never get excited about it without these evangelists.

So thank you to all of you out there for taking the time to read my little "bloggy-wog", and thank you to all of the people out there who make it possible by sharing their knowledge, their time, and their passion.