James Henderson – What was your first watch? Was it a gift? Is there a story behind it?
Gilles Robert – In fact, I do not remember my first watch. When I was child, in our family, watches were just “commodities” in the eyes of my father, and a “commodities” family business that he was determined to be the last one to manage. Luckily, when I was about 14, I discovered in his “watchmaker cabinet” an interesting vintage 18 K gold chronograph watch, made by “Nicolet” watches back in the 1940’s, nesting in an old luxury “Bordeaux Red” leather box. When I asked my father about this watch, he told me that this was a “business gift” given to my grandfather, and that he (my father) was not interested in keeping this watch and that I could have it. Ever since that time, I have owned this important “object”. I later modified it, transforming the appearance of this watch, by designing a new bezel and a new dial. I still own this watch and I wear it from time to time.
JH – A bit about yourself please – You come from a family of watchmakers and artists. Can you share a bit about “the family business”?
GR – As my father was not interested in art and watches (except for clocks), I had to gather all of the information for myself about our family business of watches and about art in general. This is also probably due to the “human difficulties” between my grandfather, (who was very fond of art and watches), and my father. My grand father died when I was one year old.
JH – When you were a boy – what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
GR – I always wanted to be some sort of “couturier”, as I have always beenfound of design, clothes, etc.
JH – Where did you go to school? What did you study?
GR – I earned a degree in Economic Science at the Geneva University, and then left for the United States to improve and perfect my knowledge in this domain. While I was in Los Angeles, I took courses at the famous Gemological Institute of America (GIA), graduating with a diploma in 1979.
JH – Who else is making watches that excite you?
GR – Cartier with their designs for womens watches, the ones that came from the 1930’s
JH – What do you like to do in your “down-time”? “
GR – I often like to escape to the mountains, as I think that to manage one’s life is very much similar than to managing a “mountain trek”.
JH – What are some of the biggest challenges you face in being independent?
GR – The biggest challenge is to stay alive and to grow, while “venturing off the beneath path”. But ‘liberty’ or ‘freedom’ is the ultimate luxury.
JH – No thoughts of ever working with someone else?
GR – I am very much working with my network of “subcontractors” and “distributors”. I hope to stay independent in the future and to transmit my business to my sons and my daughter, if they are interested. Otherwise, I hope to transmit it to someone else.
JH – So what exactly is it that makes your watches unique?
GR – I hope that my watches are a “synthesis” of both the art and history of watchmaking.
JH – If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
GR – I could be discovering the world, designing and producing jewels or clothes, for instance in India.
JH – Is there another similar watch company waiting in the wings?
GR – In terms of competition, there is probably someone or some companies looking around me. I have no intention for the moment to create another watch brand.
JH – What advice do you have for the next wave of young independent watch makers?
GR – Don’t be afraid to venture off the beneath path!
www.robertfils1630.com