James Henderson – What was your first watch, was it a gift? Is there a story behind it?
Patrick Kury – My first Watch was a GINSBO Coastguard. This is a little Diving Watch I had received it when I was about 8 years old. GINSBO was the Watch Company of my Father. I am very proud to say that I still have this very first watch today.
JH – When you were a boy, what did you want to be “when you grew up”?
PK – I was always interested in mechanical ‘things’ and that certainly includes watches. Very early in my life it was clear to me that I would either work with watches or with automobiles. My father was not very amused when I told him that I had decided, finally, to go to the Watchmaking School in Solothurn. In his experience the watch industry suffers from great highs and very deep lows and represented a great professional risk.
JH – Where did you go to school, what did you study?
PK – My first studies were conducted in the 4 program at the Watchmaking School in Solothurn for four years. I then furthered my studies at the Master School of Watchmaking. A Diploma in Economics and Business Administration concluded my academic career.
JH – How did you get started in the watch industry?
PK – My first position was in the Service Center of Omega in Biel. I repaired old
Omega calibers, chronographs, and pocket-watches. It was truly a fantastic
experience and one that I recall very fondly.
JH – Did you ever consider doing something else for a living?
PK – No, absolutely not. The combination of the measuring of Time, concentrated in the compactness of an object of utility that is also a work of art, history and emotion, fascinates me still.
JH – With the Eterna Spherodrive now complete, what is next on the horizon?
PK – In terms of a watch movement, at the present time it is a new Chronograph.
However in terms of innovation it is a Patent that I had filed in 2007. With this innovation we will be able to produce a constant power force on the gear train. This will permit the watchmaker not only to adjust the precision of the time keeping of the watch, she or he will also be able to adjust the amplitude of the balance. To be able to achieve the promise contained within that patent would be a personal milestone for me.
JH – What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a watch designer?
PK – Frankly, for me it is as critical to know what will not work when considering options in the conception of a movement, as what will work. Curiosity and the exploration of ideas carried silently in my thoughts combined with the potential of the Industry weigh on the choices that I face daily.
JH – I know it is never easy to choose, but do you have a favorite creation?
PK – Yes, I have many attachments to the watches I have brought into production but I must say that the Madison Eight Day is a watch that charms even me.
JH – Who else out there is making watches that interest you?
PK – Breguet, I’m impressed how they keep the true tradition alive and they are still coming out with useful complications.
JH – If you weren’t doing this, what do you think you might be doing?
PK – This is a Question I ask myself as well once in a while.
JH – What is a typical “day in the life” of Patrick Kury?
PK – In the Morning, I usually do a short visitation in all the departments, then checking the emails. Mostly the days are busy with meetings where I have to take decisions about designs, production planning or technical developments. Also the maintenance of the patents is taking a lot of time.
JH – What do you like to do in your spare time?
PK – Playing tennis and squash or going out for a ride on my motorcycle.
JH – What advice do you have for the young watch makers out there?
PK – Our Industry needs a lot of good watch makers. Personal dedication and passion is the key for success and will open doors.