Stephan Ciejka is a discreet man whom an entire profession knows, yet whose secrets few people manage to uncover. Moving with feline ease from the shadows into the light, he is as familiar a figure at the major watch fairs or under the spotlights of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève jury as he is at meetings of the watch industry’s “big shots” or at the discreet closed-door sessions held by a handful of CEOs of major brands. Editor-in-Chief of La Revue des Montres , which he co-founded, he took part in the birth or rebirth of many Swiss watch brands at a time when the sector was far from enjoying the success it knows today. Stephan is an influential figure in the watch world, capable both of an almost ubiquitous presence that makes him practically unavoidable and of cultivating the mystery of a legend that surrounds him and has grown over time. An enigma to some, an obvious choice to others… Meet a man who never leaves anyone indifferent.
On this page
- Which watch are you wearing during this interview?
- In your view, what is the greatest success in watchmaking?
- What is your favourite watch complication?
- What passions do you have besides watchmaking?
- What is your dream car?
- What is your favourite wine?
- How would you define luxury?
- Which brand (watchmaking or otherwise) best embodies luxury in your view?
- Which historical or contemporary figure inspires you?
- Which quality do you value most in others, and which flaw do you regret having?
- Is there a quote you are particularly fond of?
- What time is it?
“Fascinated by technical objects since early childhood, I truly discovered the mechanical watch in the early eighties, when I began collecting, with a certain consistency, everything that Swiss, German or French watchmakers had produced in the way of wristwatches and other timepieces for the various armed forces of the world. Very few of us were interested in wristwatches back then, as seasoned enthusiasts were more focused on pocket watches. I met a Japanese collector, Mr Imai, who shared my passion and owned a publishing group. He asked me to work with him on articles and a small guide to military watches. The rest followed naturally, with a bit of hard work and plenty of conviction.”
| Last name | Ciejka |
|---|---|
| First name | Stephan |
| Age | 62 |
| Marital status | Married |
| Number of children | 1 child |
| Current position | Editor-in-Chief of La Revue des Montres and head of the watch division at Editions Jalou |
Last three positions held in the watch industry:
I don’t come from the watchmaking world. When I became interested in the sector, it was emerging from a major crisis and beginning to find hope again thanks to visionaries like Nicolas G. Hayek.
Most recent qualification: I earned a first aid certificate shortly after last year’s attacks in Paris, very close to my home. I needed to refresh my first aid skills
Which watch are you wearing during this interview?
A Tudor produced in a limited series for the 25th anniversary of the COS, the French Special Operations Command, in steel on a steel bracelet.
In your view, what is the greatest success in watchmaking?
It’s a bit reductive, but I think that over the last thirty years, it is the Swiss watch industry as a whole that deserves that title.
What is your favourite watch complication?
The perpetual calendar. It is a very perilous watchmaking exercise that requires real depth of expertise.
What passions do you have besides watchmaking?
I have many, including photography of course, but also travel and antiques.
What is your dream car?
The modified DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future, the perfect way to always be on time.
What is your favourite wine?
My tastes lean towards red Bordeaux, but I’m far from being a connoisseur.
How would you define luxury?
As the work of an alchemist. The result of a successful reaction between components that are often rare and original, carefully blended to achieve a certain form of timeless perfection. It is one of the few universal values.
Which brand (watchmaking or otherwise) best embodies luxury in your view?
The Ateliers des Maîtres d’Art are one of the initiatives that best symbolise the excellence of the luxury crafts. Moreover, the obligation to pass on one’s know-how by training apprentices ensures the initiative endures.
Which historical or contemporary figure inspires you?
Most likely Henri Cartier-Bresson, I admire the way he captured the world. Don’t they say a picture is worth a thousand words?
Which quality do you value most in others, and which flaw do you regret having?
Loyalty and generosity in all things, without a doubt. As for me, I struggle to resist my sweet tooth.
Is there a quote you are particularly fond of?
“The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday”, which suits the making of magazines and the press quite well, where every month everything starts over as if it were the very first day.
What time is it?
0930Z, that is 9:30 UTC.
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