Flavio Pellegrini, CEO of Ebel

Hello Mr Pellegrini, which watch are you wearing on your wrist?

I am wearing the Ebel Sport Classic, which we are currently launching on international markets. It is Ebel’s new creation, and in fact it is our icon. It was first launched in 1977, and we are relaunching this icon redesigned and brought up to date, while keeping its DNA. Because this piece truly is our icon.

What has changed on this watch since 1977?

Quite a few things that are not necessarily visible at first glance. First of all, the opening (of the dial, editor’s note) is much larger. The movement is no longer cased from the top, as it was on the first piece, which had a monocoque case. It is now cased from the back, which allowed us to have a much larger opening compared with the original piece. And one of the essential elements is the “wave” bracelet, which is the strength of this piece and the emblem of Ebel. We managed to achieve a perfect integration between our famous hexagonal case with its screws and the first link of the bracelet. So there is a polished chamfer that underlines this hexagonal shape and ends up becoming the first link of the bracelet.

Then the first five links of the bracelet taper, becoming thinner and thinner. Today’s technology has allowed us to achieve this case and bracelet integration, which is absolutely perfect.

Next, we placed our double “E”, our “kissing e”, on the crown. We also took the liberty of improving the jewellery clasp used in 1977, with its automatic opening via pushers and its special safety mechanism. And the signature, our logo, Ebel’s double “E”, appears on this magnificent clasp.

What is your greatest achievement in watchmaking?

I would say this one. I am truly proud and honoured to have brought back an emblem of the Ebel brand, which is above all an emblem of the watch industry. An emblem that became one because of its bracelet. That is quite unique. Watchmaking icons are often born from a dial or a case. This one, the Ebel Sport Classic, launched the “Sport Chic” segment in the seventies, and it is recognisable by its bracelet.

It is so comfortable and so versatile that the watch can be worn with a suit, as I am dressed today, yet Yannick Noah won Roland Garros wearing it in the 80s… it really is a “day to night” piece, as they say in English.

What is your favourite watch complication?

Quite simply, I would say an annual calendar. Simply because nothing annoys me more than having to change the date on a watch. The annual calendar lets me keep my watch running all year long. And when I take it off my winder, it is running and showing the right date.

Do you have any passions besides watchmaking?

I have two other passions. The first is football, which I won’t dwell on, being Italian, given what happened to the Italian national team a few days ago (interview conducted just after Italy was eliminated from the 2018 World Cup finals, editor’s note). I would rather talk about my other passion, which is classic cars. I have just turned 40, just like my Sport Classic, and I treated myself to a little present by buying an old 1971 Alfa GT Junior. Red, of course! It is a passion that comes from my father. He always had Alfas. So I love Alfas, that passion, that old mechanical engineering. You really have the feeling of truly driving… I love it! As soon as there is a ray of sunshine in the Canton of Neuchâtel, I take the opportunity to bring out my little racer. 90 horsepower…. Not a lot of horsepower, but fantastic sensations when you turn the key. And then there is the smell inside that car… It is my great pleasure!

Do you think this kind of car goes well with the kind of watch you wear on your wrist?

Absolutely! I think that is a very good point! This watch, just like the car… I think there is a very strong comeback of everything “Vintage”, retro chic and minimalist. This watch is an icon, just as the GT Junior is an icon at Alfa. Even more so the famous GTA, which was winning races in the 1970s. These are safe bets!

Can we call it an art of living?

An art of living, exactly!

So is your dream car the one you have just bought, or is it another one?

I would say the GTA. I bought the GT Junior 1300, but if I could have bought the famous Alfa GTA it would have been an even greater pleasure. But who knows!? I am only 40, we’ll see what we can do in 10 years.

What is your definition of luxury?

I would say that luxury is above all about treating yourself. And I believe that in Ebel’s “roaring” years, if I may say so, Ebel treated its clients. Through various events held at the Villa Turque, or on our yacht Beluga. Luxury is about treating yourself, or treating others with a luxurious gift or an experience. In luxury, when you give people pleasure, I believe they will always remember it. And the watches we give to someone or receive will always remain a personal heritage for the rest of our lives.

Which brand best embodies luxury today?

I will still dare to mention a competitor that operates in different styles. I think the brand that best embodies luxury is, after all, Rolex. Because Rolex has such a long-term vision… Not putting yourself under short-term pressure, not rushing out with innovation, is also part of luxury… Rolex always thinks long term. This brand still has the same products, iconic products that have not necessarily changed much. There is no headlong rush towards novelty. No obligation to come up with new calibres and new complications. And above all, there is a remarkable quality aspect at Rolex. So I think that in the watch industry, Rolex remains a benchmark.

And, as I was saying earlier about the pleasure of giving, they have kept a price range that remains accessible. So the ratio between the effect of receiving or wearing a Rolex on your wrist and the price you invested in that watch is really very strong.

Is there a historical or contemporary figure who inspires you?

I have been working for the Movado Group for 15 years, and I believe our founder, Gedalio Grinberg, the father of our current CEO, is someone who inspires me. I was lucky enough to meet him in my first year, at the first Basel fair I attended. He was a visionary with a passion for his company, a passion for the watch world, and a fantastic story that began in Cuba as a distributor for Corum and Piaget.

When Fidel Castro came to power, he lost everything and ended up in the United States, unable to speak English. He called the Piaget family, received a small collection, and little by little built the fine group that the Movado Group is today.

In the 70s he took over the distribution of Piaget and Corum watches for the whole United States. He bought Concord, launched the Delirium, bought Movado… There is a whole story behind this man, who inspires me greatly.

Which human qualities do you particularly value?

The quality I value most, which I make a point of respecting every day and which I try to instil in my sons, is respect. We are all equal on Earth, and we must respect what and who surrounds us.

Mr Pellegrini, what time is it?

It is exactly 5:17 pm.