Samir Khemici, a passion for passing it on

Ever since early childhood, Samir Khemici has been drawn to timepieces. At first, like everyone else, he was captivated by the beauty of watches, but he soon turned them over to see what lay behind. Watchmaking technique caught his attention very quickly.

As he grew up, that interest only deepened. On the tatami, when he competed in judo at a high level, and later on the road visiting clients as a sales rep, he had just one ambition: to one day devote himself 100% to his passion for watchmaking.

That is why he eventually decided to take the plunge and earn the qualifications needed to practise and teach watchmaking. First in France, then in Switzerland to consolidate his skills and progress further in the watchmaking world. But he could not stop there. His sole aim was not to be a watchmaker, but rather to pass on this all-consuming passion through watchmaking techniques, the side of the craft that has always fascinated him. In his view, the workings of a mechanical calibre remain a mystery for collectors and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Objectif Horlogerie grew out of these observations.

Meet Samir Khemici, founder of Objectif Horlogerie.

Which watch are you wearing for this interview?

Samir Khemici – A Chopard LUC. It is a discreet, comfortable watch with a self-winding mechanical movement and a truly beautiful micro-rotor. It is not the kind of watch you see on every wrist. It also brings back fond memories of the training I did in Switzerland, in the Val-de-Travers region where the Chopard Manufacture is based.

What is your finest watch acquisition?

SK – Without a doubt, the next one! I am living out my Holy Grail by passing on watchmaking know-how through my watchmaking introduction workshops. It is my modest contribution to this world, a bit like preferring to give rather than receive.

What is your favourite watch complication?

SK – The minute repeater, because it is a function that lets the watch speak without you even looking at it. It chimes the time, and from the quality of its sound you can sense how well the piece is made.

Discover Objectif Horlogerie

What passions do you have besides watchmaking?

SK – I also love the world of motorcycles, knife making and well-crafted products in general. I have great respect and admiration for people who work with their hands.

What would be your dream car?

SK – A car that looks ordinary on the outside but is well built, affordable, non-polluting, fitted with a torquey V8 and an interior of limitless comfort…

What are your favourite dishes?

SK – The list would be far too long! We are lucky to live in THE country of gastronomy, where every region has its own culinary speciality. From main dishes to the petits fours at the end of the meal, we are spoilt for choice!

How would you define luxury?

SK – If I have to define the object, I would say a luxury product is one whose craftsmanship you can perceive (finesse, details, materials, manufacturing method…), with a timeless design, durability and flawless operation that stands the test of time.

In the broader sense, for us as individuals, I would say luxury is a life free of hardship.

Which brand (watchmaking or otherwise) best embodies luxury in your eyes?

SK – Girard-Perregaux with the Esmeralda released in 1860. It is one of the few manufactures with a movement whose design is instantly recognisable among so many others. The calibre has a unique architecture with three gold bridges and a finish that has remained almost unchanged from its release more than 160 years ago to the present day.

I cannot think of any older movement still in production today that remains faithful to the architecture and style of its era.

Which figure (historical or contemporary) inspires you?

SK – To stay on topic, I would say the watchmakers of the past (Huygens, Harrison, Breguet…) who invented and innovated in times with no electricity and no industrial tools. Even today we sometimes struggle to reproduce some of their pieces! Look at the Antikythera astronomical mechanism or, more “recently”, the “alarm” ring watch of Elizabeth the 1^st, dating from the 16th century.

What quality do you most appreciate in others, and which of your own flaws do you regret?

SK – Honesty and a sense of humour are important qualities to me. My “biggest” flaw is, without hesitation, my sweet tooth!

Is there a quotation you are particularly fond of?

SK – “The greatest wealth is the wealth of the soul.”

What time is it?

SK – As late as possible…

Book your watchmaking introduction with Samir Khemici