Bremont has today been announced as a Gold Partner of the inaugural WatchPro Hot 100, a book and evening celebration that will bring the UK watch industry together in London in July. Here we speak to co-founder Giles English about why he has signed up to support the project, flying the flag for Britain abroad and opening a Bremont boutique in Hong Kong.
WatchPro: Tell me about 2013 for Bremont. What are you key achievements and objectives for the rest of the year?
Giles English: For Bremont in 2012 we had a great year of growth in the UK and we are really looking to take this onto the next level and make sure we are working with the best retailers across the country. We are increasing our marketing budgets and as a British brand we need to be a strong brand in our home market but we will also be expanding our global distribution with new retailers in the Middle East, Japan and will be opening up our own store in Hong Kong. On top of all this we are continuing to heavily invest in the UK infrastructure
WP: How do you feel about the British watch industry at the moment? Do you sense that the success of Bremont is contributing to a broader renaissance in British watch making?
GE: We are excited about the prospects of the British industry and feel that any PR or advertising we are doing around the world is very much waving the flag for both the history of watchmaking in the UK but also what is going on at the moment. The market has shown that there is demand in more artesian watch making and this has also been clear to see in the growth of the German watch market.
WP: The WatchPro Hot 100 is a celebration for the entire community of watch professionals making a living in the UK today. What does it mean to Bremont to be supporting an event of this kind?
GE: Supporting the industry and saying thank you for the wonderful support they have given us is very important and whatever can be done to pull the industry together to promote the British watch industry will benefit us all.
WP: The WatchPro Hot 100 is the first time that all corners of the British watch industry – brands, retailers, journalists, agents, etc – will socialise under one roof. What might this mean to the profession?
GE: Bringing everyone together does not often happen in such a focused way. It benefits us all, both in terms of sharing ideas and in generating business.
WP: If you were to deliver a key message from Bremont to this professional community, what would it be?
GE: Firstly I would like to thank them for their support over all these years, and I’d also like them to think about the wonderful history of British watchmaking and help promote the industry so one day it can be great again.
