A Family Affair
At the start of 2024, Frédéric Arnault — heir to the LVMH empire — was appointed the role of CEO of LVMH Watches. This was a pivotal move in LVMH’s watches and jewellery division where it not only required Frédéric to flex his credentials in steering the ship of various luxury watch brands but also represented LVMH’s forward-thinking vision to brand itself as a global frontrunner in high-end watchmaking.
Now, LVMH’s acquisition of Swiza — the owner of L’Epée 1839 — only further illustrates the group’s determination to conquer the world of watchmaking.
Read More: LUXUO Leaders: CEO of L’Epée, Arnaud Nicolas on the Art of Luxury Watchmaking
Why Now?
LVMH, as it is, is at the forefront of the fashion industry. It’s arguably the world’s most profitable luxury conglomerate. It appears that the French luxury conglomerate may only be third in luxury watchmaking behind its Swiss rivals. The Swatch Group (which includes Breguet, Harry Winston, Blancpain, Glashütte and Omega) and Richemont (whose brands include A. Lange & Sohne, Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai and Piaget) continue to dominate the horological space and by acquiring a prestigious Swiss manufacturer in Swiza, LVMH gains a foothold in watchmaking and prevents its competitors from further expanding their strength in the space.
Read More: L’Epée 1839 and The Unnamed Society Create An Unimaginable Timepiece
It is also worth noting that L’Epée 1839 is not just a luxury watch brand, the company is known for their authentic objets d’art, highlighting exceptional mechanisms and intricacies of high-end clocks and is described as a jewel of “Haute Horlogerie”. LVMH on the other hand, houses some of the most famed jewellery manufacturers including Bvlgari, Tiffany & Co., Chaumet, Fred and Repossi. L’Epée 1839 sits at the intersection of art, watchmaking and to a certain extent, jewellery, making the acquisition a powerful demonstration of LVMH’s ability to operate across different luxury segments to master (and perhaps combine) each maison’s savoir-faire Not only jewellery and watches, but also the unique items they desire.
Read More: Birth of the L’Epee Revolver Clock: The Bang created with The Unnamed Society
What’s Next?
LVMH how has the skills of more than 80 designers, engineers, watchmakers, mechanics and employees including L’Epée CEO and creative director Arnaud Nicolas at their disposal who have mastered the art of mechanical and technical design elements. It is therefore, only inevitable that LVMH continue to explore avenues partnerships and collaborations, adding on to a portfolio that includes Tiffany, which presented a carriage clock in the shape of the first Formula 1 cars from the 1950s and Louis Vuitton also called on the expertise of the craftsmen at L’Epée 1839 to create a hot-air balloon, a symbol regularly used by the Maison.
Read more: LVMH revenues soared in 2023 despite economic challenges
Keep Your Friends Close & Competition Closer
One cannot fail to mention that LVMH is set to join the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation Board alongside Chanel and Hermès. Watches and Wonders Geneva was one of largest events in watchmaking and brought together the biggest names in the watchmaking industry in one place. Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, an initiative by Rolex Richemont and Patek Philipe was set up in the year 2022. As a member of the board, LVMH will have an influence on strategic initiatives including event planning, brand participation alongside enhancing LVMH’s visibility within the global watchmaking community. LVMH’s seat at the table will give it valuable insight into the market trends, consumer tastes, and technological advances in the luxury watch industry. This can be used to shape marketing strategies and product development initiatives. LVMH is a key player in the future of Watches and Wonders Geneva. The next event will take place between 1 and 7 April 2025.
Read more about what sustainability at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2020 really looked like
LVMH understands also the power of timing. LVMH uses the Olympics to increase brand awareness. LVMH has mastered the art of multitasking with just weeks left until the Olympics. The 2024 Olympics may be a highlight of the year but a takeover of L’Epée 1839 sees LVMH edge out its competition in The Swatch Group and Richemont while having a seat at the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation Board means the conglomerate is stepping up to prepare for long-term strategic expansions.
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