Interviewed Dariga Masenova "VERTIME", INCLUDED IN THE "TIMEX GROUP LUXURY DIVISION" COMPOSITION, CONTROLS DESIGN, PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND SALES OF EXCLUSIVE WATCHES AND JEWELRY OF SUCH FASHIONAL HOUSES, AS "VERSAFER" AND. THE PRESIDENT OF BOTH COMPANIES, PAOLO MARAY, TALKED ABOUT FAVORITE WATCHES, WORK WITH THE MODEL MODEL OF DONATELLA VERSA AND MIDDLE EASTERN EXPANSION.
The Swiss watchmaker Timex Group Luxury Division (hereinafter - Luxury Division) and its division Vertime are among the ten largest and richest companies in the industry in the world. They produce 150 thousand watch models a year.
Paolo, last year was successful for you, what do you expect from this year?
In fact, 2012 was the record year for Versace watches in the United Arab Emirates, and the first results of 2013 make us happy. We planned to increase sales by 15%, but the first quarter of the year showed an increase of 40%. This proves how strongly we are represented in the local market.
Under your leadership, Luxury Division has added the Salvatore Ferragamo fashion brand to its portfolio. How do you achieve your goals?
The most important elements of our work are the passion for the beloved work of all company employees, the professionalism and psychology of the winners. We are proud that we have high-class employees who strive to fulfill corporate tasks. This is the backbone that, together with partners, is the driving force behind the success of the company.
Why did you start your watch promotion?
My first job was marketing electronic products at Thomson Consumer Electronics.
Three years later, I created my own company, Unicad Sistemi. At that time, my business was offering innovative systems in the development of architectural software 3D CAD. However, the luxury goods market beckoned me, and for the next fifteen years I was lucky enough to "boil" in the world of fashion, shoes and watches. I managed projects for brands like Fendi, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo. Having gained valuable experience, including working for Swatch Group, in 2005 I became President and General Manager of Vertime.
Is it true that the passion for watches was passed on to you from your father and grandfather?
Both the grandfather and father loved and respected the painstaking work, precise mechanisms, design ideas invested in the creation of watches. They were keen collectors, and this passion was transmitted to me. I own a large collection of watches, including Versace and Salvatore Ferragamo. If I like something, without hesitation, I take it, and by the way, I do not use my position, but I buy watches from our collections.
Hundreds of brands were represented in Basel. What surprised Salvatore Ferragamo?
A gorgeous, elegant collection of Gancino bracelet watches. It was an uncompromising success, and we have high hopes for the collection!
You have a watch from Versace. Which model from this collection is your favorite?
Oh, this is a cruel question! We have to change, refine, improve a lot: our work is reminiscent of raising a child, and all hours are my children. But the younger ones always remain for you kids, so my favorite is the DV One model.
The debut of the DV One collection came in 2012. Any changes await her this year?
Undoubtedly, this is an icon watch, the DV One Cruise collection has completely sold out. This year we presented a new, improved model in a limited number of DV One Skeleton, which debuted at the world watch exhibition Baselworld. The chronograph is made at the legendary Swiss manufactory Dubois-Depraz.
How do you work with such a stellar designer as Donatella Versace?
Donatella is the muse of the brand! You know, sometimes it takes twelve months to approve the design of a watch with her. Many fashion brands want to infiltrate the watch market, but this is difficult, and not everyone can work with us.
How important is the Middle East region to you?
In many ways, this is the foundation for the company’s business, one of the priority regions. For us, an indicator that sales did not fall even in difficult times from an economic point of view, but, on the contrary, grew by 10-15% per year.
Who is your potential buyer?
Frankly, we have two target audiences. The first is residents, consisting of local residents and expatriates. The second is tourists.
What are your intentions to advance in the development of the Middle East market?
We plan further promotion of Versace and Salvatore Ferragamo brands and hope that our products will be presented in the region even more.
