How to start a career and work in the watch industry.

I have been honored to receive many questions from young professionals looking to start their career in the watchmaking industry and asking for advice or recommendation. In fact, I even wrote a piece on Quora explaining how I got started working in the watch industry following a request already back in 2017!

I am humbled that my own path can serve as an inspiration and I'm always looking to find ways to give back. I hope that these few lines will be helpful and for anything that is not covered here, please do reach out via LinkedIn. Please include a note when making a connection, otherwise it might get lost.

Allow me to introduce my journey:

I was in my mid twenties, working in tech in France when I considered shifting industry. I enjoyed tech but I was missing something... Watches! I knew that there will always be opportunities to work in tech and that if I wanted to change countries to follow my passion, well it would probably be easier to do so at 25 without any kids or engagement than later.

So without giving it too much reflection, I simply emailed Jaeger-LeCoultre's HR department with a spontaneous application. They called me back the next morning. I met with the Communication Director, who was visiting Paris for a boutique opening, the following week and was invited to the Manufacture for an interview with the head of the digital department and the HR manager shortly after.

Going to the Manufacture was an experience of its own, the place is absolutely beautiful and I thought to myself : "Whatever happens with this recruitment, I am happy to have seen that place" and even asked the taxi driver for a picture in front of the building for the memory.

It turned out that I didn't completely fail my interviews as I got an offer! One month later, I was moving to Switzerland in freezing December 2013 with just one suitcase!

I was in the digital department, where I worked on websites, email marketing and applications. I was fortunate to be given a lot of autonomy allowing me to come up with ideas that I could then bring to fruition.

This one was probably my favorite:

After three years and a half, I was given the opportunity to join Vacheron Constantin as a Digital Marketing Manager.

What a dream!

There, I was eventually promoted to the role of Global Head of Digital Marketing & Ecommerce where I ended up being in charge of content, social media, website and launched Vacheron Constantin's online business. At the time, it was unheard of for a watch brand with such a price positioning.

Working for a global brand that has been around for 270 years is a unique experience. Also, being at the headquarters in Geneva allowed me to discover all the different facts of the business. I was surrounded by watchmakers, obviously, and people working in all departments. I was also able to travel and meet our colleagues from all around the world, continuously learning from all these different people and experiences.

Reflecting back, I often share the same thoughts and advice when questioned about entering the industry.

A word on working in your dream company

While the thought certainly sounds exciting (and is also what I did), I wouldn't necessarily restrict myself to only that option. Entering the industry is already tough enough (let alone working in Switzerland if you're not from the country), I would certainly be quite flexible if starting my career and also consider other actors than watch brands.

Auctioneers, watch retailers, watch suppliers, agencies working with watch brands, all of them are great opportunities to step foot in our industry! It will also help you getting the experience and the network that might get you closer from landing a job at your dream company a little later down the road.

List all these companies and set alerts on their Linkedin and career pages for job openings matching your profile. It's particularly convenient in the watch industry where many companies are part of larger luxury groups making it easy for you to instantly see all job openings.

While I did a spontaneous application to a single company myself, and you should try it too with your dream company, I know there was an element of luck there and it wouldn't be easily reproducible. Be smarter than I was!

Also, as the saying goes, you know how they make the sausage, and some brands might eventually rather be enjoyed as a customer than as an employee. Don't just apply to a brand but rather to a job that will align with your long term goals.

A word on your manager

Finding the right manager, especially in the early stages of your career is fundamental. I was extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by inspiring leaders that have set high expectations, led by example, taught me a lot and given me the autonomy to learn, build, experiment and ultimately grow.

Find someone that will push you to produce your best work, to develop yourself as a professional, that can evolve into a mentor and help you becoming a better leader. Those are the qualities you should look for in your manager.

A word on passion

While passion is great and definitely one of the traits I look for when hiring myself, I quickly realized that not everyone was as obsessed about watches as I was when I entered the industry. I was initially surprised to see that for some people, this job was just, well, a job!

And they were right in thinking so! Not everyone has to share that (crazy?) level of passion and, frankly, a large company filled with only watch geeks would be completely unmanageable! Finding the right balance of people with diverse skills and interests is actually what matters.

That being said, I do think that it is fundamental to have an appreciation and sensitivity for luxury. What attracts people to watches can be irrational and counterintuitive at times, and being able to navigate that is crucial.

A word on continuous learning

Side projects were for me a fantastic sandbox to learn new skills and gain experience. When you're getting started, side projects can also help you build a portfolio and credibility. Plus, it's just so much fun!

That's the reason why I launched applications (Toolwatch and then WatchAuctionHQ), hosted a podcast and even wrote a book among other things!

Those projects enjoyed their little success but, more importantly, allowed me to learn so many things and meet so many fantastic people.

Now I'm not saying that you should write a book to boost your career but the dividends you earn (and I'm not talking just of royalties!) by putting yourself out there, whatever that means, can truly make a difference.

Speaking of books, reading is probably the best way of learning and a habit you should build in your daily life. If you're wondering where to start, I would maybe suggest Never Eat Alone which touches on so many topics important in business and highlights the crucial importance of networking. You can also find further inspiration in my book recommendations.

Fiction, non fiction (business, history, health, finance), poetry, whatever the genre, just read!

Finally, don't make the same mistake as I did and wait to be in your thirties to understand the importance of eating well, sleeping enough and regularly exercising. I do sound like my mother (she's the best by the way!) and I can only say that she was right (like all mothers)!

I hope this was helpful and I wish you a lot of success and fun in your professional journey!