1. 2016 will be a strong challenge, but it will also be a reflection of what each brand is capable of offering to the consumers. Years such as 2015 and 2016 should drive us towards excellence and creativity.

 2. For Zenith our objectives remain as before, not only to have the brand and its qualities better known outside the current circle of connoisseurs but also to clearly identify where our brand stands. This will happen by re-addressing all sectors.

 3. Deluxe mechanical watches will always be around, in relation to the worldwide market they already exist within an exclusive niche. It’s essential for each brand to be credible and legitimately placed within the market. Nothing can replace the emotion that mechanical watches generate. At Zenith we see the arrival of smartwatches as a stimulus towards conserving consumer interest in mechanical watches, but maybe also an opportunity since smartwatches will be worn on the wrist and perhaps provide encouragement as a steppingstone towards the mechanical watch.

 4. Zenith’s participation at Baselworld is imperative and signifies a great meeting point permitting us to take orders that themselves represent an important percentage of our turnover. It allows us to present our new products, to re-iterate how our collection is made up and to interact with all markets relative to our publicity and advertising campaigns over the remainder of the year. The only complaint we could make, is that the event goes on for too long.

EUROPA STAR’S FOUR QUESTIONS

1. What are your predictions for 2016? Do you think that exports will recover, or will the markets stagnate or continue to decline after the slump we saw in 2015? And what do you think were the reasons for the downturn in 2015?

2. What are your priorities for the coming year: consolidating your existing markets, actively exploring new markets (if so, which), rationalising / consolidating / expanding your distribution network, launching new products, PR initiatives, etc.?

3. Over the longer term, do you believe that mechanical watchmaking will gradually die out, hybridise, or continue to occupy its own exclusive niche? Do you see the advent of smartwatches as a potential threat, or an opportunity for growth and diversification?

4. What exactly do you hope to achieve from your participation in Baselworld 2016? Do you feel your presence at the fair is essential to your business, or are such forums less important now than they were in the past?

LIST OF RESPONDING CEOs