Antony Lindsay, the Recently Appointed CEO of Fabergé, on Tradition and Modernity

If you believe that Fabergé's sole distinction is in jeweled eggs, you are mistaken.

Antony Lindsay, CEO of Fabergé

On a warm afternoon in the middle of nowhere, Antony Lindsay, the newly-appointed CEO of Fabergé sits before us as the ice in a glass next to an unopened can of Coke, tinkles as it melts. As the CEO of a storied brand like Fabergé, Lindsay’s task is to spread the word (and work) of the Romanov’s favourite jewellery house. With Sincere Watch Limited as its official retailer in Singapore, Fabergé continues to make its presence known. And yes, Fabergé is synonymous with the gem-encrusted eggs but the house has other achievements like jewelled boxes; animals carved out of precious stones and other ornamental objects.

In 2007, the brand underwent a revival. Taking inspiration from its storied past, Fabergé created original pieces like the Vissionnaire watches, where a Chronograph model displays two time zones at once, and the Altruist line, which has a clean and simple-to-read dial, with a crown that’s reminiscent of winding up a traditional clock. The collection that secured Fabergé’s footing in the hard jewellery world is the Compliquée models, which won the 2015 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève award.

As water pools at the bottom of the glass, Lindsay talks to us. About his history, where Fabergé is at and the future.

Antony Lindsay, CEO of Fabergé

LUXUO: Did Sean Gilbertson, the final CEO of Fabergé, impart any insights to you upon your succession?

ANTONY LINDSAY: [chuckles] There have been numerous instances over the years. I have known Sean for about 14 years, during which we have had both positive and difficult experiences together. No thoughts come to mind. Aside from this Winston Churchill quotation, “If you ever find yourself going through hell, keep walking.”

LUXUO: What has your adventure entailed?

AL: I hail from a lineage of jewellers and had an interest in gemmology early in life. I have been neurolinguistically conditioned to value jewelry, clocks, and art objects by spending time at my father's workshop on weekends. I would examine the gemstones manipulated by the artisans. I possess a fondness for high-end luxury and have successfully completed my apprenticeship as a bench jeweler. I take pride in having fulfilled a significant position at Fabergé for almost 14 years. I have assumed several roles as well. I felt a sense of pride upon my appointment as Managing Director and my invitation to join the board of Gemfields UK Limited. In addition to assuming the role of CEO this year.

I consider it a privilege and an honor to contribute to the future chapter of one of the most esteemed brands in luxury. I perceive that as an honor. It represents the resurgence of colored gemstones alongside the renaissance of Fabergé. It occupies us extensively.

Fabergé store-front image

LUXUO: What distinguishes Fabergé from its competitors?

AL: Fabergé's reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship and design is internationally acknowledged. Fabergé's varied application of methods, such as guilloché enamel combined with hard stone or visible setting, is noteworthy. In accordance with history, we endeavor to collaborate with the most esteemed ateliers. Due to the absence of our own workshop, we engage workmasters globally. That is distinctly characteristic of us.

LUXUO: In terms of tradition, how do you preserve that heritage while appealing to the younger generation?

AL: That is an excellent inquiry. It is essential for us to honor and acknowledge historical actions. We derive inspiration from Peter Carl Fabergé, encompassing his principles, values, and craftsmanship. We aim to implement it in a modern, contemporary, and pertinent manner; we perceive ourselves as a progressive brand.

LUXUO: What was the origin of your collaboration with Sincere?

AL: We are actively seeking to collaborate with the premier shops available. We do not claim to comprehend every market globally. We feel that collaborating with top-tier professionals who comprehend the representation of a brand like Fabergé and can provide exemplary customer service is of paramount importance to us. Sincere Watch Group is an ideal partner for Fabergé, and we are pleased that they are representing us in Singapore and will soon expand to other regions of Southeast Asia.

Compliquée Peacock Emerald Watch

LUXUO: What would you provide to a somebody unfamiliar with Fabergé?

AL: I would present the Compliquée Peacock watch, which epitomizes Fabergé. We drew inspiration from the Imperial Peacock Egg and, adhering to the Fabergé tradition, we engaged the premier watch movement manufacturer, which directed us to Jean-Marc Wiederrecht of Agenhor, now managed daily by his sons, Nicolas and Laurent. During our discussions with them, we developed the Peacock watch, which features a unique retrograde movement, operates on four gears, and incorporates a mechanism for the peacock's tail to unfurl.

LUXUO: Peacocks and playing cards; will there be further patterns that incorporate that movement in the future?

AL: There exist certain blueprints that are classified. laughter

LUXUO: You mentioned Fabergé as a publication in which you take pride in being involved. What follows in the subsequent chapter?

AL: To perpetuate this resurgence, and on behalf of my colleagues, it is imperative that the narrative of Fabergé remains conveyable. Fabergé represents more than just opulence and excess. Our objective is to make treasured items that endure over time and can be inherited across generations. That is significant to us and is intrinsic to our identity. One can examine Christie’s and observe that Fabergé is among the most coveted names in the realm of hard luxury.