Chief Executive Officer Marc A. Hayek Regarding Blancpain's Artistic Dimension
- Anne Wang
- Dec 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Marc A. Hayek discusses Blancpain’s flourishing artistic ethos at “The Farm.” Blancpain's tradition is one of innovation. We are dedicated to innovating and broadening the horizons of horology, encompassing not just movements but also the aesthetics of our timepieces.
In a time when some highly successful brands are constrained by a singular collection, Blancpain exemplifies that it is feasible to thrive by manufacturing traditional timepieces, exceptionally durable sports watches, and even a few reissues. We are indeed considering the Air Command model, particularly regarding the final point, and contemplating that watch naturally prompts an evaluation of Blancpain's additional expertise. This is a manufacturer with considerable depth, including a proclivity for slightly risqué timepieces (which we can explain but cannot display, regrettably). This transcends mere historical significance for Blancpain - it is not merely a subject for a museum trip, for instance. It is entirely in the present tense.
This prompted us to consider the exceptional métiers d’art timepieces for which Blancpain is renowned, yet which typically elude our possession. These watches are perpetually reserved due to their rarity and exceptional nature. Regrettably, this implies that we seldom showcase these intriguing timepieces, since you will also struggle to locate specimens in retail outlets globally. Undoubtedly, the most effective approach to comprehend this style of horology is to visit the make directly, which poses difficulties in the current climate. This may provide an opportunity to exhibit certain métiers d’art creations in a more spacious environment.
As customary, Ruckdee Chotjinda intervened with the appropriate narrative: an interview with Blancpain President Marc A. Hayek, albeit with a twist. This interview focuses on the Métiers d’Art collection at Blancpain, which may be unexpected considering Hayek's strong association with diving watches. A man of action and fervor, you may remember images of him in our feature on diving watches in issue #59, fully equipped and prepared for engagement. The more experienced among you will undoubtedly remember Hayek's exhibition of his motor racing abilities, but his reputation as a diver has been established over several decades. Blancpain's renown in dive watches is somewhat historical, however it is overshadowed by the company's proficiency in horological ornamental arts. Hayek elucidates a fundamental competency at Blancpain, divulging several insights in the process.
What are the primary criteria for a watch to be included in Blancpain’s Métiers d’Art collection?
Two primary attributes are assessed before to initiating a new project: technicality and aesthetics. We want to introduce techniques seldom observed in horology, such as damascening and shakudo, or to master in-house processes often managed by external manufacturers. Our objective is to demonstrate to clients that Blancpain's creativity and skill are boundless, which aligns with their desires.
Our Métiers d’Art pieces enable clients desiring a bespoke model to participate in the creation of their watch, while using our expertise and craftsmanship, in alignment with our heritage and horological history.
Are these completed at the modest workshop referred to as La Ferme or the Farm?
Our facility in Le Brassus, commonly referred to as La Ferme, is committed to the Métiers d’Art as well as to the most intricate and difficult complications, including minute repeaters, carrousels, tourbillons, and highly complex calendars. The Métiers d’Art workshops consist of five skilled artisans who engage in various artistic expressions relevant to watchmaking, including engraving, damascening, enamel work, carving, binchotan, and shakudo.
The Métiers d’Art watches prominently feature Asian patterns and techniques. Can we accurately infer that Asian clients constitute the predominant demographic of purchasers for these artistic timepieces?
The artistic concepts and projects typically arise from our team rather than from a directive issued by management. Our artists present proposals aligned with our clients' cultures and their personal interests and sources of inspiration. We collaboratively establish the selections, ensuring adherence to Blancpain's heritage and watchmaking history.
Blancpain's tradition is one of innovation. We are dedicated to innovating and broadening the horizons of watchmaking, encompassing not just movements but also the aesthetics of our timepieces. We prioritize the introduction of decorative techniques that are seldom encountered in horology, such as shakudo, binchotan, and damascening, which are both intriguing and demanding, culminating in unique creations unattainable by other methods.
What methods were employed to train in Japanese arts such as shakudo initially?
We have the opportunity to collaborate with artists whose education in specialized fine arts institutions has equipped them with the skills and training to excel in various techniques. All tasks are executed internally with genuine curiosity. We conduct comprehensive research and development on the approaches intended for integration inside the Métiers d’Art workshops, followed by various testing phases until the desired outcomes are attained. The processes are lengthy and arise from significant investments, although they are indisputably worthwhile.
What aspect of shakudo captivates you the most?
What I appreciate about shakudo is that the artwork has an element of mystery until the dial is completed. Despite our proficiency in the process, the ultimate outcome is not entirely foreseeable. The differences in shades of chestnut brown, blue, and black achieved by the shakudo technique exhibit a wonderful richness that is distinctive to this art form.
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