Episode 7: Louis Vuitton - Man Of The Hour

Michel Nydegger

CEO of Greubel Forsey

Born in 1989 in Bienne, Switzerland, Michel Nydegger has been immersed in Greubel Forsey’s philosophy from an early age. After completing his studies in philosophy, he officially joined the Maison in 2016 and has since held various roles within the organization, gaining valuable expertise across different facets of the business.

His appointment as CEO reflects his strategic insight, hands-on experience, and commitment to the Maison’s values, as well as the trust placed in him by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey to lead Greubel Forsey into its next chapter.

Robert Greubel

Co-Founder of Greubel Forsey

Born in Alsace, France, Robert Greubel discovered his vocation for precision mechanics at a very tender age. As a child, he would spend long hours with his father, a watchmaker, and later went on to join the family business. Passionate about complication movements, in 1987 he moved to Schaffhausen, Switzerland, where he joined IWC to work on their Grand Complication project.

He moved to Le Locle in 1990 for a prototypist’s position at Renaud & Papi, where he rose through the ranks to become Co-Chief Operating Officer and partner. In 1999, Robert Greubel left to work independently and in 2001 he founded CompliTime in partnership with Stephen Forsey, with the aim of creating and developing complication mechanisms for key brands. They co-founded Greubel Forsey in 2004.

“Going against the tide, Stephen and I were convinced that there was still much to invent in the world of fine watchmaking. We therefore decided to undertake various watchmaking challenges and to initiate a revival in terms of architecture and fine craftsmanship, as well as with regard to innovation and the improvement of performance. Having realised the importance and significance of our first invention, the Double Tourbillon 30°, we knew that we had chosen the right approach.”

Stephen Forsey

Co-Founder of Greubel Forsey

Stephen Forsey was born in St. Albans, England, where he inherited his father’s fascination with the intricacies of mechanics. From 1987, he specialized in antique watch restoration and subsequently became the head of Asprey of London’s prestigious watch restoration department. He then furthered his horological education at WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program).

After moving to Switzerland in 1992, Stephen joined Robert Greubel’s team at Renaud & Papi, where he worked on the most complicated mechanical movements. In 1999, he left to work independently and in 2001 co-founded CompliTime with Robert Greubel. Together, they then launched Greubel Forsey in 2004.

“I met Robert for the first time in 1992 when I joined his team at Renaud & Papi. I had been hired to work as a watchmaker and project manager dealing with the most complicated mechanical movements. Even then, Robert demonstrated unbridled passion and great creativity. We realised that we shared the same spirit and the same vision of the future of fine watchmaking.”

Francis Ford Coppola Bio

Film Director, Producer and Screenwriter

Francis Ford Coppola (born April 7, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan) is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter renowned for reshaping modern cinema. A key figure of the 1970s “New Hollywood” movement, he achieved international fame with The Godfather (1972) and its sequels, The Godfather Part II (1974) and Part III (1990).

Coppola also directed Apocalypse Now (1979), a visionary and harrowing depiction of the Vietnam War. Known for his artistic ambition and independent spirit, he co-founded American Zoetrope, nurturing talents like George Lucas.

A five-time Academy Award winner, Coppola’s work blends grand narrative, psychological depth, and operatic style. Beyond cinema, he has pursued ventures in winemaking and luxury hospitality, remaining a symbol of creative freedom and risk-taking in American film.

Nicholas Foulkes

Author, historian, journalist and President of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève

Nicholas Foulkes is the author of around forty books, many on watches, and others on subjects as diverse as the Battle of Waterloo, cigars, gambling in the 1840s, and the history of costume balls. He has written biographies of Count d’Orsay, Bernard Buffet, and Princess Ira von Furstenberg.

He is well known for his writing on material culture, the arts, jewellery, and timepieces. Over the course of a career spanning four decades, he has contributed articles to numerous British and international newspapers, magazines, and websites.

He is the editor of Vanity Fair On Time, which he launched over 20 years ago. He is also a contributing editor to FT HTSI, Vanity Fair, and GQ. A graduate of Hertford College, Oxford, he lives in London with his wife; they have two adult sons.

Gérard Wijnen

Friend

Gérard Wijnen, born on October 24, 1941, in Sittard, Netherlands, is a distinguished art dealer and expert in horology and scientific instruments. After studying at the École du Louvre and apprenticing in restoration at Janssen ateliers in Paris, he became an antiques dealer specializing in 16th and 17th-century timepieces and artworks.

A key figure in the field, he participated in the Biennale des Antiquaires and was an expert for courts. In the early 1970s, he became one of Michel Journe’s first clients, leading to a close friendship with François-Paul Journe after their meeting in 1977.

Since 1985, Wijnen has been privileged to witness the remarkable journey of François-Paul Journe firsthand and is a trusted consultant to collectors and museums.

Caroline Scheufele

Co-President of Chopard

Caroline Scheufele is the Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, the family Maison that she runs with her brother and their parents.

Right from her early days in the company in the 1980s, she introduced innovative concepts that have given rise to iconic creations such as the Happy Clown pendant and the Happy Sport watch.

In 1997, her talent and passion for cinema led her to redesign the prestigious symbol of the Palme d’Or, initiating the historic partnership between Chopard and the Cannes Festival.

Caroline Scheufele is a pioneer in sustainable luxury. Under her aegis, Chopard now incorporates innovative and responsible practices into its watch and jewellery production as well as its sourcing of raw materials.

Inspired by exceptional precious stones, Caroline Scheufele has created landmark collections in the history of Haute Joaillerie – such as Animal World, Garden of Kalahari, Insofu and the Red Carpet Collection – demonstrating the exceptional expertise cultivated in Chopard’s atelier. More recently, she unveiled Caroline’s Couture, a collection of silhouettes harmoniously blending fashion and jewellery, presented since 2023.

Shawn Mehta

Partner, Montres Journe London Director

Raised in a world where time was measured not only in hours but in craftsmanship, Shawn Mehta carries forward a legacy shaped by his stepfather, the late Gino Cukrowicz, and his mother, Radhi Kilachand. From an early age, he absorbed the spirit of independent watchmaking, its devotion to artistry and truth.

Since 2023, as Director of the F.P.Journe Boutique on Bruton Street, London, Shawn has welcomed collectors into this universe — sharing not just timepieces, but the values and vision that have defined the Maison since.

Stephen Luk

F.P.Journe
Partner, Montres Journe Hong Kong Director

Stephen Luk is General Director of F.P.Journe Hong Kong. He holds a PhD degree from UC Berkeley and previously taught economics at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Over the years, he has become a long-standing trusted partner of François-Paul Journe, working closely with him to represent the Manufacture in Hong Kong and Greater China. As the head of the Boutique, he is responsible for its development and for maintaining the close ties that unite the brand with its local community of collectors.

Amélie Lefévère

F.P.Journe
CEO, Montres Journe SA

At the head of F.P.Journe since the early 2010s, Amélie Lefévère has worked hand in hand with François-Paul Journe to ensure that the Manufacture remains faithful to its founding principles of independence, authenticity and uncompromising craftsmanship.

Based in Geneva, she steers the brand’s daily operations while driving its international growth. Her leadership is defined by the rare ability to safeguard a rich heritage while shaping the future, a vision that won her a regognition among Revolution’s 100 Most Influential Women in Watchmaking in 2024.

Radhi Kilachand

Widow of Gino Cukrowicz

Raised across continents, from Singapore to Switzerland and back again, Radhi Kilachand stood beside her late husband Gino Cukrowicz from the outset of his bond with François-Paul and Philippe — more than a partner, Gino was a confidant whose friendship shaped the Manufacture and was later honoured with the vivid élégante Gino’s Dream.

Known for his colourful style and generous spirit, Gino left a lasting mark. Today their children carry his story forward — Shawn leads and mentors Dylan; Gina, his heart and joy, anchors the family; and Zane lends his discerning editorial and legal mind — so Gino’s spirit remains alive in all they do.

Laurent Journe

F.P.Journe
Half-Brother, Maison F.P.Journe Los Angeles Director

Laurent Journe is the Director of the Maison F.P.Journe Los Angeles as well as Americas Brand Ambassador. Half-brother of François-Paul Journe, he joined F.P.Journe at his invitation after an earlier career as an airline pilot.

Over time he has developed an extensive knowledge of the Manufacture’s history and calibres, which he shares with collectors in the Maison and beyond.

Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte

Partner, Montres Journe America General Manager

Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte met François-Paul Journe at Basel in 1987, an encounter that shaped his vision of watchmaking and sparked a long collaboration. In the 1990s, he started developing the brand across the US, which led him to become partner and General Manager Americas in 2009.

Since then, he has overseen the opening of the New York, Miami and Los Angeles Maisons, one-of-a-kind horological destinations conceived as welcoming spaces where collectors can share their passion during events that reflect the identity of the Manufacture.

Beyond expansion, his role is to represent and transmit the values of independence and authenticity that lie at the heart of F.P.Journe.

Christophe Guérin

Friend

Christophe Guérin, born in 1960, first studied economics before moving to Switzerland to train in horology at the Neuchâtel Technicum. Back in Paris, he opened La Pendulerie in 1985, a gallery dedicated to 18th and 19th century clocks and decorative timepieces.

Over the years it has become a recognised address for collectors and institutions, thanks to his eye for rare mechanisms and fine craftsmanship. A close friend of François-Paul Journe, he has long shared with him a passion for precision and the culture of French horology.

Alexia Genta

Daughter of Gerald Genta

Alexia Genta is the daughter of legendary watch designer Gérald Genta and co-founder of the Gérald Genta Heritage Association. Beyond her custodianship of her father’s legacy, she has built a career as an independent advisor specialising in luxury marketing and brand strategy, most recently for Valextra.

Through exhibitions, archives, and collaborations with leading maisons, curators, and collectors, Alexia ensures Gérald Genta’s creative vision continues to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts worldwide.

Dominique Gauthier

Head Chef, F.P.Journe Le Restaurant

Dominique Gauthier, originally from Isère in France, trained as a cook from the age of 14 before making his career in Geneva. After several years in prestigious kitchens, he became Chef at Le Chat Botté, where he kept a Michelin star for more than a decade and established himself as one of the city’s leading figures.

In 2023, he took on a new challenge with F.P.Journe Le Restaurant, where he brings together Mediterranean flavours, Asian touches and seasonal products. The restaurant received its first Michelin star a year after opening.

Catherine Cardinal

Friend

Catherine Cardinal is an art historian and emeritus university professor who has dedicated her career to horology and the decorative arts. In the early 1980s, she was curator of the horological collections at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris, where she brought in François-Paul Journe and his uncle Michel to work on the winding and restoration of historic timepieces.

From 1988 to 2000, she was scientific director and curator of the Musée International d’Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds and in 1993 was one of the founding members of the Prix Gaïa, which she named. It has since become one of the most respected awards in the field.

Tony Billet

CdG-BdG SA Managing Director

Self-taught, Tony Billet has built his career in Geneva’s mechanical engineering industry. In 2005 he joined Les Cadraniers de Genève and gradually took on greater responsibilities until becoming General Manager.

He now also heads Les Boîtiers de Genève, the Manufacture’s case-making atelier, both relocated to a brand-new site in Meyrin. Under his direction, these two entities work closely with the F.P.Journe Manufacture, ensuring full control over the creation of dials and cases.

Rexhep Rexhepi

Founder, Atelier Akrivia

Rexhep Rexhepi, independent watchmaker, embodies a vision of horology nourished by profound respect for traditional craftsmanship and the timeless heritage of Geneva, cradle of the finest watchmaking creations.

In 2012, he founded ATELIER AKRIVIA with a deep conviction: to create timepieces that reflect his personal vision of watchmaking, shaped by his own standards of excellence, aesthetics, and precision.

For more than a decade, every creation born in his workshop has been the result of patient, meticulous work. From movements delicately hand-finished to innovations inspired by classical techniques, each detail is conceived as a tribute to time and its measure. Over the years, Rexhep has brought nearly every discipline under one roof, granting him mastery over every stage of creation: from cases to enamel dials, through movements and straps. Most recently, he opened a workshop devoted to transmission, welcoming his first apprentice in order to share his knowledge and ensure the continuity of a time-honoured craft.

A visionary driven by a sincere sense of purpose, Rexhep Rexhepi aspires to create timepieces that endure across generations and claim their place in history. His dream: that one day, his work will inspire other artisans to bring to life creations that matter, and together, leave an indelible mark on the story of Swiss watchmaking.

Philippe Rabin

F.P.Journe
Co-Founder, Montres Journe SA

Philippe Rabin, born in 1957 in Paris, co-founder of Montres Journe SA, has overseen administrative management since the company’s creation in 1999.

With an engineering background and extensive experience in the automotive industry, he structured and supported the internal organization of the Maison throughout its development.

A discreet yet essential figure, he ensures the continuity and rigor that sustain the creative and technical ambitions of François-Paul Journe.

Michel Navas

Watchmaker, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton

Born into a family of Spanish jewelers, Michel Navas studied watchmaking in Geneva and honed his skills at Patek Philippe. In 2004, he co-founded BNB Concept with Enrico Barbasini, followed by La Fabrique du Temps, acquired by Louis Vuitton in 2011.

Navas has created iconic Louis Vuitton timepieces like the Tambour Minute Repeater and Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon. Simultaneously, since 2023, Navas and Barbasini lead the revival of Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta, blending their continued work at Louis Vuitton with independent artistry.

François-Paul Journe

F.P.Journe
Founder, Montres Journe SA

Independent contemporary master watchmaker, François-Paul Journe has been “inventing” and “making” haute horology timepieces for over 45 years. Born in 1957 in Marseille, he graduated in 1976 from the Paris watchmaking school and worked alongside his uncle, Michel Journe, a respected restorer of antique clocks in Paris.

He began his first watch in 1977, and starting in 1983, he built several watches and clocks signed F.P.JOURNE A PARIS for collectors, while also working for other brands. Inspired by the great watchmakers of the 18th century, he created the F.P.Journe brand in 1982 and, in 1999, Montres Journe SA was founded with the Latin motto Invenit et Fecit.

The Manufacture quickly gained recognition for its innovative creations, such as the Tourbillon Souverain and the Chronomètre à Résonance, entirely conceived and constructed in-house. With movements crafted in 18K rose gold, his watches embody both exceptional craftsmanship and technical complexity, in keeping with watchmaking tradition.

Pierre Jacques

CEO, De Bethune

Pierre Jacques, born in Brussels in 1967, is the CEO who brings De Bethune’s creations to the world’s top collectors. After studying international relations in Geneva, he founded several businesses before launching GMT Magazine in 2000, a leading watchmaking publication.

Later, as director of the GPHG, he built strong ties with Denis Flageollet, who invited him to join De Bethune as CEO in 2011. Returning in 2017 as majority shareholder, Jacques focused on streamlining the collection while respecting Flageollet’s vision.

With a passion for craftsmanship and sharp business acumen, he bridges tradition and global strategy for the brand’s success.

Jean Arnault

Watches Director, La Fabrique du Temps

Jean Arnault, a graduate of Imperial College London and MIT, began his journey in horology with work experiences at TAG Heuer, McLaren Racing, and Morgan Stanley before joining Louis Vuitton in 2021.

Appointed Watch Director in 2022, he now oversees La Fabrique du Temps in Geneva, home to Louis Vuitton’s fine watchmaking as well as Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta. His leadership has seen the revival of emblematic collections—Tambour, Escale, Spin Time—and prestigious collaborations with Akrivia and Kari Voutilainen.

In 2023, he launched the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize, affirming his dedication to nurturing innovation and independent creative excellence in watchmaking.

Denis Flageollet

Co-Founder, De Bethune

Denis, heir to generations of watchmakers, is recognized as one of today’s finest master watchmakers. Passionate about science, art, and mechanics, he blends age-old expertise with constant innovation.

After co-founding THA with François-Paul Journe in 1989, where he oversaw over 120 developments, he went on to establish De Bethune in 2002 with David Zanetta. Pioneering in combining traditional craftsmanship with modern CAD and CNC technologies, Denis has earned numerous prizes, patents, and international recognition.

Today, while leading De Bethune, he also works to transmit his knowledge through training in “Mécanique d’Art,” inspiring future generations of watchmakers.

Maximilian Busser

Founder & CEO, MB&F

Maximilian Büsser has never claimed to be a watchmaker. Instead, he is a visionary who thrives on friendship and collaboration. In this episode, we step into the world of MB&F, a creative laboratory where wild ideas are transformed into horological machines.

At the heart of MB&F is not just one man, but a circle of friends: watchmakers, artists, and designers who share in the joy, struggle, and courage it takes to reinvent time. From the early days of risk and uncertainty to the bold inventions that shook the watchmaking world, Max’s story is about more than machines. It is about trust, resilience, and the power of human connection.

Two decades on, MB&F stands as proof that imagination, when shared, can build wonders.

Enrico Barbasini

Watchmaker, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton

Italian Master Watchmaker Enrico Barbasini, born in Lausanne, trained at the Geneva Watchmaking School and apprenticed under Gérald Genta. He developed complications for brands like Patek Philippe and Franck Muller before co-founding BNB Concept and La Fabrique du Temps with Michel Navas.

Since its acquisition by Louis Vuitton in 2011, Barbasini has crafted marvels like the Escale Worldtime and Tambour Spin Time. In tandem with his Louis Vuitton role, since 2023, Barbasini also leads the revival of Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta alongside Michel Navas.

Karl-Fredrich Scheufele

Co-President of Chopard & President of La Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is Co-President of Chopard. He is directly in charge of the Chopard Manufacture and Fleurier Ebauches, in Fleurier, the gent’s watch division and of all business management aspects. Together with his younger sister Caroline, he overlooks marketing, advertising and communication. Innovation, skilful craftsmanship and attention to detail are his most cherished values.

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele succeeds admirably in combining his professional commitments with his personal interests. His passion for classic and vintage cars for instance lead to the company’s sponsorship of the famous “Mille Miglia” car rally, in which he takes part every year since 1988. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is known for his collector’s instinct and his preference for high quality objects.

Over the years he has patiently built up a company collection, the L.U.CEUM, featuring mechanical clocks and watches including pieces of both historical and technical interest which retrace the evolution of Chopard. In 1996, his vision became reality when he founded the Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier and thus renewed the company’s ties with its tradition as a “manufacture” of mechanical movements.

Karl-Friedrich is an enthusiastic wine connoisseur, a passion from which emerged another great business idea. Three exclusive wine Boutiques named “Caveau de Bacchus” opened in Geneva, Lausanne and Gstaad.

EPISODE 7 – LOUIS VUITTON

GALLERY

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