Georges Kern on Reviving Universal Genève, Quiet Luxury and Modern Watchmaking

Join Wei Koh in conversation with Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling SA, filmed at Dubai Watch Week 2025, as they discuss the revival of one of watchmaking’s most storied names: Universal Genève.

In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Kern reflects on leadership during challenging times and why moments of pressure demand greater creativity, patience, and conviction. Drawing parallels to cycling and endurance, he explains how difficult climbs reveal who can truly hold pace—and why, in watchmaking, restraint and originality matter more than noise.

Wei and Georges explore the philosophy behind Universal Genève’s return, from its positioning within the world of quiet luxury to its identity as what Kern describes as “the tailor of watchmaking.” They discuss the deliberate pacing of the relaunch, the importance of surprise and emotion, and how the brand is being rebuilt by bridging historic design language with contemporary execution and uncompromising quality.

The discussion also touches on the Nina Rindt–inspired chronographs, grand feu enamel dials, extraordinary hand-crafted straps produced by master artisans, and the challenge of translating haute couture–level craftsmanship into prêt-à-porter watchmaking without losing soul, elegance, or integrity.

Captured at one of the watch world’s most important global gatherings, this interview offers rare insight into how Universal Genève is being reintroduced—not as a nostalgic exercise, but as a modern expression of taste, culture, and enduring design.

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Timestamps
00:00 – Creativity, leadership, and rebuilding Universal Genève
02:41 – The Nina Rindt chronographs and elevating an icon
06:24 – Craftsmanship, enamel dials, and hand-made straps
08:58 – Haute couture vs. prêt-à-porter watchmaking
11:53 – Quiet luxury, surprise, and cultural relevance
14:21 – Distribution, scale, and the future of Universal Genève

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