How did you discover Artisans de Genève?

"I look at everything. I had seen the Ventura and the Shades of Blue… I thought they made the watch look incredible. It was a small mix of these two creations that led me to the result I felt was perfect."

Why did you choose Artisans de Genève for your project?

"What really drew me to Artisans de Genève was being able to see the movement inside, especially with the work carried out by the Artisans. You go from industrial watchmaking to haute horlogerie. And above all, Raphael’s advice. With a project like this, having passionate people talking to you about every single detail… You can see that not a single element of the watch has been left to chance. You can feel that genuine passion for their craft throughout the entire team. It’s truly fantastic."

Are you more of an enthusiast or a collector?

"My passion for watchmaking goes back to when I was very young. My father loved watches. Back then, it was all about Swatch. Every two or three months, he would buy himself a new one. Our home had practically become a Swatch sanctuary. Little by little, you start with Swatch, then move on to Tissot, Longines… and eventually that leads you into luxury watchmaking. What has always fascinated me is the movement inside the watch. My father’s passion rubbed off on me."

What does personalization mean to you?

"I found it a little sad not to be able to see the movement inside. Here, you can immediately see the movement reworked by the Artisans. That’s what I loved about it. Not a single element of the watch has been left to chance. Seeing that level of expertise and passion across the entire team is genuinely a pleasure."

Tell us about your personalization.

"It is based on the Ventura and the Shades of Blue. I didn’t invent anything, of course — Raphael guided me throughout the process. It’s a small mix of the two. More importantly, the inspiration behind the watch is Valérie. That’s why there is a “V” on the back of the watch. It is, in a way, inspired by her. I chose not to skeletonize the dial because I felt it would make the watch too busy. Instead, the caseback is open, allowing you to see the rotor as well as the reworked movement."

How is it different from your other watches?

"I have been a fan of the Daytona since I was very young. But what I always found a little sad was not being able to see the movement. Here, you can immediately see the movement reworked by the Artisans. That’s something I really appreciate."

A memory you’d like to share?

"What really stayed with me was the passion of the entire team. Raphael, Philippe… it may not have been their project directly, but they would still come by and offer their advice. You can genuinely feel their passion for the craft. And I will also keep a special memory of this creation because the inspiration behind the watch is Valérie. I would be deeply touched if we could also focus a little more on her, with this family-oriented vision of simplicity."