New Slogan: #JUSTRAW

—Nevertheless, changing the name is a significant step for a brand. Please tell us the specific meaning behind the new name, "RJ."

MarcoThe former Romain Jerome, while rich in storytelling for individual models, lacked elements that demonstrated its quality as a luxury watch. Therefore, with the newly launched Arrow Collection, we aim to showcase the high performance of RJ's watchmaking.

For example,

1We changed the case material of the standard models from stainless steel to titanium.
2We switched from black PVD to a higher quality black ceramic.
3For gold models, we upgraded the alloy composition to further enhance the texture.
4We adopted an interchangeable strap system for easier strap changes.

Additionally, we will announce our in-house movement at next year's SIHH. This is the first step towards transitioning all RJ brand models to in-house movements in the near future.

—You mean becoming a manufacture?

MarcoYes. At the same time, we will leverage the brand's strengths in storytelling and DNA.

—Since you became CEO, improvements have been rapidly made. How have you achieved this? Is it due to industry connections? Or has the production scale changed?

MarcoActually, I took office as CEO on December 23, 2017. It was the winter vacation period in Switzerland, but even during my break, I was constantly thinking about "how to shape the new RJ" and even sketching designs myself.

I believe the prototypes came to fruition thanks to the good personal relationships I've built with various suppliers over the past decade during the two months leading up to BASEL WORLD.

Page02.Brands Must Keep Challenging

Brands Must Keep Challenging

—Marco, you were previously with Hublot, weren't you?

MarcoYes. I was with Hublot for 11 years. For the last six years, I was in charge of product development.

—So you are well-versed in the know-how required for creating luxury watches.

MarcoIndeed. Furthermore, and this is very important for RJ's future production system, we acquired Brainee Moments, a company specializing in movement and case manufacturing, around the time of this year's BASEL WORLD.

The prototype cases for the Arrow Collection were also developed with Brainee Moments. In other words, we've collaborated from the beginning, and now we are truly aligned. It's all about connections (laughs).

First, the in-house movement we will unveil in 2019 is planned as a complication model with an open-worked face. Then, by 2020, we aim to transition all models to in-house movements.

—Your goals are set very high.

MarcoBrands aren't interesting if they don't keep challenging themselves (laughs).

Also, I have something else to share. Sergio Silva has joined the new RJ team. He worked at Roger Dubuis for 12 years and, along with Carlos, was involved in the development of various movements. In other words, he was instrumental during the era when that brand produced a variety of exceptional movements each year.

After that, Sergio demonstrated his skills at HYSEK, releasing 32 movements over 9 years. We are proud to have such a talented movement designer join RJ.

—At the beginning of the interview, you explained the three pillars of the new RJ. It seems the first pillar is already becoming quite substantial.

MarcoThat's right. This is the foundational work for the brand.

—For a luxury watch brand, exterior quality is crucial. The satisfaction of wearing the watch is particularly important. Please explain the key points of refinement in the Arrow Collection.



MarcoFor the new case of the Arrow Collection, we incorporated a significant amount of ergonomics based on our experience. The lug shape also differs considerably from previous designs, and I believe the fit has clearly improved.

—I tried it on myself, and it feels very good. But why is there such a significant difference?

MarcoIt's simply the accumulation of details. If you look at the previous models, the case, lugs, and strap were designed separately, resulting in gaps. In contrast, the new design is integrated, with the case, lugs, and strap harmonizing beautifully into a single, flowing form.

—Indeed, there are no gaps between the lugs and the strap, and no step difference with the bottom of the case. It feels integrated when worn on the wrist.

MarcoRegarding the buckle as well, there's a sense of balance with the watch case in terms of weight. Therefore, I believe the watch is less likely to shift.

Page03.We Must Not Forget the Brand's Roots

We Must Not Forget the Brand's Roots