Remi Jomard: head of Piaget’s creative department and the philosophy of “slow to feel”

We’ve carried this sense of harmony through every component of the watch, from the case to the bracelet links. If you look closely, you’ll notice each link also takes on a trapezoidal form, creating a seamless flow from bezel to case to strap. The cohesion of form seen in the Sixties line expresses our central ethos and key trend this year. So far, the response has been warmly enthusiastic.

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As you mentioned, Piaget is breathing new life into its heritage. We saw the Polo 79 revived last year, and now the design language of the Sixties collection. This appears to be a path many brands have taken post-COVID. What’s driving this renewed interest?

In terms of the brand’s own history, that era marked a truly transformative moment. We were the first to create pieces like suit-wearing watches and ring watches, concepts that broke new ground. The innovation was not just in how timepieces were worn, but also in the design thinking behind them.

Of course, revisiting and reinterpreting heritage designs is a widespread trend. But for us, it begins with legacy. And secondly, with profound expertise in the techniques that define these creations. Take our chain bracelets, for example; they’re made entirely in-house by artisans who have honed their craft over two to three decades. It’s this deep-rooted technical know-how that allows us, in the spirit of innovation, to incorporate modern technologies in service of artistic expression.

As someone responsible for the renewal of a 151-year-old brand, what do you think is the difference between reworking old designs and developing new models based on heritage?

Heritage is always a source of pride for longstanding maisons, and Piaget is no exception. To recreate designs from our archives is a privilege. Our inheritance includes a vast repertoire of what those before us envisioned and brought to life. The key lies in introducing a defining touch, a variation. What separates restoration from development is the technical element: enhancement and modernisation, built upon the original spirit, sit at the heart of the evolution we pursue.

Let’s not forget that Piaget has always been a mechanical pioneer: consider the 9P movement in 1957, or the 12P in 1960. These calibres unlocked new creative possibilities in watch design, a freedom we continue to embrace today. Heritage and storytelling must always go hand in hand with innovation. That is how we speak to the next generation of collectors, those who are young and discerning. What we’ve presented in the Sixties collection this year is a narrative of enduring aesthetics, drawn from the 60s. But as a collection, it will continue to evolve. This is only the prologue to a much longer story.

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I’m really looking forward to seeing what you have to say. After the AUC-T in 2024, it seems that Piaget is focusing more on design than on technical achievements this year. Can we expect a new breakthrough in the field of watchmaking technology in the near future?

Alongside the 60s-inspired line in this collection, we’ve also introduced technical innovation in the form of ceramic. While not a revolution in movement engineering, ceramic marks a significant step forward in case construction. Many maisons have worked with ceramic, and will continue to do so. But for us, the distinction lies in our use of ultra-thin ceramic. That changes the game.

There is innovation in both design and technique behind every new form. But watchmaking is not about haste; it’s a long, deliberate pursuit. Releasing something new simply for novelty’s sake is not how we operate. With 151 years of history behind us, we don’t feel pressure to join any race. Our approach is intentional, built on patience.

A more personal question: you’ve been in the watch industry for 20 years now. How do you see the evolution of the industry overall?

Yes, in just a few months it will be two decades since I entered the world of watchmaking. I believe two clear trends have emerged. One is the rise of small, independent brands; highly creative, limited in production, and with distinct character. The other is the evolution of major maisons like ours. The notable shift is that the market is no longer solely driven by feats of engineering or technological rivalry. It’s increasingly about design.

We’re seeing a growing appetite for singular, characterful creations. At the same time, quality remains essential, and with that comes a shift in what collectors expect. By 2025, or certainly by 2030, audiences will be seeking design-led pieces, grounded in brand heritage and meaningful values, things worth passing on and building upon. It will be a new generation: vibrant, forward-thinking. A meeting point of past and future, firmly anchored in the now. The industry’s future belongs to young artisans; highly skilled, passionately committed, and ready to shape what comes next.

Does it seem like we are witnessing a whole new generation taking over the playing field?

From both the watchmaker’s bench and the collector’s viewpoint, absolutely. Interest in horology is growing. We may live in a digital world, but that very landscape has created a yearning for physical presence, for objects that can be touched, worn and truly felt. Watchmaking, often overlooked, has become emblematic of that desire. It’s something intimate, worn on the wrist, deeply personal and undeniably tangible.

It’s a compelling paradox: in a world that moves fast, filled with noise and digital distractions, people are drawn to slowness, emotion and authenticity. They want to feel, to pause, to take in the details. For many young watchmakers, this is a meaningful journey, a path of craftsmanship that brings fulfilment through discipline and precision. In this world, there is no place for haste. Watchmaking demands patience. It encourages a different tempo.

That’s the great paradox: the pull between the digital and the physical, between urgency and stillness. And I’d like to take this moment to acknowledge everyone who contributes to this remarkable industry from the makers to the collectors and passionate followers. Behind every timepiece lies not only skill, but human presence: hands, minds, souls. For me, that’s what truly matters.

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