The Trials and Tribulations of Watch Innovation with Stephen McDonnell
As a general rule, the world becomes aware of a new watch only on the day of its launch. However, that watch did not magically come into being on that day. In fact, its development probably began many years before, and this long, complex and often tortuous process is only ever seen by those directly involved with it.
In this conference, I want to provide a window onto that process, and will try to give a flavour of the soaring highs and devastating lows of creating new innovations in watchmaking.
I will also look at the fundamental strangeness of what I do: I find myself driven by forces beyond my control to pour my heart and soul into the creation of these watches, and as a result I struggle greatly with stress, and with maintaining a reasonable work/life balance. Yet, I myself am not a watch collector – in fact I don’t even wear a watch.
Please note that the panels have limited seating and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.