THE SUCCESS INDEX by REVOLUTION WATCH | PART 1

Drawing insights from the 2023 Morgan Stanley × LuxeConsult study, this article which is based on the "The Revolution Success Index" by Revolution, highlights the current top 20 individuals in the luxury watchmaking space. These professionals, groups, and families have amassed considerable wealth and significantly contributed to the industry's growth.

In this first part by NERBEZEL, you will find the luminaries ranked from positions 20 to 10.

Their leadership, innovation, and creativity are foundational to the Swiss watch sector. The essence of success lies in achieving set goals or purposes. The commonality among the 20 in this report is their boldness in envisioning grand dreams and their tenacity, resilience, and skill in realising all of their ambitions.

The past decade in watchmaking has been defined by the dominance of high-end brands: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille leading with strong brand equity. This reflects a broader trend in luxury goods, where privately owned companies generally outperform those owned by publicly traded luxury groups, with Hermès as a notable exception.

This ranking aims to establish a success index for the top 20 watch brand owners, based on estimates from trusted sources like the annual Morgan Stanley luxury watch industry report. The estimated wealth includes overall assets and is calculated using various methodologies including market value, sales, and EBITDA, along with brand equity/goodwill.

Retail market shares for these Swiss-made or Swiss-owned watch companies are also provided, based on the latest Morgan Stanley × LuxeConsult report.

Notable Figures in Watchmaking

#20. Patrick Pruniaux (Sowind Group - Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux)

• Net Worth: CHF 65 millions
• Market Share: < 1%

Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, has been pivotal in repositioning both Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux. Despite challenges, his leadership is steering these brands towards renewed success.

 

#19. Maximilian Büsser (MB&F, M.A.D. Gallery)

• Net Worth: CHF 80 million
• Market Share: < 1%

Maximilian Büsser, CEO of MB&F SA, is a visionary redefining watchmaking with his unique approach, combining historical reverence and innovative design.

 

#18. François-Paul Journe (F.P.Journe)

• Personal Net Worth: CHF 100 million
• Market Share: <1%

François-Paul Journe, founder of F.P.Journe, stands out for his exceptional skill and brand creation, blending homage to historical watchmaking with innovative designs.

 

#17. The Bernheim Family (Raymond Weil)

• Net Worth: CHF 100 million
• Market Share: <1%

Elie Bernheim, CEO of Raymond Weil, has guided the brand through competitive challenges, maintaining its position as a viable choice for luxury watches.

 

#16. Jean-Claude Biver (Biver)

• Personal Net Worth: CHF 150 million
• Market Share: <1%

Jean-Claude Biver, alongside his son Pierre, has launched Biver, a brand reflecting his profound impact and innovative spirit in watchmaking.

 

#15. Georges Kern (Breitling)

• Personal Net Worth: CHF 160 million
• Market Share: 2.6%

Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, has rejuvenated the brand with strategic repositioning and innovative business models, ensuring its appeal to modern audiences.

 

#14. Miguel Rodriguez (The Festina Group)

 

• Personal Net Worth: CHF 300 million

• Market Share: < 1%

Miguel Rodriguez, President of the Festina Group, has built a significant portfolio of brands, showcasing his entrepreneurial prowess in the watch industry.

 

#13. Ted Schneider (Norqain)

• Personal Net Worth: CHF 600 million
• Market Share: < 1%

Ted Schneider, Co-Founder of Norqain, demonstrates his ongoing commitment to the watch industry with the successful growth of this generalist brand.

 

#12. Vartan Sirmakes (Franck Muller)

• Personal Net Worth: CHF 600 to 700 million
• Market Share: 1%

Vartan Sirmakes, Co-Founder of the Franck Muller Group, has been a significant force in modern watchmaking, known for his innovative designs and mechanical inventions.

 

#11. Jacob Arabo (Jacob & Co.)

• Personal Net Worth: CHF 900 million
• Market Share: <1%

Jacob Arabo, Founder of Jacob & Co., has revolutionized watchmaking with his unique vision, creating intricate and highly innovative timepieces.

 

#10. The Mille and Guenat Families (Richard Mille)

• Net Worth: CHF 1.6 billion
• Market Share: 2.7%

Richard Mille, under the leadership of the Mille and Guenat families, represents a transformative modern era in watchmaking, characterised by exceptional innovation and distinctive design.