Watch Boss Georges Kern: "My Taste Is Very Commercial"

Georges Kern, the CEO who successfully revitalized Breitling since 2017, has expanded his leadership role to head a newly formed "House of Brands." This strategic entity consolidates Breitling with two revived historic watchmakers, Gallet and Universal Genève. In an exclusive interview conducted in Geneva, Kern discussed his commercial philosophy and the integration of these brands under one roof. The meeting took place in a luxury hotel suite on Lake Geneva, where Breitling had rented an entire floor to showcase its latest models. While the event served as a backdrop for presenting new timepieces, the conversation focused primarily on Kern's broader vision for managing multiple heritage brands rather than just Breitling's individual performance. Kern, a native German, emphasized his commercially driven approach to taste and brand management. This development marks a significant shift in the luxury watch industry, as established houses are reanimated and grouped together to leverage shared resources and market presence. The article highlights Kern's transition from leading a single brand to mastering a multi-brand portfolio, signaling a new chapter in his career and the corporate structure of the involved watchmakers.