Welcome back to an original aBlogtoWatch feature, “My First Grail Watch.” In this series, we ask prominent people in the watch industry about the first timepiece that they lusted after. Today, we’re speaking with Pierre Jacques, the CEO of De Bethune.
aBlogtoWatch (ABTW): Who are you, and what is your relationship to the watch industry?
Pierre Jacques (PJ): I am Pierre Jacques, the CEO of De Bethune. Prior to joining them, I worked as a Branch Manager of Les Ambassadeurs Genève, and also headed the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix as director of the organizing company. And before all of that, I founded GMT Magazine in 2000.
ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?
PJ: Watchmaking is a passion, and I can’t remember when it started – maybe when I broke my PD (editor’s note: a savings account) to buy a Kelton? After that, I started saving money to buy watches.
ABTW: What was your first grail watch?
PJ: My first grail watch was a Zenith Chronograph when I was 14 years old.
ABTW: That’s quite an impressive start! What do you consider your grail to be these days?
PJ: I think I am reckless enough to pursue the grail no matter what, but sometimes, you know, dreams are evolving and priorities are changing. Ultimately, it’s about passion. The grail is not the one that we own, but the next one down the line. And believe me – the upcoming DB28 Maxi Chronograph should be something closer!