Nikolaus Hirsch: Next Generation
Bag, shoes, belt? What do you match the wristband of your watch with?
The number of watches I own is manageable. In contrast, I own a considerable amount of wristbands. I estimate about 100 different ones. Sometimes I even change my wristband several times a day. I match the band of my watch with my respective outfit, both in terms of colour and style. There are no rules to abide by and that is exactly what makes changing wristbands regularly so exciting.
Is a watch really a fashion accessory and does this not diminish its status as a complex work of technology?
A watch is and remains both. It is a complex work of art with immense mechanical value. The timepiece has developed into a fashionable accessory, but at the same time, we shouldn’t forget that its entire existence is based on enormous technical know-how.
In terms of design: how fashionable should wristbands for high-end manufacture movements be?
As fashionable as you like. There are no limits anymore, but it does have to be a good fit for that particular wearer.
Would you say that smartwatch wearers are more experimental?
Partially, but not necessarily. Changing a smartwatch wristband is a little easier because the watches are usually already equipped with a quick-change mechanism. Hirsch has recently launched the Apple Watch Adapter, which can be used to change the wristband of the smart-watch within a few seconds.
What can you tell us about new materials such as eucalyptus fiber or birch bark?
With the wristbands in our range made of eucalyptus fibers and birch bark, we were able to develop something completely new, using materials that nature o ers us. We were able to create and o er animal- friendly wristband variations.
What challenges did you face when repositioning the brand within the watch segment?
It is a major challenge that the wristband is often not viewed as being a separate accessory. Our goal is to show the watch wearer that it is not a replacement item but rather bestows the wearer with the possibility of giving their watch a new look, whenever they choose to do so.
Photos: Hirsch
