Relationships With Time

The relationship between time and mankind is fascinating. Both do share a symbiotic bond. Time is simply there and independent from the existence of human beings. As a matter of fact, we are just another expression of time. However, without the human reason and self-consciousness time would be an irrelevant void. Time only becomes powerful as we live through and evaluate the sequences of events happening within durations being defined as aeons, ages, years, months …. Only in the consciously experienced incidents of life, time can obtain a higher meaning - as we try to understand ourselves in the flow of time with investigative efforts in the domains of religion, sciences, the arts and others.

I am neither an artist, nor a philosopher, priest, scientist or astronomer – not even an astrologer – and thus unable to explain the phenomena of time in a profound manner. However, having looked for a frame for my professional life in which I could somehow relate to the exciting topic of time, as a student, I did discover the wonderful world of timekeepers. While at the end time remains a mystical and relative phenomenon, we have nevertheless invented tools to portion her to be able to structure and organize life. And within the sphere of time-measuring instruments, there is one group particularly striking to me: the mechanical wristwatch.

In the digital age in which time indications are abundantly available on mobile phones, computer screens and so on, classical mechanical watches have become to some degree anachronistic. However, they reveal again the particular relationship between human beings and time. Although mechanical watches’ technical utility has significantly decreased, they still and increasingly offer another quality of time telling. The art of inventing, manufacturing, embellishing precious, complicated and beautiful handmade watches represent a contrast to the modern digital values of cold efficiency and effectiveness. Mechanical watches symbolize beautiful craftsmanship, rich traditions and interesting history. And with the growing importance of sustainability, they may even experience a broad renaissance as battery and electricity-free timekeepers do better contribute to the preservation of human life on Earth – and in doing so keeping the notion of time relevant.

To me, it is a privilege to serve the cosmos of sophisticated mechanical watches. As a former president of watch brands and today as an international consultant, I do enjoy the creative process of inventing, manufacturing and promoting watches. Also, it is a wonderful task to build brands and to become a storyteller in relating to people’s lives: stories about their dreams, adventures, love, dramas, special moments. But above all, working in the space of mechanical watches enables me to meet interesting people of culture and sophistication. What would be the sense of time if we are not wanting to share it?

Dr Frank Müller, CEO and founder The Bridge To Luxury (TBTL)

An international consultancy firm supporting companies of high-end goods and services. Formerly, Frank was heading A. Lange & Söhne and Glashütte Original. He writes regularly on luxury related topics and is editor of the Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI). Also a lecturer at top ranked international business schools and an event speaker. Frank studied business administration at the University of Mannheim, the ESCP Europe and received a doctorate from University of St. Gallen.

 www.thebridgetoluxury.com