Making The Best Of Hard Times

Braving the ups and downs of the industry, watchmaker Breitling has been quick to respond while keeping core values intact.

- Pavan Lall

JEAN-PAUL GIRARDIN, vice president of Swiss watchmaker Breitling, talks to Fortune India about navigating the industry’s 20-month downturn, collaborating with Rolex, and why the aviation-themed brand won’t deviate from making “tool watches”, which are designed to do more than just tell time. Edited excerpts:

THESE ARE TOUGH TIMES FOR THE WATCH BUSINESS, WITH THE SLOWEST GROWTH EVER SINCE THE QUARTZ CRISIS OF THE 1980S. HOW ARE YOU TACKLING IT?