An independent Swiss watch manufacturing marque headquartered in Biel, Switzerland, Montres Cimier has gained a reputation for its watchmaking skills as well as its aesthetics. We talk to Alexandra Lanz, Chief Executive Officer of Montres Cimier SA, on the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and on helming a watch manufacture that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024…
What have been the highlights of your career thus far?
I have worked in the Swiss watch industry for 25 years, and have faced numerous challenges during my career. I could also refer to these as highlights as they have allowed me to constantly push my limits. I hope that this continues to be the case for many years. These strong points have always been connected to other people, whether working as part of a team, or in collaboration with a designer, manufacturer, or client. The success of a project is made possible by the simple fact of knowing how to surround oneself with passionate, motivated people who are determined to give their all.
How would you describe yourself as a woman and as a CEO?
My character traits as a woman are no different from those as a CEO. Over the years, I have obviously asserted myself, but I have been able to remain humble, genuine, and generous; all these character traits have allowed me to advance in my career. I remain deeply convinced that people should be adventurous, move forward and challenge the status quo; that is my way of operating in both my professional and private life.
Where do you find your inspiration for the Cimier brand?
In its history, in the trends dictated by the markets, and especially in the exchanges with my team, our partners, and our clients. Watching and listening are essential to the development of any new project – inspiration has no age, experience, or boundaries.
How do you see Cimier evolving?
We are fortunate to be able to work for a brand that has a strong imprint in the history of Swiss watchmaking and its reputation has been preserved over the years. Let’s not forget that Cimier will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. We plan to celebrate the centenary by unveiling a brand-new collection of Cimier watches, in keeping with the times while respecting the strong and well-marked character of the brand.
The unique experience we offer through our Watch Academy by Cimier allows us to immerse our participants in the fascinating world of watchmaking. This concept of discovery and personalisation allows us to constantly push the limits of creativity. It allows us to be different, to stand out in an industry that struggles to offer watches that reveal a person’s true personality. We have the ambition to take this concept even further by offering various seminars, watch components in various shapes, materials, and colours. We are committed to producing our watch components with local partners.
Montres Cimier SA is also a partner strongly invested in the “private label” to enable us to produce tens of thousands of watches per year. It is important to share our knowledge, our advanced skills with our clients, in terms of design, development, manufacturing processes and after-sales service.
