Interview: Marc Michel-Amadry, Managing Director of Girard-Perregaux
Marc Michel-Amadry, appointed Managing Director of Girard-Perregaux (GP) in early 2025, brings over two decades of leadership experience in the auction world and fine watchmaking. His journey to GP is unique, driven by a desire to work for a brand with meaning and purpose.
Born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the heart of GP, Michel-Amadry has always been captivated by the brand's sophistication and beauty. His career began with Sotheby’s Switzerland and IWC, where he honed his skills in the industry. When he turned 40, he made a personal purchase that solidified his connection to GP: the WW.TC chronograph, a testament to the brand's design and innovation.
GP, alongside its sister brand Ulysse Nardin in the Sowind Group, has been refining its identity as an independent brand over the past three years. Michel-Amadry's appointment comes at a pivotal moment, and he sat down to discuss his vision for the brand's future.
The Enduring Relevance of Laureato
The Laureato, a cornerstone of GP, is a timeless design that has stood the test of time. Michel-Amadry emphasizes the importance of in-house innovation, highlighting the Laureato's unique history and the brand's commitment to precision, as evidenced by the Gyromatic movement and the Constant Escapement.
Synergy and Shared Facilities
GP and Ulysse Nardin share production facilities, creating a synergy of talent and expertise. However, GP maintains its own atelier for grand complications, ensuring the preservation of each brand's distinct DNA.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the industry's challenges, Michel-Amadry embraces the underdog role. He believes that GP's agility, independence, and talent position it for success. The brand's history of innovation and precision, as seen in the Three Bridges and the Gyromatic, will be key to its resurgence.
A New Chapter with Calibre 4800
The introduction of the Calibre 4800 movement marks a significant milestone. This in-house creation, with its silicon escapement and improved torque, is a testament to GP's commitment to watchmaking excellence. The movement's architecture, inspired by the Three Bridges, showcases a clear design intention and symmetry.
Celebrating Laureato's Legacy
The Laureato Fifty, a 50th anniversary edition, is a celebration of the brand's heritage. With a re-engineered design and improved bracelet, it embodies the evolution of the original Laureato while maintaining its iconic status.
Looking Ahead
Michel-Amadry's vision for GP includes a focus on heritage, innovation, and precision. The brand will continue to honor its past while embracing new developments, ensuring its place in the haute horlogerie landscape.
