A story about standards

Patek Philippe are watchmakers.

Some would argue they make the world’s best watches. But they are more than a manufacturer.

Recently, they discontinued their most popular model because they ‘knew the popularity was a bubble, and that by feeding its growth, the company would just be contributing to the damage caused by an eventual burst.’

With the demand for their watches increasing, why not do what Rolex and others do and just make more?

Here’s what Thierry Stern, President of the company says:

‘At Patek Philippe, when we make a watch, however hard we work, we can only go at one speed. One that ensures we adhere to the high standards for which we are respected. We understand that some people express frustration at this. They want us to go faster. But at our family-owned watch company, fast is the enemy. Because to accelerate the time it takes to make a watch we would have to cut corners and lower our quality. And then the watch might be a very good timepiece. But it would not be a Patek Philippe and would not merit the Patek Philippe Seal.’

I love that line, fast is the enemy.

In a world where the demand is for quicker, isn’t it reassuring to know that some preserve slower?

It would be great to hear your views, please leave them below.

Be Brilliant!