The Watch Maker

Meeting Daniel is like getting a shot of adrenalin. He is one of that rare breed whose infectious enthusiasm leaves you with more energy at the end of a meeting than you had at the start, a wonderful contrast to the “Dementor” types one can encounter in the industry, who can suck the life force from you in a matter of minutes.
I first met with Daniel in Zurich where a tour of his showroom and workshop was followed by a lively discussion on his business philosophy over brunch at the magnificent Dolder Grand Hotel, overlooking both Lake Zurich and, appropriately, its own nine-hole golf course. Later we continued the discussion over dinner at Hong Kong’s iconic China Club, during one of Daniel’s occasional visits to Asia.
He would deny it, but he is a photographer’s dream, very much at ease in front of the camera. The only problem from the photographer’s viewpoint is in keeping the man still enough to take a picture. A perpetual motion machine, he is constantly making points with his hands, or running across his atelier to bring back and show you some new innovation for his latest watch design.