Interview with Wryst brand owner Jacques Fournier

World's best watch blog Ablogtowatch publish an interview with Wryst brand owner and designer Jacques Fournier

Why an interview on ablogtowatch.com?

Ariel Adams's unique voice and perspective have shaped aBlogtoWatch into a trusted authority, fostering a vibrant community of watch lovers who rely on the site for accurate information and thoughtful commentary. Through its commitment to quality content and its dedication to the passion of watch collecting, aBlogtoWatch continues to be a leading voice in the digital horological landscape.

Wryst Motors MS620

In 2012, watch designer Jacques Fournier started his watch brand named Wryst after years of creating some of the most innovative modern watch designs under his company, horologydesign.com, for brands aimed both at the mainstream and the ultra-high-end market. Born and educated in Switzerland, Fournier moved to France and eventually to the UK, where he currently lives.

Wryst was born out of Jacques' passion for creating the ultimate lifestyle sports watch with a design that had never been attempted before. Although Wryst timepieces are mostly priced under $1,000, they retain a sense of refined European design with a contemporary attitude intended for watch lovers who share his aesthetic vision. Below, Jacques explains the story of Wryst watches from conception to concept.

Source: The story behind Wryst watches

Wryst Automatic SX5

Why do you design watches, and how did you get into doing so?

Jacques Fournier: At a young age, I spent a lot of time looking at luxury timepieces in watch boutiques in Geneva or anywhere I went. I had only one goal: to find a unique one that would overdo all the others and save and buy it. In the early 90s, this still haunted me, so I designed a few watches and shared visuals on the net. A Private Label watch design studio in Le Locle, Switzerland, asked me to design for them. It said I had an exciting and unique approach to creating timepieces, which was inspiring to them.

How do you explain to people who aren't in the watch industry what you do?

Jacques Fournier: They do not always understand how far involved I am in the watchmaking process. I explain that I imagine shapes and models; I have ideas and can transform them from nothing to a complete virtual project. When I have spare time, I just imagine what the next big design could be, as if no watch has ever been made before.

Designer Carbon Fiber Watch Wryst Paragon

What type of design work did you do before making your own watch brand?

Jacques Fournier: I worked anonymously and in total confidentiality for many years developing many creations. Luxury brands sometimes require different views and sources of inspiration for their new collections. For example, I designed the entire pentagon-shaped five-timezone collections for Jacob & Co., including the Ghost Baguette and the Grand Baguette Diamonds.

Did you start off wanting to make something different or did the design of Wryst watches just end up being quite unique?

Jacques Fournier: Both the existing Wryst designs were meant to be "the" unique and atypical timepieces I have always wanted, and I hope they are for many people who see them. I intended to create a timeless design you can not get bored of, a watch of which people would say, "I have never seen anything like it before. " I am targeting a sporty audience with a strong and charismatic personality.

What design elements of the current collection of Wryst watches are you most proud of?

Jacques Fournier: The case design is different and complicated. I am happy about many things and delighted with the overall production finish. What I am most proud of is the identity of the brand. I feel Wryst is already identified as a privileged opportunity to purchase a bold sports timepiece with a newish and futuristic style. I hope people understand that my goal is never to give up offering innovative timepieces, an alternative for collectors interested in owning something "different." I know my watches do not look typical, and that is the point.

Talk about what your absolute dream watch would be like and why that appeals to you.

Jacques Fournier: It would be exclusive, maybe only one piece. It would be ultra high-tech and be very lightweight. I would never want to take it off my wrist: I imagine it as the perfect fashion accessory for men. Functionally, it would be uncomplicated and highly reliable. You could wear it for brutal sports, space tourism, or eating out without feeling inappropriate. You could combine the colors yourself to make it your own and simple. It will not need any maintenance, will not wear out, and will never fail. I am sure you can figure out why it would appeal to me...

What is the most important lesson you learned in designing for yourself compared to designing watches for other brands?

Jacques Fournier: I must examine other brands' traditions and history in depth and create within the guidelines. Listening to others has always been, and still is, extremely important in the development process. When I designed the Wryst, it had to appeal mainly to me. I have learned that our recently created customer portfolio will have high expectations for future models, which we need to tackle, achieve, and monitor. There is always room for improvement.

Aside from your design, what do you think makes your business unique? Are you the type of boss you'd want to work for?

Jacques Fournier: What makes the business and state of mind different is quite simple - Others have ideas and do things very well, but the main focus should be to look elsewhere, where no one has ever looked, and be daring and sincere. I think individualism is essential. You can be copied, but try not to be compared... As per working for myself yes I would happily do so and be eager to learn daily, it certainly is a lot of fun. I believe it is essential to have at least 5 to 10 good ideas daily and investigate further the ones you can. One might lead to something positive & unexpected.