I was shocked to learn about Mr. Hayek’s death on June, 28^th and wanted to write a short tribute to a man that I consider a genial businessman.

I researched with two colleagues the Swatch strategy in the early 2000’s and was amazed at that time to discover all the different facets of what already looked like an empire. Mr. Hayek had with passion rejuvenated the Swiss watch industry. Without his putting in so much energy and love none of today’s luxury brands could have succeeded in either surviving or prospering.

Mr. Hayek had patiently integrated vertically and horizontally its company and was also a main supplier for many of his competitors.

Last but not least, all the brands that he either created or purchased fit today in one homogeneous brand spectrum. There is no real cannibalization and even top-tier brands like Blancpain, Breguet or Jacques Droz have their own identity and address different clients’ needs and different clients’ types.