Time to grow

Why would Hermes want to sell watches when people only lust after its leather bags? Even when they buy a Hermes watch, it's more because of the Hermes alligator strap that comes with it.

You think that Laurent Dordet, CEO of Hermes' watchmaking division, might be offended at the question, but instead, the boyish 48-year-old cracks up laughing. The tall and lanky head of La Montre Hermes even agrees partly with you, although he firmly believes that while the famed French luxury house is better known for its Birkins and Kellys, there's room for its watchmaking division to grow. From its current yearly revenue of 200 million euros (S$316 million) - a mere 3.0 per cent of Hermes' 2016 earnings of 5.2 billion euros - it has the legs to reach 500 million euros, on par with such high-end watch brands as Piaget.

"The company (founded 180 years ago) has always been driven by passion, genuine passion, with a long-term commitment," says Mr Dordet on a recent visit to Singapore. He was in town for the 10-day "Time, a Hermes object" exhibition at Ngee Ann City, which showcases its classic watches and ends on Nov 5.