My name is Amandine, I am 11 years old. I am keen on watchmaking and, since the age of 7, when asked what job I want to do, I answer “watchmaker-designer at Bulgari”… In the meantime, I am interviewing people in the sector.

By Amandine, the youngest Swiss Watch Passport columnist
Portrait Amandine | Insta SWP | Insta JSH® | Insta Amandine | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I’m Laetitia Hirschy, the founder of Kaaviar PR and the co-founder of Watch Femme.

Who are you at work?

I am myself at work!

And in real life?

The same! For me work is my life and vice versa. It’s my passion and I’m lucky to be able to do what I like.

How did you get into watchmaking?

Since I was a little girl… My father is from La Chaux-de-Fonds and my grandmother was a regulator of balance springs. So I was born in the watch cradle. And I have always loved watches.

What do you remember about your first watch?

My first watch was a Flik Flak. I don’t know if you know this brand… And there was also a watch called the Clip. It was a watch that you could clip on a cord… and there were lots of colors. It was actually designed by a friend of my dad and it was really cool.

Well, we have something in common because my first watch was a watch that my dad designed with one of his friends…

It’s really funny because my father, native from La Chaux-de-Fonds, is maybe the only Swiss in the world who never wore a watch.

Do you make watches for young people?

I don’t make watches directly but I work with watchmakers like Frédérique Constant. There is no age for watches, you wear what you like.

What would you say to a young people under 15 to get them interested in mechanical watchmaking rather than their Apple Watch?

They are two completely different things. An Apple Watch is like a small computer on your wrist, whereas a watch is a piece of art. It’s mechanical. You have to meet the watchmakers, the people who work in this industry… And you have to try watches, put them on your wrist.

And if we talk about Frédérique Constant, what are the brand’s assets to seduce this generation?

First of all, it is a brand that offers affordable luxury for everyone. With very nice watches, with many different styles, classic or more modern. There is something for everyone, in every color. I think it’s a brand where everyone can find a watch he likes. And there are even Smartwatches… It was the first brand to do “Horological Smartwatch.” It looks like a fine watch but it’s like an Apple Watch. It’s actually the best of both worlds if you want.

We talk a lot about sustainability, what does that mean to you?

Sustainability is really important because it’s our future… If we don’t have a planet anymore, we won’t be here.

Are you more of a TikTok, Instagram or LinkedIn person?

Instagram and LinkedIn. TikTok I like but just to watch.

What advice would you give me to be able to live my passion and work in the watch industry?

Keep doing what you’re doing, meet lots of people, ask lots of questions… ” Don’t be shy” as they say. And above all, follow your instinct!

Let’s take a selfie for my album?

OK let’s go!