The Business of Watches Podcast: Breitling CEO Georges Kern Talks Growth Despite Challenges Facing The Watch Industry

October 01, 2025

Georges Kern is emphatic. The Breitling Chief Executive Officer isn't slowing down on plans to expand his company's reach. Even as U.S. tariffs and economic headwinds challenge the industry, Kern is pushing ahead with planned launches of the Universal Geneve and Gallet brands in 2026.? He's already orchestrated rapid growth and value creation at the historic Breitling marque since taking on the top job in 2017. Breitling was sold to private equity partners for less than a billion dollars that year. In late 2022, a change in majority shareholder valued the company at more than $4 billion, sources said at the time.But now with the industry facing a host of economic and political pressures, Kern's expansion efforts are being tested. In a candid discussion, touching on a host of topics, he says the luxury watch industry is poised for an eventual rebound. People won't delay purchases forever, he says, and when they're ready, he expects his growing stable of brands to have the right products to match the wants and needs of new clients. ?In the interview, Kern discusses how he plans to position both Gallet and Universal Geneve, two brands at opposite ends of the luxury watch sector. And he has plenty to say about prices and how brands that raised prices simply because they could, are in for a rude awakening.?We hope you enjoy the episode and would encourage you to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments section. Thanks for listening.? Show Notes 5:00 Breitling's deal with the NFL?5:50 Breitling watches6:00 Morgan Stanley LuxeConsult Watch Market Report7:10 Breitling Emergency 8:00 Breitling Top Time10:21 Breitling Navitimer?15:30 Panerai?18:15 Breitling to Relaunch Gallet22:30 Universal Geneve?26:10 Herms Bags?27:00 Price of gold?29:40 How the Swiss watch industry is dealing with tariffs?32:20 What's up with watch prices??34:30 Swiss Watch Exports?35:40 China Watch Market?38:10 Carpe Diem