Talking Watches With François-Henry Bennahmias, CEO Of Audemars Piguet

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  • čas přidán 19. 12. 2023
  • Today marks the final day of François-Henry Bennahmias’s 29-year tenure at Audemars Piguet. He began as a junior salesman in the French market, carrying a briefcase full of watches “hoping to sell one or two per week” to a willing retailer, only to seldom be paid. He departs as the global CEO of a multi-billion dollar brand, beloved the world over. And today, on his last day at Audemars Piguet, we are proud to publish Talking Watches with François-Henry Bennahmias.
    Check out the full story here: www.hodinkee.com/articles/tal...
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Komentáře • 249

  • @PixelPerfect3
    @PixelPerfect3 Před 5 měsíci +60

    Best thing about Ben as an interviewer is that he just lets the guests talk, no interruptions and side stories

  • @watchesandburgers
    @watchesandburgers Před 5 měsíci +197

    Hodinkee's been hit or miss lately, but this episode is an excellent one. Francois-Henry seems honest, interesting, articulate, and a good story teller, which is important for a person in his position. He took AP from also-ran brand to monster hype watch numero uno. Congratulations and best wishes.

    • @nakedtenyearold
      @nakedtenyearold Před 5 měsíci +1

      Good thing watches and burgers always hit 🔥

    • @TrustMeIKnowEverything
      @TrustMeIKnowEverything Před 5 měsíci

      Numero uno🤔🤔🤔🤔have you heard of the King? ROLEX

    • @golfinguru11
      @golfinguru11 Před 5 měsíci

      @@TrustMeIKnowEverythingdifferent level. RM is the only real competitor at this level. Patek isn’t really a hype brand (although the nautilus/aquanaut are hype watches)

    • @robbysimmons9901
      @robbysimmons9901 Před 5 měsíci

      A true salesmen

    • @songoku-jx3cb
      @songoku-jx3cb Před 4 měsíci

      @@golfinguru11ap has lost its charm . Out of the holy trinity patek is the only one worth its merit .

  • @FTWciaran
    @FTWciaran Před 5 měsíci +65

    Francois is certainly a character. A smart one at that. Really good episode, sad to see him leave AP.

  • @sumitkar8146
    @sumitkar8146 Před 5 měsíci +119

    This is Hodinkee at its best - Francois is a generational CEO

  • @noahadairnat
    @noahadairnat Před 5 měsíci +36

    Excellent interview. Mad respect for Francois and not just what he’s built, but how he built AP. Hard work, building strong relationships. The real deal.

  • @nixtr3sharma
    @nixtr3sharma Před 5 měsíci +24

    100% Agree about the last statement. Yes, there were watch forums and watch magazines in the 2000s, but Hodinkee was probably the one that made the watch industry mainstream. There's good and bad thats come of that, but they were definitely ahead of the rest.

  • @SpookyConcepts
    @SpookyConcepts Před 5 měsíci +75

    This is an *incredible* interview. To take a struggling brand to the most coveted watch today is an amazing feat, and hearing about how he did it, it all makes sense. The strategy was perfect

    • @Yorkiepoocharlie
      @Yorkiepoocharlie Před 5 měsíci +2

      Great stuff! Love these interviews!

    • @baroh2413
      @baroh2413 Před 5 měsíci +4

      They are about to become a struggling brand again

    • @SpookyConcepts
      @SpookyConcepts Před 5 měsíci

      @@baroh2413 I’m not going to be upset if I can get a Royal Oak chronograph with no wait and no purchase history let me just say that 🤣

    • @Yorkiepoocharlie
      @Yorkiepoocharlie Před 5 měsíci

      @@baroh2413 on what do you base this opinion?

    • @floridaboybrandon954
      @floridaboybrandon954 Před 5 měsíci +5

      @@baroh2413no they’re not 😂

  • @frankmalcolm1321
    @frankmalcolm1321 Před 5 měsíci +40

    This is a master class on how to run a business well. Better than the best TED talk or commencement speech out there. Well done.

  • @Thinkaboutit803
    @Thinkaboutit803 Před 5 měsíci +6

    The last 30 seconds were emotional! Without Ben, there could have never been a watch world like we have today!

  • @Lockeness86
    @Lockeness86 Před 5 měsíci +46

    Two takeaways: (1) this man is a marketing genius and (2) don’t buy hype; today’s trash might be tomorrow’s treasure

    • @golfinguru11
      @golfinguru11 Před 5 měsíci +2

      See: Hublot and Franck Muller.

    • @golfinguru11
      @golfinguru11 Před 5 měsíci +4

      The sad part is the the royal oak wasn’t ever designed as a hype watch but the image has been ruined to all but the douchiest and richest mfers

  • @Sabrermk42
    @Sabrermk42 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Videos like this take me back to a place when I first got into watches and binged on the previous Talking Watches instalments like an addict. Nostalgia rush.

  • @Brandon-youtube
    @Brandon-youtube Před 6 dny

    This guy is incredibly in tune with the mainstream for his age. Savvy and aware of changing trends and culture. Most AP pieces are not my style but he is a master marketer

  • @liangliangsansan6231
    @liangliangsansan6231 Před 5 měsíci +5

    The ending of this video is truly touching!

  • @Zabee009
    @Zabee009 Před 5 měsíci +1

    One of the best of the best things i watched on CZcams! Hodinkees' web articles, with their eclectic verbosity, always immensely implored readers to elevate their aesthetics, and now their videos are making me totally melt 😍 learnt so much from the greatest CEO! 🙏

  • @Junaid_Patel
    @Junaid_Patel Před 5 měsíci +8

    Thanks Hodinkee to have great personality on show Francois rocks👍🏻

  • @cesarcarrera3931
    @cesarcarrera3931 Před 5 měsíci +3

    I went to AP AD before COVID, put my name on their “list” for a RO. A few weeks ago I found out I have to start the process again. As a watch enthusiast and collector, I am totally over this brand and watching this CEO just solidified those feelings. Celebrity endorsements do not appeal to me and I don’t think they appeal to most true watch geeks (maybe I’m alone on this).

  • @Halfmoon67
    @Halfmoon67 Před 5 měsíci +5

    What a fantastic episode !!! Thanks!!

  • @MrShinobi797
    @MrShinobi797 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I appreciate that he went into details of AP's HUMBLE beginnings and ultimate rise to success. Nowadays, new and upcoming Brands, particularly the Micro Brands, get alot of flak from the Watch Connoisseurs and even the Community. They forget...the APs, Rolex, Vacherons etc of the day, were once NOTHING!!

  • @currencyworld
    @currencyworld Před 5 měsíci +13

    Francois seems like a genuine guy who is passionate about the brand and undoubtedly very good at his job. That being said, the differences between him and Ben are stark. On the one hand, you have the side of the watch industry representing traditional collectors and connoisseurs. On the other, you have the more casual consumers buying into the hype and marketing. The latter is certainly indicative of the direction AP has taken in recent years.

    • @alexjon5924
      @alexjon5924 Před 5 měsíci +1

      Agreed he is more of a Richard Mille type figure. Marketing genius.

  • @allenu342
    @allenu342 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Amazing interview with Francois. His vision for how AP would become is awesome.

  • @superfast30
    @superfast30 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Fantastic interview. I respect Francois as he truly seems like a no BS tell it like it is type of guy. What a success story!

  • @janrudolf7760
    @janrudolf7760 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Wow, what an interview. Love those episodes.

  • @vdbdg
    @vdbdg Před 5 měsíci +4

    It’s a really interesting reflection on what marketing can be and how making people relate is all that matters

  • @TedNemeth
    @TedNemeth Před 5 měsíci

    This was incredibly fun. THank you.

  • @IamRolling
    @IamRolling Před 5 měsíci +3

    Fantastic interview, great job!

  • @MrJoshuapoon
    @MrJoshuapoon Před 5 měsíci

    Great episode, thank you ~👍🏼

  • @horst_koehler1969
    @horst_koehler1969 Před 5 měsíci

    Love this interview! Great work!

  • @ivanfiorilla6851
    @ivanfiorilla6851 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Great interview and..... a great dap to finish it off!

  • @TwSClan
    @TwSClan Před 5 měsíci +2

    Very good episode loved it!

  • @hugopetricioli9789
    @hugopetricioli9789 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Great interview! The service improved a lot with Francois.

  • @marcgras9064
    @marcgras9064 Před 5 měsíci

    That Sherwood green stratocaster hanging! You got me there. Nice interview!

  • @quikijiki1
    @quikijiki1 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Really dope episode! I just wish we had the proper official subitles too, Francios said some statements that I would love to understand more clearly :) Thanks!

  • @robbiedazzler6358
    @robbiedazzler6358 Před 5 měsíci

    Loverly episode many thanks 🙏🏼 🇬🇧

  • @decundiwatkins4395
    @decundiwatkins4395 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Excellent interview! Bravo!

  • @hemanshubahl3785
    @hemanshubahl3785 Před 5 měsíci

    Excellent interview. Love Francois. Seems like a down to earth guy in the video. What an amazing career he has had at AP and what he’s built with the brand!

  • @mahmoudghoneim8004
    @mahmoudghoneim8004 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Francois is a business legend, best of luck in your next adventures which we hope it will be still watch related. Between Mr. Biver and Francois the watch world made the popularity it has today.

  • @shaq66
    @shaq66 Před 4 měsíci

    François understood it all, what a success! Chapeau bas

  • @connorwang3442
    @connorwang3442 Před 5 měsíci +1

    It is a great interview!

  • @dbcproductions1296
    @dbcproductions1296 Před 5 měsíci

    That dap at the end was CLEAN

  • @TheNotoriousKID
    @TheNotoriousKID Před 5 měsíci +14

    Well let’s just applaud Ben on the weight loss.

  • @winstonrajendramm.d.700
    @winstonrajendramm.d.700 Před 5 měsíci

    This was a great one Hodinkee.

  • @duncancurry
    @duncancurry Před 5 měsíci

    Love this interview, FH is sooo passionate.. love his energy here. This is one of the better interviews as some are quite flat and boring… this one’s engaging

  • @PabloGuerraGarcia
    @PabloGuerraGarcia Před 4 měsíci

    Hahaha FHB is always a joy to hear! It is so funny that I was in Hodinkee 10th party and he spoke way better English, is like if being in Le Brassus increases the french accent 😄

  • @CaptLatte
    @CaptLatte Před 5 měsíci

    Wonderful interview with two classy guys.

  • @JoeyJiggles
    @JoeyJiggles Před 5 měsíci +2

    Not an AP fan at all but what an interview. Good to see Ben come back and save his brand as well.

  • @thendomutavhatsindi2009
    @thendomutavhatsindi2009 Před 2 měsíci

    Great interview enjoyed it!

  • @Orphiliac
    @Orphiliac Před 5 měsíci +5

    That’s true Francois! This guy spreads watches all over the world! 🌎 I bought my first one bc of him. I’m now a watch collector (unfortunately can’t afford an AP yet 😂).

    • @markbolton7561
      @markbolton7561 Před 5 měsíci

      Even if you could afford it, good luck getting it at retail.

  • @avmelidor
    @avmelidor Před 10 dny

    Illuminating. I dig this guy

  • @Oleek29_lovescars
    @Oleek29_lovescars Před 5 měsíci

    What an amazing interview

  • @stonefist
    @stonefist Před 5 měsíci

    wow, françois-henry has a lot of passion for AP as the CEO, good to see a CEO that's actually passionate about their watches, and much deserved. he will be missed at AP i'm sure.

  • @bradloncar6633
    @bradloncar6633 Před 5 měsíci +2

    There are so many good business lessons in here.

  • @steini6771
    @steini6771 Před 5 měsíci +3

    This educational interview was simply fabulous. What a journey Mr Bennahmias has had. As a watch collector, pilot and now semi-retired businessman, I fully agree and understand what it takes to build a brand. Persistence and stubbornness come to mind, which you seldom see in many of today's "get rich and famous fixation" among many wanna-be start-up companies. Un grand merci à vous deux.

  • @vincet6730
    @vincet6730 Před 5 měsíci

    Great interview and very inspiring!
    If Mr Bennahmias has to get rid of that greenish Fender Strat, he may speak to me first. 🎶🎶🎶🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

  • @kevco01010
    @kevco01010 Před 5 měsíci

    Great episode!

  • @choyayahyah
    @choyayahyah Před 5 měsíci +8

    Phenomenal interview. Much respect to François and AP from a Patek guy 😎

  • @markbolton7561
    @markbolton7561 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I wish they would've discussed more his thoughts on the current difficult buying environment with boutiques.

  • @dk8797
    @dk8797 Před 5 měsíci

    There will never be a ceo in the watch industry like Francois. The guy is a genius!

  • @vincentferreira1135
    @vincentferreira1135 Před 5 měsíci

    Easily top 5 Talking Watches thus far.

  • @betscho2875
    @betscho2875 Před 5 měsíci

    The trowsers he is wearing… Great❤

  • @BudFox575
    @BudFox575 Před 18 dny

    I like Ben's outfit design and color scheme

  • @kyleltk
    @kyleltk Před 5 měsíci

    that dap in the end was too clean lmfao

  • @1989DJJD
    @1989DJJD Před 5 měsíci +1

    Bring collectors back to talking watches

  • @dekdelacruz
    @dekdelacruz Před 3 měsíci

    Hi doc. Nice collection. Who made the painting at the back?

  • @ruslan1994
    @ruslan1994 Před 5 měsíci +5

    Such a great interview! Wow this is like a music to my ears. Great CEO of AP. Ben and Hodinkee team thanks for the great work ❤

  • @rollmodelbjj
    @rollmodelbjj Před 3 měsíci

    to end on that dap is sickkkk

  • @lucioledizerot196
    @lucioledizerot196 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Loved the video, although it's a shame that the watches shown were used to describe the evolution of AP, rather than François' actual collection

  • @Theultimateclimber
    @Theultimateclimber Před 5 měsíci +1

    That was a good one. Relevant and didn’t feel “salesy”

  • @kasolist
    @kasolist Před 5 měsíci

    What a journey!

  • @jf9670
    @jf9670 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Benny has been taking ozempic and he looks good! Nice man

  • @anthonyjackson31
    @anthonyjackson31 Před 5 měsíci +4

    Red dial is amazing. And really cool that you will pass on the scratches :)

  • @bbgt6299
    @bbgt6299 Před 5 měsíci +34

    Epic CEO - so symphatic - amazing achievements but I don´t get the latest collaborations

    • @theoneandonlybosable
      @theoneandonlybosable Před 5 měsíci

      Explain?

    • @MARKO2465
      @MARKO2465 Před 5 měsíci +1

      Looks like something Invicta is doing..... rubbish.

    • @alexrastelli7323
      @alexrastelli7323 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@theoneandonlybosablehe probably referring to the marvel/travis Scott collabs

    • @toothbras
      @toothbras Před 5 měsíci

      Is that a typo? Either way, if there’s a CZcams channel where a commenter will use an obscure word you’ve never heard of it would be hodinkee

    • @watches.
      @watches. Před 5 měsíci

      Just like you wouldn’t have understood the changes he made when first became CEO

  • @mura0
    @mura0 Před 5 měsíci +1

    The partnership with Arnold and then Jay Z pushed the brand to another level but he forgot to say the most important thing that happened in that period which was the creating of Instagram. Instagram has made lots of people and companies rich.

  • @DecemberNames
    @DecemberNames Před 5 měsíci

    Yo, what's up everyone? It's your favorite commenter here with another video feedback. Today, I'm going to be reviewing out this video by the talented creator. Let me tell you, this video is absolutely amazing. I'm not even kidding. It's so good that I'm actually starting to feel a little empowered. I mean, how can someone be so talented? Seriously, though, this video is a must-watch. It's informative, entertaining, and just plain good. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out right now!

  • @buuba99
    @buuba99 Před 5 měsíci

    Wow love it!

  • @planecrashcorner7283
    @planecrashcorner7283 Před 5 měsíci +5

    Yes, he is a game changer, but im still happy to see him go lol

  • @jkisling2110
    @jkisling2110 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Dudes a Boss.

  • @atmavictu2995
    @atmavictu2995 Před 3 měsíci

    AP is not my cup of team but great interview and a very straight shooter.

  • @Bangastarch
    @Bangastarch Před měsícem

    Hustle and a good endorsement

  • @yeshigyatso7664
    @yeshigyatso7664 Před 4 měsíci

    We are only a human enjoye before you get old ❤nice watches

  • @pingwong117
    @pingwong117 Před 20 dny

    AP is where it is today because of this thick french accent
    Incredible

  • @Lennyviews_official
    @Lennyviews_official Před 5 měsíci

    It completely makes sense 😅

  • @nikr1d3r32
    @nikr1d3r32 Před 5 měsíci

    4:28 wow, laughing all the way to the bank 😂

  • @josephmarucci3528
    @josephmarucci3528 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Awesome brother, your best talk ever

  • @Dani_Sinaci
    @Dani_Sinaci Před 5 měsíci +1

    Francois is like a Terminator, like Arnold's twin brother... 🤭👌

  • @fa5234
    @fa5234 Před 5 měsíci

    A CEO who loves his job and of course he's being a success story

  • @MsStevechan
    @MsStevechan Před 5 měsíci

    Don't know how the next CEO will do, all the best.

  • @BudFox575
    @BudFox575 Před 18 dny

    Something that I respect about Rolex is that they don't resort to gimmicks and cheap tricks like AP. Rolex still retains the class and design of quality Swiss and European watchmaking.

  • @popamonkey190
    @popamonkey190 Před 5 měsíci +8

    Amazing. Great interview.

  • @jeffreysbaysurftrips3686
    @jeffreysbaysurftrips3686 Před 5 měsíci +6

    Great AP content! Lovin'it!

  • @MarkSamuel1982
    @MarkSamuel1982 Před 5 měsíci

    The problem with AP is that they are a one trick pony. The Royal Oak is the only watch that sells. Patek are consciously trying to make sure that they don't go down the same road with the Nautilus and Aquanaut ranges

  • @mickaelchane-du1469
    @mickaelchane-du1469 Před 5 měsíci

    Awesome interview! I’m a big fan of AP and FHB was an outstanding CEO. It’s crazy what he achieved for the brand.. many people will miss him, his energy and sense of humor.
    Bon vent pour la suite!

  • @ListenToPowerViolence
    @ListenToPowerViolence Před 5 měsíci +3

    That Sherwood Green Custom Shop 57 Stratocaster is fire.

  • @CYPHERCOMPLETE
    @CYPHERCOMPLETE Před 5 měsíci +3

    Tupperware party anyone😂

  • @MichtersRyefan
    @MichtersRyefan Před 5 měsíci

    Wow. @7:00 idk how to feel about that. The dial is so busy that it almost looks like a cheap knock off. Not the case. The hour markers really make it look a certain way. Does anyone else agree or am I just crazy?

  • @1trife90
    @1trife90 Před 5 měsíci

    Excellent storytelling!

  • @kaiserphoenix01
    @kaiserphoenix01 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Even the CEO doesnt wear Code 11...

  • @the_shadow_realm5110
    @the_shadow_realm5110 Před 4 měsíci

    14:48 you can tell Ben is nervous and threatened by the domineering presence of this Swiss hunk.

  • @walroz87
    @walroz87 Před 5 měsíci

    François just ooze *"Original Badboy"* !! What a legend what accomplishments I cant wait to see what he is gonna get up to next - huge huge cadeau thank you so much!!

  • @Stefan-go3wu
    @Stefan-go3wu Před 5 měsíci +2

    I sent a yellowgold royal oak from 1993 to service months ago. Got it back yesterday. They forgott to sent the box back and lost one link stored in the box. Sad experience and still -4.

  • @jasonturner3234
    @jasonturner3234 Před 5 měsíci +4

    1,500 swatch watches... Sold to Swatch is really cool