"My goal with DeLaneau was to create a completely new and fresh vision of feminine horology" says the brand’s dynamic CEO, Cristina Wendt-Thévenaz, who conceives and designs timepieces specifically for women. The pages of her weathered notebook reveal the origins of her creations on page after page of sketches marked with margin notes written in her sweeping, measured calligraphy. "We started in 2002 by creating a feminine tourbillion - it’s a matter of understanding what makes women feel magical."
Since 2000, Wendt-Thévenaz, has refined and repositioned DeLaneau, an exclusive jewelry watch brand that was established in Bienne, Switzerland in 1949. She sought to pay homage to this heritage while advancing the brand’s technical credibility as she assumed the role of CEO in 2005. Intent on preserving and perpetuating the historic Geneva arts of miniature enamel painting, jewelling, and engraving, Wendt-Thévenaz pairs these traditions with original complicated mechanical movements. "For centuries, the rare artistry of the watch world has been dedicated to men’s watches" she says "I wanted to somehow challenge the watch world by introducing artistry from very classical men’s watches to a contemporary women’s world" she says.
Half German and half Spanish, Thévenaz reasons that her ancestry enhances her ability to balance artistic creativity and a passionate spirit with a "thoroughly German attitude" when it comes to movements and the technical aspect of watchmaking. The former graphic artist also credits her grandmother, a professional painter, for her artistic gifts.
Wendt-Thévenaz became enamored with miniature enamel painting on watches after viewing the Sandberg Collection, a private collection of 423 timepieces dating from the 1500s to the 1900s, which was auctioned in Geneva in 2001. One of the first in the modern industry to revitalize this fading art, she established partnerships with young artists who specialized in the historic and complex painting technique. She quickly expanded her artisan network to include engravers and gem setters with a proven mastery of those demanding disciplines. "Giving those artists a canvas on
which they can express themselves is a very rewarding and beautiful part of the whole process" says the 43-year-old single mother of three. "I admire these people who maintain tradition and maintain a savoir faire - this is what luxury is all about as well. Rarity is not only about stones and materials, it’s about people, talent, and creativity."
DeLaneau produces only about 100 pieces per year. This small production allows the niche brand to produce watches much like haute couture fashion with artisans working by hand using rare materials. "As a niche brand, we have the responsibility to be a guardian of the specialties, "she says. "Big brands need vertical production to deliver large numbers quickly. Because we are small, we are much more flexible, so we can give more time to the artists to really delve into their art. "
Wendt-Thévenaz was born in Barcelona in 1965. As a child, her family moved frequently throughout Europe, endowing her with the ability to understand many cultures. She has lived in Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, France, the US and Iran, and she fluently speaks Spanish, German, English, French, Italian and Farsi. She currently resides in Geneva with her three daughters, ages 10 to 17. A talented cook, Thévenaz also enjoys Spanish music and painting, as well as 6000 pieces puzzles (!) that shows her patience and tenacity…
Official website: http://www.delaneauwatch.com
