Marcel Philippe
Born in New York from a french father and a canadian and french mother, I studied law. After two years in a business law firm, I became Assistant District Attorney for the City of New York where I work on cases of drug trafficking beeing a specialist in the investigation on money laundering and the confiscation of assets of convicted. In the 70’s, I was part of the Equipe de France d'Athlétisme. I am recordman and french champion in the discipline of 800 meters, 1000 meters and 4 x 1500 meters (I still hold the record for France since 1979). In 1976 I was selected for the Olympic Games in Montreal. I am also a pilot and Knight of the Legion of Honor (Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur). I have a son, Yves (8 years old), I am very proud of.
Interview:
1- What does the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève represent for you?
2- Why did you agree to be jury member?
3- What makes in your opinion the value of a watch?
1. « The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève represents the summit of the watch industry organisation dedicated to the promotion and the progress and excellence of watch making. It is an umbrella group which brings together the best of the industry through its presigious participants. The prizes awarded by a distinguished and respected jury of impartial individuals subject to the strict encadrement of the watch entries is the guarantee that the finest creations of the year in the 10 categories will represent uncontested glory to the reputation of the winners. In a more popular vocabulary, it is the World Championships of the Watch Industry and that provides the motive and competition to further advance the science and art of the industry. »
2. « It was an easy decision to accept the invitation to join the jury. I am very horoured to be selected yet humbled by the task ahead in judging the best of the best ion behalf of my peers. As a long time enthusiast, the opportunity not only to appraise and vote for the best of the industry in each category, with the aide of like minded enthusiasts is exhilarating and frightening. Ultimately, attending the awards ceremony at the Grand Théâtre de Genèe in the company of the giants of the industry is indeed a unique opportunity that I could never refuse. »
3. Probably the most difficult since it touches on the irrational even subconscious part of oneself as well as the rational deliberative daily functions of the person. The former being very hard to explore with our conscious tools, but oh so important in making up our minds. I have never considered the "value of a watch" to be the sum of its many and often beautifully finished parts, nor its materials or size although all these things can play a supporting role. And even though it is the rational side that ultimately executes the decision and purchases the watch, the decision comes from deeper within and in my case certainly must resonate with my values and my personal judgments. Again speaking for myself, I must respect the work of the watchmaker or manufacture. I have to understand what the creator is seeking to do and whether that corresponds to my values. I try to understand his motives and design. Progress in watchmaking and perfectionment in execution, creativity and art go hand in hand. It can be a simple time only watch or a complication, it is the ultimate rendition/execution of the watch by a specific creator/manufacture that succeeds or fails in creating a watch for the ages. On the other hand, gimmickry never finds favor in me. I dislike trendy watches. When I feel that I will "love" that watch tomorrow as much as I do today, then I can say I find "value" in that watch. One of the benefits of a little aging, these personal rules of valuation remain safely anchored and no longer drift. Today I find that I finally love/value all my watches.