Claude Greisler is Co-Founder & Chief Horologist at ARMIN STROM. He has developed and produced 12 in-house movements including a micro-rotor tourbillon. Mastered the complication of Resonance with the Resonance collection and the patented Resonance technology
1. Briefly describe your childhood.
Born in Burgdorf (valley of Emmental) where I was raised up with my parents and my two brothers. Our life was driven by Skateboards, Skis and Windsurfing.
2. As a child did you have any driving ambition?
Our idols were Robby Naish and Tony Hawk. Our goal was to live a life with a board under our feet.
3. What is your first significant memory as a child?
When my younger brother had an accident and I realized how important my family is.
4. Have you ever had another profession?
No 100% watch industry and but I was in the Swiss army for two years.
5. What made you decide to go in the direction you are currently in?
My grandparents. They were both working in the watch industry.
Grandma was assembling stop-watches during the second world war to get some money for their family.
6. What’s the worst job you’ve had to do?
During school holiday I was looking for any job to buy new windsurfing stuff. One year I was working on a campground where I had to clean the toilets. That was not fun.
7. What’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, and how did you overcome it?
The hardest moment is the moment I cannot share. But I did overcome thanks to my wife.
8. Who has had the strongest influence on you?
I have many people inspiring me. People in the watch industry, the world of mountaineering... What does influence me, is people who have a vision of what they want to do. They have a plan and they work very hard for this plan.
9. What are you most proud of?
My wife. She is the best, regardless of whatever happened to me.
10. What advice would you give to a 20 something someone thinking of taking a similar path as you?
GO for it. Work hard and do not be afraid of failing. There is nothing wrong about failing. Work even harder on your weaknesses!
11. Name three things on your bucket list.
Spending a few week with my wife climbing and skiing, without checking my e-mails :-)
Drinking a beer on a sunset in Hawaii after a great Windsurfing session
Getting retired as a successful watchmaker
12. Where do you think the industry is going to be in 10 years’ time.
No idea. This is something we have to ask the consumer. The people who are buying our watches do know where we will be!
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