Mumbai recently witnessed the grand launch of Aigner watches, a brand known for its elegant designs and Swiss-made precision. Held at Gallops Mahalakshmi Racecourse, this event celebrated luxury, craftsmanship, and a strategic collaboration between Aigner and Titan. Among the notable attendees were Tony Harris, Sales Director of Jacques du Manoir AG, Rahul Shukla, Vice President and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer – Watches Division, Titan, as well as actor and equestrian Randeep Hooda.
Aigner, founded by Etienne Aigner in the 1950s, is famous for its iconic horseshoe logo and stylish, high-quality timepieces. The brand has made significant inroads in the Middle Eastern market, a success they aim to replicate in India. With collections like the Trapani and Fermo for men, and Massa Due and Matera Diamond for women, Aigner showcased its diverse range of high-fashion, accessible luxury timepieces. Tony Harris, a veteran in the watch industry with over 24 years of experience, has been instrumental in the brand’s international growth. Starting his career with the Swatch Group in 2000, Tony has held various roles in Sales and Brand Management across numerous countries. Currently, he oversees the development of international markets for Jacques du Manoir AG, which includes the brands Jacques du Manoir, Roamer, and Aigner.
In an exclusive interview, Tony shared insights into Aigner's journey, their entry into the Indian market, and their collaboration with Titan. Excerpts:
Welcome again to India, Tony! Can you tell us a bit about today's event and what makes it special?
It brings me immense joy to announce the launch of Aigner Watches in India, marking a significant milestone in our global journey. Entering the vibrant and dynamic Indian market allows us to share our legacy of craftsmanship and luxury with a new audience. This is the start of an exciting journey where we aim to offer the discerning Indian consumer the opportunity to engage with the Aigner brand. Our partnership with Titan Company, the market leaders for watches in India, gives us a fantastic platform to reach out to a large and fast-growing market of discerning customers.
Could you give us a brief overview of your career and how you got into the watch industry?
Sure! Back in 1999, I was working in the oil industry when I came across an advertisement for a National Sales Manager role in the UK for the Swatch Group. I knew nothing about watches at the time, but after five interviews, I got the job. Over the past 24 years, I have moved through various roles in Sales and Brand Management, both nationally and internationally. My career has been a journey of continuous learning and passion for the watch industry.
What excites you the most about launching Aigner in India?
The Indian market is unique and dynamic, with a discerning consumer base that appreciates luxury and quality. Our aim is to position Aigner as an approachable luxury brand, making it available in selected high-quality retail stores across the country. This collaboration with Titan allows us to leverage their extensive distribution network and market expertise. We believe Aigner's blend of tradition and modernity will resonate well with Indian consumers.
What challenges do you anticipate in establishing Aigner in India?
One of the primary challenges is maintaining the brand's positioning and ensuring that consumers feel they are buying into an experience. Distribution and communication are key factors. We need to be selective in our distribution to maintain the brand's luxury positioning. Communication, both online and offline, is crucial to convey the brand's story and connect with consumers. The product itself, with its quality and distinctive design featuring the iconic horseshoe, will be central to our strategy.
Tell us about the current lineup of Aigner watches being introduced in India.
We have a collection that includes both established lines and new novelties. For men, we have the Trapani and Fermo collections, and for women, the Massa Due and Matera Diamond collections. The Matera collection, for example, features genuine diamonds, adding an extra touch of luxury. Our pricing starts at ₹46,000 and goes up to ₹92,000, with a mix of 65% gents' SKUs and 35% ladies' SKUs.
How did the partnership with Titan come about?
We identified India as a key market and approached Titan around 18 months ago. We had several meetings in Bangalore, Dubai, and Switzerland to ensure alignment in our vision and strategy. Titan's extensive distribution network and market leadership make them an ideal partner for Aigner. This collaboration is based on mutual understanding and a shared commitment to offering high-quality, luxurious timepieces to Indian consumers.
What are your plans for the future in the Indian market?
We have already agreed on a roadmap with Titan, focusing on selective distribution and maintaining the brand's integrity. Our strategy includes leveraging both online and offline channels to provide a seamless experience for consumers. We aim to expand Aigner's presence in India by establishing a strong brand identity and ensuring that our watches are accessible to luxury enthusiasts across the country.
