What was the last watch you bought?
A lovely vintage 25mm Zodiac. It was a sort of compulsive purchase. Such a small diameter makes this watch really discrete by essence…but when on the wrist, you basically cannot miss how small it is…hence making the watch quite ‘talkative’. This watch is my portable sensei reminding me how we can make a strength out of what we may commonly consider ‘a flaw’.
Do you collect anything outside of watches?
I’m not sure I’m collecting watches in the first place. I do have a few. But I never really feel like I’m collecting them. I usually swap or resell them to only keep a few pieces. ‘Collecting’ is a serious term and a serious thing. I am not able to live up to that.
What’s at the top of your wishlist?
A watch with my actual name on it. I’m obsessed with that and it became like a North Star to me. Like some sort of a dream, I constantly procrastinate about so that the dream remains intact and perfect and pure. I love this contradiction when you basically stay the furthest away from the thing you really want.
What is a recent find or discovery?
I’ve only learned today that in 1968, the French author and World War II hero Romain Gary challenged Clint Eastwood to a duel after he learned that Eastwood had an affair with his wife, the actress Jean Seberg.
What inspires you?
I’m never able to point out specific things when it comes to inspiration. I see myself like a snooker cue ball constantly colliding with the rest of the pack. A small particle which is desperately trying to find its own way and find its own voice but obviously impacted and influenced by many other particles. Another way to answer could be that I’m inspired by my shower since lot of my ideas come from this place.
What is a book, podcast or album that changed the way you think?
It takes more than a book (or a podcast or an album) to change a mind. I guess it takes dozens and dozens of books to picture dozens and dozens of paths (or dead-ends) that may help shape your mind. So, no specific book changed the way I think. But a whole bookstore probably did. I loved Les Arpenteurs (9 Rue Choron, 75009 Paris) that was the bookstore I used to shop when in Paris.
Who is a celebrity of person of note that you admire?
Definitely the one I told you about a few lines before. The guy that challenged Dirty Harry in real life. What he has done through his life is insane. Splendid writer. Pilot and war hero. Diplomat. Director. Romain Gary is the epitome of a real-life super-hero capable of everything. His surreal and bright life attracts the young part of your heart. Then his darkness touches the more adult part of your soul.
What is your ideal long weekend?
Whatever the people. Whatever the place. Whatever the weather. If a nice idea comes to my mind during that weekend, then it is a good and fulfilling weekend. I’m hooked by the thrill of finding a new idea.
What would we always find in your fridge?
What matters more is not what’s in it, but what’s on it. Usually, the cheap magnets or bad photographs picturing some happy faces or happy places you have a special bond with.
What is a rule or mantra that you live by?
“At some point, something good will happen”. Let’s be clear, I did not encounter real tragedy in my life. But during some tough times, I’ve always tried to stick to that weird biblical hope.
What does the year ahead look like for you?
Lot of work, some challenges, some failures, some small achievements, and some bigger frustrations. That’s the plan. Looking forward to it!
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