Roger Dubuis (RD) is a Geneva-based horology manufacturer that specializes in luxury watches and was acquired in 2008 by the Richemont group. It sells its products through distributers in the Middle East but plans to open retail stores in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) soon, its first in the region. Executive sat with Omar Chaoui, regional brand manager of RD, for a chat about fine timepieces and regional prospects. E How did the 2008 financial crisis change the watch industry? The crisis has taught us that today, as an industry, we need to provide something that has a genuine value, as we are no longer in the euphoric years between 2002 and 2008 when people were over-consuming. Consumers now want inner value and this has led brands to refocus their offering and for distributors to refocus on their portfolio of brands. Over the past two to three years, brands within
