Fabergé’s Aurélie Picaud Wins Woman of the Year Award at Eve’s Watch Awards

In a predominantly male-dominated watch world, we have some women in top positions who are making a definitive mark. Eve’s Watch aims to put the spotlight on those women, and on a choice of women’s watches that have been awarded best in one of twelve categories. Additionally, there’s a thirteenth award, chosen by the public. Last week, Aurélie Picaud, Timepiece Director at Fabergé, was awarded Woman of the Year at the 2017 Eve’s Watch Awards.

A veteran in the watch world, Picaud has played an instrumental role at Fabergé as she has focused on creating a stronger collection of watches and jewellery for women as well as men, and has brought together some of the finest artisans and watchmakers in our business for certain extremely advanced and creative timepieces. She joined Fabergé’s watchmaking department just about four years ago and quickly propelled the department forward, even securing two Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève awards.

Recognizing the need to bring the Fabergé watches under its own roof, Picaud turned to top watchmakers for creative ideas and unusual movements. Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and Agenhor, as well as Giulio Papi from Renaud et Papi, have been leaders here, working with Fabergé to unveil new ideas and directions.

Some examples of Aurélie’s work for men’s watches, both done with Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and Agenhor

Working side by side with these great minds, as well as with the CEO of Fabergé, Sean Gilbertson, Picaud was able to bring three new Fabergé movements to light in just a couple of years. She splits her time between Geneva (watchmaking) and London, where the headquarters for Fabergé are located.

In addition to Picaud being nominated for Woman of the Year, the Fabergé Libertine III watch, unveiled at BaselWorld earlier this year, was also up for nomination for the Eve’s Award for Watch Innovation. For that highly unusual piece, Picaud turned to watch designer extraordinaire, Fiona Kruger, to design a dial inspired by her past. She also turned to renowned enamellist Anita Porchet to bring the watch to life – making it a work of art by three women.

The Fabergé Libertine III watch – Credits: loupiosity.com

The Eve’s Award for Woman of the Year is one of the top honours in the Swiss watch industry. The Watch Awards were first launched last year in an effort to celebrate women’s watches and women in the industry. Founded by Larissa and Jane Trew, the awards this year had a title sponsor, Urb-it, a shopping app. Awards include 13 categories spanning people, brands and individual watches, with winners selected by a host of judges. There is also a Popular Choice award – selected by the votes of participants.

Prior to joining Fabergé, Picaud had worked for more than a dozen years in key positions at brands that include Audemars Piguet and Omega. She graduated initially from ITECH Engineering School in Lyon. While she is not a watchmaker or designer, she channels and directs every project, from concept to design, suppliers, and bringing the watch to fruition in a manner that suits the character and style of the Fabergé brand.

The Eve’s Watch Awards were held at the Morton’s Club in London last week. All of the nominees represent female forces in the world of watches for women. TAG Heuer won the Popular Choice (luxury) award and Michael Kors won the Popular Choice (under £2,000 award). Watch of the Year (luxury) went to Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold; Watch of the year (under £2000) went to the Rado True Thinline in green. Winner of Brand of the year (luxury) was Chanel and for the under £2, 000 category, Gucci took the win. Rolex surprised no one with the award for Buyer’s Choice (luxury), and Gucci once again took the same win in the under £2, 000 realm. Best High Jewellery Watch winner was Dior with the Grand Soir Botanic watch. Gucci snagged another win as the Best Fashion Watch thanks to the unusual designs of Alessandro Michele.  Also snagging a second win, Chanel’s Premiere Camelia Skeleton won Best Design (luxury), while the fairly young Klokers Klock-01 took the win for Best Design under £2,000). Best Sports Watch went to the 38mm Omega Speedmaster in green; Best Complication award was bestowed upon Urwerk UR-106 Flower Power; Rolex Yacht-Master II Tutti Frutti took the Collector’s Choice award. Finally, the Best Innovation win went to Moritz Grossmann Tefnut Twist, and Sekford took the win for Best Newcomer.

This article has been written by Roberta Naas, founder of watch-magazine A Timely Perspective. Roberta is also the author of six books on watches.