This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Ahmad Shahriar, a longtime watch industry executive who currently works alongside Samir Shah representing Arnold & Son, Angelus, and Favre Leuba in North America. Ahmad reflects on his career with brands including Ulysse Nardin, Blancpain, and Breguet and explains why having passionate, accessible people behind a watch brand is so important. They discuss how relationships influence collectors, why independent brands are connecting with enthusiasts, and how Ahmad’s current role has allowed him to return to a more personal and hands-on approach to the watch business.
Ariel and Ahmad also explore the differences between working for independent brands and large corporate groups, including the challenges that can arise when decisions are made far from the markets they affect. Ahmad shares his experiences with corporate micromanagement, the importance of giving local teams the autonomy to make decisions, and why focusing too heavily on numbers can come at the expense of passion. They also discuss changing collector expectations, the importance of celebrating both products and people, and why strong relationships may ultimately be one of the watch industry's most valuable assets.
Learn more about Ahmad Shahriar and the brands he represents, including Arnold & Son, Angelus, and Favre Leuba:
- https://www.arnoldandson.com/
- https://angelus-watches.com/
- https://www.favreleuba.com/
Ahmad on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-shahriar-6709774/
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Key Chapters:
[00:36] Introduction to Ahmad Shahriar
[01:39] Representing Arnold & Son, Angelus, and Favre Leuba
[02:46] Why Watch Brands Need People on the Ground
[07:56] Why Relationships Sell Watches
[11:21] The Rise of Independent Brands and Changing Collectors
[14:35] Independent Brands vs. Corporate Watch Groups
[21:06] Why Swiss Headquarters Struggle With North America
[26:44] Inside the Swatch Group and Its Management Structure
[28:29] The Reality of Leading Breguet North America
[33:29] Why Great Watch Brands Get Stuck
[36:44] What Happens When Corporations Buy Watch Brands
[40:08] When the Watch Industry Stopped Being Fun
[44:24] Watches, Celebration, and the Culture of Luxury
[47:57] Bringing Passion Back to the Watch Industry
[50:02] When Micromanagement Goes Too Far
[55:03] Swiss Watches Face More Global Competition
[58:22] What Makes Arnold & Son, Angelus, and Favre Leuba Exciting
[1:00:24] How Watch Collectors Have Changed
