Yvan Arpa's Personal Relationship with Time and Watches
The conversation series “Twelve on Time” explores the personal relationship that Yvan Arpa has with time, creativity, and watchmaking. Drawing inspiration from a Roman sundial, he emphasizes that a watch is more than a tool—it is a reminder that every hour must be lived intensely. Innovation stands out as the most valued quality, compelling him to constantly reinvent the industry rather than repeat past designs. He admires the tourbillon for its poetic display of time’s passage and critiques the over‑reliance on big‑brand names, urging discovery of independent makers. Arpa identifies the quartz crisis as a pivotal moment that reshaped watchmaking and sees the greatest current challenge as the need for reinvention, comparing the industry’s future to the decline of the hat market. He finds inspiration in childlike curiosity, nature, and architecture, and believes that younger collectors should focus on passion, excellence, and direct contact with creators. His personal influences include his children, whose fresh perspective fuels his vision, and he often wears a connected watch when among friends, reflecting his blend of tradition and modern technology.
Buying Time Analysis: This interview reveals how Yvan Arpa’s personal philosophy and innovative approach reshape watchmaking, highlighting the need for creativity, emotional connection, and industry reinvention in a market facing modern challenges.
