Meeting a visionary business leader who effortlessly blends heritage with innovation is an experience to be treasured. Coralie Charriol, CEO and Creative Director of Charriol, has been leading the Swiss luxury brand since 2019, carrying forward the legacy of her father, Philippe Charriol, who founded the company in 1983. With a keen eye for modern elegance and a commitment to preserving the brand’s DNA, Coralie is driving Charriol’s global expansion while redefining its future. In this exclusive conversation with L’Officiel Arabia she opens up about her latest collection, the brand’s presence in the region, and her vision for the future.
Delna Mistry Anand: Your father Philippe Charriol was a visionary who built a legacy in the world of luxury timepieces. His journey brought him to the Middle East early on—what drew him to this region, and how did it shape the brand’s evolution?
Coralie Charriol: My father was born in 1942 and raised in Marseille. He spent 15 years at Cartier as a general manager and brand president for the Asian market before taking a bold step to launch his own brand in 1983. When he founded Charriol in Geneva, he envisioned it as more than just a watch company—it was a multi-product luxury brand that encompassed Swiss timepieces, jewellery, accessories, and perfumes.
While most Swiss watchmakers were focused on Place Vendôme in Paris, my father took a different approach. He set his sights on the Far East and the Middle East, recognizing the potential of these regions well before many of his European counterparts. His deep relationships in Asia helped establish Charriol in key markets, and he applied the same dedication to the Middle East, where he saw a clientele that truly appreciated craftsmanship and heritage.
The Middle East, with its affinity for luxury and horology, became an important part of Charriol’s expansion. My father spent time understanding the culture, building strong ties with collectors and retailers, and ensuring Charriol had a presence in some of the region’s most prestigious locations. His efforts culminated in grand milestones, such as the 2011 event inside Beijing’s Forbidden City—one of only three luxury brands ever permitted to do so. Moments like these were a testament to his vision, determination, and ability to forge deep, lasting connections across the world.
Growing up with a visionary like Philippe Charriol as your father must have been incredibly inspiring. How did his passion and approach to business influence you personally?
He truly was a true visionary with an unstoppable drive. His passion for craftsmanship, creativity, and fearlessness in taking risks shaped the way I see the world. He taught me that luxury isn’t just about beautiful products; it’s about storytelling, relationships, and constantly innovating while staying true to your identity. Even the way he established the brand was so inspiring to me - he started with just eight watches—no grand marketing campaigns, no big launch events. Instead, he packed them in a suitcase and personally visited clients he had once sold Cartier to, especially in Asia. He literally went door to door, building the brand one conversation at a time.
When I officially took over Charriol, it was both an honour and a tremendous responsibility. My father built this brand with his own hands, and I wanted to ensure that his legacy remained strong while evolving it for the future. I’ve focused on modernizing our designs, expanding our digital presence, and reaching a younger audience while maintaining the core values of elegance and craftsmanship that he instilled. It’s been an incredible journey—one that constantly reminds me of the passion he poured into every detail.
The Cable Bracelet has become such a defining element of Charriol’s identity. As you continue to evolve the brand, how do you ensure this iconic design remains relevant while introducing new elements that appeal to modern tastes?
The key is staying true to our roots while evolving with the times. Our signature cable design, made through a 27-step artisanal process in Switzerland, remains at the heart of our collections. It’s a unique material that gives our pieces their identity. Even when I introduce new elements, the foundation is always there. It’s about honouring the past while creating for the future.
And how do you navigate this delicate balance while ensuring Charriol’s core values and signature designs remain at the forefront?
That’s the magic formula! Any brand with a distinctive look faces this challenge. How do you push forward without losing what people love about you? For us, it’s about listening—both to our customers and to the market. As a privately owned family business, we can move quickly. I know what’s trending, from smart jewellery to changing shopping habits, and we adapt accordingly.
Speaking of expansion, Charriol recently launched at EDIT by Ahmed Seddiqi—a significant milestone for the brand. Could you tell us more about this partnership and where customers can explore your collections?
We’re thrilled to introduce Charriol at EDIT by Ahmed Seddiqi, a concept that perfectly aligns with our values of craftsmanship and timeless luxury. It’s a curated space that showcases exceptional brands, and we’re excited to be part of it. Customers can now discover Charriol’s latest collections at EDIT by Ahmed Seddiqi stores and online at www.byedit.com, making our pieces more accessible than ever to the region’s discerning clientele.
That sounds incredible. Coralie, thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us. We look forward to seeing how Charriol continues to evolve under your leadership.
Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to talk about the brand and its future. I’m excited for what’s ahead!
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