REVOLUTION_International_Vol 54

“at the intersection of design and
fashion” where Neiman and Bergdorf
stake credibility. Suffice it to say,
Pask left the meeting impressed.
“We love that, as far as a watch
brand goes, Reservoir is designed
with such integrity. It’s certainly at
the forefront of this brand, it’s really
what sets it apart,” he says. “This
integrity made perfect sense as a
watch and accessory that had a very
respectable history, with respectable
people involved. A thoughtful
approach to the design component,
it just seemed like a great match for
our luxury accessory customer.”
Starting with a solid foundation
and a valuable understanding of the
luxury trade, these three men were
able to disrupt the category. In a few
short years, Reservoir watches have
even caught the eye of the Grand
Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève: the
Longbridge British Racing was
nominated in the Challenge category
in 2018, and the Hydrosphere Blackfin
was a contender in the Diver’s category
last year. Like those hero racers and
pilots always going higher, deeper,
faster, Reservoir wants to continue
pushing boundaries. But the team is
happy to let its keen awareness of the
past inform the brand’s future.
“Of course, we love all the
pioneers in watchmaking, such
as Gérald Genta and its Fantasy
collections, the iconic Rolex, the
fabulous history of Zenith or IWC,
etc. But we also love vintage cars
and planes,” says François-Marie
Neycensas. “Take Avions Voisin.
They probably made the most
remarkable cars in human history,
really. Or the gorgeous Italian cars
from the ‘50s — Alfa Romeo,
Lancia — which are today more
This page, clockwise
from top
For the launch
campaign of the
Hydrosphere in
2019, the brand
headed on a diving
trip with the watch;
the Hydrosphere
Blackfin also comes
with a rubber strap;
the Longbridge
British Racing in the
namesake color,
was previously
nominated for
aGPHGaward
in 2018; the
Supercharged Sport
takes inspiration
from vintage car
dashboards.
pieces than just cars.
or Triumph also
fantastic cars, both
and designs.
dashboard of an E-Type
see … I can’t have it in my
absolutely love the iconic
P-51, the ‘Cadillac of the
What a plane!”
Neycensas says national identity
into Reservoir’s products, too.
points to France’s long history of
car, aeronautics, and space
, particularly brands
Avions Voisin and Farman,
innovated across automotive
aviation. Combine that with a
fashion and design culture
you’ve got what Neycensas calls
French touch!” He and the
two François plan to continue
hard, to make the brand
through its collections, to
beyond storytelling and into a
and speak to the various and
inspirational worlds.
“Of course, we don’t know
the future will bring us,”
says, “but I am convinced
passion is the most
factor of success.”
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