Facets Of Luxury

A. Lange & Söhne’s brand spokesperson Farhan Akhtar and CEO Fabian Krone reveal details of their tryst with ‘luxury’. By ANITA KHATRI and VEYOLEEN MEHROTRA

What is your idea of ‘luxury’?
FARHAN: My idea of luxury is to be served without really asking for it. To surround myself with people who intuitively know what it is that I like and want. For instance, if I express an intention to travel, someone should know the place I wish to visit and stay at. At work, luxury for me means that everyone at the set is aware of how I work and my preferences. So you don’t have to explain to people why they shouldn’t be doing the things that they do.
FABIAN: For me, freedom of mind and respect to others is absolute luxury.

What is your definition of a luxury watch?
FARHAN: It has to be the experience that I’ve enjoyed with this watch. Knowing that the watch was in a way made for me, makes me feel happy to wear it. I travelled to Glashütte and was able to observe firsthand, the entire process. Through this experience, I’ve realised that it is a beautiful watch, extremely individualised and unique. The whole experience of observing its assembly and meeting the people involved with the process — I found that mystical. The craftsmanship and the passion is evident in their approach, you easily notice that it means more to them than just a job. Everything is an achievement and is celebrated.
FABIAN: When I look at a watch, I instantaneously think of the people who have contributed to it. I am reminded of the passion and commitment exhibited by the craftsmen. If you’ve seen them at work, you realise that they are doing it for themselves and not just for the money. Moreover, the aspect of ‘handcrafted’ means that each piece becomes unique and different — this is luxury. Each individual skill is highlighted in the final piece. The exquisite craftsmanship engineered by hand makes it truly worth all the effort. When you question them on their technique and you watch them explain the process, you can easily notice their eyes shining with excitement.

Does that mean that a ‘brand’ is not that essential?
FARHAN: A. Lange & Söhne is more than a brand, it is a standard of achievement. It is something that some of the other watchmakers would aspire to be.
FABIAN: I’ve always felt that A. Lange & Söhne should never become a brand. We are a manufactory committed to watchmaking and craftsmanship. If it becomes a brand, it gets really famous and it can’t do what it does today.

Favourite luxury purchase:
FARHAN: It is very difficult to say because for all practical purposes, I haven’t purchased this watch; it’s been gifted to me. So it could be considered as my best luxury gift so far.
FABIAN: I love cars, watches and wine. When it comes to vintage cars, I have always admired the Alpha Romeo Spider. About 10-11 years ago, I found a beautiful Alpha Spider that I finally managed to buy. The other luxury purchase was this classic timepiece that I bought while I was studying. Since I couldn’t afford it, I had to apply for credit at the bank. It is a Favre-Leuba watch from 1943. Even now when I look at it, I find it absolutely beautiful. The special feature about this watch is not the mechanic but the finish, which is behind it. Not just the finish but even the design and story behind the watch interest me. What makes it even more special is the fact that it is a beautiful watch that I have always aspired to own and finally managed to do so.

Favourite couture designer:
FARHAN: Among international designers, Prada is one of my favourites. In India, I like Shahab Durazi’s creations.
FABIAN: My favourite designer is Luciano Barbera. They display the same passion with which Farhan directs his films and we craft our watches. This family of third generation designers skillfully marries fabric with elegant cuts. However, it is as expensive as my classic watch and so will probably be my next luxury purchase.

Favourite luxury destination:
FARHAN: The best holidays that I’ve had have been in Goa. However, there are so many places to see that if I pick a favourite now, I’ll miss out on so many other possible favourites. So far, I’ve really liked Santorini in the Greek Islands. It is the nicest place I’ve ever been to, there is something very Goa-esque about it. Whenever you travel to Goa, it’s as if your mind simply switches off and you are no longer responsible to the world. And that’s a nice feeling to have whenever you can.
FABIAN: It can be the beauty of the landscape or the experience you have when you are with family. Beauty wise, there are so many exotic locations around.

Favourite exotic cuisine:
FARHAN: Indian, for sure.
FABIAN: I loved the Indian food made by Farhan’s mother. Besides this, I also enjoy Japanese, Italian and some Mediterranean food.

How do you like to celebrate an achievement or occasion?
FARHAN: Over three days — the day before to bring it in, a day to celebrate it and the following day, to see it through. Whenever it’s possible to have fun for as long as I can, I choose to do so. One doesn’t often get that kind of choice, so it is important to make the most of it and really live it up.
FABIAN: I find it a little difficult to celebrate an occasion because once it’s there, it’s already lived out. By then I am already looking forward to the next occasion. I require others to celebrate the moment but I don’t feel it as much. It would be fun to try Farhan’s approach as it sounds nicer.

How do you spend your free time?
FARHAN: I mainly hang out with my kids. I am slowly but surely educating my older daughter on films. So we watch a lot of movies together. In a way, I find it unfortunate because there isn’t much to do in Mumbai. When we travel, we spend a lot more time out of the house, in parks and other places. After seeing the Panometer in Dresden, I’ve been looking forward to showing it to her. Since she is really into art and spends most of her time drawing and colouring, I am sure she would love it. Sometimes I take a few hours off to play volleyball.
FABIAN: I spend time with my kids. Recently, I’ve started horseback riding, which I think at my age isn’t so easy for the horse! Since I travel a lot, my free time is mostly spent on flights. So I watch films, read a little and work during these flights. And of course, I spend time with friends; I try to meet them whenever possible as the opportunity to do so doesn’t present itself often.

How has your association with the brand changed your perception of watches?
FARHAN: Before this experience, I wouldn’t have known how to answer that question because I have never given it much thought. It was just a watch and didn’t deem it as something that could be respected. It was utilitarian, something that you strapped on to help you get to places on time. The visit for me was an eye-opener, it made me realise that there was a lot more to it. With A. Lange & Söhne, I’ve realised that the watches are very painstakingly and meticulously created.