Interview with Camille Pouvreau and Lucas Bouteille, Specialist Watch Buyers for Galeries Lafayette

At the latest edition of “Who’s Next,” we spoke with Camille Pouvreau and Lucas Bouteille, watch and jewellery buyers for Galeries Lafayette, about the burgeoning men’s jewellery market and the long-lasting nature of trends in the watch sector.

As Galeries Lafayette celebrates its 130th anniversary, the retail landscape is poised for exponential growth after the pandemic slowdown. Against this backdrop, Camille and Lucas shed light on the trends and innovations shaping the watch and jewellery market in 2024.

Is “Who’s Next” an unmissable event for Galeries Lafayette?


Lucas: "We attend at least once a year to get a feel for the industry. The diversity of brands at ‘Who’s Next’ is better suited to Galeries Lafayette than ‘Premiere Classe,’ thanks to its broad range of offerings."

Camille: "Definitely. It’s like an intense shot of trends and inspiration for the new season. As a department store, we need a 360° perspective on all markets."

What are you looking for at “Who’s Next”?


Lucas: "The watchmaking sector is relatively small, with only a few key players. We’re here to discover new brands and spot the major trends, and reconnect with our partners, as ‘Who’s Next’ serves as a hub for the industry."

How is the watchmaking sector performing today?


Camille: "It’s very stable compared to sectors like ready-to-wear. Watches are considered a safe investment. The luxury segment, in particular, continues to perform well."


What are the key trends for the 2024 season?


Lucas: "Unlike ready-to-wear, watchmaking doesn’t follow seasonal cycles, with trends potentially lasting two or three years. It’s a slower but equally stimulating pace. For instance, coloured dials are a big trend right now—especially green, inspired by luxury brands like Rolex."


Camille: "For women’s watches, two-tone styles are gaining popularity, a shift from the all-steel look that was prevalent five years ago."

What makes this autumn-winter 2025 season special?


Lucas: "This year, we’re focusing more on men’s brands due to growing demand. However, the men’s jewellery sector is still underrepresented at trade shows. Beyond big names like Cartier or Fred, there’s a lack of options for classic, timeless men’s jewellery."


What do you hope to see at the next edition of “Who’s Next”?


Lucas: "We’d like to see a more developed market for men’s watches and jewellery to better respond to rising demand and expand our brand portfolio."

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