Emeric Delalandre, ITEEM 2016 graduate, co-founder of Hegid, received an award in the “30 under 30” list, published in the last issue of Forbes France. Each year, this ranking showcases 30 young people under the age of 30: entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, engineers who have emerged or are emerging in their sector. This is a wonderful recognition of his career in promoting Hegid, his French high-end watchmaking brand.
Created in 2018 by Emeric and two partners, Hegid develops evolving mechanical watches. The brand’s patented concept makes it possible to change the look of the watch while “keeping the movement”. They are both customizable and durable – the varied and interchangeable design parts are available for sale independently.
“The watch is more than an image of success or social recognition, it has become a real fashion accessory. With its “Playfull” spirit, the Hegid watch is intended to be playful and authentic, which particularly appeals to new generations who no longer identify with the current luxury brands on the market” explains Emeric.
The 3 partners have teamed up with professionals: independent watchmakers or fashion designers, and rely on French manufacturing, with the desire to develop in Europe or the United States. For the moment, Hegid is raising funds to complete its product line and gradually turn to a more female clientele from 2022.
Hegid was set up in 2018, partly thanks to the internship that Emeric did during his 2nd year at ITEEM within a chain of jewellery stores. His internship tutor consequently became one of his associates.
“I realised that the engineering side of running a luxury business was missing,” says Emeric. He then decided to devote himself to the launch of the brand and the development of the first product took them 1 ½ years of work, day and night. From the launch, the products were exhibited in Parisian boutiques and showrooms, as well as at certain large distributors such as Le Printemps and La Samaritaine (LVMH).