DeWitt

Jerome de Witt is a direct descendent of European Emperors and Kings, and also the founder of an extraordinary watch manufacturer.

He is a fifth generation relative of King Jerome, who was the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, a remarkable emperor in French history. He is also the great-grandson of the King LeopoldⅡof Belgium.

As the founder of a watch brand, Jerome de Witt launched the watch making brand Dewitt SA in 2003 when he was 53 years old. He told China Daily that he started this business out of a personal interest and he wanted to realize his life dream.

"As I got older, I wanted to give back, to give back my experience, to give back the money I have earned," he said, "Though I have never designed a watch."

Jerome de Witt, is not only the founder, but also designer of the brand. He designs each piece of each watch. He personally has collected many antique cars, and much of the inspiration for the watch designs come from these antique cars. De Witt's previous experience of working in an engineering office and as a general contractor has helped him a lot in his new career.

As for the watch-making process: each watchmaker in charge of the whole production process of a watch. It usually takes one month, but may take as long as three years to complete the production of a watch and the watch will bear the engraved signature of the watchmaker.

The company is one of the few that still use a kind of ancient technique "Guilloche", which needs to be manipulated very carefully to produce delicate ornamentations. It is operated by a handturn, with hands moving slowly to create decorations on the watches.

The company has a museum that has collected the most watches and clocks in the world. "As we are young, I think it is good to have a museum, as my knowledge comes from the past, the experience," Jerome de Witt said.

He told us that most of the collections in the museum come from his family or the Napoleonic period, but there are also some new collections.

Up to now, there are six stores in China, one in Shanghai, one in Dalian, one in Tianjin and three in Beijing. Jerome de Witt is fully optimistic of the Chinese market, and is increasing publicity in China.