Welcome to "5 Questions Face-à-Face," a signature interview series where we dive into the minds of influential figures, passionate collectors, industry experts, behind-the-scenes personalities, and anyone driven by a profound passion for horology.

In this inaugural article, we sat down with Caroline Hengesse-Brault, CEO of Time District, to discuss her experiences and insights in the watch industry.

Can you share one of your more surprising or unexpected memories from your experience in watch collecting?

Caroline: This is a difficult question to answer, as there are so many extraordinary memories, and I have been surprised or amazed more than once. I am driven by emotion, so my memories are always linked to a specific feeling I experienced. One standout moment that will always stay with me is the first sale I participated in. It was a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Gyrotourbillon. I was freshly employed and discovering watchmaking, so not only did this heart-beating multi-axis tourbillon impressed me, but the emotion shared with the acquirer during the delivery was magical and transcended me. That’s when I truly fell in love with my job and the clientele I was serving, turning my work into a passion for excellence and individuals. What is most magical about all this is that after 20 years, this event created a special link with this person and we've been in contact ever since.

If you could have a dinner party with three iconic figures from the history of watchmaking, who would you invite and why?

Caroline: I’d invite Nicolas G. Hayek, known as "The Godfather" of the Swiss watch industry, for his transformative leadership and vision in resurrecting the industry during the quartz crisis. Charles Gérald Genta, dubbed "The Artist," would be another guest for his legendary designs like the Royal Oak and Nautilus, which continue to inspire. Lastly, Günter Blümlein, "The Revivalist," would join for his role in revitalising historical watch brands like A. Lange & Söhne and IWC. Their collective impact on horology has been monumental, challenging conventions and shaping its evolution.

What’s one myth about watch collecting or watchmaking that you wish you could dispel for enthusiasts and collectors?

Caroline: One major myth is that watch collecting is solely an investment game. While it's true that some watches appreciate in value, the heart of collecting lies in the passion for horology, the artistry, and the stories behind each piece. Collectors should focus on what they love and what resonates with them personally, rather than just the potential financial returns.

Can you tell us about a time when Time District faced a significant challenge and how you overcame it?

Caroline: One of our biggest challenges was ensuring the security and authenticity of transactions on our platform while upholding our promise of confidentiality in a world driven by data. Everyone told us we were crazy to attempt it, but we were determined. To overcome this, we invested heavily in advanced verification technologies and partnered with leading experts in the field. This approach not only enhanced trust within our community but also set a new standard for transparency and security in the secondary watch market. We did it, and we did it well!

If you could predict one major trend or innovation in the future of horology, what would it be and how do you see Time District playing a role in it?

Caroline: I believe we've reached an extreme in personal data collection, with risks often overlooked. Future generations will demand more conscientious data handling. At Time District, this belief drives our approach. Looking ahead, I foresee AI integration as a major trend in horology, promising personalised experiences and process enhancements. However, at Time District, we prioritise a deliberate approach, we continuously explore solutions that authentically enrich our clientele's experiences, maintaining our platform's pioneering status while upholding trust and reliability for collectors.

Stay tuned for more insightful interviews in our "5 Questions Face-à-Face" series, where we continue to explore the passion and innovation that drive the world of watch collecting.