Maxime Herbelin (BSB'08): In time to take over

Portrait of a graduate President of the Jura Watch House Herbelin

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Do you know Charquemont? Charquemont, in Doubs, has 2,800 inhabitants and just as many watch enthusiasts. In Charquemont, watchmakers were born! Maxime Herbelin was born a watchmaker twice. Because of his Charquemontaise origin and because of his grandfather, Michel Herbelin, founder of the eponymous brand in 1947.

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” With my cousin, I represent the third generation. I joined the company after leaving school and we bought it with two other partners in 2020 from the previous generation. ”.

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With his double degree in his pocket, Maxime considered taking a step aside for a while. ” But the story caught up with me quickly. Herbelin has been defending the French watch industry for 77 years. We employ 50 watchmakers who have a tradition of excellence. That counts ! ”.

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Let's go back in time a bit. Why Dijon in the first place? ” For its dynamism and its international partnerships ”. But once within the walls, Maxime quickly discovers that BSB (ESC tells him) is also an incredibly rich and united community.

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” After my prep school, I felt a bit like I was entering a parallel world. Everything was good: the relationships between us, the multicultural side, the associative life, the commitment of the professors in transmission. I learned autonomy at school and acquired the ability to make choices ”. The big international leap is Ithaca College, in New York State. ” Frankly, I wanted to spend a few years in the United States. But a position opened up in the company and I joined Charquemont. ”.

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Say a lot and for a long time with an everyday object

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In Maxime Herbelin's life today, BSB remains very present. First, through its Alumni and its students. ” We are very happy to welcome internship applications and work-study students. There are also several former employees among our collaborators ”.

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Then, Maxime applauded the creation of the MSc Luxury Management and Innovation with both hands. ” It's a great idea. Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is a land of excellence. Of course, we can think of wine and gastronomy. But also to all these workshops that supply the big houses. And of course to watches and jewelry ”.

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What if we go into the details of the training? ” The place left to professional speakers is very important in the credibility of the MSc. Already, when I was in school, this was an aspect that meant a lot to me. In business, it rarely goes as on paper. It is very useful for business practitioners to carry this message to students. ”.

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Luxury, by the way. What is it for Maxime Herbelin? ”A luxury object is an object that is passed on with pride. The designer, manufacturer and user are collectively responsible for bringing stories and values to life. In the case of a watch, there is also the challenge of a reduced area of expression. Our job is to be able to say a lot and for a long time with an everyday object. Luxury is what goes beyond use and brings generations together! ”