Talking Shop with Purnell CEO Maurizio Mazzocchi
Maurizio Mazzochi is an industry veteran who knows the industry inside and out, serving in various senior management positions at brands such as Omega and Jacob & Co. Now, Purnell is his home, a brand that focuses only on tourbillons and not the most common ones. Purnell's watches feature a high-speed triple-axis tourbillon designed by the legendary watchmaker Eric Coudray that delights the stars and high-end watch collectors alike. We sit down with Mazzochi to discover how it is to lead such an exclusive brand.
Martin Green/WatchTime: Purnell is a brand that only focuses on creating complex movements with tourbillons. Why this direction?
Maurizio Mazzocchi/Purnell: Tourbillons are at the heart of what we do at Purnell because they're not just technical marvels; they're about creating emotion. The triple-axis tourbillon spins and moves in ways that captivate the senses, drawing you into its world. We're not just making watches; we're crafting experiences that are mesmerizing and memorable.
The Purnell Primo houses a high-speed triple-axis tourbillon. What are the challenges in making these?
When you’re engineering a high-speed triple-axis tourbillon, you're looking at a unique set of challenges. It’s like driving a high-performance sports car at 400 km/h non-stop— everything has to be meticulously engineered for speed without compromising stability. To get there, you need to use ultra-lightweight components while ensuring they can handle the stress of rapid rotation. The balance has to be perfect, not just in terms of weight but also in terms of energy efficiency. It’s an extraordinary technical feat, requiring precision, creativity, and a touch of daring.
You innovate with both materials, like different colored sapphire cases, and with unique techniques, such as setting the tourbillon carriage with gemstones or encapsulating them as a soccer ball or skull. How does your R&D process for this take place?
Our R&D process is driven by curiosity and a desire to push boundaries. Once we've ensured the movement is perfect, we get to play with design and materials. Whether it's colored sapphire cases or setting gemstones on the tourbillon carriage, we're always exploring new ways to innovate. It's not just about making a watch; it's about creating something that's visually striking and technically sound. The goal is to turn ideas into reality while keeping everything as light as possible to maintain performance.
You have strong ties with the world of soccer, with Paris Saint Germain and AS Monaco, including being the official watch of the Ballon d'Or. How important is this for a brand like Purnell?
Soccer is a universal language – it connects people across cultures and brings out passion like nothing else. Our partnerships with teams like PSG and AS Monaco, and being the official watch of the Ballon d'Or, give us a platform to showcase our art to a broader audience. It's not just about brand awareness; it's about aligning with the values of teamwork, dedication, and excellence that soccer represents. As someone who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame for soccer in 2015, this connection is deeply personal to me. I understand firsthand the spirit and drive that soccer embodies, and it's an honor to bring that same passion to our brand.
On the other end of the spectrum do you also partner with the WDC, helping with the conservation of whales and dolphins. How did that come about?
At Purnell, we believe in giving back and being socially conscious. My personal connection with dolphins influenced our decision to starts discussions with WDC to support conservation efforts for these incredible creatures. We're always looking for ways to support causes that align with our values.
What is a lesser known aspect of the brand/company that you wish more people know about?
One thing people might not realize is that we keep our manufacturing as local as possible. Every single component and piece of merchandise is made within a 150km radius of Geneva. We believe in supporting local craftsmanship and using the expertise of the people around us. It's our way of ensuring quality while staying true to our roots.
What can we expect in the upcoming years from Purnell?
Expect more surprises and even more innovative tourbillons. We're not stopping – we're always looking for new ways to create unique experiences. You can count on us to continue developing the brand, exploring different forms and shapes, but always with that Purnell touch of extravaganza. The journey has just begun, there's a lot more to come, we’re more future than past !
For more info, Visit Purnell, here
