TAG Heuer Sales Director Patrick Pruniaux Joins Apple in Run-Up to iWatch Launch [Updated]

Friday July 4, 2014 7:43 am PDT by Eric Slivka
Apple appears to have made another important iWatch-related hire as the device's rumored debut approaches, with CNBC reporting that the company has poached the sales director of luxury watch brand TAG Heuer.


The hiring was revealed by Jean-Claude Biver, head of Jewelry and Watches at TAG Heuer's parent company LVMH. Biver had claimed earlier this year that Apple had been trying to hire some of his employees but at that point none of them had agreed to join Apple.
Biver said the watchmaker's sales director left as recently as last week, "to take a contract with Apple" in order to launch the iWatch. LVMH owns Swiss watchmakers TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. [...]

Biver said he was happy for the employee as the new role represents a great opportunity for him.

"If it had been a direct competitor, I would have felt a bit betrayed, but if he goes to Apple I think it is a great experience for him," he said.
ipod_nano_watch
Sixth-generation iPod nano in watch mode

With Apple reportedly looking toward an October introduction for the iWatch, the company is building a formidable team with experience in the fashion industry.

At the top of that list is new retail chief Angela Ahrendts, who officially joined the company two months ago from Burberry. In another high-profile move, Apple last year hired Paul Deneve, CEO of French luxury label Yves Saint Laurent. Deneve reports directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook and is working on "special projects" for the company, with most speculation centering around the iWatch.

Update: TAG Heuer confirmed to MacRumors that Patrick Pruniaux is the employee who left for Apple. Pruniaux's former position was Vice President Global Sales & Retail.

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iBlazed
73 months ago
It would be hilarious if the iWatch was a huge trolling campaign by Apple and they're actually not planning on releasing anything remotely similar.
Rating: 33 Votes
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Rogifan
73 months ago

How is it that people still misunderstand the fact that when Apple aims at a new product segment, they ARE the competition and usually take over that segment?!?!?

This just shows how out of touch this hiring manager was that said this.


Lol to anyone who thinks Apple or wearables will take over the luxury watch segment.

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It's going to be massive; massive in price that is. The common iPhone customer won't be able to afford/justify it.


We don't know that, but I think it's safe to say it won't be a clone of the current crop of smart watches (i.e. notifications on your wrist).
Rating: 24 Votes
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Appl3FTW
73 months ago
The iWatch team is like the avengers of fashion industry... Wow they're going all in. Iwatch will be massive
Rating: 23 Votes
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jonAppleSeed
73 months ago

It would be hilarious if the iWatch was a huge trolling campaign by Apple and they're actually not planning on releasing anything remotely similar.


It would be hilarious if someone didn't bring this up every time there is an iWatch rumour article.
Rating: 22 Votes
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CalMin
73 months ago
Tag Heuer, Burberry...

This iWatch thing is going to be pricey everyone.
Rating: 22 Votes
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Ventilatedbrain
73 months ago

How is it that people still misunderstand the fact that when Apple aims at a new product segment, they ARE the competition and usually take over that segment?!?!?

This just shows how out of touch this hiring manager was that said this.


I'm not sure if you're familiar with TAG, but trust me on this, NOONE is going to be torn in choosing between the 2. Completely different ball game , target audience, price point and features :)
Rating: 13 Votes
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mcdspncr
73 months ago
It really seems like Apple understands that the iWatch will have to be equal parts technology, medical, and jewlery to become the next blockbuster. Looking forward to see if they found the sweetspot!
Rating: 12 Votes
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KindredMAC
73 months ago

"If it had been a direct competitor, I would have felt a bit betrayed, but if he goes to Apple I think it is a great experience for him," he said.


How is it that people still misunderstand the fact that when Apple aims at a new product segment, they ARE the competition and usually take over that segment?!?!?

This just shows how out of touch this hiring manager was that said this.
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
NutsNGum
73 months ago

It's going to be massive; massive in price that is. The common iPhone customer won't be able to afford/justify it.


Not a chance, Apple is not a pure luxury brand. Even if there is an incredibly high-end version, there will be 'affordable' models also, that's beyond doubt. You don't get a 600 billion dollar market cap by charging £2000 for a fitness band/watch.
Rating: 9 Votes
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MarkusL
73 months ago

How is it that people still misunderstand the fact that when Apple aims at a new product segment, they ARE the competition and usually take over that segment?!?!?

This just shows how out of touch this hiring manager was that said this.


If you believe the iWatch is going to be a mechanical self-winding luxury watch I think you're the one who is out of touch....
Rating: 8 Votes

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