Hodinkee's been hit or miss lately, but this episode is an excellent one. Francois-Henry seems honest, interesting, articulate, and a good story teller, which is important for a person in his position. He took AP from also-ran brand to monster hype watch numero uno. Congratulations and best wishes.
@@TrustMeIKnowEverythingdifferent level. RM is the only real competitor at this level. Patek isn’t really a hype brand (although the nautilus/aquanaut are hype watches)
This is an *incredible* interview. To take a struggling brand to the most coveted watch today is an amazing feat, and hearing about how he did it, it all makes sense. The strategy was perfect
Excellent interview. Mad respect for Francois and not just what he’s built, but how he built AP. Hard work, building strong relationships. The real deal.
This guy is incredibly in tune with the mainstream for his age. Savvy and aware of changing trends and culture. Most AP pieces are not my style but he is a master marketer
100% Agree about the last statement. Yes, there were watch forums and watch magazines in the 2000s, but Hodinkee was probably the one that made the watch industry mainstream. There's good and bad thats come of that, but they were definitely ahead of the rest.
Francois seems like a genuine guy who is passionate about the brand and undoubtedly very good at his job. That being said, the differences between him and Ben are stark. On the one hand, you have the side of the watch industry representing traditional collectors and connoisseurs. On the other, you have the more casual consumers buying into the hype and marketing. The latter is certainly indicative of the direction AP has taken in recent years.
Videos like this take me back to a place when I first got into watches and binged on the previous Talking Watches instalments like an addict. Nostalgia rush.
I appreciate that he went into details of AP's HUMBLE beginnings and ultimate rise to success. Nowadays, new and upcoming Brands, particularly the Micro Brands, get alot of flak from the Watch Connoisseurs and even the Community. They forget...the APs, Rolex, Vacherons etc of the day, were once NOTHING!!
I went to AP AD before COVID, put my name on their “list” for a RO. A few weeks ago I found out I have to start the process again. As a watch enthusiast and collector, I am totally over this brand and watching this CEO just solidified those feelings. Celebrity endorsements do not appeal to me and I don’t think they appeal to most true watch geeks (maybe I’m alone on this).
Francois is a business legend, best of luck in your next adventures which we hope it will be still watch related. Between Mr. Biver and Francois the watch world made the popularity it has today.
One of the best of the best things i watched on UA-cam! Hodinkees' web articles, with their eclectic verbosity, always immensely implored readers to elevate their aesthetics, and now their videos are making me totally melt 😍 learnt so much from the greatest CEO! 🙏
This educational interview was simply fabulous. What a journey Mr Bennahmias has had. As a watch collector, pilot and now semi-retired businessman, I fully agree and understand what it takes to build a brand. Persistence and stubbornness come to mind, which you seldom see in many of today's "get rich and famous fixation" among many wanna-be start-up companies. Un grand merci à vous deux.
That’s true Francois! This guy spreads watches all over the world! 🌎 I bought my first one bc of him. I’m now a watch collector (unfortunately can’t afford an AP yet 😂).
Excellent interview. Love Francois. Seems like a down to earth guy in the video. What an amazing career he has had at AP and what he’s built with the brand!
wow, françois-henry has a lot of passion for AP as the CEO, good to see a CEO that's actually passionate about their watches, and much deserved. he will be missed at AP i'm sure.
Love this interview, FH is sooo passionate.. love his energy here. This is one of the better interviews as some are quite flat and boring… this one’s engaging
The partnership with Arnold and then Jay Z pushed the brand to another level but he forgot to say the most important thing that happened in that period which was the creating of Instagram. Instagram has made lots of people and companies rich.
Really dope episode! I just wish we had the proper official subitles too, Francios said some statements that I would love to understand more clearly :) Thanks!
Hahaha FHB is always a joy to hear! It is so funny that I was in Hodinkee 10th party and he spoke way better English, is like if being in Le Brassus increases the french accent 😄
Yo, what's up everyone? It's your favorite commenter here with another video feedback. Today, I'm going to be reviewing out this video by the talented creator. Let me tell you, this video is absolutely amazing. I'm not even kidding. It's so good that I'm actually starting to feel a little empowered. I mean, how can someone be so talented? Seriously, though, this video is a must-watch. It's informative, entertaining, and just plain good. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out right now!
Awesome interview! I’m a big fan of AP and FHB was an outstanding CEO. It’s crazy what he achieved for the brand.. many people will miss him, his energy and sense of humor. Bon vent pour la suite!
The problem with AP is that they are a one trick pony. The Royal Oak is the only watch that sells. Patek are consciously trying to make sure that they don't go down the same road with the Nautilus and Aquanaut ranges
François just ooze *"Original Badboy"* !! What a legend what accomplishments I cant wait to see what he is gonna get up to next - huge huge cadeau thank you so much!!
Some will say he was in the right place at the right time, but after hearing the beginnings at AP, this dude deserves every dollar of pay and more. What a story. Enjoy retirement Francois.
Best thing about Ben as an interviewer is that he just lets the guests talk, no interruptions and side stories
Hodinkee's been hit or miss lately, but this episode is an excellent one. Francois-Henry seems honest, interesting, articulate, and a good story teller, which is important for a person in his position. He took AP from also-ran brand to monster hype watch numero uno. Congratulations and best wishes.
Good thing watches and burgers always hit 🔥
Numero uno🤔🤔🤔🤔have you heard of the King? ROLEX
@@TrustMeIKnowEverythingdifferent level. RM is the only real competitor at this level. Patek isn’t really a hype brand (although the nautilus/aquanaut are hype watches)
A true salesmen
@@golfinguru11ap has lost its charm . Out of the holy trinity patek is the only one worth its merit .
This is an *incredible* interview. To take a struggling brand to the most coveted watch today is an amazing feat, and hearing about how he did it, it all makes sense. The strategy was perfect
They are about to become a struggling brand again
@@baroh2413 I’m not going to be upset if I can get a Royal Oak chronograph with no wait and no purchase history let me just say that 🤣
@@baroh2413no they’re not 😂
@@floridaboybrandon954 yes they are, if they keep heading the direction they are heading right now
@@baroh2413Facts.
Excellent interview. Mad respect for Francois and not just what he’s built, but how he built AP. Hard work, building strong relationships. The real deal.
This guy is incredibly in tune with the mainstream for his age. Savvy and aware of changing trends and culture. Most AP pieces are not my style but he is a master marketer
Francois is certainly a character. A smart one at that. Really good episode, sad to see him leave AP.
This is Hodinkee at its best - Francois is a generational CEO
100% Agree about the last statement. Yes, there were watch forums and watch magazines in the 2000s, but Hodinkee was probably the one that made the watch industry mainstream. There's good and bad thats come of that, but they were definitely ahead of the rest.
Francois seems like a genuine guy who is passionate about the brand and undoubtedly very good at his job. That being said, the differences between him and Ben are stark. On the one hand, you have the side of the watch industry representing traditional collectors and connoisseurs. On the other, you have the more casual consumers buying into the hype and marketing. The latter is certainly indicative of the direction AP has taken in recent years.
Agreed he is more of a Richard Mille type figure. Marketing genius.
This is a master class on how to run a business well. Better than the best TED talk or commencement speech out there. Well done.
The last 30 seconds were emotional! Without Ben, there could have never been a watch world like we have today!
Videos like this take me back to a place when I first got into watches and binged on the previous Talking Watches instalments like an addict. Nostalgia rush.
The ending of this video is truly touching!
I appreciate that he went into details of AP's HUMBLE beginnings and ultimate rise to success. Nowadays, new and upcoming Brands, particularly the Micro Brands, get alot of flak from the Watch Connoisseurs and even the Community. They forget...the APs, Rolex, Vacherons etc of the day, were once NOTHING!!
Thanks Hodinkee to have great personality on show Francois rocks👍🏻
Two takeaways: (1) this man is a marketing genius and (2) don’t buy hype; today’s trash might be tomorrow’s treasure
See: Hublot and Franck Muller.
The sad part is the the royal oak wasn’t ever designed as a hype watch but the image has been ruined to all but the douchiest and richest mfers
I went to AP AD before COVID, put my name on their “list” for a RO. A few weeks ago I found out I have to start the process again. As a watch enthusiast and collector, I am totally over this brand and watching this CEO just solidified those feelings. Celebrity endorsements do not appeal to me and I don’t think they appeal to most true watch geeks (maybe I’m alone on this).
Amazing interview with Francois. His vision for how AP would become is awesome.
Francois is a business legend, best of luck in your next adventures which we hope it will be still watch related. Between Mr. Biver and Francois the watch world made the popularity it has today.
Really love this kind of talking. Guest's stories, inspirations and messages. All mixed together weighting me to stay humble.
Fantastic interview. I respect Francois as he truly seems like a no BS tell it like it is type of guy. What a success story!
One of the best of the best things i watched on UA-cam! Hodinkees' web articles, with their eclectic verbosity, always immensely implored readers to elevate their aesthetics, and now their videos are making me totally melt 😍 learnt so much from the greatest CEO! 🙏
It’s a really interesting reflection on what marketing can be and how making people relate is all that matters
This educational interview was simply fabulous. What a journey Mr Bennahmias has had. As a watch collector, pilot and now semi-retired businessman, I fully agree and understand what it takes to build a brand. Persistence and stubbornness come to mind, which you seldom see in many of today's "get rich and famous fixation" among many wanna-be start-up companies. Un grand merci à vous deux.
That’s true Francois! This guy spreads watches all over the world! 🌎 I bought my first one bc of him. I’m now a watch collector (unfortunately can’t afford an AP yet 😂).
Even if you could afford it, good luck getting it at retail.
François understood it all, what a success! Chapeau bas
There will never be a ceo in the watch industry like Francois. The guy is a genius!
I wish they would've discussed more his thoughts on the current difficult buying environment with boutiques.
Unbelievable - no idea how I missed this until now… this was a great one
My favorite CEO of all time what a legend! He will be truly missed at AP
Excellent interview. Love Francois. Seems like a down to earth guy in the video. What an amazing career he has had at AP and what he’s built with the brand!
Well let’s just applaud Ben on the weight loss.
Phenomenal interview. Much respect to François and AP from a Patek guy 😎
Not an AP fan at all but what an interview. Good to see Ben come back and save his brand as well.
What a fantastic episode !!! Thanks!!
AP is where it is today because of this thick french accent
Incredible
wow, françois-henry has a lot of passion for AP as the CEO, good to see a CEO that's actually passionate about their watches, and much deserved. he will be missed at AP i'm sure.
Such a great interview! Wow this is like a music to my ears. Great CEO of AP. Ben and Hodinkee team thanks for the great work ❤
Wow, what an interview. Love those episodes.
Great interview! The service improved a lot with Francois.
Love this interview, FH is sooo passionate.. love his energy here. This is one of the better interviews as some are quite flat and boring… this one’s engaging
Epic CEO - so symphatic - amazing achievements but I don´t get the latest collaborations
Explain?
Looks like something Invicta is doing..... rubbish.
@@theoneandonlybosablehe probably referring to the marvel/travis Scott collabs
Is that a typo? Either way, if there’s a UA-cam channel where a commenter will use an obscure word you’ve never heard of it would be hodinkee
Just like you wouldn’t have understood the changes he made when first became CEO
The partnership with Arnold and then Jay Z pushed the brand to another level but he forgot to say the most important thing that happened in that period which was the creating of Instagram. Instagram has made lots of people and companies rich.
Bring collectors back to talking watches
Fantastic interview, great job!
This was incredibly fun. THank you.
Really dope episode! I just wish we had the proper official subitles too, Francios said some statements that I would love to understand more clearly :) Thanks!
Hahaha FHB is always a joy to hear! It is so funny that I was in Hodinkee 10th party and he spoke way better English, is like if being in Le Brassus increases the french accent 😄
That Sherwood green stratocaster hanging! You got me there. Nice interview!
This was a great one Hodinkee.
Easily top 5 Talking Watches thus far.
Red dial is amazing. And really cool that you will pass on the scratches :)
That was a good one. Relevant and didn’t feel “salesy”
That dap at the end was CLEAN
Yo, what's up everyone? It's your favorite commenter here with another video feedback. Today, I'm going to be reviewing out this video by the talented creator. Let me tell you, this video is absolutely amazing. I'm not even kidding. It's so good that I'm actually starting to feel a little empowered. I mean, how can someone be so talented? Seriously, though, this video is a must-watch. It's informative, entertaining, and just plain good. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out right now!
Loved the video, although it's a shame that the watches shown were used to describe the evolution of AP, rather than François' actual collection
There are so many good business lessons in here.
A CEO who loves his job and of course he's being a success story
Awesome interview! I’m a big fan of AP and FHB was an outstanding CEO. It’s crazy what he achieved for the brand.. many people will miss him, his energy and sense of humor.
Bon vent pour la suite!
Great interview and..... a great dap to finish it off!
Yes, he is a game changer, but im still happy to see him go lol
Very good episode loved it!
Excellent interview! Bravo!
It is a great interview!
Great interview and very inspiring!
If Mr Bennahmias has to get rid of that greenish Fender Strat, he may speak to me first. 🎶🎶🎶🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️
that dap in the end was too clean lmfao
Great episode, thank you ~👍🏼
Love this interview! Great work!
Best interview I have watched John Mayor's
The problem with AP is that they are a one trick pony. The Royal Oak is the only watch that sells. Patek are consciously trying to make sure that they don't go down the same road with the Nautilus and Aquanaut ranges
Lovely interview!!!
Francois is like a Terminator, like Arnold's twin brother... 🤭👌
Wonderful interview with two classy guys.
Illuminating. I dig this guy
I like Ben's outfit design and color scheme
Benny has been taking ozempic and he looks good! Nice man
Amazing. Great interview.
Great interview enjoyed it!
That Sherwood Green Custom Shop 57 Stratocaster is fire.
Looks like it's Clapton signed too
What an amazing interview
AP is not my cup of team but great interview and a very straight shooter.
Great episode!
The trowsers he is wearing… Great❤
He seems so down-to-earth. I really enjoyed this piece - thank you!
Hi doc. Nice collection. Who made the painting at the back?
to end on that dap is sickkkk
The royal oak ultra thin is the watch of my dreams. I have worn a blue 15202 st in 2015, and was so awesome..
Great AP content! Lovin'it!
We are only a human enjoye before you get old ❤nice watches
Why does he leave AP ?
Great Talking Watches and ending with a real heart to heart moment
François just ooze *"Original Badboy"* !! What a legend what accomplishments I cant wait to see what he is gonna get up to next - huge huge cadeau thank you so much!!
4:28 wow, laughing all the way to the bank 😂
Awesome brother, your best talk ever
Without Francois, Audemars Piguet wouldn’t be where it is today! A revolutionary and genius in ultimate Haute Horology!
What a journey!
14:48 you can tell Ben is nervous and threatened by the domineering presence of this Swiss hunk.
Don't know how the next CEO will do, all the best.
Hustle and a good endorsement
Some will say he was in the right place at the right time, but after hearing the beginnings at AP, this dude deserves every dollar of pay and more. What a story. Enjoy retirement Francois.