 |
| Rolf Schnyder |
Schnyder had acquired the family firm Ulysse Nardin in 1983, and since that time held the role of owner, president and CEO at the helm of the manufacturer with its wealth of tradition. Under his leadership, Ulysse Nardin had risen once more to the top of the mechanical watchmaking sector, with numerous innovations such as the first astronomical wrist watches.
Susanne Hurni, press officer and head of media at Ulysse Nardin, said: "With the passing of Rolf W. Schnyder, the watchmaking industry has lost one of its greatest visionaries, while Ulysse Nardin has lost an important source of innovation for the firm."
Hurni added: "We are profoundly moved and distraught at this sudden loss. Our full sympathies are with his wife and his three children, to whom we would like to express our sincere condolences."
A succession plan was already in place at the Swiss watch company, which means the operational running of the business can be kept going by the current members of management without interruption, but in the spirit of Schnyder’s vision.
At last month's BaselWorld the brand held a sizeable stand at the very front of Hall 1, where several watches were on show including the Freak Diavolo tourbillon and the stunning Alexander the Great Minute Repeater.
