Christophe Hoppe is the founder of Bausele (BEyond AUStralian ELEments), the first Australian prestige watch brand with technology made in Switzerland.
What brought you to Australia?
I was forced to come! How unfortunate to have ended up in Australia! My Australian wife and I have always liked to travel. We lived in Switzerland for a few years, in France and in Hong Kong before we finally moved to Australia. Actually, it’s not really that surprising because for 80% of bi-national couples, the man always ends up following his sweetheart.
What do you do for work in Sydney?
I am the founder of Bausele (BEyond AUStralian ELEments), the first Australian prestige watch brand with technology made in Switzerland. I love this country and Bausele is a bit like my “Tribute to Australia”. (Reader’s note: Christophe has recently become an Australian citizen)
The project was born in 2011. I have had a passion for watches since I was a child and as a former financial director of a Swiss watch company, I dreamed of creating a unique Australian brand. It was as I was walking and admiring the beaches, landscapes and different elements of this country that the idea came to me quite clearly. The concept had to be Australia!
In some way every watch has a part of Australia in it. Depending on the model it might be sand from Bondi, coal from Newcastle, red earth from the Outback and the new addition is Opal which is integrated into the crown of the watch for the different models. Besides the dynamic design, Bausele is also a prestige brand.
What do particularly enjoy about Australia?
The Australians! Here in Australia, everyone is accessible. People are open, welcoming, generous and more relaxed. They enjoy life whilst at the same time being serious about a situation when needed.
I recently had the opportunity to meet former Prime minister Tony Abbott and it’s incredible to me that even high level politicians are accessible and not tucked away in their world of high society as they are in France for example.
Find out more about the full range of watches at www.bausele.com
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