Roberto Chiappelloni’s journey to horological nirvana is not a well trodden path.
“I grew up in northern Italy on a family farm,” he shares. “After extensive travels, I landed in New York and started a small restaurant at age 24. It became very successful and it was at that time that I started my addiction with watches.”
In the mid 1980s, Roberto moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, and opened a jewelry shop focusing on smaller independent brands. The first brand was IWC, and many more followed suit.
Fast forward to today and Manfredi Jewels is as busy as ever.
The company has begun the expansion of its New Canaan store in Connecticut, which will double the current floorspace of the boutique.
“It will have a very beautiful Rolex-dedicated space, along with such amazing brands as Hermès and Tudor,” reveals Roberto, noting that he feels this is an exciting time for the business.
“The big focus is on the grand opening of my new store in September and closing out this year with 10% growth. Ambitious, but I believe achievable.”
Roberto has views on the future for the wider watch industry too. “I believe this year could bring some headwinds,” he says.
“I firmly believe there is ample room for growth in the watch industry. I just hope the big brands hold the line on production and that we don’t return to the days of over production and dumping.”
He also notes how thrilled he is to see the increasing recognition that independent watchmakers are enjoying.
And while Roberto is famed for his passion for watches that stray from the beaten path, he also keeps an eye on trends in the market.
“Watch case sizes are trending smaller for men, and certainly for women the direction is larger and in more yellow gold,” he shares. “Men’s and women’s watches are now easily interchangeable.”
When he’s not tending to the expansion of his business, you will most likely find Roberto engaged in growth of another kind: working in his vegetable garden. That or bow hunting or hiking. There’s never a dull moment for this watch boss.
