In this exclusive interview, João Saraiva, founder and director of Importempo, reveals the behind-the-scenes story of a unique journey that transformed a small representative of watch brands into a national benchmark over 30 years. Amidst memories, achievements, projects, and challenges, João Saraiva shares the values, strategies, and stories that shaped Importempo, highlighting the importance of exclusivity, close relationships, and a genuine passion for the Portuguese watchmaking world.

What is João’s background and how did the idea of ​​creating Importempo come about?

At 22, while studying Economics and Management at university, I started a part-time job at a family watchmaking company. Half a dozen years later, the opportunity arose to become a representative for a French haute couture brand in Portugal. Façonnable was a major player in the fashion world and decided to launch a line of watches and other accessories. I didn’t rest until I got in touch with them. At the time, the distances were greater and communication more difficult, but after more than a year of persistent letter and fax contact, I was invited to speak with the management and managed to leave Geneva with the exclusive representation for Portugal. I decided it was time to launch my own project and opened Importempo.

When did you realize that Importempo had a consolidated place in the market?

When I started the company, I went knocking on the doors of the best jewelry and watch shops in the country. I searched magazines, the fine print of advertisements, for the names of jewelers representing top brands like Cartier or Rolex. I made my list of target clients and contacted them one by one, presenting my project, which began with a presentation in Lisbon. To my surprise, I managed to get almost all the jewelers and journalists I had invited to attend that day.

My arrival on the market generated some curiosity, because at that time a watch brand was usually of watchmaking origin. There were no fashion brands, especially if it was a men’s watch, and Façonnable was a haute couture brand. Some people said: “Ah, that’s a clothing brand, not a watch brand.” But the truth is that I managed to get all the partners I wanted to work with on board. After six months in existence, Importempo had its brand in the most prestigious jewelry and watch shops in the country. That’s when I realized that Importempo had a future ahead of it.

Discover the full interview in My Star Luxury magazine, issue 14.