A Craftsman in Paris

Photo: Atelier Jean Rousseau

How often do you come across a merchant of fine luxury goods who refuses to sell? The correct answer is nevair, bien sur. On a recent trip to Paris, my attempt to buy a watchband from specialist Atelier Jean Rousseau failed. My conversation with Monsieur went something like this:

FD: Bonjour, je cherche quelque chose pour ça [holds up old, ailing watchband].

M: Oui, let me zee what we have [pulls open drawer of lapis colored bands in various exotic leathers].

FD: Ooh la la!

M: Hmmm…we zeem to only have zis size, 12 centimetres. Eet eez too zmall. Vous require 13 centimetres.

FD: Well, since I’m here, I think I should buy the 12 centimeters one. Will it fit?

M: Non. Eet eez bettair for you to ordair custom 13 centimetres.

FD: Well surely it can’t be that much of a difference [hopeful].

M: Let me show you, Madame [authoritatively attaches band to watch and wiggles back and forth]. Zee? It is looze and will wair and tair ver queekly.

FD: So you don’t want me to buy it?

M: Non. I prayfair you ordair. Eet eez correct. It zatisfies me bettair.

I may have been frustrated, but instead I was delighted that Monsieur’s dedication to his craft trumped making a sale. He is a rare breed and I have the utmost respect and admiration for him. I wish everything I owned were made with that much care. I plan to ordair my custom 13 centimetres.