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TAG Heuer CEO travels in style
Ulrich Wohn, President and CEO of TAG Heuer North America, shares his travel tips for the discerning jet-setter.
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| Road Warrior: Ulrich Wohn, President and CEO of TAG Heuer North America |
(Fortune) -- It's only fitting that Ulrich Wohn's first rule for avoiding jet lag is to reset his watch to the destination's time zone before boarding a flight - he oversees North American operations for the 148-year-old Swiss watchmaker, TAG Heuer.
Acquired by LVMH in 1999, TAG Heuer is the bestselling brand in the conglomerate's $1.2 billion watch and jewelry portfolio. Strong North American sales have been fueled by a growing women's business - now 40% of revenues -and a prominent ad campaign featuring globetrotting athletes like Tiger Woods.
We caught up with the Chicago-born Wohn as he prepared to set his watch for Basel, Switzerland.
1. Days on the road - More than 200.
2. Transfer tip - If you have to go anywhere in Europe and can't get a nonstop flight, transfer via Zurich. The whole airport is designed for quick transfers. They have the shortest connection times, and they don't lose bags.
3. Necessary objects - I always pack Berluti shoes, a Berluti belt, and a TAG Heuer watch (natch!). Right now I'm wearing the Grand Carrera Calibre 6 RS, which is sporty but elegant, so it transitions well between casual wear and a suit.
4. Airport confidential - I don't fly there very often, but when I do I'm always immensely impressed with Detroit's airport. They have a monorail, a sushi bar, a full spa. They found a way to make a very big airport seem small, with all the amenities.
5. Hotel picks - I'm a big fan of boutique hotels. They tend to get to know you, the service is more personal, and they're smaller, which is always in your favor. In Dallas, the Hotel ZaZa is terrific, fun, and quirky. You're entertained just by walking in the lobby. And Nine Zero in Boston is great.
6. Watch word - Get a travel case to keep your watches in perfect condition when you're traveling. It takes up minimal space in your luggage, and it's really the proper way to take good care of your watch, especially the strap. You want to make sure it's laid flat or curled on a cuff. Underwood makes nice leather cases.
7. Carryon - Check out Louis Vuitton's Epi line. The Bourget 55 brings the romance back to travel. For a longer trip, Tumi's new line by David Chu has very elegant and functional rolling bags.
8. Bar none - The Widder Hotel in Zurich has a bar that's a great local gathering spot, with fantastic ambiance. There's something honest and straightforward about a Scotch, so a nice Glenmorangie on the rocks is my drink.
9. Hometown favorite - In Chicago, Jay's Beef on North Avenue. You haven't lived until you've had the beef sandwich. When I go home to visit family around the holidays, my brother picks me up from the airport and we go directly to Jay's. 
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