Rebuild WATCH & WRITE – A Cultural Treasure in Bern

Hello, my name is Guillaume, and I’m the founder of WATCH & WRITE, a small independent shop nestled in the heart of Bern’s Old Town, Switzerland.

Fifteen years ago, I began building a dream — one that combined my passion for history, fine craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. After earning a Master’s in Slavic Languages and Art History, I opened my boutique seven years ago. Since then, it has become a unique destination for collectors, connoisseurs, and anyone who appreciates fine writing instruments, vintage watches, antique jewelry, and rare accessories.

What makes WATCH & WRITE truly special isn’t just the carefully curated items — it’s the personal experience. I take pride in offering expert guidance, a warm welcome, and in-depth knowledge. My mission has always been to help each customer find their perfect piece — whether it's a 19th-century pocket watch or a rare fountain pen. Just take a look at the Google reviews to see what the community has said.

Beyond being a shop, WATCH & WRITE plays a quiet but meaningful role in preserving cultural heritage. By promoting handwriting, craftsmanship, and the beauty of analog tools in a digital age, I help keep alive the traditions of writing, creativity, and artistic expression. My shop attracts artists, writers, students, and curious visitors from around the world. It's a place where stories are shared, knowledge is passed on, and inspiration is sparked — a small but valuable part of Bern’s cultural landscape.

But everything changed overnight.

Last week, my shop was broken into. Thieves stole virtually most of very valuable items: watches, modern pens, jewelry — even my camera. The entire top quality inventory, built over 15 years of hard work, research, and investment, was wiped out. As well as, personal items.

Worse, insurance will not cover any of the losses. I was not insured. Big mistake. Learning from it.

But I am not giving up.

WATCH & WRITE is not just a business — it's a lifework, a commitment, and a love letter to craftsmanship. I’m fortunate not to have been physically harmed, and I intend to rebuild, with more energy and care than ever. Letting this act of theft define the future of my shop is not an option.

That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Your support will directly fund:

Every contribution — large or small — brings this independent shop one step closer to reopening its doors, stronger and more secure. If you’ve ever visited WATCH & WRITE, admired a fine pen, or believe in preserving small, passionate businesses — now is the time to stand with one.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for believing in new beginnings.

With gratitude,

Guillaume

Edit: May 27th, in the morning

In order to structure this kitty, I will break down the amounts, so that you know exactly what it contributes to, and how much it costs. See below.

It goes without saying that the first one will stop as soon as the first goal of 15'000CHF is reached. Also, if at any point the police investigation leads to the recovery, even partial, of the stolen goods, each contributor will have the opportunity to reconsider their donation. I am asking for temporary assistance, out of solidarity, this allows me to get back on my feet and continue to be able to work, with as little interruption as possible.

Since my call for help, In 12 hours, I received so many messages of support, it really warmed my heart. Thank you, to each and every one of you.

I could also receive donations via different platforms, totaling 2000CHF.

This amount already allows me to go out today and buy a used professional grade camera as well as a macro lens that were stolen from me. Thanks to this, while waiting for repairs at my shop, I can already take photos of the products that I managed to secure, after the burglary, before the store was sealed. You will see them for sale on Instagram, @watch.and.write

Help Secure WATCH & WRITE Shop Against Theft and Vandalism

I need to urgently upgrade the security system of my store in Switzerland to protect it from theft and vandalism. The project includes:

✅ surveillance cameras with recording on a secure server

An alarm system connected to the police

A certified safe to protect valuables

️ Insurance coverage for theft and damage

Estimated Costs:

Security cameras & installation: CHF 2,200 – 4,600 (edit: paid 6000 for the hardware, quote is 2600-9000 for installation, tbd)

Alarm system (linked to police): CHF 2,300 – 4,600 (edit: cost 1000/year)

Insurance (1 year): CHF 700 – 2,100

Safe and locks (with installation): CHF 900 – 3,800 (edit: might cost more!)

Total needed: CHF 6,100 – 15,100

Any contribution will help make W&W shop safer and give me peace of mind. Thank you so much for your support!

Edit: may 27th, evening

Here is the result of today's work:

Edit: may 28th, mid afternoon

So many good things happened, during the last 48 hours!

You guys are fantastic, each of you proving me it's worth to keep on going with my shop. Thank you so much for the so many messages. I'm overwhelmed by your support and acts of kindness.

So far, the total of the contributions is of 6300CHF, 2400CHF of which have been used this morning for buying new camera/lens equipment, so I can start working again asap.

The target is 15'000CHF, every help matters, and if you can't I'm totally fine with it as well ;)

As well, you can contribute in so many different ways, giving me the motivation, the stamina, the love I need to recover from this terrible story. It ensures that this shop has a future, promoting the art of writing, and the culture thereof that surrounds and emerges from it.

-write me a handwritten letter -> WATCH & WRITE, Gerechtigkeitsgasse 43, 3011 Bern

- write me an email -> all details on the IG channel, @watch.and.write

- tell your friends about my shop, share the good stories you've had down there in this Alibaba cave :)

- share on social media some of the stuff you got from me for the last 10 years, and perhaps how meaningful that pen/watch has become to you

- hopes and prayers

- keep on writing

Other super positive things

About the next steps, stay tuned, I have a plan, and with a bit of luck and work, this momentum will bring me safely, and surely to the next level.

Yours truly,

Guillaume

Edit: may 29th, evening - info about swiss partnership / police matters

Today was great, altogether.

Instead of trying to replace what was lost, I chose to create something that can never be taken away — a tribute to resilience, beauty, and craftsmanship.

Now, the partnership with a carefully selected Swiss artisan is becoming real. We've known each other for over a decade, and that natural ease of communication is what drives me to give this project everything I've got. I set the direction, brought what I could to the table — and he’s crafting it with care and precision.

We’re aiming for a soft rollout in the third week of June: a week of teasers, video content production, and the marketing campaign. Then comes the launch in the fourth week.

After just an hour of meeting and brainstorming, the full draft of the project was already on paper. And trust me — you’ll be amazed. I’m not saying I’ve seen it all, but this feels like a promise being kept. Like a magician pulling a rabbit out of his hat — that moment of wonder. You know there’s a trick, and still, you want to believe.

I want you to believe. Because this is happening. And it’s going to be special...

On a side note, a longtime friend visited me in Bern this midday, and brought along three meaningful pens he once received from me. Curious to know which ones? Check out the IG stories to find out!

By the way, I’m loving the new camera — I used it to take those shots. Without your support, none of this would have been possible. We wouldn’t have seen those pens again, or the beautiful glimpses of the city now shared on Instagram.

Last but not least — some unfortunate news, there must be some, as well, right? That familiar bitter aftertaste is back.

It seems that what I consider to be key elements in the investigation are being actively ignored by the officers in charge of my case. Worse still, some of this evidence is reportedly set to be wiped from a server — possibly overnight. It's a disgrace. They dismissed crucial footage without even watching the tapes. To that, I say: without reviewing those — including mine — how can you possibly claim the authority to dismiss them?

Tomorrow, I expect the police to provide the contact details of the person at the public prosecutor’s office responsible for the case. Today, they dodged me over the phone, saying they wouldn’t — or couldn’t — or didn’t know. When I cited the exact legal articles confirming my right to that information, the officer replied smugly: "Well, if you know the law so well, then you must know I can’t give that over the phone." Arrogant. Misleading. Unfair. Call it what you want — I call it what it is: BS.

But rest assured, the prosecutor's office will hear all of it. I've documented everything. And I’m not letting this go.

This leads me to one of the key points I intend to raise in Monday’s interview: how is it that Bern — a city of this scale — still lacks an independent ombudsman for police matters? When the only remaining path is to file a complaint with the police against the police, how can anyone pretend the process is neutral or just?

We’re dealing with a single, unified police force for both the municipalities and the canton of Bern. So what does the law actually provide? What are politicians doing to prevent a total breakdown of trust and dialogue? When both sides stop believing in fairness, who steps in? Which body will take responsibility for hearing dissenting voices and analyzing the situation independently — and without bias?

So many questions. So little time.

I'm no expert in these matters. And if it weren’t for a lawyer helping me pro bono, I would’ve given up already.

Tonight’s mood: pick yourself up. Go fight.

Because if you don’t — no one else will do it for you.

Oh and one last word: with all donations, tonight we are 46% thanks to you. 44% to go, to reach the target.

Take care, wherever you are, whatever you do.

G.

Edit: may 30th, evening - It's a Wrap

Let me quickly sum up today’s events:

A dozen clients were also affected by the burglary. Some had entrusted W&W with items for repair—either in progress or completed but not yet collected. Others had consigned pieces that I was selling on their behalf. The total value of the stolen items exceeds CHF 45,000 .

Within 48 hours of the break-in, I personally contacted and informed each of them. All of them told me the same thing: take the time you need to get your bearings, and reach out when you have concrete solutions to propose.

Today, that process officially began with one of these clients.

These conversations aren’t pleasant for anyone. But the only way to move forward is with 100% transparency—to detach emotionally, focus on the facts, and hope my clients can adopt the same posture. I lay everything on the table. Calmly, openly, without blame. And then, we move forward—proactively, together, no matter the cost.

That’s real teamwork.

And that’s exactly what I received this morning.

✨What a gift, to still be able to trust each other—even when it feels like all bridges have burned.✨

I’ve sold 10 pens from my personal collection (deal done ✅, payment received ), along with some scrap gold, which brings me to a temporarily more stable financial position. This money is now secured and will be used to begin reimbursing affected clients.

To go even further into my "reserves"—my private assets (they’re there for hard times, aren’t they?)—I traveled to Geneva today. A personal project, involving one of these assets, has been in the works since April 2024. I’ve had the great fortune of nurturing it quietly and in secret.

And today, I’m proud to say—it’s 99% ready to bloom .

I’ve created 5 unique objects from ultra rare and precious materials, overseeing every step of their creation. They’ll be put up for sale as soon as possible. The proceeds will allow me to fully clear my current debts and look to the future with serenity and renewed strength. I have no doubt this will be a phenomenal success!

I’ve also entrusted 9 Pelikan prototypes (thankfully not stolen) to a friend, who will hand them off to a vendor at the Utrecht Pen Show this weekend. I’m not counting on it, but if even one or two find a buyer, it would be amazing! These are ultra-rare pieces that are sure to catch the eye of seasoned collectors ️.

On the downside, the police station couldn’t tell me how to contact the Public Prosecutor’s Office directly. Since the investigation is still open and the lab hasn’t returned the analysis results, nothing has been escalated, and there’s no one available to receive my formal complaint. Some officers have treated me unfairly from the beginning, actively obstructing the investigation.

Worse yet, the officer this morning told me to fill out an online form—but the form isn’t even available in my native language, which is one of Switzerland’s four official languages. You have to switch to the German version of the website to access it. Outrageous. Francophones deserve better. Thankfully, I speak four languages fluently, so I can navigate this nonsense.

This loophole will be the subject of Monday’s article—it needs to be talked about, and policymakers need to take action.

And now, let’s end on a positive note :

We’ve officially reached over 50% of the fundraising target (via GoFundMe and other platforms), and it’s only been 5 days!!!

You guys are incredible.

I’m starting to dream that we might actually hit 100% by the end of June 2025. Let’s make it happen.

(HERE BELOW, THE 9 PROTOTYPES AVAILABLE FOR UTRECHT PEN SHOW) - DEALER'S TABLE TO BE CONFIRMED VERY SOON!

Edit: Monday June 2nd

Full 9 minutes video on IG, a recap from last weekend as well as today, it covers

⭐️ Fan mail: keep them coming

✅ Progress with go fund me -> we are 65% to 100%!

☑️ Quote for repairs of doors: all upgrades are not covered by insurance

️✔️ This mornings interview went well! Due Friday (in print), covering 500'000 households + online

Private project ; between Basel and Geneva: perhaps a possibility to recover funds "fast" enough

Stolen clients consignment: some insurances willing to consider

Limited edition products: manufacturing has started

Investigation: no progress, police hasn't done s***

Possible upcoming consignment of modern Namiki pieces

⛽️ Travelling to zurich, Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Geneva

My mom’s bouquet of flowers

⌚️ My dads watch story

Edit: Tuesday, June 3rd ☕️

Art, Coffee & Community Support – A Limited Edition Collaboration

I'm excited to announce a very special collaboration with Swiss artist Ted, in partnership with WATCH & WRITE.

☕ Ted and I are both avid coffee lovers, and together we’ve created a unique collection of limited edition coffee mugs and espresso cups, featuring an original artwork donated by Ted. This marks the first time ever that his work is being used on merchandise.

️ Only 88 of each item will be made—hand-numbered and signed—and available exclusively to supporters of this campaign.

As a thank-you for their generosity, the first 88 donors will have priority access and may choose their number in the series.

This project is not just about coffee and art—it’s also about community. I pledge to donate a percentage of the net benefit to the village of Blatten, Wallis, Switzerland, to support reconstruction efforts following last week’s devastating landslide.

Support art. Celebrate coffee. Help rebuild.

Thank you so much for being part of this journey.

(here is a crop of the original drawing, as a teaser)

Also, teaming up with us, Einstein Café, in Bern. Soon more details about this.

Update June 4th, 2025

->https://www.plattformj.ch/artikel/233088/

Burglary in Bern: Shop Owner Fights for a Fresh Start and Justice

Over 300 valuable pens, watches, and pieces of jewelry were stolen in May from the Bernese cult shop Watch & Write. A shock for owner Guillaume Chappuis, who was not insured. But he doesn’t only blame himself — he also points a finger at the police. Despite everything, the Romand entrepreneur is rebuilding his business with great energy — and calling for an independent complaints body for police misconduct.

Where, on this rainy morning, groups of Asian tourists are snapping photos and strolling across the cobblestones, a life’s work was stolen just two weeks ago. The small basement shop Watch & Write is located in a symbolic place, just steps away from the Justice Fountain. Atop it stands Justitia, blindfolded, holding a scale in one hand and a sword in the other — she judges objectively, weighs all the facts, and punishes injustice.

"The Justice Fountain has shaped Bern’s cityscape since 1543."

This is what Guillaume Chappuis hoped for from the Canton Police of Bern after the devastating burglary on the night of May 19 to 20. More than 300 high-quality fountain pens, watches, and valuable jewelry were stolen from his antique shop. Also taken: about CHF 60,000 worth of items that belonged to customers and were being repaired or resold. “My world was turned upside down overnight,” Chappuis told Plattform J in a nearby café.

“I was on a cycling holiday when I got a message from a neighbor that something wasn’t right at the shop. Three and a half hours later, I was back in Bern.”

Watch & Write

Watch & Write is a specialty store for fine writing instruments, watches, and select vintage objects in Bern’s old town. It was founded in 2019 by Guillaume Chappuis, who had already been buying, restoring, and selling watches and pens since 2009 while studying Slavic languages and art history in Lausanne.

Chappuis emphasizes that Watch & Write is no ordinary store — it's a place where stories are sold. “I’m the only one in Europe doing what I do. Every pen, every watch has its own story — and I match each customer with the right piece.” His shop plays a quiet but important cultural role in Bern. Visitors from around the world appreciate his expertise and passionate service: the boutique has a 5-star rating from 121 reviews on Google.

"The entrance was boarded up by the police. According to Chappuis, the burglars were well-informed: they deactivated alarms and cameras and knew exactly where the most valuable items were. He suspects they had visited the store multiple times before. That’s why he’s cut off social contacts until the investigation is over."

Sleepless Since the Break-In

Chappuis, 37, doesn’t appear defeated — instead, he’s bursting with energy. In recent days, he’s contacted hundreds of specialty shops, private sellers, gold refineries, and auction houses, sending them a detailed list of the stolen items so they can identify them if they show up. Shortly after, he launched a crowdfunding campaign, where he not only asks for financial help but also posts daily video updates. He’s also sold select pieces from his private collection and initiated three collaborations with Swiss artisans and local businesses to stay afloat.

He’s poured a lot of time and energy into helping police with the investigation. But this is where Chappuis experiences a second blow — the police’s handling of the case.

While he was away, officers entered the shop, took some fingerprints, boarded it up, and left. “Later, another patrol came when I was there. They gave me a paper to sign and sent me home,” he recalls.

“A total of 300 expensive watches and fountain pens were stolen.”

“I made the mistake recently of displaying valuable items,” says Chappuis.

“I still have over 1,000 ‘Füllis’ (Swiss slang for fountain pens) in stock, starting from CHF 20 — and for the top end, the sky’s the limit.”

Disappointment with the Police

In the days after the break-in, he spoke with more than 20 police officers — yet experienced no clear leadership or coordinated communication. “I had to repeat my story every single time,” he says. Particularly troubling: the lead investigator was on vacation and at a training course for nearly two weeks. Chappuis believes crucial evidence — like fingerprints — was handled poorly or not taken at all. He still hasn't received a full report, which he needs for his customers’ insurance claims.

“Chappuis sources his items from various places: auctions, stationery shops, antique dealers, and private collectors.”

Taking matters into his own hands, he sent multiple emails with clues to the canton police, but was frustrated when key pieces of evidence — which he believed were relevant — were dismissed.

“The police refused to consider them. Now those leads are gone forever.”

“The officer in charge didn’t appreciate that Chappuis took an active role in the investigation.”

No Independent Oversight in Bern

Chappuis often felt he wasn’t taken seriously. “Some officers were arrogant and condescending, denied responsibility, and tried to manipulate me. I wonder if it’s because I’m Romand (French-speaking Swiss).” He wanted to file a complaint with an independent body, but in Bern, the ombudsman’s office only handles municipal issues — and Bern no longer has its own city police since 2008, just the cantonal police.

There’s no independent cantonal ombudsman, only a complaints office linked to the very police department in question. “If you’re mistreated by the police, you have to go to the police to complain — it’s absurd.” He hopes that one day, an independent oversight body will be established.

Response from the Canton Police

Plattform J contacted the Bernese police for comment. The media office replied that the officer responsible for the case couldn’t be reached before the deadline, and since many of the criticisms were directed at him, they preferred to withhold comment for now. A statement will follow later and be added to the article.

“Chappuis plans to use donations from the crowdfunding to also get insured. Across all platforms, nearly CHF 10,000 has already been raised.”

Looking Ahead

Despite all the setbacks, Chappuis has no intention of giving up. He wants to learn from his mistakes — the biggest being not having insurance. Last summer, he almost signed up, but decided against it due to language barriers, high costs, long wait times, and poor support from insurers. Whether he or his customers will receive compensation is still under investigation. Thanks to generous support from fans and the fact that business was going well, Watch & Write can financially survive.

“The overwhelming support from customers, friends, and the industry is what keeps him going. He’s received tons of ‘fan mail’ — drawings, calligraphy made with pens bought at the shop, kind words, and even new pens and watches to help him restart.”

“There’s only one way — forward,” Chappuis says. The shop will reopen as soon as possible. “I don’t wait for the market — I am the market. I nurture it and create trends,” he declares confidently. “Even though all my watches and jewelry were stolen, I still have hundreds of vintage pens.” With lots of energy and creativity, he aims to rebuild his collection quickly.

He’s documenting the whole journey on Instagram and GoFundMe, openly discussing his own mistakes and how he experienced the “failure of the police and the system.” “I don’t want this all to be in vain. If even one person learns from this — it was worth it. Maybe it will encourage other young entrepreneurs to get it right from the start — to invest in safety and insurance.”

“He even found the love of his life through his passion: at a pen show in southern Europe, he stayed in a rental and met the host. ‘I knew I would marry her after five minutes.’ Two weeks later, he returned to propose. She later moved to Switzerland, found work in the Bernese Oberland, and they settled in Bern together.”

“Some of Chappuis’ pens are over 100 years old and still work perfectly. ‘They’ve lived many lives and traveled thousands of kilometers. Their stories must go on,’ he says.”

Edit June 5th: gifts / kitty / safe & locks / article Part II / ink partnership

Progress:

Criminal law professor Jonas Weber advocates for the establishment of an independent complaints office, noting that such bodies exist in seven cantons and six cities in Switzerland. He cites Geneva's model, where a mediation office for police matters has been in place since 2016 and is reportedly well-received by both the public and the police.

Alice Kropf, a member of the cantonal parliament from Thun, supports creating an independent mediation office to bridge the trust gap between citizens and the police. She is considering proposing a new initiative for such an office, though it's yet to be determined whether it would cover all administrative matters or focus solely on police issues.

Despite four previous rejections by the cantonal parliament over the past two decades, proponents argue that establishing an independent complaints office could lead to long-term cost savings by resolving issues more efficiently and restoring public trust in law enforcement.

✨ I am proud to announce the official launch of an exclusive partnership with the beloved Australian ink maker Robert Oster. ✨

Together, we’ve created two limited-edition inks that reflect the very spirit of WATCH & WRITE: timeless elegance and quiet strength.

“W&W Blue” – a saturated, deep blue with bold sheen

“W&W Gold” – the same base, but with golden shimmer (shimmy!)

Each color is strictly limited to 88 bottles, individually numbered and available by pre-order only starting next week. Prices are 26/29 CHF (export) + shipping to your place.

Pre-orders will be handled via email only — no web shop, no public link — just a direct connection between us.

This is more than an ink release — it’s an international collaboration between two of the most distant places on Earth, bound together by shared values: craftsmanship, resilience, and a true sense of community.

If you’d like to reserve one (or both!), please comment below or send me a direct message to get on the pre-order list.

Thank you for being here. Let’s rebuild together, one drop of ink at a time.

—

Guillaume, for W&W 2.0

#watchandwrite #robertoster #teamingup #fromberntoaustralia #inkcommunity #fountainpenlove

Edit June 6th-7th

⏳ Time flies.

Just yesterday morning, I had a visit at the shop in Bern’s Altstadt ️. The goal? To explore a potential collaboration on his channel, where he shares watch-related content in an accessible, engaging way ⌚. We hit it off and agreed to produce three episodes together — each one diving into a different era of vintage watches ️, featuring iconic models under 1500 CHF, and highlighting the common pitfalls of collecting ⚠️. It’s going to be a great journey through time ️.

Later that day, I made another kind of partnership — number 4 . Just 10 meters from Watch & Write, I stopped by a rather unconventional shop . I bought a toy and placed it at my shop’s shattered entrance — a “gift” for the thieves , with a message I think many of you will understand.

I shared the video on Instagram — watch it and read the caption. When justice feels out of reach ⚖️❌, we express ourselves the ways we can ️.

Now for some good news: the GoFundMe campaign is at 93% — thank you, truly .

Your support, messages, and parcels have been overwhelming . I promise to reply to each of you in time ⏰.

Thanks to your generosity, there's already a wonderful selection of pieces to help rebuild ️ — and this is just the beginning .

This morning, the police did some PR damage control ‍♂️.

They had a chance to comment on the first article — they didn’t. Same with the second. Then came pressure on the journalist , and finally, they managed to get their version into a third article.

But me? Stay silent? Never . I watch, I write ✍️.

You can read my official response on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook .

And no — I’m not even trying to be salty .

Edit June 8th-13th ✨ Two Pieces of Good News!

1️⃣ The Robert Oster x Watch & Write exclusive inks have officially arrived yesterday evening!

Take a look at these beauties — already over 20% reserved within the first 12 hours, and they’re sold at the same price as standard catalogue colors. Thank you to everyone who helped make this launch such a success!

2️⃣ The past few days have been fully dedicated to moving the project forward on two major fronts:

I travelled several times to Basel, Zürich, and Geneva to meet with both private collectors and professional clients, presenting a small but significant selection of high-value personal pieces that will be either sold or listed for sale by the end of 2025.

I’ve also been comparing and negotiating offers for the repair work and upgrades necessary for the store to reopen. This includes coordinating multiple trades: the carpenter, the electrician, a security system specialist, and a certified safe provider.

The new security system offer was accepted yesterday — total cost: CHF 6000 incl. VAT, excluding the electrician’s work, which adds an estimated amount of CHF 1,500 incl. VAT.

For the new Euro Grade 3 safe, negotiations are progressing well. Installation should come to around CHF 4,000 incl. VAT.

If all goes well, work should start next week, with the goal of reopening to the public in early July.

The GoFundMe hasn’t moved since last Friday — we’re currently at 93%.

That said, thanks to your incredible support, 100% of the costs for the essential safety upgrades are now covered — which is already a huge victory.

If we reach the final 7%, those funds will go towards:

• The monthly subscription for connecting the security system to a certified surveillance company

• Covering a portion of the insurance premium for the first year

Thank you for standing by me every step of the way.

The comeback is near — and it will be stronger than ever.

— Watch & Write

️️

Edit June 14-19th / D-1: One Month After the Theft –

It’s hard to believe, but tomorrow marks one month since the burglary at my shop.

This past month has been one of the most emotionally challenging periods of my life. I’ve been navigating levels of stress I’ve never experienced before — and honestly, I’m fighting for every step forward.

Behind the Scenes

In the first two weeks after the break-in, while I was actively promoting the GoFundMe page, I received an incredible wave of support: messages, letters, thoughtful packages, and generous contributions. It lifted me.

But as soon as I stopped sharing on social media, everything stopped too. The campaign momentum, the visibility — all of it.

It’s not that I can’t do it again. I can. But my energy has been quite depleted.

We’re currently at 93% — and I was quietly hoping it would reach 100% on its own. I was wrong. So here I am, getting ready for another round. Especially now that I’ve learned the electrical work alone will cost far more than what I had planned for.

I’ve also been trying to take care of myself. To breathe.

Last Sunday, my wife and I took a kayak trip down the river to reconnect with nature. Everything was peaceful… until we lost both of our phones underwater.

That added a whole new layer of stress. I went again in the afternoon diving to try and retrieve them, with ropes attached to threes, but the current was just too strong. I risked a lot, only to realize it was hopeless and dangerous.

Then came the attempt to revive ancient backup phones with broken screens, or faulty batteries (try updating an iPhone 5s in 2025…), until I finally gave in and bought a new one.

I really hope the month ahead will be kinder. I’m doing my best — for the shop, for the people who believe in it, and for myself.

️ Partnership Progress

1. Inks (Robert Oster Collaboration):

I sold 25% of the limited edition ink in just one day. I haven’t even had time to promote it properly yet, but I’m confident it’ll all be sold by the end of the year. A fantastic start — thank you all!

2. Local Craft Collaboration:

The project is about 80% ready. On the production side, we’re at 95% — just a few last refinements on the handmade items.

What’s left on my plate: documenting it, filming a teaser, writing the script, editing, syncing with the manufacturer for launch day, and getting it out there.

Visually, I’m very happy with the result.

The pens will feature “good old” Pelikan M800 PF nibs and feeds, with an eyedropper filling system.

Oh — did I mention they’re fountain pens? Oops

3. Coffee Cups (Ted & Einstein Café):

I’m still finalizing production for the ceramic coffee mugs and espresso cup/saucer sets.

I want them LFGB or FDA certified for the glazes and inks — it’s essential to me that they’re food safe and properly documented.

Not simple — but I’m on it.

I’m also working on the packaging design. It has to be beautiful and worthy of what we’re building.

️ Investigation Update

There is none.

None that I know of.

The police explicitly stated they will not provide any updates.

Not nice — and frankly, probably not legal either.

️ Shop Repairs & Security Upgrades

I was finally able to re-enter the shop yesterday — it had been sealed for nearly a month. It was emotional.

Four tradespeople (electrician, security specialist, carpenter, locksmith) were on-site to assess, measure, and coordinate.

I finally received the electrician’s quote — and it’s double the initial budget. For a basic setup.

Their “recommended” system costs CHF 9,000.

It feels like they’re trying to exploit the situation, so I’ve asked four other companies to submit offers.

On a more positive note, I aligned with the building owner and the woodworker on how we’ll proceed.

The new security hardware is already paid for, delivered, and ready to be installed.

The safe, however, is still in question — I’m evaluating models, placement, and whether I can find something robust for a more reasonable price.

️ Insurance

I’ve resumed discussions with the insurer I was in touch with last summer.

The goal is clear: have the upgrades recognized as serious, effective security measures, and secure a bulletproof contract moving forward.

If you’ve read this far — thank you. Truly.

It would mean a lot if you could leave a comment, even just a few words, to let me know you’re still here, still reading, still following.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth the effort to keep writing all this — your reactions remind me that it is.

Every message, every share, every bit of encouragement helps me keep going.

More soon — Guillaume

(here below is a teaser, for the upcoming fountain pens!)