Podcast Title: The Real Time Show
Episode: A Watchmaking Journey With Eric Van Leeuwen — Part Two
Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
Release Date: December 22, 2024
Description: Real questions. Real Answers. Real talk. The world's most interactive watchmaking podcast, hosted by Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph.

1. Introduction and Background

In this second installment of their conversation, Alon Ben Joseph welcomes back Eric Van Leeuwen, the founder of Maas Watches, after his intensive six-week internship at Harbring Watchmakers in Carinthia, Austria. Eric shares insights from his time abroad, balancing his dedication to mastering watchmaking with the natural challenges of being away from home.

[00:55] Eric Van Leeuwen: "Yes, I can say unfortunately and fortunately that I got homesick."

2. Internship Experience with Harbring Watchmakers

Eric delves into his decision to intern with Maria and Richard Hobling of Harbring Watchmakers, highlighting his admiration for their craftsmanship and modesty. He emphasizes the depth of learning he achieved, comparing the experience to upgrading from playing at a championship level in soccer to training with a top-tier team like Manchester City.

[03:41] Eric Van Leeuwen: "I learned a tremendous lot about winning watchmaking at this level."

He recounts the rigorous training he underwent, from repairing and servicing various movements to building his own from scratch. The hands-on experience not only honed his technical skills but also fostered a deep respect for the meticulousness required in high-end watchmaking.

[37:37] Eric Van Leeuwen: "Nine hours a day? Yes."

3. Founding Maas Watches

Inspired by his internship, Eric discusses the inception of Maas Watches, driven by a desire to create timepieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. He highlights the unique collaboration with Harbring, being one of the few allowed to use Harbring calibers exclusively for his brand.

[10:43] Eric Van Leeuwen: "It was basically a no brainer that I would like to have such a movement as well for my own very personal watch."

Eric's journey from a corporate career to founding his own watchmaking brand underscores his passion and commitment to excellence in the field.

4. Technical Insights: Calibers and Complications

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the technical aspects of watchmaking. Eric elaborates on the Harbring A11B caliber, its design philosophy, and the integration of deadbeat seconds—a complication that offers precise timekeeping akin to quartz movements.

[13:24] Alon Ben Joseph: "What can you share more that you've not done in the previous episode? Can you elaborate a bit more about the daos?"

[14:13] Eric Van Leeuwen: "Deadbeat second is a very thin complication... it's a challenge to do it right."

Eric explains the balance between mechanical authenticity and the precision typically associated with quartz watches, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in achieving such accuracy without compromising the mechanical essence.

5. Challenges and Learning Experiences

Eric candidly discusses the challenges he faced during his internship, including fine-tuning the alignment of movement parts and adapting to the high standards set by Harbring. He also touches on the continuous investment required in tools and machinery to achieve the desired quality and finish for his watches.

[39:37] Alon Ben Joseph: "So would you have liked to work at the ateliers or you're actually happy about the evolution of doing it three times."

[40:43] Eric Van Leeuwen: "I have to be realistic. Maybe with the help of Richard for example."

These experiences not only enhanced his technical prowess but also instilled a deep appreciation for the iterative nature of mastering watchmaking.

6. Future Plans and Community Engagement

Looking ahead, Eric shares his plans to finalize the production of his first batch of Maas Watches, aiming for a launch by the end of the year or early next year. He emphasizes the importance of community feedback in refining his designs and invites listeners to engage with him through platforms like Instagram.

[47:00] Eric Van Leeuwen: "I still aim for end of this year, beginning of next year really."

He envisions future episodes where he could showcase his finished watches and even bring Maria and Richard Hobling onto the show for their insights on his creations.

[51:12] Alon Ben Joseph: "Eric, I can't wait to see it."

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt congratulations from Alon to Eric for his accomplishments and a reminder for listeners to support the podcast by subscribing, rating, and joining the TRTS community. Eric expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his journey and looks forward to future developments in his watchmaking venture.

[52:50] Alon Ben Joseph: "Thank you so much. I can't wait to see the developments up until the finished watch."

Notable Quotes

• [00:55] Eric Van Leeuwen: "Yes, I can say unfortunately and fortunately that I got homesick."
• [03:41] Eric Van Leeuwen: "I learned a tremendous lot about winning watchmaking at this level."
• [10:43] Eric Van Leeuwen: "It was basically a no brainer that I would like to have such a movement as well for my own very personal watch."
• [14:13] Eric Van Leeuwen: "Deadbeat second is a very thin complication... it's a challenge to do it right."
• [37:37] Eric Van Leeuwen: "Nine hours a day? Yes."
• [47:00] Eric Van Leeuwen: "I still aim for end of this year, beginning of next year really."
• [51:12] Alon Ben Joseph: "Eric, I can't wait to see it."
• [52:50] Alon Ben Joseph: "Thank you so much. I can't wait to see the developments up until the finished watch."

Key Takeaways

• Dedication to Craftsmanship: Eric's commitment to mastering watchmaking is evident through his intensive internships and the founding of Maas Watches.
• Technical Mastery: The integration of deadbeat seconds showcases Eric's pursuit of precision and innovation in mechanical watchmaking.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: The mentorship from Maria and Richard Hobling was pivotal in shaping Eric's approach and standards in watchmaking.
• Community Engagement: Eric values feedback and community support, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the watchmaking community.
• Future Aspirations: With plans to launch his first batch of watches soon, Eric is poised to make a significant impact in the high-end watch market.

For more insights and to follow Eric's journey, visit Mass Watchmaker.com or connect with him on Instagram. Stay tuned for Part Three, where Eric will showcase his first finished watch and possibly get feedback from his mentors.