Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – "Audicle Analysis — Should Watch Brands Behave Like Tech Start-Ups?"
Podcast Information
- Title: The Real Time Show
- Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
- Description: Real questions. Real Answers. Real talk. The world's most interactive watchmaking podcast, hosted by Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph.
- Episode Title: Audicle Analysis — Should Watch Brands Behave Like Tech Start-Ups?
- Release Date: July 27, 2025
1. Introduction to the Episode
The episode begins with a segment where David presents his article titled “Micro Watch Brands need to Behave More like Tech Startups.” The hosts, Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph, along with an unidentified guest, engage in an in-depth discussion analyzing the article's propositions and their applicability to the watchmaking industry.
2. Overview of David’s Article
David’s Perspective: David, with over two decades of experience in both the watch and tech industries, argues that micro watch brands should adopt strategies characteristic of tech startups to foster innovation, agility, and market responsiveness. Drawing from his background in tech entrepreneurship and watch retail, David highlights the stark contrast in innovation speed between the tech sector and the traditional watch industry.
Notable Quotes:
- “More than a quarter of a century later, it seems the tech startup industry has moved at the speed of light and the watch industry is still in many ways stuck in the 20th century.” ([00:05])
Key Points:
- The necessity for watch brands, especially micro brands, to innovate and adapt rapidly.
- Common pitfalls in watch brand startups, such as lack of innovation, absence of exit strategies, and inadequate leadership.
- Proposal for establishing a watch incubator akin to those in the tech sector to support burgeoning watch brands.
3. In-Depth Analysis and Discussion
3.1 Embrace Digital Transformation
David’s Argument: David emphasizes the importance of integrating digital technologies throughout the customer journey. This includes personalized digital advice, virtual try-ons, and enhanced post-sales services like real-time updates on repairs.
Notable Quote:
- “Consumers hand in their watch at ads, mono brand boutiques or direct at watch brands HQs and they usually get condiff only once or maybe twice during the whole process. That seems like a black box.” ([07:42])
Hosts’ Insights: Rob underscores the lack of real-time tracking in after-sales services, highlighting it as a basic yet unmet digital need in the watch industry. Alon suggests that creating platforms for seamless service tracking could add significant value.
Notable Quote:
- “We still can't have real time tracking as we can with our digital devices.” ([43:18])
3.2 Focus on Customer Centricity
David’s Argument: Putting customers at the center of strategies is crucial. This involves creating seamless omnichannel experiences and genuinely understanding consumer desires without the brand’s inherent arrogance.
Notable Quote:
- “Brands do not feel equal or even inferior to the buyers. They often think they are God's gift to humanity.” ([07:42])
Hosts’ Insights: Rob criticizes the prevalent detachment of brand managers from consumer feedback, urging brands to actively listen and respond to customer comments and market trends.
Notable Quote:
- “They don't even know what's going on in the real world.” ([46:44])
3.3 Leverage Data and Analytics
David’s Argument: Data-driven decision-making is pivotal. Watch brands should utilize data analytics to understand customer preferences and optimize their offerings.
Notable Quote:
- “Too many brands don't even read or even worse, comment on feedback that is left on their social media channels.” ([07:42])
Hosts’ Insights: Rob points out that despite the availability of vast amounts of free data, many brands remain oblivious, relying instead on outdated methods like Excel without engaging with real-time consumer insights.
Notable Quote:
- “Brands are too much in the data, where they just live in Excel.” ([46:44])
3.4 Accelerate Innovation Cycles
David’s Argument: Adopting the agile and rapid innovation cycles of tech startups can help watch brands stay competitive and introduce new technologies and materials more swiftly.
Notable Quote:
- “The watch industry could adopt faster development cycles for new technologies and materials while still maintaining quality and tradition.” ([07:42])
Hosts’ Insights: Rob highlights the necessity for collaboration within the watch industry to enhance innovation, suggesting that collective efforts could mirror successes seen in tech incubators.
Notable Quote:
- “They need to come together. They need to work together.” ([54:00])
3.5 Explore New Materials and Manufacturing Techniques
David’s Argument: Innovation in materials and production methods, such as 3D printing and advanced milling, is essential for creating unique and functional watch components.
Notable Quote:
- “Why was Dutch watchmaker Michiel Rolteris for a long time the only one creating 3D printed watch cases?” ([07:42])
Hosts’ Insights: Rob discusses the challenges of integrating new materials and the slow pace of mechanical innovation compared to aesthetic changes, citing examples like the Parmigiani Fleurier Sans Fin and Defy from Zenith.
Notable Quote:
- “True innovations... they don't happen overnight.” ([56:23])
3.6 Embrace Sustainability and Circular Economy
David’s Argument: Sustainable practices and circular economy models, such as supporting the second-hand market, are becoming increasingly important and can enhance brand reputation and consumer trust.
Notable Quote:
- “Without sustainability, brands aren't truly modern.” ([07:42])
Hosts’ Insights: Alon suggests that sustainability should be integrated as a byproduct of other business strategies rather than being the sole focus. Rob agrees, emphasizing practical implementations like reducing after-sales service carbon footprints.
Notable Quote:
- “We want to share knowledge, we want to share passion.” ([72:10])
3.7 Collaborate and Form Partnerships
David’s Argument: Strategic partnerships with tech companies or other watch brands can accelerate growth and innovation, fostering a cooperative environment akin to tech incubators.
Notable Quote:
- “The British Watchmakers’ day showed us tens of brands operating very comfortably alongside one another.” ([64:33])
Hosts’ Insights: Rob and Alon discuss the potential for smaller brands to band together, sharing resources and knowledge to compete against larger conglomerates. They highlight existing collaborations like MB&F with Bvlgari and Frederic Constant with Christian Van der Klao.
Notable Quote:
- “We're better together.” ([64:50])
4. Counterpoints and Critical Discussion
Alon’s Perspective: Alon challenges the applicability of the tech startup model, pointing out that not all tech-driven strategies are beneficial for watch brands. He cites examples like Daniel Wellington and MVMT, which succeeded financially but may lack in fulfilling deeper emotional desires associated with traditional watchmaking.
Notable Quote:
- “If you're trying to make a lot of money, this could be the blueprint that you follow.” ([32:42])
Rob’s Reflection: Rob acknowledges the success of brands like Daniel Wellington but underscores the importance of long-term vision and sustainable business practices beyond mere financial gains. He emphasizes the need for watch brands to have a clear purpose and strategy to endure beyond fleeting trends.
Notable Quote:
- “If you want to endure, you need to sell and you need to sell product.” ([34:50])
Evaluating Tech vs. Tradition: Rob and David delve into the inherent differences between tech startups and watchmaking, highlighting the complexity of watch manufacturing compared to the relatively straightforward nature of software development. They discuss the unique challenges in watchmaking, such as physical component integration and quality control.
Notable Quote:
- “A reputation is years in the making and seconds in the destruction.” ([67:54])
5. Proposed Solutions and Recommendations
Establishing a Watch Incubator: David proposes creating an incubator specifically for watch brands, akin to Y Combinator in the tech industry, to provide essential resources, mentorship, and financing to foster innovation and growth.
Notable Quote:
- “If you think this is a good idea and you're up for it, to create a group that sets up this watch incubator, hit me up.” ([07:41])
Rob and Alon’s Agreement: Both hosts agree on the potential benefits of such an incubator, discussing the importance of shared R&D spaces, collaborative marketing efforts, and sustainability initiatives to support emerging watch brands.
Notable Quote:
- “If there's a platform out there that somehow collects feedback... I could absolutely see value in that.” ([44:50])
Enhancing Sustainability Efforts: The hosts advocate for collective sustainability measures, suggesting the creation of an independent sustainability index and collaborative efforts to reduce the industry's environmental footprint.
Notable Quote:
- “There should be some kind of independent index for the whole industry to operate with and abide by.” ([67:54])
Strengthening Collaboration Among Brands: Rob emphasizes the importance of smaller brands collaborating to share knowledge, resources, and support each other in competing against larger conglomerates.
Notable Quote:
- “We are better together.” ([64:33])
6. Conclusion and Call to Action
The episode concludes with Rob and Alon encouraging watch entrepreneurs to adopt the discussed strategies to enhance their brands' innovation and sustainability. They invite listeners interested in starting or growing their watch brands to join their community for support and mentorship.
Notable Quote:
- “If you are an entrepreneur, reach out to us. We are happy to donate a few hours of mentoring.” ([75:18])
Final Thoughts: Rob underscores the importance of passion and a long-term vision in watchmaking, contrasting it with the short-term focus often seen in tech startups. Alon reiterates the need for thoughtful integration of technology and sustainability to drive meaningful growth in the watch industry.
Key Takeaways
- Innovation is Crucial: Watch brands, especially micro brands, must adopt agile, tech-driven strategies to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer demands.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing the customer experience and actively engaging with consumer feedback can significantly enhance brand loyalty and market presence.
- Data Utilization: Leveraging data analytics can provide valuable insights into market trends and consumer preferences, enabling more informed decision-making.
- Collaborative Efforts: Forming strategic partnerships and collaborative networks can help small brands pool resources, share knowledge, and innovate collectively.
- Sustainability Matters: Implementing sustainable practices and embracing circular economy models can improve brand reputation and align with modern consumer values.
- Balanced Growth: While adopting tech strategies, watch brands should maintain their traditional craftsmanship and long-term vision to ensure sustained success.
Final Quote
“If you have a clear cut vision and you have thought about it and you have a strategy and you execute on it, good for you.” – Rob Nudds ([23:06])
This episode of The Real Time Show provides a comprehensive analysis of how watch brands can integrate tech startup methodologies to foster innovation and growth while maintaining the industry's inherent traditions and craftsmanship. The discussion offers valuable insights for both existing watchmakers and aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make a mark in the watchmaking world.