The Real Time Show: Barrelhand Founder Karel Bachand Is Shooting For The Moon With New Monolith Watch Project

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Real Time Show
• Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
• Episode Title: Barrelhand Founder Karel Bachand Is Shooting For The Moon With New Monolith Watch Project
• Release Date: September 29, 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 Guest Background (00:00 - 03:41)

Alon Ben Joseph welcomes listeners to another edition of "The Real Time Show," introducing Karel Bachand, the founder of Barrelhand. Karel expresses his excitement about being on the show and showcases his admiration for calibre UR103 from Urewerk.

Notable Quote:

• Karel Bachand (00:36): "I'm excited to flow with you guys. There's good energy here."

2. Origin of Barrelhand and Initial Inspirations (03:41 - 10:57)

David Vausher probes into Karel’s journey into watchmaking, highlighting his homage project to Urewerk during college. Karel discusses his transition from mechanical engineering to watchmaking driven by his fascination with intricate watch mechanisms showcased in UR202.

Notable Quote:

• Karel Bachand (05:15): "Watches are a really good testing bed to show off kind of the upper limits of what's possible in engineering."

Karel elaborates on using SolidWorks for 3D modeling, the challenges of CNC machining costs, and how 3D printing became a pivotal technology for Barrelhand's inception.

3. Embracing 3D Printing and Technological Innovation (10:57 - 25:09)

The conversation delves into Barrelhand's reliance on 3D printing to innovate in watchmaking. Karel highlights the advancements in 3D printing materials and resolutions, emphasizing how technologies like Scalmoloi aerospace alloy enable the creation of robust, lightweight watch components suitable for extreme environments.

Notable Quote:

• Karel Bachand (22:40): "It's a solid monolithic crystal structure when it's printed. And we can do some funky stuff that you would never be able to do with CNC machining."

Karel also discusses his collaboration with industry leaders and the importance of flexibility over vertical integration, allowing Barrelhand to adapt quickly to emerging technologies.

4. The Monolith Watch Project: A Leap Toward Space (25:09 - 38:16)

Karel introduces Barrelhand's flagship project, the Monolith watch, designed specifically for space exploration. Unlike traditional luxury watches, Monolith is envisioned as a tool for astronauts, built to withstand harsh space conditions such as extreme temperatures and vacuum environments.

Notable Quote:

• Karel Bachand (28:46): "It's a completely different design approach. It's very utilitarian focused."

He explains the watch's lightweight design, achieved through 3D printed air cores, and its capability to handle the rigors of space, aligning with NASA's EVA (Extravehicular Activity) requirements.

5. Technical Features of Monolith (38:16 - 67:32)

The discussion transitions into the intricate technical aspects of Monolith. Karel details the use of Seaplane Sapphire for the watch window, chosen for its superior strength and scratch resistance. He also describes the innovative engine mount system that enhances the movement's shock resistance, certified to withstand 555Gs.

Notable Quotes:

• Karel Bachand (56:49): "We're pretty set on the Seaplane Sapphire since it's hitting almost two and a half times what traditional Sapphire does."
• Karel Bachand (76:39): "We're combining titanium with Air Light ceramic to ensure temperature stability and minimal thermal expansion."

Karel further elaborates on the movement selection, opting for the Sellita SW301B due to its proven reliability and extensive field data, which he then modified to meet the stringent requirements of space applications.

6. Barrelhand’s Unique Position in the Watch Industry (16:45 - 35:38)

Karel contrasts Barrelhand's mission with traditional watchmakers, emphasizing their focus on engineering and technology over aesthetic luxury. He critiques the industry's lack of innovation and highlights Barrelhand's commitment to creating functional tools for space rather than adhering to conventional luxury standards.

Notable Quote:

• Karel Bachand (35:38): "We're not a watch company. We're a technology company. And one of the first tools we're developing is Monolith, but it happens to be a watch."

Karel underscores the advantages of being based in the Bay Area, leveraging the region's technological prowess and fostering collaborations that transcend traditional watchmaking.

7. Future Plans and Collaborations (67:32 - 83:38)

Looking ahead, Karel outlines Barrelhand’s roadmap beyond Monolith, including the development of a chronograph and other space-oriented tools. He highlights partnerships with organizations like UNESCO for cultural preservation through the Memory Disc project, aiming to integrate cultural artifacts into space missions to provide astronauts with a tangible connection to Earth.

Notable Quote:

• Karel Bachand (67:32): "The memory disc that we're putting on the back of the watch is kind of that connection back to home."

Karel also touches upon Barrelhand’s involvement in upcoming lunar missions, partnering with private companies and space agencies to ensure Monolith's deployment on the moon and potentially the International Space Station.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (83:38 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Alon and David express their admiration for Barrelhand’s innovative approach and Karel’s visionary leadership. Karel shares his passion for learning and collaborating with experts, emphasizing that Barrelhand thrives on collective expertise rather than traditional watchmaking credentials.

Notable Quote:

• Karel Bachand (79:08): "I'm always just interested in learning. I just soak it up like a sponge because you just feel the heart and artistry behind it."

Karel concludes by hinting at upcoming features like the EVA strap and further enhancements to the Monolith watch, reinforcing Barrelhand’s commitment to merging technology, engineering, and cultural preservation in the realm of watchmaking.

Final Quote:

• Karel Bachand (86:25): "It was fun to flow with you guys. I feel like we could definitely chat for a while and we probably got scattered along the way, but it was good fun and hopefully people enjoyed it a bit too."

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation through Technology: Barrelhand leverages advanced 3D printing and aerospace materials to create watches designed for extreme environments, particularly space.

• Space-Centric Mission: The Monolith watch is not just a timepiece but a functional tool for astronauts, showcasing the potential of watchmaking in space exploration.

• Cultural Preservation: The Memory Disc project collaborates with UNESCO to embed cultural artifacts into space missions, bridging the gap between humanity and space.

• Flexible Business Model: Barrelhand operates as a technology company, collaborating with various experts and avoiding vertical integration to stay adaptable and innovative.

• Future Endeavors: Plans include developing the Monolith chronograph, EVA-compatible straps, and expanding Barrelhand’s presence in upcoming lunar missions.

For Listeners Interested in Learning More:

• Official Website: Barrellhand.com
• LinkedIn: Search for Karel Bachand
• Follow The Real Time Show:
  • Website: www.therealtime Show
  • Instagram: @therealtimeShow
  • Email: firstname@therealtimeshow.com

Stay tuned for more episodes featuring trailblazers in the watchmaking and technology industries, bringing you real questions, real answers, and real talk.