Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show

Episode: Brendan Horneman, Kneijnsberg Watches Founder Chops It Up With Alon
Date: December 14, 2025
Host: Alon Ben Joseph
Guest: Brendan Horneman, Founder of Kneijnsberg Watches

Overview

In this episode, Alon Ben Joseph welcomes renowned watchmaker, educator, and innovator Brendan Horneman to the Amsterdam studio for a candid, in-depth discussion. Brendan shares insights from his career, the evolution and philosophy behind Kneijnsberg Watches, his latest Eugenius model—a tribute to Christiaan Huygens—and the creative process behind some of his most unique horological concepts. The conversation is lively, authentic, and brimming with wisdom for both passionate watch lovers and aspiring watchmakers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Brendan’s Background & Watchmaking Pedigree

• Early Roots & Education

  • Brendan is a seasoned watchmaker, teacher at the Foxhole in the Netherlands, and previously led projects at the Richemont Group.
  • “This is my 6th year now as a teacher. Foxhole is a very nice place and in the Netherlands it’s well known. Most luxury professionals I met from the Netherlands either have a degree from Foxhole or have been taught by someone from Foxhole.” (01:06)

• Richemont and the Amsterdam "Baum" Project

  • Brendan led a rare non-Swiss Richemont manufacturing initiative focused on sustainability, including innovative use of recycled skateboards for cases.
  • “It was quite a nice and exciting project, but it was difficult as well. It’s quite difficult to have a centrally located watch shop and to serve customers worldwide...” (02:24)
  • “I like the skateboard watches a lot that they did…that was really, that was—" (03:22)

Brand Philosophy: The Name and the Narrative

• Kneijnsberg—A Meaningful Brand Name
  • Named after his grandmother’s surname to anchor family heritage and legacy.
  • “We decided to honor our grandmothers in the line of family. And that was for me a nice thing to do because it has a bit of the philosophy in it.” (06:10)
  • Transitioned from a previous, even more challenging surname for clarity and focus.
  • “For brand recognition…it was a drama. I’m happy that I’m more focused on Knansberg now.” (07:00)

The New Eugenius Model: Concept, Design, and Homage

• Inspiration: Christiaan Huygens

  • Celebrates the 250th anniversary of the balance spring patent.
  • “The intentional idea came forth after you visited the Vax…we shared our mutual interest and passion for the Huygens family…not only Christiaan but also his brother and father were very important figures in our Dutch history." (09:48)
  • The Eugenius combines tradition with Brendan’s “small invention”—a unique day/date implementation using icons and magnification.

• Watch Technicals and Design

  • Limited run: 350 pieces, each individually numbered.
  • 40mm titanium case, domed sapphire crystal (with anti-glare), sapphire caseback.
  • Swiss ETA 2834/2836 movement, modified to 2835-0—Brendan’s own module, assembled by Brendan in the Netherlands.
  • Two straps included as standard—canvas/leather and calf leather, “I just prefer to have people decide when they receive it…to have two straps is just nice for this watch.” (27:22)
  • Competitive pricing: €1,150 (excluding VAT and shipment).
  • Day indicator uses planetary and mythological symbols, progressing anticlockwise (unusually).
    • “If you look at the dial at 12 o’clock, we start with Saturn, Saturday is Saturn’s day...a mixture of Latin and the Germanic...it’s in line with my own ideas and interests.” (21:15)
  • The pointer jumps in a visually satisfying, almost retrograde movement due to Brendan’s unique mechanical solution.
    • “It jumps basically two slots...the main driving spring...has a spring in it that builds up tension and once released...it does two steps.” (25:28)

• Naming: Eugenius

  • “Eugenius is the Latin name of the surname of Christiaan Huygens...and in Latin means ‘free spirit’...in a way to not evoke trouble with other watch brands who have the name Huygens on the dial.” (14:13)

Christiaan Huygens: Historical Impact

• Mathematician, pioneer in probability, optics, horology (invented the balance spring), music theory, planetary science.
• “The most well known for watchmakers...are the balance spring, of course, something we still use today...it didn’t really change in the past 350 years.” (17:00)
• Proved Saturn had rings and discovered its first moon.
• Used pseudonyms or Latinized names to avoid controversy and for privacy: “It was also paramount for the mail...They couldn’t argue with it. That wasn’t me.” (19:13)

Brendan’s Signature Creativity: Past Models

• Tree of Life: Annual calendar where a tree motif changes colors through the seasons.
  • “It has a tree with cutout leaves in a mop dial...the tree changes color as per season.” (30:26)
• Actio ("the Bear" Watch):
  • Case has literal bear ears—designed from his daughter’s drawing; face winks and sticks out a tongue in an animation module.
  • “If you give this to your daughter...she has a job packing watches, putting on stickers just to show that you can get an idea—you have to put your work and your talents to it.” (32:18)
• Erotique: Erotic miniature paintings on dials, in collaboration with Hungarian enamel artist Paul Thot.

The Watchmaker’s Dilemma: Business, Marketing, and Creativity

• Challenges:

  • “Exposure as an entrepreneur...It takes so much time to mail, email, contact, call, shout, whistle, scream at people to get exposure.” (37:16)
  • Sourcing quality movements in small quantities is tough; major suppliers like ETA and Sellita cater primarily to large-scale brands.
  • Quality control is time-consuming—each new complication is tested over full operational cycles for durability and reliability.

• Balancing Artistry and Commerce

  • Brendan is open to licensing or selling his original modules to larger brands for broader impact.
  • “If someone comes along...I would still be convinced they would do that because they want their idea into their brand...I just got this opportunity to grow and learn a bit more.” (53:13)

• Advice for Aspiring Watchmakers

  • “Design what you like first…If you’re 100% engaged with it, you can best tell your story.” (41:27)
  • “Stick to what you want…Make sure you can deliver the quality…” (41:40)
  • Test everything for robustness—"It has to be idiot proof." (42:17)

The State of Dutch Watchmaking and Education

• Foxhole’s Role

  • Only one significant watchmaking school in the Netherlands, but has produced alumni who run ateliers and luxury repair centers across the globe.
  • “If you do 20 students a year with a degree, it's a lot. But in quality we have lots of people who grow on to becoming atelier managers, really luxury professionals across the board.” (58:54)
  • Encourages more international students (courses in Dutch; weekly classes for foreigners available).

• Mentorship and Legacy

  • Brendan is passionate about inspiring students, encouraging risk and creativity.
  • “I want to be an inspiration to students...Even if I fail, it will be an inspiration. Probably learned more from gentlemen I’ve met along the way who were doing things not like they were supposed to be done.” (53:13)
  • “With this watch now, the Eugenius, I’m telling my teenage daughter that in a couple of months she has a job packing watches...” (53:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On pricing and value:

  “I prefer to have watches on the wrists than in my safe.” — Brendan (13:57)

• On storytelling in watchmaking:

  “It is something nice to add a story. It's really nice to have stories behind the days because we all have stories on our days.” — Brendan (22:48)

• On marketing versus bench work:

  “Eyes on the bench is dangerous. If you want to do brands…you have to look out from behind your bench and see what's going on.” — Brendan (49:27)

• Alon, on Brendan’s approach:

  “A true watch nerd catering to watch nerds.” (27:44)

• Advice to new brands:

  “Stick to what you want…make sure that you are able to deliver the quality that you sell...it has to be idiot proof.” — Brendan (41:40)

• On selling creative ideas:

  “If someone comes along and would ask me the question...I would still be convinced that they would do that because they want their idea into their brand…I just got this opportunity to grow and learn a bit more.” — Brendan (53:13)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Brendan’s Background and Richemont Project: 00:25–04:52
• Brand Story, Naming, Family Heritage: 06:10–07:55
• The Eugenius Model—Concept & Specs: 08:30–15:36
• Christiaan Huygens’ Life and Legacy: 15:36–20:46
• Dial Design Explained—Day Symbols: 21:15–23:31
• Mechanics of the Day Pointer: 24:55–26:21
• Specs and Collector Appeal of Eugenius: 27:00–28:18
• Discussion of Brendan’s Past Watches: 29:11–34:00
• Entrepreneurial Challenges: 37:16–40:21
• Advice for Aspiring Makers: 41:27–43:13
• Dutch Watchmaking Landscape: 56:29–61:00
• Access to Foxhole for Students: 61:14–62:41

Further Contact & Resources

• Kneijnsberg Watches: kneijnsberg-watches.com
• LinkedIn: Brendan Horneman
• Foxhole School: Zadkine.nl

This episode is both a masterclass in independent watchmaking and a testament to the creative drive that defines horology at its best. Brendan’s humility, ingenuity, and willingness to share his journey provide inspiration for fellow creators, collectors, and anyone drawn to the art of time.