Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show — Geneva Watch Days 2025 feat. Edouard Meylan, H. Moser & Cie.

Episode Date: September 4, 2025
Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
Guest: Edouard Meylan (CEO, H. Moser & Cie.)

Overview

This lively kickoff episode for Geneva Watch Days 2025 takes place in the show’s new glass igloo pavilion as Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph welcome back Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie. The conversation centers on Moser’s latest innovations, the brand's unique approach to design, navigating global challenges such as tariffs, and “real talk” about blending technological advancement and tradition in luxury watchmaking. The trio covers new product launches, industry trends, interactive audience moments, and hints of exciting future projects.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Hot Off the Press: New Watch Launches

[00:37 - 05:06]

• Fresh Releases:
  Edouard Meylan shares details on three new watches launched just minutes before the show. Two are based on Moser's Flying Hours complication; one in gold (limited to 100 pieces) and one in steel (unlimited), and another “novelty” model launched two days prior.

• Technical Description of Flying Hours:

  • The mechanism draws inspiration from the "Star Wheel" system; the Moser version innovates with rotating minute plates and satellite hour markers.
  • Original versions allowed two hour numbers to be visible; the new model is more intuitive with a jumping hour indication (one hour shown at a time).
  • Pricing: Starting at ~$19,000 for the gold, with steel at a more approachable level.
  • “It's a pretty cool combination…it’s very Moser: minimal, adventurous, and targeted at our young collector community.” — Edouard Meylan [03:35]

• Design and Feel:

  • The gold version features an Aventurine dial and a skeletonized movement.
  • Alon notes the watch’s “smooth and sturdy click” as the hour jumps—audio details included in the live demo.

Resilience Amid Tariffs & Business Strategy

[05:06 - 09:44]

• Tariff Discussion:

  • Moser is “on budget” and anticipating only modest growth in 2025 despite industrywide uncertainty due to potential 39% tariffs on exports to the US.
  • “We work on the worst case scenario and find the best solution together with our advisors to minimize the impact.” — Edouard Meylan [07:05]
  • Moser has shipped ahead and has contingency plans in place; any required price increases (potentially up to 10%) are being carefully calculated.

• Market Dynamics:

  • Despite tariffs, demand remains strong, especially in the US. Other global markets ready to absorb excess demand if pricing becomes challenging domestically.
  • Rob notes a “drop in market confidence” across some brands, but highlights Moser’s steady global reputation and demand.

GPHG Nominations & New Product Types

[09:44 - 12:42]

• Two GPHG Nominations:

  • The “Driver’s Watch”: A skeletonized Streamliner chronograph designed with the Alpine F1 team.
  • “Mechanics Watch”: An innovative hybrid (connected) watch created specifically for team mechanics to coordinate timing during races.
  • “It is truly innovative for a brand in your position to try something like this at that price point.” — Rob Nudds [12:29]

• Collaboration with Sequent:

  • Sequent assisted Moser with the technical aspects of the hybrid watch.
  • While initially only for Alpine F1 mechanics, Meylan hints at possible limited drops for Moser collectors, comparing strategy to MB&F’s success with entry-level “MAD” drops.

Moser’s Design DNA, Logo Philosophy, & The Perpetual Calendar

[14:15 - 17:49]

• No-Logo Design Ethos:

  • Moser is famous for minimalist dials, often omitting the logo entirely unless necessary for new collections or educational purposes.
  • Clear rules: “If we have indexes, then we put a transparent logo. If no indexes, there’s no logo.” — Edouard Meylan [16:18]

• Perpetual Calendar “Reimpatriotation”:

  • New classic perpetual calendar model with a salmon “fumé” dial, white gold case, and the familiar understated Moser approach—references to prior “teriyaki salmon” dial Streamliner.
  • Alon and listeners praise the custom-designed date font, even if polarizing:
    • “If you want to be successful with relatively niche brands, you cannot try to please everyone. You need to make things that works for you…We make 4,000 watches a year. We need those 4,000 people to be hardcore fans.” — Edouard Meylan [18:28]

Interactivity with the Live Audience

[17:51 - 20:34]

• Engaging the Community:

  • Real-time questions from viewers (via YouTube and Facebook) about the perpetual calendar, hybrid watch, and design choices.
  • Christopher Didrickson gives a “high 10” for the new perpetual, showing enthusiastic audience response.

• Potential for Limited Hybrid Watch Drop:

  • Listeners express interest in owning the hybrid watch.
  • Meylan signals willingness if there is enough demand—but stresses it must feel “legitimate and not opportunistic”:
    • “Just dropping it to sell watches, I think it’s dangerous…How do we make it relevant?” — Edouard Meylan [19:48]
  • Suggests any general release would focus on the Moser community, not mass market.

The Moser Philosophy & Final Notes

[20:53 - 21:35]

• Functionality Expectations:

  • Requests from listeners for future connected watches to remain practical, reliable, and not try to compete with full-blown smartwatches.
  • Meylan echoes the desire for durability and uniqueness: “I want something where I can give ten years warranty…It’s not going to compete with a Garmin or an Apple Watch. It’s a different type of thing.” [20:54]

• Looking Forward:

  • 2026 will be a “crazy year” for Moser, with even more innovation on the horizon.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's really hot off—fresh from the press.” — Edouard Meylan on new Flying Hours launch [00:54]
• “It's a jumping system…very intuitive in comparison. If you're familiar, it’s similar to the Star Wheel.” — Edouard Meylan [02:02]
• “You were…the second we’ve ever done on the Real Time Show almost three years ago. And here we are, media partner for Geneva Watch Days 2025 and you’re the first, nine o’clock.” — Alon Ben Joseph [00:57]
• “We work on the worst case scenario and find the best solution together with our advisors to minimize the impact.” — Edouard Meylan [07:05]
• “If you want to make. To be successful with relatively niche brands, you cannot try to please everyone. You need to make things that works for you…We don’t have to please millions of people. We need those 4,000 people to be hardcore fans.” — Edouard Meylan [18:28]
• “I want something where I can give ten years warranty…It’s not going to compete with a Garmin or an Apple Watch.” — Edouard Meylan [20:54]
• “2026 is going to be crazy. Stay tuned.” — Edouard Meylan [21:29]

Timestamps: Important Segments

• 00:52 – Introduction of new Flying Hours models
• 03:35 – Technical and design details of the Flying Hours
• 05:06 – Business update: response to tariffs and market dynamics
• 09:44 – Discussion of GPHG nominations and hybrid watch project
• 12:42 – Design philosophy and potential for limited hybrid watch release
• 14:15 – Moser’s “no logo” approach and design rulebook
• 16:41 – Introduction of the classic perpetual calendar with salmon dial
• 18:28 – The importance of polarizing, niche-focused design
• 20:53 – Listener Q&A and future direction for hybrid watches
• 21:29 – Teasing Moser’s 2026 plans

Closing

A dynamic, detailed episode that reveals both the technical mastery and playful boldness behind Moser’s approach—emphasizing community engagement, resilience, and continuous evolution. Whether it’s daring design, navigating global pressures, or blending analog craftsmanship with smart tech, Edouard Meylan and his team at H. Moser & Cie. continue to push boundaries.