Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show — Geneva Watch Days 2025

Guest: Niels Eggerding (CEO, Frederique Constant)
Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
Date: September 4, 2025
Venue: Outdoor glass pavilion at Geneva Watch Days

Episode Overview

This episode brings an in-depth, real-world conversation with Niels Eggerding, CEO of Frederique Constant, live from a sweltering Geneva Watch Days 2025. Rob and Alon lead a frank discussion about the shifting landscape of global watch fairs, Frederique Constant’s product strategy and recent hits, challenges of worldwide product launches, and the future of collaborations. The tone is friendly, passionate, and candid, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how a respected independent Swiss brand is navigating modern watchmaking.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Feeling and Format of Geneva Watch Days

[00:05–01:31]

• Location and Community: Niels shares his personal experience attending Geneva Watch Days, emphasizing the informal, welcoming atmosphere in Geneva compared to more formal international fairs.

  • “This is the best one for me... much more like an informal set. One feels home and it's very dynamic.” – Niels [01:22]

• Contrast with Other Fairs: While he appreciates Dubai Watch Week for its similar vibe, Geneva Watch Days stands out for Frederique Constant since the brand is headquartered in Geneva.

2. Frederique Constant and Alpina's Presence at the Fair

[01:47–03:02]

• Exhibition Strategy: The brands host a suite on the top floor of the Beau Rivage hotel and participate in the main Pavilion, focusing on media engagement with over 130 journalists attending.
• Consumer Access: Both brands offer a welcoming, appointment-free (“walk-in”) experience for collectors and enthusiasts.
  • “You consumers can come in without an appointment... It's walk-ins. It's laid back.” – Alon & Niels [02:57–03:02]

3. Product Launches & Market Reception

[03:02–04:33]

• Perpetual Calendar Success: Niels discusses the launch of the new perpetual calendar models, including blue, silver, and the first-ever yellow gold with onyx dial, noting all have been sold out at retail even before widespread delivery.
  • “Everything is sold... Sales already start by selling out while we don't deliver yet in large quantities.” – Niels [03:08]
• Production Strategy: The brand purposely limited production for higher-end pieces to retain exclusivity and manage skepticism around market shifts post-watch hype era.

4. The “Manchette” Bracelet Watch: A Smash Hit

[04:33–08:13]

• Filling a Market Gap: Inspired by renewed interest in dress watches, especially for women, Frederique Constant modernized a 2002 design for their new Manchette bracelet watch, powered by quartz for speedier development.

  • “I have not seen attraction for a collection we launch as we do now. It's unbelievable.” – Niels [05:29]

• KPIs of Success:

  • Primary: Ensuring every retailer carries the piece.
  • Secondary: Sell-out rate; current demand is outpacing both production and delivery.

• Gender Balance: A focus on not neglecting women’s watches, addressing a market historically underserved by Swiss brands.

5. Market Dynamics: Global Rollout & Adoption

[08:13–10:06]

• Regional Response: The Manchette’s strongest markets are the US, Canada, and Europe; Asia is adopting the trend more gradually.

• Launch Process: Extensive cross-continental preparation, integrating Citizen Group’s US market expertise (where Citizen is the 2nd largest brand after Rolex), and continuous inter-team alignment.

  • “Bringing knowledge from the US together with my team in Geneva... that's the success rate.” – Niels [09:32]

6. Internal Communication & Project Execution

[10:06–11:11]

• Execution Methodology:

  • Weekly multi-team calls for alignment and refinement
  • Stepwise process: discussion & engagement, preparation, then execution
  • Realistic success metric is achieving 50-60% of the original strategic plan

• Quote: “If you score 50-60% of that plan, you should be already happy.” – Niels [11:06]

7. Leadership, Passion, and Personal Routine

[11:11–15:28]

• 13 Years as CEO: Niels reflects on post-acquisition integration, challenges (including COVID), and steady growth ambitions for the brand:

  • “The brand is so unique. We have such a big potential of growth. And I'm driven with the passion that I want to make that big growth with this company. And until that's not done, I'm there.” – Niels [11:57]

• Addiction to the Work:

  • “The moment you have a job where passion comes close to the work... it’s basically addiction. That’s like the heroine we take every day.” – Niels [12:34]

• Work-Life Balance & Hobbies:

  • Routine: High-intensity exercise and ice bathing every morning for physical and mental sharpness
  • Travel & Food: Loves discovering food, especially in Japan and Italy; values driving holidays in Europe to enjoy cuisine, wine, and time with family

8. Collaborations: The Past, Present, and Future

[17:02–19:13]

• Recent Hit: The collaboration with seconde/seconde/ and Romaric André (set up by Alon) is highlighted as a milestone in the brand’s collaborative journey.
• The Future of Collabs: While the market may seem “squeezed,” there’s still space for meaningful partnerships:
  • “You want to be innovative... We have definitely something lined up. Very interesting one, two strong ones... unique piece even never done before. It’s going to be one collaboration that is setting tone for a new collection in the future.” – Niels [17:47]
• Strategic Focus: Move away from single ‘limited drops’ to longer-term collaborative relationships that enhance brand storytelling and customer anticipation.
  • “I'd like to do a bit more long-term collaborations... where the consumer basically tells you, I'm waiting for another product.” – Niels [18:47]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “[Geneva Watch Days] is the best one for me... very informal. It's very dynamic.” – Niels [01:22]
• “Everything is sold... we purposely decided to do lower numbers.” – Niels [03:08]
• “I have not seen attraction for a collection we launch as we do now [Manchette]. It's unbelievable.” – Niels [05:29]
• “Bringing knowledge from the US together with my team in Geneva... that's the success rate.” – Niels [09:32]
• “If you score 50-60% of that [global launch] plan, you should be already happy.” – Niels [11:06]
• “The moment you have a job where passion comes close to the work... it’s basically addiction. That’s like the heroine we take every day.” – Niels [12:34]
• “We have definitely something lined up… [for High Life]… one collaboration that is setting tone for a new collection in the future.” – Niels [17:47]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Geneva Watch Days Atmosphere: [01:12–01:31]
• Consumer Access at Beau Rivage: [02:35–03:02]
• Perpetual Calendar Launch & Reception: [03:02–04:14]
• Manchette Bracelet Watch Launch Story: [04:33–06:09]
• KPIs and Measuring Success: [06:52–08:13]
• Market Reception (US/Europe/Asia): [08:13–08:36]
• The Complexities of Global Rollout: [08:54–11:11]
• 13 Years Leading Frederique Constant: [11:11–12:20]
• Personal Passions and Routine: [13:16–15:28]
• Collaboration Strategy & Upcoming Releases: [17:02–19:13]

Memorable, Lighthearted Moment

• The episode closes with escalating heat inside the glass pavilion, laughter about Niels taking off layers, and Rob joking about the “comment section” wanting more, punctuating the episode’s friendly, unfiltered style.
  • “Nils has already taken off one item of clothing and if we carry on, you might have to take off a few more … extreme sport in the morning's obviously working out for you.” – Rob [19:13]

Conclusion

This episode provides a rare, candid look at what it takes to remain innovative and relevant in contemporary Swiss watchmaking. Niels Eggerding offers honest insights into Frederique Constant’s product DNA, the science (and art) of launching watches worldwide, and the ebb and flow of managing a global team. The conversation, flavored with warmth and humor, leaves listeners eager for the brand’s next moves and collaborations — and perhaps for a visit to the Beau Rivage to see the latest creations firsthand.

(Timestamps are included for key quotes and segments. Advertising, intros/outros, and non-content segments have been omitted for conciseness.)