The Real Time Show: Geneva Watch Days 2025 — Oliver Van Lanschot Hubrecht, Alpina

Date: September 4, 2025
Hosts: Rob Nudds, Alon Ben Joseph
Guest: Oliver Van Lanschot Hubrecht (Alpina)
Location: Glass onion outside the pavilion at Geneva Watch Days 2025

Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners directly to Geneva Watch Days 2025, where Rob, Alon, and special guest Oliver Van Lanschot Hubrecht, leader of Alpina, engage in an in-depth, candid discussion. They explore Alpina’s latest launches—including updates to the Seastrong Extreme line—heritage pieces, brand strategy, and what makes Geneva Watch Days unique. The conversation is lively, accessible, and full of insights for watch enthusiasts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Geneva Watch Days: The Open, Friendly Fair

• The event ambiance is described as welcoming and relaxed, in contrast to other industry shows.
• Quote:
  • "This is the beauty of Geneva Watch Days. It's open, it's friendly. We're here to meet all of you. Right. So please do come and see us. Fifth floor, room 525." – Oliver (01:43)
• Both press and consumers are encouraged to attend, with special emphasis on accessibility despite renovations at the Beau Rivage venue.

Timestamps:

• Geneva Watch Days atmosphere: 00:38–01:59
• Consumer access and Beau Rivage details: 01:10–02:38

2. Alpina’s Latest Releases: Seastrong Extreme & Heritage Pieces

• Alpina debuts two new 39mm Seastrong Extreme divers, focusing on dial variety and the continued evolution of the ‘extreme case design.’
• The Heritage collection, notably the Tropic Proof, has performed strongly with enthusiasts since its Watches and Wonders debut six months prior.
• Quote:
  • "We came with a Tropic Proof, which has a beautiful story and period in the 1960s… now it's beautiful to see it also, you know, getting out of the stores and selling out nicely. So I think we have something special there." – Oliver (03:29)

Timestamps:

• New Seastrong Extreme launch: 00:49–01:10
• Update on Heritage collection: 03:08–04:10

3. Inside Scoop: Alpina at Beau Rivage & Community Perks

• Alpina and Frederique Constant share exhibition space at Beau Rivage despite ongoing renovations; visitors should not be deterred by the exterior.
• TRTS community members who visit and identify themselves may receive a special surprise (details teased, not disclosed).
• Quote:
  • "If the eagle-eyed amongst you, watching Oliver's wrist like a hawk, then you might have seen something very special already." – Rob (02:11)

Timestamps:

• Community perks and visitor encouragement: 01:59–02:38

4. Geneva Watch Days’ Growth & Industry Impact

• The fair has expanded, now featuring 66 brands versus just over 50 last year.
• Oliver highlights Geneva Watch Days’ distinctive “brand flexibility” approach—allowing brands to exhibit in diverse ways and fostering organic growth.
• Quote:
  • "It's growing again, this… I see a bright future for it. Personally, I love the fair because it's indeed, it's very open, it attracts lots of people." – Oliver (05:34)

Timestamps:

• Event evolution and the fair’s future: 04:47–06:34

5. Alpina's Manufacture & Museum Experience

• Alpina’s manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, is open and encourages visits via a reservation.
• The museum experience showcases both manufacturing and Alpina's storied history (since 1883).
• Quote:
  • "We have what we call our museum experience, into which we really show the manufacturing process as its whole… But then a very nice part of it which is dedicated to the Alpina heritage…" – Oliver (06:44)

Timestamps:

• Manufacture info and access: 06:34–09:07
• Directions and accessibility, including tram advice: 08:52–09:28

6. Product Strategy: Focus vs. Overextension

• Alpina intentionally limits its SKUs (around 50 references) to allow products time to breathe, be recognized, and avoid catalog overload.
• The collection strategy balances heritage developments with modern, high-end finishing and regular innovation, such as reworking case sizes and introducing ceramic bezels.
• Quote:
  • "We don't want to go much over that. We want to give time to our products, you know, to live, to breathe, to get recognized, to get out there." – Oliver (11:09)
  • "I personally find it really refreshing when a brand has got a nice tight collection with not too many references polluting a catalog." – Rob (11:42)

Timestamps:

• Product strategy and reference numbers: 10:02–11:42

7. Global Markets and Case Size Customization

• Preferences for case size and style vary widely across markets (US, Europe, Asia).
• Alpina accommodates with diverse sizes in the Extreme collection (34, 39, 41mm) and occasionally region-specific editions, while maintaining global coherence.
• Quote:
  • "We are selling our watches or distributing our watches in 53 countries. Obviously, you've got some very different cultures, different styles, different, let's say, the desirability for different products." – Oliver (12:29)

Timestamps:

• Global market insights: 11:42–13:48

8. The Extreme Case Design: Sophistication and Versatility

• First created in 2005 (originally 48mm, now 39mm), the Extreme case features a four-layer cushion construction with distinct finishes for each layer, enhancing its allure.
• The case is now more wearable, with improved proportions and material upgrades such as ceramic bezels.
• Quote:
  • "It's a four layer case design. It's a cushion case. Every layer is manufactured independently with a different type of finishing, which gives it at the end, you know, a very sophisticated and let's say high end feel to it..." – Oliver (14:34)

Timestamps:

• Deep dive on the Extreme case: 14:28–16:14

9. Community and Experience: The Daily Life at Geneva Watch Days

• The day for Oliver: packed with presenting timepieces to the press and connecting spontaneously with visitors.
• Emphasis throughout on sharing the passion for watchmaking and connecting with the global community.
• Quote:
  • "It's really presenting our timepieces mostly to press coming from around the world, but then it's also taking the time with the impromptu visitors coming to meet. Meet new people, but also, first of all, have a good time and spend time together around our common passion, which is watchmaking. Right." – Oliver (16:54)

Timestamps:

• Wrapping up, community spirit: 16:54–17:23

Notable Quotes

• “We’re here to meet all of you. Right. So please do come and see us.” – Oliver (01:43)
• “If you don’t see stairs, then just. Don’t panic, don’t worry. But it’s definitely worth taking the lift because that is definitely something we like to see.” – Rob (04:47)
• “We have our manufacture… showing all the innovation and all the history behind the Alpina watchmaking Union, founded in 1883.” – Oliver (06:44)
• “We want to give time to our products, you know, to live, to breathe, to get recognized, to get out there.” – Oliver (11:09)
• “Every layer is manufactured independently with a different type of finishing… gives this sophistication to it, which is super nice.” – Oliver (14:34)

Summary

This episode offers a real “inside the tent” look at Geneva Watch Days and Alpina’s approach to both heritage and innovation. The conversation covers the newest launches—especially the evolution of the Seastrong Extreme—Alpina’s considered product strategy, and the open community vibe that distinguishes both the brand and the fair. Whether you're a watch collector, journalist, or curious newcomer, listeners leave with a richer understanding of Alpina and the thriving independent watch scene in Geneva.