Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show

Episode: Geneva Watch Days 2025 — Scarlett Baker Checks In

Date: September 5, 2025
Host(s): Rob Nudds, Alon Ben Joseph
Guest/Co-host: Scarlett Baker

Overview

In this lively episode of The Real Time Show, Rob Nudds welcomes back co-host Scarlett Baker for an impromptu, dynamic check-in from their glass igloo studio at Geneva Watch Days 2025. Scarlett, fresh from a whirlwind of brand visits, shares her hot takes, highlights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the watch world’s most vibrant fair. The conversation covers standout releases (Bulgari, Dennison, Ferland Mari), the evolution and growing scale of Geneva Watch Days, and the energetic community atmosphere that defines this unique event.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scarlett’s Whirlwind Brand Tour

[00:24 – 03:32]

• Scarlett has been “running around like a mad woman” visiting numerous brands exhibiting at Geneva Watch Days, mainly headquartered at the Beau Rivage.
• She’s prepping to moderate a panel for the FHH’s new accreditation duel, where audience members compete against watch influencers (Iam Casa Nicholas, Ansel Le Rabiers, Bryn from Dimepiece) for FH accreditation in a rapid-fire quiz format.
  • Scarlett: “I’m about to go and moderate a panel for the FHH for the new accreditation… guests in the audience that can basically take on these influencers.” [00:47]
• Scarlett details how the quiz has three levels of increasing difficulty. If attendees manage to beat the experts, they gain the prestigious FH accreditation.

2. Standout Watches and Unique Releases

[01:58 – 03:32 | 04:30 – 05:23]

• Bulgari Octo Finissimo x Lee Ufan

  • Scarlett’s first highlight is Bulgari's new Octo Finissimo, a collaboration with artist Lee Ufan.
    • Scarlett: “The bracelet and the case is so incredible of how it’s been filed… Fabrizio had a conversation with the artist and quite literally got a nail file and started to file away.” [01:58]
    • The process creates a unique texture, giving it an almost meteorite look, with a striking vertical gradient dial in black to grey.
    • Rob: “I thought it was meteorite at first because of the way it’s been filed. It’s been done by a guy called Lee Ufan I think it is… with the gradient, vertical gradient, black to grey, it’s absolutely stunning… Over 5 millimeters thick, so it’s not the thinnest of the thin, which is like perfect for me.” [04:30]
  • Scarlett admires the Octo Finissimo’s continued evolution, calling it a “blank canvas” that stays fresh despite many iterations.

• Dennison ‘Jewel Times’

  • Scarlett is intrigued by Dennison’s novel design juxtaposing two stones on the dial.
    • Scarlett: “I think there’s something really interesting to be said about the juxtaposition of two stones on the dial… I’m a stickler for tiger’s eye.” [02:36]

• Ferland Mari

  • Commending the “new walks” (believed to be a typo for "watch") from Ferland Mari for their beautiful use of diamonds. [05:47]

• Upcoming Visits & Releases

  • Scarlett mentions plans to see releases from Zenith, TAG Heuer, Girard Perregaux, and Ulysse Nardin, with Rob expressing excitement (“We just had Matir on. He’s great. We love him.” [03:32])
  • Ulysse Nardin’s new crystallized ruthenium piece—described by Rob as “nuts”—earns Scarlett’s praise for its week-long production process. [03:36–03:44]

3. Geneva Watch Days: Growth, Atmosphere, and Evolution

[04:44 – 07:27]

• The fair has grown to 66 brands in its sixth year (2020 debut); both hosts note the increased scale and vibrant energy versus previous years.
  • Scarlett: “The energy this year feels bigger than other… It feels really nice this year, like, there’s more people than ever before.” [03:44, 06:31]
  • Rob: “It started in 2020… 66 brands. So it’s grown by like, well, 20% from last year.” [04:10]
• Discussion of the purpose and future of Geneva Watch Days:
  • Journalists appreciate the centralization and community feel, but some brands harbor concerns about exclusivity with continued growth.
  • The on-site live podcast studio and upgraded pavilion symbolize the event’s increasing prominence.

4. Experiences & Activations: More Than Just Watches

[07:27 – 08:25]

• Scarlett describes inventive activations by brands:
  • Bulgari’s Industrial Art Event: Hosted in an industrial, alleyway setting, adding experiential dimension to the brand’s image.
  • George Bamford x Oris Takeover: Cited for its strategic location and community engagement.
    • Scarlett: “Brands are doubling down a little bit more on what the experience can be like… not just going for this same tired routine.” [07:57]

5. Watch Media Social Scene & Memorable Evenings

[05:35 – 06:31 | 08:25 – 09:13]

• Scarlett recounts an evening of industry bonding, including:
  • Korean BBQ with Ferland Mari’s team.
  • TAG Heuer’s Leopard Room after-party (“As a leopard print lover, I do love her, though.” [06:20])
  • General camaraderie and the late-night, casual social rituals between journos, brand reps, and even bartenders.
  • Rob’s own party detours and hangover management are discussed humorously.
    • Rob: “I know all the barman’s names. He plied me with many Jaeger bombs.” [08:50]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Scarlett, on moderation duties:
  • “I’ve literally just ran to the igloo and harassed Rob and been like, let me on for five minutes.” [00:24]
• Scarlett’s behind-the-scenes of accreditation panel:
  • “Guests in the audience… can basically take on these influencers and try and win FH accreditation.” [00:47]
• On Bulgari x Lee Ufan Octo Finissimo:
  • “Fabrizio had a conversation with the artist and whilst they were planning it, he quite literally got a nail file… it seems sacrilegious to do that, but the effect of it looks really, really cool.” [01:58]
  • “It’s absolutely stunning. I think it might be my favorite one ever.” — Rob [04:38]
• On the fair’s growth:
  • “Six [years]. Six what?… 66 brands. So it’s grown by like, well, 20% from last year. You’re having a moment.” — Rob [04:12]
• On Geneva Watch Days’ atmosphere:
  • “There’s more people than ever before. I’m looking forward to seeing the data… what the footfall actually is.” — Scarlett [06:31]
• On evening revelry:
  • “I accidentally fell into the Leopard Room.” — Scarlett [06:07]
  • “I know all the barman’s names… he plied me with many Jaeger bombs.” — Rob [08:50]
• On communal spirit:
  • “Everyone’s close together, everybody’s here, all of our colleagues are here, and it’s just lovely to see each other.” — Rob [07:04]

Segment Timestamps

• Scarlett’s return & panel talk: 00:05 – 01:30
• Accreditation duel explained: 01:15 – 01:31
• Brand highlights (Bulgari, Dennison): 01:58 – 03:08
• Upcoming visits (Zenith, TAG Heuer, etc.): 03:13 – 03:44
• Octo Finissimo x Lee Ufan deep dive: 04:30 – 05:23
• Geneva Watch Days history and growth: 04:44 – 06:31
• Evening social stories: 05:35 – 06:31, 08:25 – 09:13
• Activations & brand experiential focus: 07:27 – 08:25
• Closing thoughts on future & accreditation quiz: 09:33 – 10:00

Tone & Style

• Fast-paced, informal, filled with friendly banter and insider wit
• Unfiltered, high-energy “real talk” and camaraderie typical of passionate industry insiders
• Frequent humorous asides and candid stories

Final Note

This episode captures the excitement, growth, and community of Geneva Watch Days 2025, providing both vivid watch talk and entertaining behind-the-scenes stories. Scarlett’s energetic observations, Rob’s industry insight, and the overall festive atmosphere offer a must-listen snapshot for any watch enthusiast—even if you missed the fair itself.