Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show - "Ligure: Loek Oprinsen And Oliver Ike Talk Design"
Episode Information
- Title: Ligure: Loek Oprinsen And Oliver Ike Talk Design
- Host: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
- Guests: Loek Princen (Co-founder of Ligure Watches) & Oliver Eick (Co-founder of Ikeepod)
- Release Date: June 8, 2025
- Description: Real questions. Real Answers. Real talk. The world's most interactive watchmaking podcast, hosted by Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph.
1. Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:00 - 02:29]
The episode opens with Jula Aloma Joseph welcoming the guests, Loek Princen and Oliver Eick, to the virtual studio. Jula expresses her long-standing admiration for Loek, whom she affectionately refers to as the "Flying Dutchman," highlighting his extensive travels and busy schedule. She also introduces Oliver, acknowledging his role in co-founding the renowned watch brand Ikeepod.
Notable Quote:
Jula Aloma Joseph (00:06): "Watch fans and welcome to another edition of the Real Time show with me, your friendly neighbor, Jula Aloma Joseph..."
2. Loek Princen’s Journey in the Watch Industry [02:29 - 12:19]
Loek Princen shares an extensive overview of his career, tracing his beginnings in the luxury industry with Bowser Lump and Ray-Ban sunglasses in the early '90s. He details his progression to Beaumercier in Amsterdam, followed by his significant tenure at Richemont in Munich, where he managed prestigious brands like Piaget and Vacheron Constantin.
Loek recounts his transition to Ebel under the Movado Group, eventually rising to co-president and later president roles. The financial crisis of 2008 led to organizational changes, prompting Loek to establish his own sales and marketing agency in 2005. His agency now manages a diverse portfolio, including high-end brands like Arnold & Son Angelus and jewelry brand Copain and Fabri Leuba.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Loek reconnected with old colleagues, leading to the inception of Ligure Watches. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and belief in one's dreams, highlighting the year-long effort it took to launch his own brand.
Notable Quotes:
Loek Princen (07:52): "When we started to talk about what are you planning to do, what are your dreams, are there still wishes on your bucket list? And said, well, you know, after 30 years being active in this wonderful industry, you've learned a lot..."
Loek Princen (12:19): "People accuse me of doing too many things, but I'm always happy. As we say in Dutch, 'boss.' Yeah, there's always somebody high in the pecking order."
3. Oliver Eick’s Experience with Ikeepod and Beyond [12:47 - 28:21]
Oliver Eick provides a candid recount of his venture into the watch industry, stemming from his background in design and architecture. His passion led him to co-found Ikeepod, where initial struggles with production and financing were overcome by the brand's unexpected popularity. Oliver highlights the challenges of scaling a startup without prior industry contacts, leading to mistakes but ultimately achieving success through enthusiasm and dedication.
Post-Ikeepod, Oliver delves into his consulting roles, including his time with Robert Muawat and the establishment of a new art foundation focusing on the works of Swiss artist Carl Schmidt. He discusses his efforts to revive a movement factory in Ticino and his ongoing projects aimed at blending art with watchmaking.
Notable Quotes:
Oliver Eick (22:56): "What Ligur, what is this? Ligure? What? Who are you? A Dutch guy in Italy. I was really curious because I said, what does a Dutch entrepreneur name his company after a region in Italy like Liguria?"
Oliver Eick (28:21): "I'm not with any other company. I just have a project at the moment. I want to rewire an existing thing which I don't want to talk about because it's very easy to find out what it is when you're in the watch industry."
4. The Intersection of Ligure and Oliver’s Worlds [31:04 - 39:00]
The conversation shifts to how Ligure Watches and Oliver Eick's endeavors intersected. Loek expresses his gratitude for meeting Oliver during the pandemic, emphasizing the serendipitous nature of their collaboration. The duo shares insights into their mutual appreciation for design and craftsmanship, leading to the creation of a limited edition watch that marries Loek's expertise with Oliver's creative vision.
Notable Quotes:
Loek Princen (31:26): "In such a small surface of the watch, you can put so much creativity and emotion on skill in such a small surface and building actually through a dial and a case and an identity of a brand."
Oliver Eick (33:12): "I was genuinely curious to meet Mark Newson the first time... I was really fascinated because this brand resulted out of a long year's experience from Loek in the watch business and then his friendship with Peter."
5. Exploring Carl Schmidt’s Artistic Legacy [39:00 - 44:42]
Jula introduces Carl Schmidt, a Swiss artist whose work deeply influenced the collaboration between Ligure and Oliver. Oliver provides an insightful lecture on Schmidt's life, highlighting his multifaceted talents and reluctance to commercialize his art. Despite only one exhibition during his lifetime, Schmidt's contributions to wood carving, abstract painting, and his association with the Bauhaus movement underscore his enigmatic legacy.
Oliver draws parallels between the art and watch industries, discussing the challenges of establishing an artist's brand and the meticulous craftsmanship inherent in both fields.
Notable Quotes:
Oliver Eick (39:41): "Carl Schmidt basically is also, let's say, an enigma because he hated the art market and he hated exposing any of his things in galleries at the time."
Oliver Eick (44:42): "It's fascinating to see also the parallels between the art market and the watch market. The galleries are in the same, in a certain sense, they are the retailers of the market."
6. The Carl Schmidt Limited Edition Collaboration [45:30 - 49:52]
Loek and Oliver discuss the creation of the Carl Schmidt limited edition watch. Inspired by Schmidt's vibrant wall paintings and his mastery of color, the duo decided to incorporate elements of his artwork into the watch's dial. Janika, a talented graphic designer, played a pivotal role in translating Schmidt's intricate designs into the watch's aesthetic.
The limited edition, named "Tataruga" (meaning "turtle" in reference to the case shape), comprises 88 pieces retailing at €1,888 each. The collaboration aims to merge cultural expression with luxury watchmaking, providing customers with a product rich in emotional authenticity and artistic depth.
Notable Quotes:
Oliver Eick (47:43): "Janika was really great in the collaboration to exactly understand the work of Carl Schmidt... if I don't like it, what will come out of this collaboration? I will not do it."
Loek Princen (48:21): "It's stunning. It really looks stunning. And we cannot wait to take it to the next level."
7. Closing Remarks and Future Plans [49:52 - 51:15]
As the episode concludes, Jula expresses her gratitude to both Loek and Oliver for sharing their inspiring journeys and collaborative efforts. She encourages listeners to explore the Carl Schmidt limited edition watches available on Ligure's website, highlighting their comfort and unique design. The hosts invite listeners to engage with the podcast through subscriptions, likes, and social media interactions, fostering a community of watch enthusiasts.
Notable Quotes:
Jula Aloma Joseph (50:20): "This was one of the most easiest interviews for me. So I sat back, enjoyed my coffee and loved the journeys both of you made..."
Oliver Eick (50:36): "I really have to say that I love your podcast. You do a really great job."
8. Listener Information and Call to Action [51:15 - End]
Jula provides information on where listeners can purchase the limited edition watch and how to connect with the podcast on various platforms. She emphasizes the availability of the watch and encourages immediate action due to limited stock.
Notable Quote:
Jula Aloma Joseph (51:15): "You can find it at LIGUREwatches.com... The watch is still for sale, so when you listen to this and it's still available, grab one."
Conclusion
This episode of The Real Time Show offers a deep dive into the intersecting worlds of watchmaking and art through the experiences of Loek Princen and Oliver Eick. Their collaboration on the Carl Schmidt limited edition watch exemplifies the harmonious blend of craftsmanship, design, and cultural expression. Listeners are treated to inspiring stories of perseverance, creativity, and the pursuit of passion within the luxury watch industry.
Listen to the Episode: Visit www.therealtime.show to stream the full episode and explore previous content. Follow the podcast on Instagram @therealtime.show and join the TRTS community for more engaging discussions and watch industry insights.
Discover the Limited Edition Watch: Explore the Carl Schmidt limited edition watches at LIGUREwatches.com. Act quickly to own a piece of this exclusive collaboration.