Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – Episode Featuring Michel Nieto of Renaud-Tixier on Birthing A Super Brand
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Real Time Show
- Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
- Description: Real questions. Real Answers. Real talk. The world's most interactive watchmaking podcast, hosted by Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph.
- Episode: Michel Nieto Of Renaud-Tixier On Birthing A Super Brand
- Release Date: November 24, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph welcome Michel Nieto, the CEO of Renaud-Tixier, to discuss the creation and growth of their esteemed watchmaking brand. The episode delves deep into the origins, innovations, and future plans of Renaud-Tixier, providing listeners with valuable insights into the intricacies of building a powerhouse in the luxury watch industry.
Founding Story and Brand Genesis
Michel Nieto recounts the inception of Renaud-Tixier, highlighting his meeting with Dominique Renault and Julien Tixier in April 2023. This encounter led to the amalgamation of their diverse competencies to form a brand inspired by legendary establishments like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.
Michel Nieto [01:00]: “We decided to meet also Julien. And in fact we said, but guys, you are already an entity. ... why don't you create your own brand?”
The duo officially founded Renaud-Tixier in August 2023, aiming to revolutionize watch architecture and movement design, positioning themselves as innovators in the industry.
Key People: Dominique Renault and Julien Tixier
Michel provides an in-depth background on the two pivotal figures behind the brand:
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Dominique Renault: A seasoned watchmaker with a career spanning decades, renowned for his visionary approach and ability to conceive new patents regularly. Michel describes Dominique as someone who "is thinking with a 3D view in his head," enabling him to see mechanisms in three dimensions, which fosters groundbreaking ideas.
Michel Nieto [06:30]: “Dominique is just not thinking like you and I... he can see all the mechanisms in three dimensions.”
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Julien Tixier: Despite being only 31 years old, Julien embodies the craftsmanship of watchmakers from two centuries ago. He manually creates every component of the movement, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication.
Michel Nieto [06:00]: “Julien can transform normal pieces into exceptional components, exceptional movements.”
Innovations in Watchmaking
The episode highlights Renaud-Tixier's innovative approach to watchmaking, particularly their enhancement of the micro-rotor winding mechanism. Michel explains how Dominique Renault developed a unique inertia wheel in platinum to boost the micro rotor's winding power by 30-40%, a fundamental advancement in energy efficiency within watch movements.
Michel Nieto [06:15]: “Dominique came with this new idea, which is really a big step in watchmaking... adding 30 to 40% more winding power to the barrel.”
Mentorship and Training the Next Generation
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Renaud-Tixier’s commitment to nurturing young talent through the Dominique Renault Academy and their existing team structure. Michel emphasizes the reciprocal mentorship between Dominique and Julien, noting that while Dominique mentors Julien, Julien also imparts specialized skills back to Dominique.
Michel Nieto [12:56]: “There is a kind of transmission, but in fact, Dominique admires also a lot Julien. These two are complementary.”
Renaud-Tixier has hired six young watchmakers, all under 25, with the vision that many will eventually establish their own brands, continuing the legacy of excellence and innovation.
Product Details: The Days of the Week Collection
The brand's unique collection concept, themed around the days of the week, is unveiled. Each day represents a limited edition with only 180 pieces produced, ensuring exclusivity and meticulous craftsmanship.
Michel Nieto [39:56]: “We decided to have a collection of movements limited, of watches limited. We will have a philosophy of the days of the week. So the Monday is limited to 180 movements.”
The inaugural "Monday" model features the groundbreaking micro-rotor winding system, embodying the brand's commitment to innovation and artistry.
Market Strategy and Positioning
Despite a challenging watch market, Renaud-Tixier opts to invest heavily in quality, innovation, and talent rather than scaling up volume. Michel explains that their strategy focuses on maintaining exclusivity and delivering exceptional products within a structured timeframe, contrasting the approaches of other high-end independents who might pursue larger volumes.
Michel Nieto [42:04]: “We are putting in a lot of efforts... we are investing in people, we are investing in creation.”
Their watches, priced at around 79,000 Swiss francs, have already seen significant demand, with 58 units sold in the first three months, indicating strong market reception.
Future Plans: Academy and Foundation
Looking ahead, Renaud-Tixier is establishing the Dominique Renault Academy and a new Dominique Renault Foundation. The academy aims to teach advanced watchmaking techniques, while the foundation will embody Dominique Renault's values of mentorship and community support.
Michel Nieto [21:16]: “We are creating an academy, Dominique Renault Academy... and we are also creating a new foundation, Dominique Renault Foundation.”
These initiatives underline the brand's dedication to preserving and advancing watchmaking craftsmanship for future generations.
Sales Channels and Customer Relations
Renaud-Tixier collaborates with esteemed retailers worldwide, including Cellini in New York, Jeremy Oster Hoster in Denver, and Perpetual in Dubai, ensuring their products reach discerning collectors through trusted partners.
Michel Nieto [51:58]: “We work with retailers, with partners. ... We prefer to go through retailers to tag with the truth.”
This approach builds trust and leverages existing relationships with collectors, facilitating bespoke creations and personalized customer interactions.
Conclusion
Michel Nieto’s interview on The Real Time Show offers a comprehensive look into Renaud-Tixier's journey, from its innovative beginnings to its strategic positioning in the luxury watch market. The brand's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and mentorship positions it as a formidable player in the industry, poised to leave a lasting legacy.
Alommen Joseph [54:17]: “Michel, I want to take the time to thank you so, so much to sit down with David and me. ... I can't wait to hear the developments on both the foundation and the Academy.”
Listeners are encouraged to follow Renaud-Tixier’s updates on Instagram (@renaulttixier) and visit their website for more information, ensuring they stay connected with the brand’s ongoing evolution.
Notable Quotes:
- Alommen Joseph [00:34]: “I'm very good. Thank you so much for making the time... How has it been so far, Michel?”
- Michel Nieto [06:15]: “Dominique came with this new idea, which is really a big step in watchmaking... adding 30 to 40% more winding power to the barrel.”
- Michel Nieto [12:56]: “There is a kind of transmission, but in fact, Dominique admires also a lot Julien. These two are complementary.”
- Michel Nieto [21:16]: “We are creating an academy, Dominique Renault Academy... and we are also creating a new foundation, Dominique Renault Foundation.”
- Alommen Joseph [54:17]: “Michel, I want to take the time to thank you so, so much to sit down with David and me. ... I can't wait to hear the developments on both the foundation and the Academy.”
Stay Connected:
- Website: renauttixier.com
- Instagram: @renauttixier
- Podcast: The Real Time Show
- Community: Join the TRTS community on WhatsApp for discussions and updates.
Support the Show: Subscribe, like, rate, and share the podcast to support future episodes and engage with the vibrant community of watch enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on a provided transcript and aims to encapsulate key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode featuring Michel Nieto of Renaud-Tixier.