The Real Time Show: Monceau's Simon Ryan (Escapement24) Tells His Tale
Released on May 30, 2025

Hosts:
Rob Nudds
Alon Ben Joseph

Guest:
Simon Ryan, Watchmaker and Analyst at Monceau Watches (also known for his YouTube presence on Escapement24)

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph welcoming Simon Ryan to The Real Time Show. Simon shares his initial feelings about being interviewed, highlighting the shift from being on the other side of the microphone (00:22).

2. Simon Ryan's Background

Simon delves into his early connection with watches, attributing his passion to his father's influence. He recounts a vivid childhood memory where his father used watches as a means to navigate customs during their European travels. Simon reveals intriguing details about his father's mysterious past in military intelligence and arms dealing, shedding light on the unique environment that shaped his early fascination with timepieces (01:08 – 04:25).

Notable Quote:
"A millimeter is like a football field." – Simon Ryan (13:14)
This metaphor underscores the precision required in watchmaking, emphasizing the challenges Simon faced in designing at such minute scales.

3. From Design to Watchmaking

Simon transitions from his initial career as a graphic designer to establishing a marketing agency. Success in this venture led him to reward himself with his first Oris watch, igniting an ever-growing passion for collecting timepieces. By 2018-2019, his collection had burgeoned to approximately 25 watches (04:36 – 05:53).

Notable Quote:
"I think really probably around 2018, 2019, that's accelerated even more." – Simon Ryan (05:53)

4. Entrepreneurship and Pivoting to Watchmaking

After a decade-long venture in the bridal retail sector, Simon faced significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis forced him to reevaluate his career path, leading him to merge his design expertise with his passion for watches. Leveraging his YouTube platform and industry connections, Simon embarked on creating his own watch brand, Monceau.

Notable Quote:
"Having done the YouTube channel for by that time, maybe two and a half, three years, I'd actually made quite a lot of contacts in the watch industry." – Simon Ryan (07:07)

5. Discovering and Reviving Monceau

The inspiration to revive Monceau stemmed from Simon's deep dive into vintage watches for his 50th birthday. Encountering the obscure Monso chronograph ignited a mission to resurrect the brand, which had faded into obscurity by the early 80s. Simon's extensive research uncovered Monceau's rich history, prompting him to breathe new life into the brand (13:38 – 16:30).

Notable Quote:
"I just had this real passion for trying to bring it back to life and do something with that brand." – Simon Ryan (15:45)

6. Design Challenges and Innovation

Simon discusses the intricate design process of the Model 1 watch, focusing on creating an integrated bracelet that remains comfortable for smaller wrists. The challenge was to achieve a seamless look where the bracelet and case meld perfectly, a feat that required multiple prototypes and significant engineering adjustments.

Notable Quote:
"A millimeter is like a football field." – Simon Ryan (13:14)
This emphasizes the precision required in watch design.

7. Kickstarter Campaign Strategy

Monceau's launch is slated for Kickstarter on May 30, 2025, running until June 15, 2025. Simon explains his choice of platform, balancing visibility and funding needs. He meticulously priced the watches to align with successful Kickstarter campaigns, aiming for a range that appeals to enthusiasts without making the brand overly aspirational.

Notable Quote:
"Ensuring that the price point was going to be competitive for the launch was also very, very important for me." – Simon Ryan (19:57)

8. Brand Vision and Target Audience

Simon envisions Monceau as a brand that stands out through quality and unique design. Targeting watch enthusiasts and collectors who seek something niche and boutique, Monceau aims to build a community-driven brand where buyers feel part of its revival story. Future plans include expanding the range with innovative complications and high-accuracy quartz models.

Notable Quote:
"It's been about coming up with designs that are a little bit unique in the market." – Simon Ryan (39:30)

9. Communicating Quality and Building Trust

Recognizing the challenge of conveying quality without physical interaction, Simon leverages industry connections for credible reviews and plans to establish the Monso VIP Club to foster a dedicated community. This approach ensures ongoing dialogue and feedback from users, promoting brand loyalty and trust.

Notable Quote:
"I've been very deliberate doing that." – Simon Ryan (45:46)

10. Future Prospects and Closing Remarks

Simon expresses optimism for Monceau's future, highlighting the potential for community growth and product diversification. He invites listeners to support the Kickstarter campaign, emphasizing early bird offers and the limited time frame.

Notable Quote:
"Hope it's going to be, is that I've actually already started taking steps to set up a forum for Monso owners." – Simon Ryan (45:46)

Conclusion

Rob and Alon commend Simon on his ambitious venture, expressing confidence in Monceau's success. They encourage listeners to engage with the Kickstarter campaign and stay tuned for future episodes to follow Monceau's journey.

Final Quote:
"I know you've got a fantastic audience base for this podcast and, you know, being able to share it with them, I think is just really grateful for that." – Simon Ryan (53:16)

Kickstarter Campaign Details:

• Launch Date: May 30, 2025
• End Date: June 15, 2025
• Price: £679 (~€810, ~$890 USD)
• Early Bird Offers: Available for the first 24-48 hours, including discounts and free straps
• Dial Colors: Four different options
• Movement: SLITA SW210 hand-winding with exhibition case back

Follow-Up:
Simon plans to return for a follow-up episode to discuss the campaign's outcome, inviting listeners to participate and share their experiences.

Connect with the Hosts:
Listeners with questions for Simon can join the WhatsApp group or reach out via email or Instagram to engage with The Real Time Show community.

Stay Tuned:
As the Kickstarter campaign unfolds, Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph promise to keep the audience updated with detailed reviews and community feedback, ensuring Monceau watches receive the spotlight they deserve.

Thank you for tuning into The Real Time Show. Until next time, stay safe and keep on ticking!

Timestamps Reference:

• [00:00] – Introduction
• [00:05] – Hosts Welcome
• [00:22] – Simon’s Initial Remarks
• [01:08] – Simon’s Early Life and Inspiration
• [04:25] – Father's Mysterious Background
• [04:36] – Transition to Watch Collection
• [05:53] – Growth of Watch Collection
• [07:07] – Transition from Bridal Business to Watchmaking
• [13:14] – Design Challenges Metaphor
• [13:38] – Discovering Monceau
• [15:45] – Passion to Revive Monceau
• [19:57] – Kickstarter Campaign Details
• [32:03] – Production and Future Designs
• [35:49] – Target Audience Discussion
• [39:30] – Differentiating Monceau from Competitors
• [43:14] – Future Plans Including Quartz Models
• [45:46] – Communicating Quality
• [53:16] – Closing Remarks

Note: This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and enthusiasts alike.