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A
Hi and hello, Watch fans, and welcome to another edition of the Real Time show with me, your friendly neighborhood jeweler, Aloma Joseph. I do not have the friendly watchmaker Rob Nut in the studio because he got stuck in a train somewhere in Germany because somebody decided to walk on the train tracks. But I don't mind it at all. I have two dear, dear friends in the studio with me. Nils Erreding, the CEO of Frederic Constant, and Guido Bernardini, the founder and CEO of Watch Angels. Welcome.
B
Good morning, Alon. Good morning, Guido.
C
Good morning, Niels. Good morning, Alon.
B
Great to have you on this call together. Old school style. Correct. We go way back.
C
The Dutch connection, isn't it?
A
The Dutch connection? We're not going to do it in Dutch, dear listeners, so don't worry at all. We're going to do it in English. And we are here together because these gentlemen have been cooking and have been cooking in the kitchen. You gentlemen gave us the honor for a little scoop. There is an amazing collab dropping which is the Watch angel slash Frederic Constant World Timer. Gentlemen, why in this world would you guys work together? And why are you driving us crazy to buy another world timer?
C
First of all, because we are dealing with collectors. So there is always a good reason to buy another watch, especially if it has been cooked by two innovative cooks working in the same kitchen, which is of course never easy. But as the philosophies of our two companies really join themselves, it has been a win win cooking session. And we believe that the result is very interesting. And we especially wanted to do something for collectors and involving collectors. So I think it's a worthwhile new addition to any serious collector collection.
B
Guido just mentioned his reasons. And on my side, on Frederic Constant's side, we go way back with collaborations. So we have been established a brand back in 2004, with the manufacture, by collaborating, we created the new money for pure caliber. In that time driven by, yeah, let's say the whole industry and the movement supply. So you were not flexible by design because you had to buy third party movements on the same time you were restricted with growth. So those two elements forced us to really create and innovate our own movement. And that has been done with the Dutch watchmaking school alone we know, but also the Ecole Horlogerie Geneva. So those two really work together to come with a complete redesigned main manufacturer plate. Main manufacturer base for the brand. At that time it was antwining. Now, going back to this year, 33 in house movements. Since then we have been embodied collaborations. Now why are we doing collaborations in multiple ways is mainly for me to step outside the comfort zone. We are a classical brand, classical driven. Of course we have the high Life back in 2019 introduced that really brings a bit more sport chic environment. But for me it's very important to try things to see how the audience react and that you can do it with collaborations. We did the Peter Speak Marin in that time we have done with Waco Revolution and fantastic collaboration together. We, you and me alone, we did a very beautiful high life world timer collaboration and that really brings added value to on the plate. Then on top of that I always look at the collaborations if there's an audience that is new for us, it's very difficult to find a new audience but it's very comprehensive for the brand to enlarge your audience. Now Guido has like more than 100,000, let's say collectors connected to Watch Angels and that interests me because that, that that audience is I would say an innovative, early adapting audience. And for the brand that's typically where I would like to go to see how and where the brand should, should go and learn from that. So there's a few elements for me that's important. Let's say stepping outside comfort zone at your DNA, tapping in the community. Then we have of course a very important one, a happy customer. So hopefully we can do something new, fresh that really creates a happy customer. It brings a communication push for, for the brand. So it brings a different approach and of course sales. So for me I was, I'm always looking for this creative collaboration. So thank you Guido for partnering up with me.
C
Our community, you know, it's, it's about collecting. So it is actually getting out of the comfort zone. The way the products we propose are always special. They always have to have a story. There has to be something there for, for, you know, a reason for collecting. And I must say that our community has been asking for especially manufacture pieces. We've done in the last five years many tool watches but the demand was really for also, you know, more elegant dress watches with complicated movements. And this is actually the direction our community is pushing us towards. So this piece is also one of the, let's say stepping stones which is leading us into a more Auto Rogeri segment.
A
Beautifully said, gentlemen. And I'm not happy with the both of you because now I bought another watch. Thank you for the podium, Nils. Yes, thank you for the honor. Making a collab. We did indeed sold a hundred high lives rather quickly. Collectors we reached that never thought they needed Frederic Constant were Blown away by the value for money that they got with this proprietary in house world timer. So I was blown away with this cooking and this new recipe. And although Guido speaks Dutch, I am happy that his Italian influences brought this very elegant watch to this world. That I don't need another watch, I don't want another watch. But unfortunately I have another Frederic Constant World timer now in my collection soon. So let's talk semantics. Guido quickly, what is it? And then we'll go back in time how this came about. This is a one time project, a collaborative project between Watch Angels and Freddy Constant. How many dials are there? What makes the watch so special? What does it cost and how can people obtain it?
C
You know, the main demand from the community was a smaller diameter. You know, smaller diameters are very. Are very loved by watch enthusiasts. And therefore the effort has been to create a new model for frequent so a new case which would be 40 millimeters encasing the same of course FC718 world timer caliber. So our effort has to be. Has been to, you know, to keep. To design a case which would be elegant thing looking and respecting all the codes of course of the FC brand. And I must say, you know, in this collaboration what has been special is, you know, the, the also the trust from both sides, you know, in working together and shaping together a product which is on the one side completely Frank Constant. I permit myself to say maybe even, you know, completely also the future of Frank Constant and at the same time being a piece which watch lovers can really appreciate and which has a formal, I would say consistency and coherence in terms of design and a respect of the FC codes to make a 40 millimeter piece. What we did is of course we had to make sure that the proportions would be perfect, that reading the world time would be perfect. And this has led us to on the one side, eliminate the date. You will see this is very special. This gives a new look to the watch, opens up the dial and the legibility of the world Time disc. And on the other hand with have worked on a slightly more sporty so sport elegant case. So it's a watch which perfectly complements the 42 millimeter world timer of frequent and so really opens up also to a new customer, I believe so people who like a bit smaller diameters and maybe a slightly less classic approach in terms of design. And you'll see the result I believe is really stunning. In terms of price we are at 4,495 Swiss francs, which is probably the highest value manufacture world Timer Watch on the market and the watch. The order window of the watch will open on the 13th of February for a month exclusively on the WatchAngels CH website. It's a limited edition, 718 pieces worldwide and yeah. So as from 13th of February the sales window will be open.
A
Thank you for that Guido. Just to make sure the prices on watching usually are inclusive of all taxes wherever they order from and shipping. Is that the case in the price that you just mentioned?
C
Yeah, that's correct.
A
There are no add ons anymore. You take care of tax. So when you order outside of Switzerland, so into EU or UK or US or Asia, that's what they pay. So you don't charge more. Although it's a very limited production run.
C
That's right.
A
Alon, how many dials, colors, variations?
C
Well, this special is. Is one dial color only. It's. It's a very beautiful blue dial.
A
So 718 pieces window of a month. If they're gone, they're gone. As we say in Dutch, op is up.
C
Yes. And first come first serve.
A
So going back to Niels. So Niels, how much of a teamwork and how much of a free reign did you give the team at Watch Angels to design this watch?
B
Well, you know me, correct. So I'm quite quite easy in terms of carte blanche design. Although we briefed together that it should be. It should be from a distance, let's say first appearance, it should be visible that it's Fred Consat. That was important for me but I wanted to also push it really outside DNA. The regular, let's say classic manufacture world timer, what is still the most iconic movement we have in the collection is based on a very classical case design, 42 millimeters, so curved lines where you can see really it's DNA driven for the brand where I challenged with Guido much more on let's say straight lines, a bit more sport chic design within the classical case direction. Indeed. We never did a world timer without the date discovery displayed on the on the dial. So we had some comments previously. I could see that we always analyze in YouTube videos and then I'm reading comments. My team is then bringing also a report up and with the world timer I think one of the top five comments is that the date disk, the petit disc on 6 o'clock is overlapping the city disk. So that comment was in the top five. So I said to Guido, let's remove it and let's make it super clean. Then of course in the time we are living today, the 42 millimeter, although it's a classical curved case and it's, it's. It's doing extremely well. I would I suggested to really go to a 40 millimeter case and that's what Guido managed extremely well. So the case look to look also very contra. Very small I would say so a smaller wrist. It really fits well and the whole package. The strap I would never do on a classical watch. For Frederick Gold Star he did differently. And then the dial design itself, it's. You will see it's. It's new, it's fresh. So it's new, it's fresh. It's something outside DNA. So I think it's going to be super interested for customers that know our World Timer but really want something new or a new customer that doesn't know our will timer is. Would see something fresh. So very happy with the outcome on.
C
My side from my side news of first of all, thanks for giving us the liberty. It's very rare that a brand gives, you know, very few desired points and then leaves the liberty that has allowed us to listen to our community very well. And yes, this, this fresh approach you. You desired has been. Has been realized by having soft lines, not as soft as the classic world timer and then sharp bevels and I think for the first time for the World Timer like a brushed and polished finishing approach. And yeah I think that made the case. And again thank you for you're giving us the liberty to work and to interpret your codes and I think we listened very well to your desires. And also from my side, the. The I think the result is. Is very, very interesting and that's where.
B
It'S become interesting for us to see how this drop will fall, how the reactions will be and if there's going to be a future development moving forward into this kind of case designs into the line of Friedrich Construction. So these kind of things are for me super important. So now thank you Guido.
A
You gave me a perfect segue. Niels. So they will sell out the 718 pieces. I'm rather sure about that. What would you consider a successful KPI or a benchmark that this joint venture slash collaboration was successful and moving forward would you either pursue more Watches FC labeled on the Watch Angels project and going the other direction, how would you integrate this back into the brand? Frederic Constant, the collection. I assume you use this as a sandbox as they use this term in the tech startup scene. You try stuff in a sandbox. Please elaborate a bit more about that.
B
Well, a successful KPI for me is when you have an audience that is fresh and new for the brand. It's difficult to measure but we, we can see clearly if it's a new audience for us or not with the data we have already. But that would be very interesting and successful KPI if we have like a significant new audience coming into the brand that likes the product and the brand, the sales is of course we all know that it's important. But it's not as important for me this collaboration then then probably this for Guido because for him it's really also a sales drive. He needs to serve his audience. For me it's.
A
It's.
B
It's brand awareness, it's tapping into a new audience who's. Who's getting to know to the brand. But on the same time, it's for me very important to see how this drop lands. If people, if people appreciate it, then to give you an answer on your. On your other question is indeed, I will move into the collection to investigate. Hey, should we not have a bit more, let's say, straight lines into certain case designs moving forward? Because we tried with the High Life, it was very successful. The trend today is going a bit more classical. We see that small classical. So we are spot on with the existing collection. But I'm always looking, of course to challenge that. So. And this is the way to challenge it. And that for me is super interesting to see that now. Yeah, no, no, that's it for me. If you have. Would you like to know anything else? Because I'm referring back to your questions, but I had two. The two answered, I think two questions.
A
Answered going back to Guido. If other brands now will approach you, will you offer them this sandbox opportunity as well? Because Watch Angels and our dear listeners, both gentlemen are alumni on the Real Time show. Both of them have been on the show already. So I urge you and invite you to go back and listen to those episodes. But maybe a quick intermezzo. Guido, tell us what Watch Angels is literally about. Because maybe those that haven't heard the interview before or are not aware what Watch Angels is, I think it's very good to explain to them now briefly what you guys do.
C
I think you said it. We are indeed a sandbox, but both for brands and also for the collectors. Because when we work with independent brands or independent designers, we are their tool to experiment, to propose new things to the collector community and to get feedback, which is also, as Neal said, particularly important for the brands. So actually we serve our community best when we innovate, when we bring unexpected concepts and this then circles back you know, to the brands. So we offer also a different way probably to communicate, you know, we, we go very much into the, the background of the product. We involve our community within the creation process. So and that's again where we towards our customers but also the brand discover things, you know, it's better I would say to discover things, you know, before the watch is launched than six months after when it's, you know, when it's in stock at the retailers. So yeah, we are a sandbox both for brands and for collectors. And with that we propose very special watches on the market because if it's not special, our community doesn't like it.
A
I owe you a lot because I am a watch angel myself. I purchased my first Cedric Bellon on Watch Angels platform and I discovered him because of you. He was a very well hidden gem in the watch industry. So thank you Guido for delving that diamond to the surface. And because of that we already did two projects together. I've also purchased as a consumer the Waltham projects, the A17 watch on your platform. So to go back to my original question, if now other brands approach you, will you offer them the same sandbox you offered Niels de Constant?
C
It depends, it really depends on the community and the concept of the watch. Of course there has to be a demand or a latent demand. We always as we need to do something special, it has to be special. So it has to have all the characteristics to be appreciated by the community. So yeah, sure, that's our business. We have to believe in a project and based on, let's say a discussion and a due diligence we have with our community, we decide whether to do projects or not. I think what was very interesting with frequent was the caliber, the demand by Niels of the product. This was very appreciated by the community. But I think there was another element which is very, very important is, you know, there is a lot of collaborations on the market. These collaborations are normally doing a special dial, et cetera. In this case what has been very much appreciated by our community is that it's both a co creation and a co manufacturing project. So where both parties offer a bit what they do best. So in this case of course Friconstant has added the vision of the product, you know, the main vision of the product and of course the movement, the manufacturer movement which, which they produce in house. And from our side it has been the, the, the, the, the creation, the conception based also on the wishes of the community. And from our side there is a manufacturing effort which concerns the Abiash. So the, the.
A
The.
C
The case, the dial and, and, and the strap.
A
Gentlemen, this is now a beautiful segue for me to go back in time because Niels and I go way back. But Niels and Guido go way back. It begs a collab to have Alpina do a collab on the Watch Angels platform. Because you guys go way back because of Alpina, don't you?
B
Yeah, we go way back. There is no Alpena in the pipeline. So that's one. That's an interesting one. Although we would like to first see really how things will go with, with Frederick Constar. I'm super open to discuss also an Alpena collab, but let's first see how, how, how the FC will land and the reactions of that. Then we go back like 12, 13 years now. Guido, correct?
C
I think so.
A
About.
C
Yeah.
B
So actually it's interesting because we have been somehow also overlapping, without knowing working for in that time the Schwach Group where Guido was, was already working and did significant work for certain brands there. Then later, without knowing, we came across to. To each other with Friedrichstar Group in that time still Peter and Oletta and, and Peter and Oletta were looking for and let's say creative, innovative, CEO for the brand Alpina. And I was running the global business, global sales for the group and Guido in that time came in with Alpina and it was, I would say we connected right away from the beginning. What I really have seen with Guido in that time is that the inspiration and the creativity behind the brand Alpina has been very, very special. He was way ahead of his time in that time, I remember and we discussed still, still often about this. That's a nice bridge for an Alpena opportunity. So we should see what kind of innovative product we could bring with Watch Angels after the success of Dear Listeners.
A
Guido said it several times. It's crowd inspired, crowd designed, crowd manufactured. That's what Watch Angels is. If you want either an Alpina or any other Freddy Constell model or whatever you would like seen made in the industry. Spam Guido, hunt him down, call him WhatsApp him, DM him and I'll give you a little hint. Guido, close your ears. If you really want his attention. He's still single. So ladies, if you're listening, you can date the king of Swiss watchmaking because he's an eligible bachelor. All kidding aside, I know you guys are extremely busy. I want to switch up gears. We are still in Q1 of 25. Please both of you share a bit of what you envision and see for this year.
C
This year we have a pipeline of four new projects. Very, very interesting projects. You know, our market is a very specialized and collector based market. So we are kind of a little bit special. We are less subject to the, let's say the mass market trends. So we look forward to a really good year also after finishing last year very well again, I think that the innovative nature of the projects of this year will. Will make it, you know, a very good year. And of course the start with Freque Constant is a bit of a symbol for what will happen this year.
B
So on my side, well, listen, I think we all speak about the watch industry. We went through a peak and it calms down a bit. I think what is interesting now is we are coming to a normality just before and I don't want to speak about COVID but it's a bit before COVID It's a normality. We are landing on, on the brand Frede Constant. I can clearly see that. Where it used to be super high end where we saw traction in the past two years. So Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar. Tourbillon Perpetual Calendars it now comes back a bit more to volume. What I'm very happy for because we are still a bit more in volume driven market share. Gain market share. We are quite unique in the pricing we have. So I'm really looking forward to upcoming year to see how the trends will go and how we will behave within this trend. And then we have a few very nice collaborations. Guido is one and far away in next year. We have a few nice ones too. Among you and me alone also still. So I'm looking forward to it. I'm. I'm very, very happy to see this challenging going on. Because that's what we like, correct?
A
We do very much so. And taking a more of a bird's eye view, macro perspective. Do you think the cooling down of the markets is a good thing? And if so, why? And how will this play out?
B
If it's good or not, I think it's normal because to reach a peak you have to go sometimes back deep again. I don't think we go deep, it's just that we have been going through an extreme peak. So I think it's good for brands also to catch up on certain things, go back to our normality. For me things were becoming very crazy. Attention went to very crazy. Of course we are in luxury, but yeah, it's my brand. If I speak about my brand, it's also still serving, not craziness. So I think it's good to be a bit more normal. Craziness is over and I think it's good for, for people, for the human being around, around each other. I think that part is good. I'm still looking at that we are selling watches that we also need to put it in perspective. There are still many challenges going on in the world where I prefer it's coming down very quickly. What is more important for me.
C
Yeah, I agree with Niels. I think that it's a normal in our industry. You have peaks and bottoms. I think this period allows us to focus again on what is important. Focus on innovation, efficiency, investing in the right things and, and therefore, you know, I don't think it's, it's a negative period at all. From my side. I'm convinced that probably there is a couple of markets which will lead very much to growth for the future.
A
I'm.
C
I'm convinced America will come up very strongly. There is a new positive, you know, mindset and feeling down there. There is India coming up very strong. Mexico. So I think yeah, it's a period of reframing but enough focus which will bring the future growth, which of course is always good.
A
What brought us together in the studio today is the joining of forces of creativity and production. What is your vision on collabs? Have the market saturated? Have there been too many, should there be less? And what do you think collab should be about?
B
I think the reason that you have seen an acceleration of collapse is because the market really requested for. So I think people were looking for something unique, something innovative, something special. And the brands were doing this by applying collaborations. Now today I think the acceleration is there. So the customer is not willing to buy something just regular on a regular basis. They are looking for still something very unique. And that part I think we need to be very innovative or you do something in a movement or you do something very creative as a collaboration. And that for me comes now to the point where together with Guido and Guido, you can explain this much better than me. But we are not like a regular collaboration. We are two manufacturers in Switzerland where you bring the force together and you co design something very unique and co manufacture it. And that level of collaborations, you don't see it that much in the watch industry. And I think that's another level for me, how I look at it. And on top of that, Guido has an, has a significant audience and community where we can learn from. But I think that's the uniqueness, a bit more of collaborations.
C
I think basically collaborations Are actually another word for, I mean in the market for, you know, do something new and innovative. Right? That's, that's where this comes from. And I, I believe very strongly that there is a whole new market of watch enthusiasts of, of people with a lot of knowledge about watches and they want something special and that's what collapse have offered. Collapse have been a way for brands also, you know, to innovate and respond to this need. So I think that when you say collab you're saying special pieces, beautiful pieces, something which has not been seen before. This was the demand of course, you know, our industry, then it starts and it also leads to more opportunistic kind of collaborations where there is much less innovation than what the collaboration should offer. I think there's been an inflation of those kinds of collaborations. So I think that the demand for collaborations is there will be there as long as they are very, very innovative and they, that they explore new angles in terms of product or way of working like we did, you know, with news or a combination of both. So I think collaborations are good and even better if then they flow within the regular, I would say work of a brand if they can start also a, a new direction.
A
You know, we actually discussed this a lot, Rob and I, the whole team at the Real Time show, obviously at Ace Jewelers. I've discussed it with you both gentlemen because both of you gave me opportunities to work hands on with you is my ethos was always you need to add value. It, it needs to add value first and foremost to the brand and stay within its brand's DNA. But you are obliged to stretch and see what, how far you can go and venture out and make a product that normally wouldn't go into the core range. And then maybe the most important of course is that add value for the consumer. So all the collabs we did at Ace are priced at the normal price point as a regular piece in the collection. That is out of respect for consumers. And you've gentlemen proven that as well now today with your collab that you're presenting here today. Because obviously the production for such a small batch is way higher. So you're losing margin there and that shows respect to the market and your and your buyers. So I love that. I do think that many were not adding value. It was a money grab. You Neil said rightfully the market demanded it. But a lot of people jumped on the bandwagon and hyped these collabs just for the sake of it us at the Real Time show and Ace Jewelers slowed our roll so we did less. We even killed some projects. And it's very important to listen to the market. So I want to use this as a segue also to you gentlemen. You kept on repeating that you very much listen to the markets. So you have an amazing audience here on this show. We have a real time show community. So you can ask a question and they will either post it in the community and we'll forward them to you or the listeners can reach out to you directly. Is there something you guys want to hear directly from the listeners of this show?
B
Yeah, sure. I'm always interested about that. So first of all I would be interested to how they perceive the world timer that we will do with Watch Angels. How they like the design, how they like let's say the landing of it. But on top of that I would be super interested to see what would they like to see? Critical sound bringing new and fresh. What do they where would they be interested in to purchase? That I would be super interested in. I'm always interested in that. So that's two questions from my side.
C
One question is the same. It's what they would like to see from Watch Angels meaning what is for them unique collectible and maybe also how the collectible relates to types of watches and prices and if special means movement, so movement complications, movement innovation or if it is more a design or all over watch need.
A
I have one question for you. A final question for both of you. Please tell me what you think are the trends of colors for both 25 and 26.
B
On my side I think it's much more earthly driven, element driven colors that I've seen that I also like because it fits perfectly with the classical classical design we have. So the trend started already in 24 with stone dials. Remember that you could see it continues in 25, but it will continue in a soft tone. That's how I have been reading the books, let's say the palettes of colors in the fashion industry industry. Guido, did you see some trends going on there?
C
I believe that wearability will be more and more important daily wearability. So I believe that pretty classic colors and combinations will be will be highly in demand especially from the male target audience. So I think that very interesting finishes or patterns but in classical colors and very wearable executions will be probably strong. I don't know if until 26 but in the next 12 to 24 months. So more finishing and interesting patterns and designs in more classical colors.
B
What do you see alon in the color trends? I see clearly that the really crazy colors are really fading away a bit more.
A
I think you're on point, Nils, about Yugido Pantone obviously released the 25 color, which was I believe Mokamu something. So it's a toned down chocolate brownish, so more earth tones. I think that 25 is going to be a consolidation year. So we'll will. Will turn the dial down on the volume. So we saw a boom in stone dials. I think that comes down. We saw a lot of flashy, almost neon colors, although Oris brought a bright pink Miss Piggy watch. So there goes my theory. I think that that will. Will gear it down. You always see that when the world is in turmoil or economically we're in a down cycle in the watch industry. Will go back to classic designs, more dress, more relaxed things. So I think that's a good thing as well. So therefore also your collab is spot on. It's honed into what the market wants. Smaller sizes, a lot of value for money, complications that add value. So not a complication for the sake of a complication. I mean, you, you, you basically killed utility on the caliber because you took away a small seconds, which is perceived as an add on. You killed the date on the watch, which is definitely a value for money. But, but you've listened to the market. And I salute both of you gentlemen for doing that. Because a lot of CEOs at watch brands, especially in Switzerland, are stuck in their ivory towers, or I sometimes call them ostriches that stick their heads in the sand and they believe the storm will blow by because they are right. So a lot of people can learn from you. And you gentlemen, first of all, admitting, listening to the industry, because a lot of brands do listen, but don't act. You guys listen. You admit that you listen, you act and then you repeat the cycle by literally asking the market to respond to you. And that's what a lot of brands can learn from. So I want to leave it at that. I want to thank both you gentlemen for taking the time to sit down with me. I wish you the best of luck with this launch and please do keep them coming. And Nils, please do urge Oliver, the managing director for Alpina, to do something with Keto, because I would be very curious to see what will come out of that cooking session.
B
Now that's a good point. Thank you for challenging me on this one. I like it. I will thank you, Alon, for that podcast. Great, great podcast again. And I'm happy to be on it.
C
Thank you, Alon. Thank you, Nils. Always very interesting and enriching to talk with you both.
A
Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. You can find all our previous episodes, including the one with Nils and the one with guido, which are two separate episodes on our official website www.therealtime show. You can obviously find us on Instagram via our handle herealtime Show. If you want to support the show, please subscribe, like, rate and share it with your friends. If you have any questions, feedback and or criticism, please do send us a message. You can also DM us If you want to join the TRTS community. You can find our newest and fourth host. She calls herself the Humbler Humble Rambler Scarlet on the gram via handle at Carl in the Shire, which is a very difficult and long one, so I'll spell it out. It's S C a r L I n T h e S I R E David you can find at D A V A A U C H e r Rob is at R o B n u D D S me you can find by just clicking all the letters of my first and last name together. And if you prefer to send us an email you can just add our first names to the URL herealtime show the same as our IG handle. Stay sane and keep on ticking.
The Real Time Show: Niels Eggerding & Guido Benedini on the Frederique Constant x Watch Angels Collaboration
Released on February 16, 2025
Introduction
In this captivating episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph welcome two distinguished guests: Niels Eggerding, Managing Director of Frederique Constant, and Guido Benedini, founder and CEO of Watch Angels. The discussion centers around their groundbreaking collaboration—the Frederique Constant x Watch Angels World Timer watch. Despite Rob Nudds's unexpected absence due to a train delay in Germany, the episode promises rich insights into watchmaking collaborations, market trends, and future visions.
Announcement of the Collaboration
The episode kicks off with Alon Ben Joseph introducing the guests and unveiling the exciting collaboration between Frederique Constant and Watch Angels: the World Timer watch. Alon humorously shares his inadvertent purchase of another watch due to the compelling collaboration, setting an engaging tone for the conversation.
Notable Quote:
"I was blown away with this cooking and this new recipe. And although Guido speaks Dutch, I am happy that his Italian influences brought this very elegant watch to this world."
— Alon Ben Joseph [06:18]
Reasons Behind the Collaboration
Niels Eggerding emphasizes the synergy between Frederique Constant and Watch Angels, highlighting their shared philosophy and mutual respect for innovation. He underscores the importance of stepping outside comfort zones to cater to collectors seeking unique timepieces.
Notable Quote:
"We are dealing with collectors. So there is always a good reason to buy another watch, especially if it has been cooked by two innovative cooks working in the same kitchen."
— Niels Eggerding [01:19]
Guido Benedini adds that the collaboration responds directly to collector demands for more elegant dress watches with complicated movements, steering the partnership towards creating pieces that resonate with sophisticated watch enthusiasts.
Notable Quote:
"There has to be something there for, for, you know, a reason for collecting."
— Guido Benedini [05:23]
Design and Features of the New World Timer
The discussion delves deep into the design philosophy and technical specifications of the new World Timer watch. Guido explains the decision to create a smaller 40mm case, catering to modern preferences for more wearable sizes without compromising on the classic Frederique Constant aesthetics.
Notable Points:
Notable Quote:
"What we did is of course we had to make sure that the proportions would be perfect, that reading the world time would be perfect."
— Guido Benedini [07:35]
Production and Limited Edition Details
The collaborators reveal that the Frederique Constant x Watch Angels World Timer is a limited edition release of 718 pieces, priced at 4,495 Swiss francs. This edition is exclusive to the Watch Angels website, ensuring exclusivity and value for collectors.
Notable Points:
Notable Quote:
"There are no add-ons anymore. You take care of tax. So when you order outside of Switzerland, you don't charge more."
— Guido Benedini [11:03]
Market Insights and Trends for 2025
Niels and Guido share their perspectives on current market trends, emphasizing a shift towards more classical designs and daily wearability. They discuss the cooling down of the watch market post-peak, viewing it as a natural cycle that allows brands to refocus on innovation and efficiency.
Notable Quotes:
"It's very important to try things to see how the audience reacts and that you can do it with collaborations."
— Niels Eggerding [05:23]
"I think the acceleration is there. So the customer is not willing to buy something just regular on a regular basis."
— Niels Eggerding [32:14]
Views on Collaborations in the Watch Industry
The guests provide insightful commentary on the state of collaborations within the watch industry. Both agree that successful collaborations require genuine innovation and mutual respect between brands, rather than being mere marketing tactics.
Notable Quotes:
"We are two manufacturers in Switzerland where you bring the force together and you co-design something very unique and co-manufacture it."
— Niels Eggerding [30:59]
"There has been an inflation of those kinds of collaborations. So I think that the demand for collaborations is there will be as long as they are very, very innovative."
— Guido Benedini [32:14]
Listener Engagement and Future Projects
Alon invites listeners to engage with the guests by asking questions and providing feedback. Both Niels and Guido express enthusiasm for future collaborations and projects, hinting at upcoming innovative releases and potential partnerships, including a teased collaboration with Alpina.
Notable Quotes:
"I will move into the collection to investigate. Hey, should we not have a bit more, let's say, straight lines into certain case designs moving forward?"
— Niels Eggerding [16:45]
"We are indeed a sandbox both for brands and for collectors."
— Guido Benedini [19:01]
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks from Alon to both guests, praising their dedication to adding genuine value to the watch industry. Niels and Guido extend their gratitude and express anticipation for the market's reception of their latest creation.
Notable Quotes:
"You guys kept repeating that you very much listen to the markets... because you have kept on repeating that you very much listen to the markets."
— Alon Ben Joseph [33:58]
"Thank you for challenging me on this one. I like it. I will thank you, Alon, for that podcast."
— Niels Eggerding [41:55]
Conclusion
This episode of The Real Time Show offers a comprehensive look into the Frederique Constant x Watch Angels collaboration, providing listeners with an exclusive glimpse into the intricacies of high-end watchmaking partnerships. Through detailed discussions on design, market trends, and the philosophy of collaboration, Niels and Guido underscore the importance of innovation, community engagement, and respect for craftsmanship in creating timepieces that stand the test of time.
For more insights and episodes, visit www.therealtimeShow.com or follow them on Instagram @therealtimeShow.