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:
- Case Design: Transition from the traditional 42mm to a sleek 40mm case, incorporating straight lines and a sport elegant style.
- Dial Features: Introduction of a singular stunning blue dial, elimination of the date display to enhance readability and aesthetics, and refinement of the world time disc.
- Movement: Utilization of the proprietary FC718 in-house movement, maintaining high standards of craftsmanship and precision.
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:
- Availability: Limited to 718 pieces worldwide.
- Pricing: Includes all taxes and shipping, ensuring transparency for international buyers.
- Dial Color: Exclusive beautiful blue dial, enhancing the watch's elegance.
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.
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