Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – "Sexy Boi Guillaume Laidet Talks SpaceOne, Nevada Grenchen, Vulcain, and Current Affairs"

Release Date: April 4, 2025
Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
Guest: Guillaume Laidet

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph engage in an in-depth conversation with Guillaume Laidet, a prominent figure in the watchmaking industry. Guillaume brings insights from his work with esteemed brands such as SpaceOne, Nevada Grenchen, and Vulcain, while also delving into current industry challenges like international tariffs. The discussion offers a blend of technical innovation, market strategies, and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for watch enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

SpaceOne: Innovation and Design

Guillaume Laidet opens the discussion by highlighting the successful launch of SpaceOne's latest collection, the Chrono Skin Diver. He emphasizes the brand's commitment to producing unique timepieces that combine futuristic design with proprietary complications.

• Notable Quote:
  "We are providing something that almost no one else is – a beautiful concept watch with futuristic design, but also with our own complication." (01:26)

Guillaume discusses the Jumping Hour and Tellurium complications, both developed in-house by Theo Fret. These features set SpaceOne apart in the competitive watch market, offering functionalities that are both innovative and aesthetically pleasing.

• Quote:
  "Our own Jumping hour made by Theo Fret. Our own Tellurium that is also made by Theo." (01:26)

Rob Nudds expresses his admiration for the Tellurium complication, praising its value and quality.

• Quote:
  "The Tellurium comes out and I think it is the best value complicated watch in the industry, bar none." (03:02)

New Releases and Design Philosophy

The conversation shifts to the design aspects of SpaceOne's new releases. Guillaume elaborates on the ergonomic and aesthetic enhancements made by designer Olivier, who contributed to both the Tellurium and the latest World Timer model.

• Quote:
  "The case was reimagined by Olivier, the designer who made the case for the Tellurium." (02:50)

Rob is particularly impressed by the World Timer's functionality, which features local time displays and a multi-city dial, enhancing its practicality for global users.

• Quote:
  "It's a beautiful shape. Extremely ergonomic. Wears on the wrist wonderfully. It's very light as well." (05:14)

Nevada Grenchen: Heritage and Expansion

Transitioning to Nevada Grenchen, Guillaume provides an overview of the brand's resurgence and market strategy. Laidet emphasizes the brand's historical legacy dating back to 1926, which lends credibility and appeal to modern consumers.

• Quote:
  "This brand was created in 1926. So there is some good legitimacy. There is a crazy back catalog." (07:32)

He shares impressive sales figures, noting that Nevada Grenchen sold 12,000 watches last year with over 80 points of sale worldwide. The brand's strategy includes expanding product sizes to cater to a broader audience, including introducing larger models and a new ladies' collection.

• Quote:
  "We sold like 12,000 watches last year. We have now like more than 80 points of sale worldwide." (07:32)

Guillaume also highlights the brand's responsiveness to customer feedback, leading to the development of larger watch sizes and specialized collections aimed at different demographics.

• Quote:
  "This is a really ladies' collection. It's not just a smaller size of one of our main collections with diamonds or mother of pearl. It's a really ladies' collection." (10:56)

Vulcain: Traditional Appeal Meets Modern Strategy

Vulcain, another key brand under Guillaume's oversight, is discussed as a traditional yet evolving player in the watch industry. The emphasis is on maintaining the brand's heritage while adapting to contemporary market demands.

• Quote:
  "Volcain is more of a retail brand. We are doing not 80% but a majority of sales on the retail side because it's a more traditional brand." (14:58)

Vulcain's strategy includes strengthening its presence in major markets like Italy, Switzerland, and the US, as well as enhancing online sales channels.

Navigating Current Affairs: US Tariffs and Market Impact

A significant portion of the episode addresses the impact of newly announced US tariffs on the watch industry. Guillaume shares insights into how these tariffs, intensifying up to 31% for Switzerland, pose challenges for exporting brands.

• Quote:
  "The tariff from Trump... it's going to be a big change for the industry." (17:09)

Rob Nudds and Guillaume discuss potential strategies to mitigate these tariffs, such as assembling watches in the US or adjusting pricing structures. They debate the feasibility of absorbing the tariffs versus passing costs onto consumers, especially for small to mid-sized brands.

• Quote:
  "Maybe assemble in the U.S. in some way. We have with Mohise a possibility to do that." (19:02)

Guillaume reflects on the historical precedents of Swiss brands assembling in the Virgin Islands to avoid tariffs, suggesting that similar strategies might be necessary.

• Quote:
  "Back in the days a lot of Swiss watches were assembled in the Virgin Islands." (19:26)

The conversation acknowledges the precarious balance brands must maintain between pricing, quality, and accessibility in the face of economic pressures.

The Future of Independent Watchmaking

Concluding the episode, Rob Nudds and Guillaume Laidet exchange views on the evolving landscape of watchmaking. They highlight the resilience of independent brands and the potential for innovation to drive the industry forward, even amidst economic uncertainties.

• Quote:
  "This could kill them. Yeah. Be very bad for us. Maybe we'll slow a bit. But you know, I was yesterday I was dining with Etienne from Baltic... very concerned." (21:19)

Rob optimistically notes that the challenges posed by tariffs might create opportunities for smaller, innovative brands to gain market traction by offering value without the inflated prices of larger competitors.

• Quote:
  "When you've got that kind of perceived value product, then maybe this is a moment where the big brands finally get the rug pulled from under their feet." (23:08)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Rob expressing his appreciation for Guillaume's contributions to the industry and the insightful discussion on navigating current challenges. He emphasizes the importance of staying informed and adaptable in a rapidly changing market.

• Quote:
  "Guillon, thank you for what you're doing for the industry. We appreciate all the hard work and all the effort." (24:09)

Key Takeaways

• Innovation in Watchmaking: SpaceOne's unique complications and futuristic designs set new standards in accessible luxury.

• Heritage and Modernity: Nevada Grenchen leverages its rich history to expand globally, catering to diverse customer needs with new collections.

• Market Challenges: US tariffs present significant hurdles, prompting brands to explore strategic adjustments to maintain market presence.

• Independent Resilience: Small and mid-sized brands like SpaceOne and Nevada Grenchen demonstrate the ability to thrive through innovation and strategic agility.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Guillaume Laidet on SpaceOne's Unique Offerings:

   "We are providing something that almost no one else is – a beautiful concept watch with futuristic design, but also with our own complication." (01:26)

2. Rob Nudds Praising the Tellurium:

   "The Tellurium comes out and I think it is the best value complicated watch in the industry, bar none." (03:02)

3. Guillaume on Nevada Grenchen's Legacy:

   "This brand was created in 1926. So there is some good legitimacy. There is a crazy back catalog." (07:32)

4. Guillaume on Vulcain's Retail Strategy:

   "Volcain is more of a retail brand. We are doing not 80% but a majority of sales on the retail side because it's a more traditional brand." (14:58)

5. Discussion on US Tariffs Impact:

   "The tariff from Trump... it's going to be a big change for the industry." (17:09)

6. Guillaume on Potential Solutions:

   "Maybe assemble in the U.S. in some way. We have with Mohise a possibility to do that." (19:02)

7. Rob on the Future Amid Tariffs:

   "When you've got that kind of perceived value product, then maybe this is a moment where the big brands finally get the rug pulled from under their feet." (23:08)

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Real Time Show offers a comprehensive look into the dynamic world of watchmaking through the lens of Guillaume Laidet. From groundbreaking watch designs to navigating international trade challenges, listeners gain valuable insights into both the creative and business aspects of the industry. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the watch scene, this discussion provides a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping the future of timepieces.