The Real Time Show: The TRTS Network Descends On Amsterdam — In-Person Episode
Release Date: July 13, 2025
Introduction
In a landmark episode of The Real Time Show (TRTS), hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph bring the podcast's vibrant community together for the first official meetup in Amsterdam. This special in-person episode captures the essence of TRTS—real questions, real answers, and real talk—by engaging directly with devoted listeners and watch enthusiasts from around the globe.
Meetup Highlights
The Amsterdam meetup serves as a melting pot for watch aficionados, watchmakers, and industry professionals, fostering deep conversations and meaningful exchanges. Throughout the week, TRTS members visited esteemed watchmaking establishments like Holtierichs and Van der Klau, enriching their appreciation and understanding of the craft.
Community Member Spotlights
Ben’s Journey into Watchmaking
Ben, a criminologist and criminal intelligence analyst for the German police, shares his fascinating transition into the realm of watchmaking. Over the past three years, Ben has dedicated himself to educating in the field, attending courses at Schronhoven and the British Horological Institute. “It calms down, relaxes because it again switches off everything else” (02:25), he explains, highlighting the tranquil escape watchmaking provides amidst his demanding career.
Despite limited time—spending only two to three hours weekly on the bench—Ben has made significant strides, servicing high-caliber watches like the Porsche Design Chrono and performing detailed maintenance such as changing batteries and watch straps. His passion has even led colleagues to seek his expertise, marking an unexpected but rewarding aspect of his hobby.
Max: The Watchmaker’s Philosopher
Max, a master watchmaker based in Austria, brings a professional perspective to the TRTS community. Specializing in servicing Rolex and other premium brands, Max discovered TRTS while seeking engaging content to accompany his meticulous work on watch movements. “It's perfect because your episodes are around one hour. So I could always listen to one of your podcasts and I would know my work is done when the podcast is finished” (22:57), he remarks.
Max appreciates the podcast's independence and objectivity, noting, “It's because journalism should be independent” (25:06). He values the respectful and intellectual discussions within the TRTS community, which contrast sharply with other platforms where watch conversations often feel commercialized or superficial.
Henriette: Championing Women in Watchmaking
Henriette, a 27-year-old master watchmaker from South Germany, embodies the progressive spirit of TRTS. Working with prestigious brands like Rolex, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, Henriette emphasizes the importance of female representation in the industry. “I really enjoy to see that there are other women in the topic” (40:59), she shares, advocating for equal opportunities and recognition.
Henriette appreciates TRTS for providing a supportive environment where her passion for watchmaking is understood and celebrated. She also highlights the community's blend of serious debate and light-hearted banter, fostering both intellectual and enjoyable interactions.
Dennis: The Oris Enthusiast
Dennis, a 43-year-old watch enthusiast from Limburg, Netherlands, introduces himself as a long-time fan of Oris. His journey into TRTS began through a series of connected communities, culminating in his active participation and appreciation for the podcast's straightforwardness and honesty. “It's straightforwardness. It's the honesty that's really enjoyable” (54:25), Dennis states, underscoring the genuine passion that drives TRTS content.
Dennis's collection primarily features dive and tool watches, with a recent shift towards dress watches, demonstrating his evolving taste and deepening appreciation for various watch styles.
Hosts’ Insight: The Birth and Mission of TRTS
Alon delves into the origins of TRTS, highlighting its foundation on pure passion rather than a rigid business model. “We just sat down, started jamming, recording, and it worked because we had a huge following immediately” (18:05), he recounts. The hosts emphasize their commitment to independence, ensuring that their content remains unbiased and free from commercial pressures.
Rob adds, “We create a space where anybody felt welcome. Male, female, otherwise one defines themselves” (52:34), reinforcing TRTS’s inclusive philosophy. The hosts discuss their strategic decisions, such as co-designing watches without retailing them directly, which allows them to maintain transparency and trust within the community.
Promoting Inclusivity: Women in Watchmaking
A significant portion of the episode addresses the underrepresentation of women in watchmaking and watch journalism. Both Rob and Alon acknowledge the industry's historical gender imbalance and express their dedication to fostering a more inclusive environment. Henriette's participation underscores this commitment, as she advocates for more female voices and perspectives within TRTS and the broader watch community.
Rob reflects on the challenges and progress in promoting gender diversity, stating, “It's a privilege to make mistakes in my career… but I think a lot of it will come down to the feeling, to the sense like how accepted are people who don't look like me or Alon in the industry now” (47:38). This introspection highlights TRTS’s ongoing efforts to support and elevate women's roles in the watchmaking sphere.
Interactive Q&A Sessions
Throughout the episode, TRTS members pose thoughtful questions to the hosts, fostering a dynamic and engaging dialogue. For instance, Ben inquires about the podcast's business model, to which Alon and Rob provide an insightful explanation of their collaborative and flexible approach to content creation.
Max poses a logistical question about scheduling interviews, prompting Alon and Rob to discuss their agile and adaptable methods for coordinating with guests across different time zones. These interactions reveal the behind-the-scenes workings of TRTS and the hosts' dedication to maintaining a seamless and responsive podcast experience.
Conclusion
The Amsterdam meetup episode of The Real Time Show exemplifies the podcast's core values of community, authenticity, and passion for watchmaking. By bringing together diverse voices—from seasoned watchmakers like Max and Henriette to dedicated enthusiasts like Ben and Dennis—TRTS fosters a rich and inclusive environment for all who share a love for timepieces.
As Rob and Alon continue to evolve the podcast, their unwavering commitment to independence and inclusivity ensures that The Real Time Show remains a beloved and respected platform within the watchmaking community. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a comprehensive glimpse into the vibrant world of TRTS and its dedicated members.
Notable Quotes
- Ben: “It calms down, relaxes because it again switches off everything else” (02:25)
- Max: “It's because journalism should be independent” (25:06)
- Henriette: “I really enjoy to see that there are other women in the topic” (40:59)
- Dennis: “It's straightforwardness. It's the honesty that's really enjoyable” (54:25)
- Alon: “We just sat down, started jamming, recording, and it worked because we had a huge following immediately” (18:05)
- Rob: “We create a space where anybody felt welcome. Male, female, otherwise one defines themselves” (52:34)
- Rob: “It's a privilege to make mistakes in my career… but I think a lot of it will come down to the feeling, to the sense like how accepted are people who don't look like me or Alon in the industry now” (47:38)
Join the Community
For those inspired by this episode, The Real Time Show invites listeners to become part of their growing community. Connect via WhatsApp, visit their website at www.therealtime.show, or follow them on Instagram at @realtime.show. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts, share your passion, and stay updated with the latest in watchmaking through TRTS's interactive platform.
Stay tuned for more insightful episodes and join the conversation to keep the love for watches ticking forward.