The Real Time Show: Episode Summary - "Time To Watches: Albishorn"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Real Time Show
• Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
• Episode: Time To Watches: Albishorn
• Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph delve deep into the world of Albishorn, a burgeoning watchmaking brand making significant waves in the industry. Recorded live at the Time to Watches event in Geneva 2025, the episode features an insightful conversation with Sebastian Chamalte, a pivotal figure behind Albishorn.

Albishorn's Vision and Brand Identity

Sebastian Chamalte introduces Albishorn as a brand that seeks to "make the episodes we all missed" in watchmaking history. Unlike traditional brands that either reproduce vintage models or release reissues, Albishorn aims to create original pieces that could have existed if the brand had been established decades earlier.

Sebastian Chamalte [00:44]: "The brand is actually here to make the episodes we all missed and we would have loved to see from probably famous films or series we all loved."

Albishorn's approach is to blend vintage inspirations with innovative designs, ensuring that each watch reflects a specific era's essence without being mere replicas. This method allows the brand to explore a diverse range of styles from the 1930s to the 1970s, incorporating unique features that set their timepieces apart.

Sebastian Chamalte [02:15]: "We try still to approach that like a brand in the sense of having DNA within the scope but still having a big variety of products going from the 30s up to the 70s."

Design Philosophy and Historical Integration

A significant aspect of Albishorn's identity is its meticulous attention to historical accuracy and design evolution. Sebastian emphasizes the importance of adhering to the applicable laws and styles of each decade, ensuring that the watches not only look authentic but also embody the technical advancements of their purported era.

Sebastian Chamalte [03:50]: "We even follow the legislation, so we really take it seriously somehow. But always with a smile on our face."

Key design elements include a concave bezel, a prominent red monopusher on the left side of the case, and varied chronograph layouts. These features serve as the brand's signature, maintaining consistency across different models while allowing for creative diversity.

Sebastian Chamalte [04:09]: "The bezel is one part of it being concave. The big monopusher in red aluminum. The positioning of the crown which is systematically on the left side of the case."

Re-issues vs. Original Vintage Pieces

The conversation shifts to the topic of re-issues and modern reproductions of vintage watches. Sebastian expresses a clear preference for original pieces, citing several reasons why modern re-issues often fall short of capturing the true spirit and craftsmanship of their predecessors.

Sebastian Chamalte [08:45]: "For many reasons, because like most of people, you would like to chase a real thing. And I would say most of these that didn't catch the spirit, they didn't catch the proportion rights."

He further elaborates on the limitations of re-issues, mentioning issues like wearability, waterproofing, and the inability to replicate historical movements accurately.

Sebastian Chamalte [09:04]: "Obviously they're wearable, they're probably more waterproof. Most of them less radioactive."

Future Directions and Upcoming Models

Sebastian provides a glimpse into Albishorn's roadmap, outlining plans to explore watch designs up to the 1970s with intentions to revisit earlier decades like the 1920s. This strategic approach allows the brand to continuously innovate while staying true to its historical inspirations.

Sebastian Chamalte [10:21]: "For so far it has been going very well, but you never know. And yeah, so the idea is going back first to the seventies but also to go back at some point and adding stuff in the 30s and 20s."

He also touches upon the potential of evolving the brand's logo to reflect different eras, enhancing the authenticity of each timepiece.

Sebastian Chamalte [12:26]: "If you want to play the game of period correctness at some point someone would have come and said your old logo is boring in the 60s. You need something fresh. So we did something fresh. Different."

Craftsmanship and Unique Features

Rob Nudds lauds the exceptional craftsmanship of Albishorn watches, highlighting the meticulous finishing and distinctive features like the red pusher on the left side.

Rob Nudds [13:18]: "Every single watch that you've ever put in my hands has just blown me away. The finishing is not to be slept on. It's incredible."

Sebastian shares inspirations drawn from historical pieces, including Vacheron Constantin models from the Second World War era, showcasing Albishorn's dedication to integrating authentic materials and design techniques.

Sebastian Chamalte [13:46]: "They didn't use aluminum on that thing. I have red and blue for the setting the serial time and everything. And they already used anodized aluminium because was the only way at the time to get colored something on the metal."

Pricing and Availability

The hosts discuss the exclusivity and pricing of Albishorn watches. Sebastian reveals that their timepieces are available exclusively online, with price points ranging from CHF 3,650 to CHF 4,150, reflecting their premium craftsmanship and exclusive design.

Sebastian Chamalte [15:00]: "It starts at CHF 3,650 and goes up to CHF 4,150."

Rob provides the official website for interested listeners to explore and purchase Albishorn watches.

Rob Nudds [15:19]: "It is albisonwatches.ch."

Conclusion and Future Collaborations

The episode concludes with Alon Ben Joseph praising Sebastian's expertise and the innovative direction of Albishorn. He hints at future collaborations, including potential masterclasses on chronographs and intellectual property within watchmaking.

Alon Ben Joseph [16:22]: "We can take it wider with him looking at watchmaking history, and we could do a second series with him just on IP. So intellectual property within watchmaking."

Rob echoes the sentiment, expressing excitement about future projects and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth discussions with Sebastian.

Rob Nudds [18:36]: "This is a great connection to have made a good friend to have accrued along the way and someone I really can't wait to work with more."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Real Time Show offers a comprehensive look into Albishorn's unique approach to watchmaking, blending historical reverence with modern innovation. Sebastian Chamalte's passion and expertise provide listeners with valuable insights into the brand's mission to redefine and enrich the tapestry of watchmaking history.

For those keen to experience Albishorn's exceptional timepieces firsthand, visiting their website albisonwatches.ch or attending watch events where Albishorn showcases their collections is highly recommended.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Sebastian [00:44]: "The brand is actually here to make the episodes we all missed..."
• Sebastian [04:09]: "The bezel is one part of it being concave..."
• Sebastian [08:45]: "For many reasons, because like most of people, you would like to chase a real thing..."
• Sebastian [10:21]: "For so far it has been going very well..."
• Rob [13:18]: "Every single watch that you've ever put in my hands has just blown me away..."
• Alon [16:22]: "We can take it wider with him looking at watchmaking history..."