The Real Time Show: Episode Summary – "Time To Watches: Bvlgari"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Real Time Show
• Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
• Episode: Time To Watches: Bvlgari
• Release Date: May 21, 2025
• Description: Real questions. Real Answers. Real talk. The world's most interactive watchmaking podcast, hosted by Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph.

1. Geneva Watch Days: Revival and Growth

The episode opens with hosts Alon Ben Joseph and Catherine Eberlet Devoe discussing the resurgence and evolution of Geneva Watch Days (GWD), a prominent event in the watchmaking and luxury industries.

Origins Amidst a Pandemic: Catherine recounts the inception of GWD in 2020, a year marred by the global COVID-19 pandemic. As international fairs were halted, visionaries like Jean Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari and LVMH Watches, alongside other industry leaders, recognized the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions. Catherine emphasizes, “It is mostly to hug each other. This is the whole point of this industry” (00:37).

Growth and Evolution: From its humble beginnings with 19 brands and a couple of hundred attendees, GWD has flourished into a significant event featuring over 60 brands and attracting 13,000 visitors last year (01:49). Catherine highlights the event's dual role in fostering business and nurturing the watchmaking community, stating, “A watch is an exceptional object. This is something that you buy rarely, occasionally. So if we don't keep the flame, it could disappear” (05:30).

Mission and Community Building: The discussion delves into GWD's mission to make watchmaking visible and vibrant, not just for business but as a cultural and educational endeavor. Catherine elaborates, “It's a mission to answer to the eagerness of the curious, the fans, the collectors, to open the doors of the beautiful brands that join us” (11:28). This mission extends to inspiring future generations of watchmakers and artisans, ensuring the sustainability of the craft.

Inclusivity and Accessibility: Alon praises the inclusive nature of GWD, contrasting it with former giants like Baselworld. He remarks, “You guys were the first fair to embrace the collectors. It's almost as if they are the number one priority” (14:35). Catherine confirms this focus, emphasizing that GWD is designed primarily for collectors and enthusiasts rather than being a B2B event.

Invitation to Brands and Visitors: Catherine extends an open invitation to brands and professionals interested in joining GWD. She outlines the straightforward process of participation, mentioning, “If you are a brand, or if you want to launch your brand, you can send me an email” (15:30). The event is lauded for its cost-efficiency and the autonomy it offers brands in designing their showroom experiences.

2. Bulgari’s Watch Innovations and Industry Impact

Transitioning from GWD, the conversation shifts to Bulgari’s recent endeavors in watchmaking, particularly showcased at Watches and Wonders.

Appreciation for Bulgari’s Designs: Rob Nudds expresses profound admiration for Bulgari’s Serpenti collection, highlighting a new model he found exceptionally captivating: “It's pristine work. The stone setting is exquisite. Everything about that watch speaks to me” (21:26). He praises the balance between aesthetic allure and mechanical sophistication in Bulgari's designs.

Technical Insights into Bulgari’s Movements: The discussion moves to the technical aspects of Bulgari’s watchmaking, specifically the development of smaller calibre movements like the Piccolino. Rob provides an in-depth analysis, noting the challenges of miniaturization: “The finer and smaller the gearing gets, the harder it is to control” (23:58). He emphasizes Bulgari’s investment in research and development, attributing their success in creating reliable small movements to LVMH's robust support.

Innovation and Branding: Rob contemplates the necessity of mechanical movements in certain Bulgari models, suggesting that for collections like Serpenti, aesthetics and craftsmanship take precedence over technical specifications. However, he commends the availability of mechanical options as a testament to Bulgari’s versatility and commitment to catering to diverse consumer preferences: “It's a bit of a flex really. It just shows what they're able to do because of their size and their know-how” (23:58).

Achievements and Future Directions: The conversation touches upon Bulgari’s continuous pursuit of world records in watchmaking, portraying them as industry innovators. Rob marvels at the ultra-thin designs, albeit with a hint of skepticism about their practicality: “I can't get it. Like, how have they done it?” (28:42). Despite his awe, he questions the consumer appeal versus the statement of capability these records represent.

Industry Impact: Alon and Rob agree that Bulgari has cemented its place as a serious contender in the high-end watch market, pushing boundaries and setting new standards. Rob concludes, “Credibility is no longer a question. I think when it comes to this and by continuing to just destroy these world records, they're always going to be top of mind when it comes to innovators in the industry” (31:11).

3. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Plans

The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and hints at future collaborations and events.

Future Events and Brainstorming: Alon mentions ongoing brainstorming sessions with Catherine to plan exciting activities for the upcoming Geneva Watch Days summer event. This indicates the podcast’s commitment to staying engaged with the watchmaking community and contributing to its growth.

Final Thoughts: Rob reflects on missed connections during his time at Villa Saracen but expresses eagerness to reconnect with industry legends like Fabrizio Buonamasa in future episodes.

Key Takeaways:

• Geneva Watch Days (GWD): A revitalized watchmaking event that emphasizes community, education, and the preservation of watchmaking artistry. Under Catherine Eberlet Devoe’s leadership, GWD has grown significantly, fostering both business and cultural engagement within the industry.

• Bulgari’s Innovation: Bulgari continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking with stunning designs and technical advancements. Their commitment to miniaturization and quality, supported by LVMH, positions them as leaders and innovators in the high-end watch market.

• Community and Collaboration: The episode underscores the importance of community-building events like GWD in sustaining the watchmaking ecosystem and highlights the collaborative spirit essential for the industry's growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Catherine Eberlet Devoe (00:37): “It is mostly to hug each other. This is the whole point of this industry.”

• Catherine Eberlet Devoe (05:30): “A watch is an exceptional object. This is something that you buy rarely, occasionally. So if we don't keep the flame, it could disappear.”

• Alon Ben Joseph (14:35): “You guys were the first fair to embrace the collectors. It's almost as if they are the number one priority.”

• Rob Nudds (21:26): “It's pristine work. The stone setting is exquisite. Everything about that watch speaks to me.”

• Rob Nudds (23:58): “It's a bit of a flex really. It just shows what they're able to do because of their size and their know-how.”

• Rob Nudds (31:11): “Credibility is no longer a question. I think when it comes to this and by continuing to just destroy these world records, they're always going to be top of mind when it comes to innovators in the industry.”

This episode of The Real Time Show offers an insightful exploration into the vibrant world of watchmaking, highlighting the revival of Geneva Watch Days and showcasing Bulgari's pioneering efforts in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, the discussions provide a comprehensive understanding of the current trends and future directions in luxury watchmaking.