Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – "Time To Watches: Milus"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Real Time Show
- Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
- Episode: Time To Watches: Milus
- Release Date: May 20, 2025
- Description: Real questions. Real Answers. Real talk. The world's most interactive watchmaking podcast, hosted by Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph.
Introduction
In the episode titled "Time To Watches: Milus," hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph delve into the rich history and innovative offerings of Milus, a venerable watchmaking brand. Filmed at the glass igloo front of Vassar Saint during Time To Watches 2025, the episode features an engaging conversation with Katja, a representative from Milus, who provides in-depth insights into the brand's heritage, current collections, and future directions.
Brand Pronunciation and Philosophy
Rob Nudds opens the discussion by addressing a common debate about the pronunciation of "Milus."
- Rob (00:00-00:50): “We had a debate if it's Milus or Milus, so we'll ask Katja herself.”
Katja clarifies:
- Katja (00:45-00:50): “We pronounce it Milos in English and we pronounce it Milus in French.”
This dual pronunciation strategy highlights Milus's international presence and adaptability in diverse markets.
Snowstorm Collection: Inspiration and Features
Katja introduces the Snowstorm Collection, inspired by a historical barter kit used by American pilots during the Pacific Wars of the 1940s.
- Katja (01:19-02:36): “The Snowstorm collection is inspired by a live barter kit that the American army procured for their pilots participating in the Pacific wars. The barter kit contained a Milus watch and a few items in 14 karat gold...”
This collection not only pays homage to a significant historical event—the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the Pacific War—but also integrates functionality and craftsmanship.
Rob expresses admiration for the story:
- Rob (02:36-02:39): “How amazing is this story?”
Alon Ben Joseph adds enthusiasm:
- Alon (02:37-02:39): “It's really cool. I love it.”
Packaging and Included Goodies
The hosts examine the meticulously crafted backlight box, reminiscent of a vintage cigar case, which contains the Snowstorm kit.
- Rob (04:05-04:14): “So I have in my hands a backlight box in the size of a cigar case from back in the day.”
Inside, the kit includes the Snow Star watch, a NATO-style strap, two pink gold earrings, a gold locket hanger shaped like a heart, and gourmet gold links.
- Katja (04:14-05:16): “...there's no place to put the bracelet because the box had to be small and it was fitting, in fact in the pocket of the jacket of the pilot...”
The thoughtful packaging underscores Milus's commitment to quality and historical fidelity.
History of Milus Watches
Katja provides a comprehensive overview of Milus's storied history, emphasizing its century-long legacy.
- Katja (07:31-09:00): “Meyers is a 106-year-old company... created in 1919 by the family Junot... changed hands in 2017 when Mr. Luc Tissot from the Tissot family decided to take over the company and in a way bring it back to Swiss hands.”
This revival under the Tissot family's stewardship marks a new chapter, allowing Milus to leverage its rich heritage while innovating for the future.
Current Collections and Product Lines
Snowstar Collection:
- Inspired by military history, combining the Snowstorm watch with a Swiss knife by Swiza in the Midway special editions.
Achivement Diver Collection:
- Katja introduces the Achivement Diver Collection, a nod to Milus's active history in diver watches during the 60s and 70s.
- Katja (09:50-10:24): “...the Diver collection we have a new model which is the Diver. But we including the world time function... It’s a compressor style.”
The collection features twin crowns, internal rotating bezels, and refined dial finishes, blending classic diver aesthetics with modern functionality.
Market Presence and Distribution
Milus has strategically expanded its global footprint, particularly excelling in the United States and leveraging e-commerce platforms to reach a broader audience.
- Katja (09:00-09:34): “Well, in the United States, definitely... we are developing now the German market very nicely. France, Italy and in Asia we are present in India.”
In India, Milus collaborates with Titan, a prominent retailer, to distribute its watches, ensuring accessibility in key markets.
Future Plans and Innovations
Looking ahead, Milus is poised to introduce a chronograph model and explore advanced complications.
- Katja (10:38-11:10): “We will for sure also develop a chronograph model... Myles has also complications with dedicated movements. One of them was the tri retrograde movement...”
These innovations reflect Milus's dedication to maintaining its competitive edge through technical advancements.
Feedback from Time To Watches Fair
The reception at the Time To Watches Fair has been overwhelmingly positive, with stakeholders noting that the perceived value of Milus products surpasses their price points.
- Katja (12:17-12:26): “The perceived value of our product is higher than the price.”
Pricing details:
- Snowstorm Collection: CHF 1,800 - CHF 2,000 for the kit; CHF 2,300 - CHF 2,500 for special editions with the knife.
- Achivement Line: CHF 2,000 - CHF 2,400.
Hosts’ Personal Impressions and Conclusion
Alon Ben Joseph lauds the quality and design of Milus watches, emphasizing their superior machining and finishing.
- Alon (05:16-06:01): “...the delicate touches of the plating or the color choices... Milus makes a really good product and I don't think enough people know about that.”
Sam highlights the exceptional build quality and the seamless integration of Milus products into daily wear.
- Sam (23:13-20:43): “Every time I hold a Milus watch in my hands... they just work and they just fit. And especially some of the special editions they were doing, like, the all black Snow Star is absolutely wicked in real life.”
Rob Nudds expresses personal admiration and excitement for Milus's offerings and the brand's future.
- Rob (14:12-22:53): “...congratulations. I'm in love... And the moral of the story is don't count the family business... Kudos to Miles. Keep up the good work.”
Notable Quotes
-
Katja (01:19): “...in case of a forced landing, the pilot could use the Milus watch and the gold items as a bartering item to procure food or to find his way or eventually to save his life.”
-
Alon (06:01): “Milos makes a really good product and I don't think enough people know about that.”
-
Sam (20:43): “...when you get them in hand, you can just feel the machining quality and that the attention has been paid to the right parts of watch design and watch construction.”
-
Rob (12:47): “...the perceived value of our product is higher than the price.”
Conclusion
The "Time To Watches: Milus" episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Milus's dedication to craftsmanship, historical homage, and innovative product development. Through engaging dialogue and firsthand experiences, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph shed light on why Milus stands out in the competitive watchmaking industry. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this episode underscores Milus's commitment to quality, heritage, and future-forward design.