Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – "Time To Watches: MING"

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
Guest: Praneeth Rash Singh, CEO of Ming
Location: Villa Saracen, Geneva

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph welcome Praneeth Rash Singh, CEO of the innovative watchmaking brand Ming. Filmed at the prestigious Villa Saracen during the Time To Watches event in Geneva, the conversation delves deep into Ming's strategic participation in major watch fairs, their collaborative endeavors within the industry, and their relentless pursuit of innovation.

Ming's Debut at Time To Watches

Praneeth Rash Singh discusses Ming's first-time participation in the Time To Watches event.

[00:37] "To be honest, we didn't really have any expectations when we came here. We decided to do this show for two reasons..."
— Praneeth Rash Singh

Ming aimed to increase their offline presence by attending key industry events like Dubai Watch Week and Geneva Watch Days. This participation was strategically timed with their recent collaboration with retail partners, marking their first European retail partnership. Praneeth emphasizes the importance of meeting a diverse range of stakeholders to foster meaningful business relationships.

[01:53] "So it wasn't a direct goal per se, but you were very open to the possibility of being exposed to this more business environment?"
— Rob Nudds

Formation and Purpose of the Alternative Horological Alliance (aha)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the formation of the Alternative Horological Alliance (aha), an informal coalition of independent watch brands aiming to support each other.

[02:58] "The aha, which stands for the Alternative Horological Alliance... was basically an idea that Megan I had for a while, and it's something that resonated with Thomas Fleming and Josh Shapiro as well."
— Praneeth Rash Singh

The alliance focuses on mutual support without formal structures, fostering collaborations that benefit all member brands. Last year's Geneva Watch Days saw Ming, Shapiro, and Fleming sharing a suite to present collectively, reducing costs and enhancing the visitor experience.

[04:21] "And makes it easier for them. And I think that's what made junior watch days very different for me last year, is you drop by and you're just hanging out with three different brands. And all of us are friends."
— Praneeth Rash Singh

Innovative Collaboration: The Tantalum Bracelet

Ming's groundbreaking project—the world's first serially produced tantalum bracelet—highlights their commitment to material innovation and cross-brand collaboration.

[05:00] "We presented a prototype of what we think is the world's first serially produced tantalum bracelet...
— Praneeth Rash Singh

Crafted to be universally compatible with watches from Ming, Shapiro, and Fleming, the bracelet exemplifies cost-effective innovation. Praneeth explains the complexities of working with tantalum, a challenging material to machine due to its unique properties.

[06:58] "So if you have a really sharp vegetable peel and a carrot, peeling a carrot is like machining steel or titanium. With tantalum... it's like wet cement."
— Praneeth Rash Singh

The collaboration leveraged the collective expertise of the three brands, particularly Josh Shapiro's machining know-how, enabling them to produce the bracelet at a more accessible price point.

[09:03] "We're hoping to get the price down to, let's hope, 15,000 francs."
— Praneeth Rash Singh

The Future of Collaborations in Independent Watchmaking

The conversation shifts to broader industry trends, particularly the rise of cross-brand collaborations among independent watchmakers.

[11:44] "Collaborations in the sense that it's marketed as a collaboration and it's dialed or the dial carries two brand names... one of the things comes up often when I meet people from other brands..."
— Praneeth Rash Singh

Praneeth reflects on the varying success of collaborations, noting that those with a cohesive story and genuine intent tend to resonate better with enthusiasts. He also highlights the challenges smaller brands face in securing reliable suppliers amidst consolidations by major groups like LVMH.

[13:00] "For the smaller brands, it's like, hey, what happens to us?"
— Praneeth Rash Singh

The aha alliance is positioned as a strategic response to these challenges, promoting knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving to ensure sustainability and innovation within the independent sector.

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges: The Role of Mauro

Praneeth shares compelling anecdotes illustrating the critical role of Mauro, a key contact within the Swiss watchmaking network, affectionately dubbed "five Minute Closet" for his rapid problem-solving abilities.

[24:26] "If we didn't have Maro on board, we would have missed the boat by like two months."
— Praneeth Rash Singh

One notable story involves a last-minute crisis where a supplier abruptly withdrew from a tantalum project. Mauro's swift intervention facilitated an immediate redesign and secured a new supply chain, illustrating the indispensable nature of reliable partnerships in the industry.

Storytelling and Brand Narrative in Watch Design

Ming's approach to storytelling is candidly discussed, emphasizing the evolution from technical descriptions to more engaging narratives that resonate with their community.

[21:46] "If you don't give people a narrative or an anchor, they're going to find their own anchor. And more often than not, that anchor is going to be incorrect."
— Praneeth Rash Singh

Praneeth acknowledges the initial challenges Ming faced in articulating their brand story but highlights their progress in creating compelling narratives that align with their innovative designs. This balance ensures that their community remains connected and informed, fostering deeper brand loyalty.

Ming's Branding and Strategic Innovation

The discussion explores Ming's reputation as a trailblazer, not just in product innovation but also in branding, sales strategy, and market positioning.

[29:34] "They are endlessly creative. They operate effectively in multiple price points, better than many new brands have ever been able to do."
— Josh Shapiro

Ming's ability to offer watches across a broad price spectrum—from entry-level to high-end pieces—demonstrates their versatile branding strategy. Josh Shapiro praises Ming for their experimental approach and the genuine connections they foster with their community, setting a benchmark for other independent brands.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, hosts and guests reflect on Ming's impactful presence in the watchmaking industry. Praising their innovative spirit and collaborative nature, they underscore Ming's role in inspiring and enabling other brands to push boundaries.

[34:41] "And let's hope the men keep doing it because they're rewriting the rulebook and giving newer brands coming up through the ranks... something that's never been tried before."
— Josh Shapiro

The hosts express eagerness to feature Ming in future episodes, recognizing their significant contributions and the inspiring path they are forging for independent watchmaking.

Notable Quotes:

• Praneeth Rash Singh [00:37]:
  "We decided to do this show for two reasons... to be more offline, doing more events, meeting enthusiasts, collectors, friends from the industry."

• Praneeth Rash Singh [06:58]:
  "Peeling a carrot is like machining steel or titanium. With tantalum... it's like wet cement."

• Praneeth Rash Singh [21:46]:
  "If you don't give people a narrative or an anchor, they're going to find their own anchor. And more often than not, that anchor is going to be incorrect."

• Josh Shapiro [29:34]:
  "They are endlessly creative. They operate effectively in multiple price points, better than many new brands have ever been able to do."

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Participation: Ming's involvement in major watch fairs is part of a deliberate strategy to enhance offline presence and build robust business relationships.

• Collaborative Innovation: Through the Alternative Horological Alliance, Ming exemplifies how independent brands can collaboratively overcome industry challenges and pioneer unique products.

• Material Mastery: Ming's development of the first serially produced tantalum bracelet underscores their commitment to material innovation and overcoming manufacturing challenges.

• Narrative Importance: Effective storytelling is crucial for brand identity and community engagement, ensuring that design innovations are well-received and understood.

• Supply Chain Resilience: Reliable partnerships, exemplified by Mauro's problem-solving, are essential for sustaining independent watch brands in a competitive and consolidating industry.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Ming's strategic initiatives, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to innovation, providing valuable insights for watch enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.