Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – Episode: Time To Watches: Taos

Release Date: June 23, 2025

Introduction: A Gathering of Watchmaking Enthusiasts

Timestamp: [00:00] – [01:16]

In this engaging episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph welcome listeners to a vibrant setting at the Grass Igloo in front of Villa Salazar during the Time To Watches 2025 event. The hosts are joined by familiar faces, including the esteemed Jeremy Oster of Oster Watches from Denver, Colorado. Rob introduces the gathering with enthusiasm, mentioning the presence of various watchmakers and the anticipation of featuring a special entrepreneur, Olivier Go from Taos Watches.

Rob Nudds: "We're sitting here in the grass igloo in front of Villa Salazar at Time To Watches 2025 with a friendly neighborhood watchmaker, Robnuts Me, your friendly neighborhood jeweler, Aloma Joseph."

Spotlight on Olivier Go and Taos Watches

Timestamp: [01:46] – [10:02]

The conversation shifts to introducing Olivier Go, the co-founder and CEO of Taos Watches. Launched in March 2024, Taos Watches is a relatively young brand backed by a strong heritage through its collaboration with Atelier Olivier Vaucher—a Geneva-based metier d'art atelier with over 50 years of expertise.

Olivier Go: "Taos is the dream come true of Olivier Vaucher. He always dreamt of having a watch that could encapsulate the whole potential of the Atelier…"

Olivier details how his familial connections and passion for watchmaking led him to establish Taos Watches, aiming to merge traditional craftsmanship with innovative watchmaking. The brand prides itself on producing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, each embodying exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expression.

Jeremy Oster Praises Taos’ Artistic Excellence

Timestamp: [04:18] – [10:02]

Jeremy Oster expresses his admiration for Taos Watches, highlighting their dedication to pure artistry and unparalleled craftsmanship. He emphasizes the brand's ability to merge centuries-old art forms like engraving and enameling with modern watchmaking.

Jeremy Oster: "It is the absolute epitome of the artistry of fine watchmaking. It's every element of artistry."

He further commends the originality of each timepiece, noting that every watch from Taos is a "true one of a kind art", making them highly desirable for collectors seeking exclusivity and uniqueness.

Innovative Design and Craftsmanship

Timestamp: [07:11] – [14:27]

The discussion delves into the intricate details that set Taos Watches apart. Alon Joseph points out the unique rotor design that seamlessly integrates with the case back, allowing the exquisite engravings on the movement to remain visible and unobstructed.

Alon Joseph: "The rotor has no heavy point, has no weight whatsoever because it dips down the arms of the rotor, go right to the edge of this beautifully engraved movement…"

Olivier elaborates on the techniques used, combining hand engraving and enameling to create textures that mimic soft fabric, as showcased in their Stavoreau watch. This innovative approach challenges conventional watchmaking norms and showcases Taos’ commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

Olivier Go: "For Savileau, it's a mix of techniques, but it's a bit of hand engraving and then a lot of enamel."

Exclusivity and Limited Production

Timestamp: [10:02] – [15:08]

Taos Watches maintains its exclusivity through limited production runs, ensuring that each watch remains singular and meticulously crafted. During the first year, they launched with seven watches and are currently unveiling a new collection comprising three pieces, with more in development.

Olivier Go: "We only produce unique pieces. So it's only one of one watch."

Jeremy Oster appreciates that each piece is a totally unique concept, unlike other brands that may offer minor variations on a single design. This dedication to originality ensures that every Taos watch is a bespoke masterpiece.

Strategic Retail Partnerships and Distribution

Timestamp: [15:08] – [17:46]

The conversation shifts to Taos Watches’ distribution strategy, highlighting strategic partnerships with esteemed retailers such as Watchmakers United, Austin Jewelers, and La Vie Chatique in Hong Kong. Olivier emphasizes the importance of trust and human connection in selecting retail partners, ensuring that each retailer aligns with Taos’ vision and clientele.

Olivier Go: "Taos is a human adventure first and foremost. It's a question of trust…"

Rob Nudds commends the collaboration, recognizing the retailers as "the creme de la creme of retail" and essential scouts in the independent watchmaking community.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

Timestamp: [17:46] – [29:11]

As the episode progresses, Rob and Alon engage in a lively discussion about the future of Taos Watches. They speculate on potential acquisitions by luxury giants like Chanel or Van Cleef, debating the brand’s potential trajectory in the high-end market.

Rob Nudds: "I dare to make a little wager that Chanel is going to buy him."

Alon Joseph counters this notion, suggesting Van Cleef as a possible suitor, highlighting the importance of preserving the brand’s artisanal integrity.

The hosts also reflect on Taos Watches’ alignment with traditional jewelry-making values and the brand's ability to stand out in a competitive landscape dominated by established names like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

Conclusion: Celebrating Craftsmanship and Innovation

Timestamp: [29:11] – End

Wrapping up the episode, Rob and Alon express their admiration for Taos Watches’ commitment to artistic excellence and innovation. They acknowledge the brand’s potential to redefine luxury watchmaking through its unique approach and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship.

Alon Joseph: "It's superb work, isn't it? It is really great stuff."

The episode concludes on a convivial note, celebrating the collaborative spirit of the watchmaking community and the exciting future that Taos Watches holds.

Notable Quotes:

• Rob Nudds: "This is beautiful. We met actually at Geneva watch days, Correct." (00:31)

• Jeremy Oster: "It is the absolute epitome of the artistry of fine watchmaking." (05:15)

• Alon Joseph: "Touching like that make me very, very happy as a watchmaker." (09:05)

• Rob Nudds: "This is stealth wealth. Because talking about the 100K, this is a 140,000 Swiss francs..." (23:08)

• Olivier Go: "Taos is a human adventure first and foremost. It's a question of trust..." (16:43)

This episode of The Real Time Show offers an in-depth look into Taos Watches, showcasing their unique blend of traditional artistry and innovative watchmaking. Through insightful discussions and expert testimonies, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what makes Taos Watches a standout brand in the luxury watch industry.