Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – "Time To Watches: White Star"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Real Time Show
• Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
• Episode: Time To Watches: White Star
• Release Date: June 7, 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 June 7, 2025 episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph delve into the captivating world of White Star Watches. Filmed live from Villa Saracen in Geneva during the Time To Watches 2025 event, the episode features an insightful conversation with Cedric from the White Star Company. The discussion centers around White Star's rich heritage, their latest watch models, design philosophies, and future ambitions in the Swiss watchmaking industry.

Welcome and Setting the Scene

Rob Nudds opens the episode with a warm welcome from the picturesque Villa Saracen in Geneva, noting the sunny weather and the unique environment of the glass igloo:

Rob Nudds [00:06]: "And welcome to another edition of the Real Time show with me, your friendly neighborhood watchmaker, Rob Nudds. Calling in from the Villa Saracen in Geneva for the time to watches 2025 event."

Cedric, representing White Star, joins him, and the hosts humorously discuss the warm greenhouse environment:

Cedric [00:26]: "Hi, Herb, how are you?"

Rob Nudds [00:28]: "I am very well. We're both baking inside the glass igloo because the sun has been shining all day."

The light-hearted banter sets an engaging and personable tone for the episode.

White Star Watch Company: A Legacy Revisited

Rob invites Cedric to provide an overview of White Star's storied history. Cedric recounts the origins of the company, founded in 1895 by Mr. Henry Weiss, a master watchmaker who transitioned from crafting pocket watches under his name to establishing the White Star brand. The company thrived through four generations until the late 20th century, when the advent of quartz and electronic movements prompted the last family member to wind down operations, maintaining a focus solely on mechanical watches.

Cedric [01:47]: "The company has been founded in 1895 by Mr. Henry Weiss... Still the crisis of the watch industry just before 1980... decided to stop and to go slowly with the brand because the quartz and electronic was not for him, because White watches, only mechanical watches, for sure."

Rob then inquires about Cedric's role in the company:

Rob Nudds [01:43]: "So give me a rundown of the company's history."

Cedric explains how he took over the brand two years prior, bringing his extensive 30-year experience from renowned groups like Swatch and Richemont. His vision involves revitalizing White Star through development, marketing, and establishing a strong public presence.

Cedric [02:49]: "I had the possibility opportunity to take this brand in my hands... after one year of activity about this brand, in terms of development, marketing strategy, we are now in the first contact with our public and this is very, very interesting."

Goals at Time To Watches 2025

Rob probes into Cedric's objectives for participating in the Time To Watches 2025 event. Cedric articulates a multifaceted strategy aimed at brand expansion:

Cedric [04:13]: "We are looking for everything that means we are looking for people, buyers and also distributor, retailers and maybe investor. ...we have a lot of good feedback and the brand and watches are good success, for sure, very good success."

He emphasizes the ambition to elevate White Star's position within the Swiss watch industry over the next two years, leveraging their legacy and storytelling prowess.

Showcasing the New Collection

Transitioning to the heart of the episode, Cedric presents White Star's latest offerings, highlighting the brand's dedication to reviving classic designs from the 20th century. He introduces three specific models, beginning with the emblematic Diagraphic model from 1951. Due to the discontinuation of the original movement, White Star engineered a new movement that mirrors the original's complications and functions.

Cedric [05:11]: "We have decided to start with the year 1950 with three specific models. ... we have developed a new movement in order to have almost exact same complication and function. We have seven functions and complications on this watch."

Rob expresses his fascination, noting the watch's uniqueness and precision:

Rob Nudds [06:24]: "This is very unusual because the secondhand tip, it's kind of like a. Well, it's a lollipop secondhand... extremely precise. Again, very nicely done."

Detailed Features and Design

Cedric delves into the intricate features of the Diagraphic model, such as the unique day-night function and the sun and stars indicator system:

Cedric [06:31]: "At 12 you can see a small dial. ... the sun is turning... three stars appearing showing that the night is coming."

Rob and Cedric engage in a playful comparison of their UV lamps, adding a touch of humor to the technical discussion.

The conversation progresses to the Neographic model, a moon phase watch with a distinct sunray dial:

Cedric [07:40]: "This is the second model is Neographic. ... we have a very specific sunray dial with a right balance."

Rob commends the watch's design and craftsmanship:

Rob Nudds [09:20]: "They are absolutely laser sharp, no buttery edges, A completely even light bend around every surface. Quality is superb."

The third model, Uni Graphic, is introduced as a freehand model featuring a constellation of stars illuminated by a UV lamp:

Cedric [10:22]: "This is a blue model with a constellation of stars. If you use a UV lamp, you will see."

Rob praises the innovative design of the seconds hand, likening it to a "lollipop secondhand" with an intricate star pattern.

Pricing and Market Positioning

Cedric outlines the pricing structure for the new models, positioning White Star as a small independent brand with competitive pricing and high-quality craftsmanship:

Cedric [09:38]: "For this Neographic, we are between 2003 or 500 Swiss francs."

Cedric [09:49]: "the Diagraphic is between 4 and 5,000 Swiss francs. We have the gold model in 18 carat with a small diamond on the crown which is at 22,000 Swiss francs."

Rob acknowledges the brand's positioning, highlighting the balance between affordability and premium features:

Rob Nudds [10:06]: "So it's not a micro brand, it's a small independent with proper pricing and proper, proper complications and excellent, excellent finishing."

Host and Co-host Perspectives

As the episode progresses, Alon Ben Joseph (referred to as Host 1) shares additional insights and critiques about White Star Watches. He compares the brand to other notable names in the industry, discussing the aesthetic and functional aspects:

Alon Ben Joseph [13:47]: "The diagraphic I think looks great... It could have been an Oris, it could have been a Volcan, it could have been a Nevada Grenchen."

He elaborates on the brand's unique DNA and character, drawing parallels to the steampunk-esque universe inspired by The Golden Compass:

Alon Ben Joseph [14:20]: "It has that kind of vibe to it... I get a real sense of the world in which this brand exists... there's a lot that can be done here."

Rob concludes his segment by expressing admiration for the watches and extending an invitation for further exploration:

Rob Nudds [12:31]: "I'm impressed. And I'm gonna have to come and spend more time at your booth to study the remainder of Pleasure."

Alon further emphasizes the brand's potential and encourages listeners to engage with White Star:

Alon Ben Joseph [18:34]: "I am literally oblivious and I'm digesting this content like a watch collector... We would love to hear your opinion about White Star."

Concluding Remarks

Rob wraps up the episode by thanking Cedric and expressing hope for future in-depth discussions:

Rob Nudds [12:39]: "So we're going to wrap up the episode there. It was really nice to meet you, Cedric... I wish you a successful end to time to watches."

Alon reinforces the call to action, urging listeners to visit White Star's website and share their thoughts on the brand.

Key Takeaways

• Heritage and Revival: White Star Watches boasts a legacy dating back to 1895, with Cedric spearheading its revival to honor traditional mechanical watchmaking amidst modern challenges.

• Innovative Designs: The latest collection features meticulously crafted models like the Diagraphic, Neographic, and Uni Graphic, each blending classic aesthetics with contemporary functionality.

• Competitive Pricing: Positioned as a small independent brand, White Star offers high-quality, complication-rich watches at competitive price points, appealing to enthusiasts seeking both value and craftsmanship.

• Future Ambitions: Cedric aims to expand White Star's presence in the Swiss watch industry through strategic partnerships, distribution channels, and continued innovation.

• Host Endorsements: Both Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph commend White Star's dedication to quality and design, highlighting its potential to resonate with a broad audience.

Notable Quotes

• Rob Nudds [00:06]: "And welcome to another edition of the Real Time show with me, your friendly neighborhood watchmaker..."

• Cedric [02:49]: "...after one year of activity about this brand, in terms of development, marketing strategy, we are now in the first contact with our public and this is very, very interesting."

• Rob Nudds [09:20]: "They are absolutely laser sharp, no buttery edges, A completely even light bend around every surface. Quality is superb."

• Alon Ben Joseph [14:20]: "...I get a real sense of the world in which this brand exists and I think there's a lot that can be done here."

Conclusion

This episode of The Real Time Show offers an in-depth look into White Star Watches, blending historical context with modern innovation. Through Cedric's passionate insights and the hosts' expert evaluations, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of White Star's current offerings and future trajectory in the competitive landscape of Swiss watchmaking.