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Natalie Burke
Foreign.
Rob Nudds
Welcome to another edition of the Real Time show With me, your friendly neighborhood watchmaker, Rob Nudds talking to you from the Villa Saracen in Geneva for the time to watches event 2025. Today I'm joined by Natalie from PointTech, Bauhaus and Zeppelin. Now that's pretty unusual. Three brands in one. Explain that to me.
Natalie Burke
Yeah, it's three brands. So we started with the development of the brand Zeppelin in 2002 and then in 2019 we took over a production facility which is based in Ruler. It's a village in the eastern part of Germany. And actually the building in which the watches are manufactured, it's a Bauhaus building that was constructed or that was designed from two bowers architects. And the then at that time, or actually one year later, we came up with the brand Bauhaus. So we started to develop a lot of watches under the brand Bauhaus. And then yeah, last year we added the brand Ruler. So that's how we ended up with three brands.
Rob Nudds
Okay, okay. So they're all run by the same management team behind the scenes.
Natalie Burke
Yeah. Right. So we are a family business. Our headquarters in Munich and our production facility is in Ruler. And also the after sales service is also in Ruler.
Rob Nudds
So what's the idea behind having three brands? Is it because you wanted to tell three different types of stories or is it because you Want to hit 3 different price points or 3 different demographics? Explain that to me.
Natalie Burke
Basically it's the design. So each brand has an own design. Zeppelin is based on the idea of the airships, of the era of the airships actually. So you have a lot of details in the watches that remind on this history. Like for example, we have a series, the 100 year series. It has a very special and unique construction of the watch case. You have rings on the side of the case which remind on the structure or actually on the shape of the Zeppelin airship. And then for Bauhaus it shall remind on the Bauhaus design school in Dessau. And so it's a very classical design, classical and functional design with a concept form for this function. And then for Ruler, a lot of people asked us or that still knew the brand or the name Ruler. So they asked us, hey, will you produce some watches under the brand Ruler? And there was a lot of interest in this brand. So that's why we decided to develop this brand as well.
Rob Nudds
And what are the price points of the three brands?
Natalie Burke
The price points are pretty similar for all the brands. So our core price range is in between 300 to 600 Euro. And then we have some talking pieces on top of it.
Rob Nudds
So talk to me about the movements themselves that you use in these watches.
Natalie Burke
Yeah, so in the entry price level we are using Swiss movements from Ronda for the quartz watches and Miyota. So Japanese movements also for quartz watches and for the automatic watches in an entry price level. And then we start at 599 Euro retail with the three hand automatic movement from Sellita. And then yeah, also we offer Regulateur movement also from Sellita as well as same for the automatic chronograph.
Rob Nudds
Sorry, what was the price for the selita? Entry level?
Natalie Burke
599.
Rob Nudds
All right, I did hear you correctly. That's pretty good. Okay, very interesting. So what about novelties for this fair? What are you showing here at Time to Watchers? That's new?
Natalie Burke
Actually we have a lot of novelties for this year. So in Zeppelin we have some new models. In the series Captain's line we have a new color which is called ultramarine. It's a very deep dark blue color. And yeah, the steepness of the color comes through many because you use many layers of lacquer. And then yeah, you get this color which almost looks a little bit purple in a way.
Rob Nudds
Okay, okay, yeah, continue please.
Natalie Burke
Yeah, and so we have many more novelties. So this year we also added some skeleton watches in the brand Zeppelin, which was still missing in our portfolio. So now we have this as well. And then we also developed some automatic watches which is or which are like rather basic, simple, with a simple design and with a 40 millimeter watch case diameter. So actually we have the feeling that younger people prefer this kind of style. And also the price is at €279 retail, which is, I think pretty interesting for many people.
Rob Nudds
So you mentioned that you are obviously focused on certain demographics with your products. You're designing watches for particular target groups. What does the normal customer for these three brands look like? Because I'm guessing that each brand is pitched in a slightly different tone.
Natalie Burke
Yeah, still, basically I would say our main customer is between 30 and 60 years old.
Rob Nudds
That's a pretty broad age range. It's pretty much an adult.
Natalie Burke
It is, it is. You're right.
Rob Nudds
We all say the same thing.
Unknown
I'm not, I'm not just putting it on you, but I do the same.
Rob Nudds
Thing with my brand. Yeah, men over 25 to 65, it's like, okay, so everyone.
Natalie Burke
Yeah, everyone. Yeah, yeah. But this is also, you know, our philosophy. So we, our target is really to produce high quality watches at a quite Reasonable price point for the end consumer. So this is. Yeah, this is the base and this is. That's why all of these brands follow this philosophy.
Rob Nudds
So this is a family business? Yes, 23 years in activity.
Natalie Burke
Quite more years.
Rob Nudds
Okay, so Zeppelin started in 2002.
Natalie Burke
Yeah.
Rob Nudds
But there was family business in the watch industry before that.
Natalie Burke
That's right.
Rob Nudds
Okay, so explain that background to me and how do you fit into it?
Natalie Burke
Yeah, so the company was founded in 1987. Okay. Yeah, so there was already a history. We started with Poyntag actually. So Poyntic is the name of the company and these were the first watches. And in the year 2002, pilot watches got more.
Rob Nudds
Mainstream, I guess.
Natalie Burke
Yeah, more mainstream and there was more interest in these kind of watch styles. And at that time pilot watches came up. So we started with Zeppelin and as you see, all of the brands have a German history and behind the brands. Yeah, so this was the first brand that fit the philosophy in a way. So the German watch brand with the German history and all the watches are made in Germany also at that time the watches were made in Germany. So it was a nice fit. And yeah, as I said, Ruler and Bauhaus came later, later on when we took over the other company which is the production facility now. So now we have our own stuff assembling the watches over there.
Rob Nudds
Okay, and you are the inheritor of the company?
Natalie Burke
Yeah, so yes, I'm also part of the family and I'm the second generation. So I'm managing director of this company.
Rob Nudds
Nice.
Natalie Burke
Since a few years actually.
Rob Nudds
It's quite a lot of.
Unknown
Quite a lot of responsibility.
Rob Nudds
Managing one company is hard enough, but you know, like I suppose it's one.
Unknown
Company but I mean that's a lot.
Rob Nudds
Of things to keep track of, of having all those different brands operating. And where do these brands operate primarily? What's the best market for you in the world? Is it mostly Germany, Austria, Switzerland or further afield?
Natalie Burke
Yeah, the best market is Germany, still Germany. But yeah, over the last years we got a lot of more partners in several other countries as well. So our main, still our main market is European, actually whole Europe by now. So we basically have a distribution all over Europe. And now it's the goal also to go even further and develop. Yeah. Some more markets for. For all the brands. That's also why we are here, to get some more international traffic and customers.
Unknown
So I was curious about that.
Rob Nudds
This is a great event for meeting people in the industry, maybe less so people outside of it. But some really heavy hitting collectors are going to be here as well. But your focus has been to create connections with a view on a global expansion. Yeah, correct. Yeah, that's right. And has it been successful?
Natalie Burke
Yeah. So there are a lot of, you know, like, watch enthusiasts around. This is really nice because the fairs.
Rob Nudds
Yeah.
Natalie Burke
Has a really open space for basically customers or potential customers for the press and also some retailers and distribution partners. So it's a really nice mix of all kinds.
Rob Nudds
I'm guessing, having grown up in the industry, you are also a watch person, a watch lover.
Natalie Burke
Yeah, sure.
Rob Nudds
Are you a collector?
Natalie Burke
Yeah, kind of. But, you know, more from. More watches from the own brand.
Rob Nudds
Yeah, yeah. Do you have any watches from any other brands?
Natalie Burke
Right now? I have watches from the own brands.
Rob Nudds
Okay.
Unknown
Do you.
Rob Nudds
Do you cover any watches from the other brands?
Natalie Burke
Yeah, I like also the watches from other brands. For sure.
Rob Nudds
This is so diplomatic. I'm really trying to squeeze a name out of you here and just like, no, not budging at all. Come on, give me something to work with. I want to understand your vision of, like, what watchmaker, what is good watchmaking as from your perspective.
Unknown
I know that, like, when you've got.
Rob Nudds
The reins of a brand, it's a different kettle of fish because you have to, you know, identify what's good for that brand rather than what is the perfect watch for me personally.
Unknown
But for you personally, what do you.
Rob Nudds
Look at outside of your own industry, your own specific company and say, that's pretty cool?
Natalie Burke
Yeah. So actually, I really, for sure, we, you know, we design our own individual design, you know, and that's quite important also to me. To have. To have an individual design for you and to have your story, to have your brand. And for sure, you stand behind your brand.
Rob Nudds
Okay.
Natalie Burke
So. Yeah, and I'm passionate about this, and. Yeah, but still, you can get inspired from other brands.
Rob Nudds
Like who, for example, would inspire you? Come on, give me one name. This is the Real Time show. We don't. We don't do nonsense here. You're extremely well trained. I can't believe it. Like a stone wall. It's incredible. You're not gonna do it, are you?
Natalie Burke
Yeah, there are some, you know, like, for sure, like Cartier, like Patek Philippe. So it's. There are a lot of nice, nice watches around in the industry.
Rob Nudds
Thank you. Thank you for humoring me with Cartier and Patek Philippe. I agree.
Unknown
They're pretty good brands.
Rob Nudds
Yeah, I like them very much. So tell me, which watch do you actually wear from your own collections?
Natalie Burke
I wear a new design from this year, so it's a ladies watch. So mainly we are focused on men's watches. Still, we have some ladies watches in the assortment. This is the series Friedrichshafen and we have a really nice embossing on the dial and also diamentation around the opening for the balance wheel. Yeah. And also here you see the really nice shape on the watch case, which is. Yeah. Which reminds on the Zeppelin airship.
Rob Nudds
Oh, I see. Oh, that is nice.
Natalie Burke
Yes.
Rob Nudds
And on a burgundy croc leather strap.
Natalie Burke
Yeah. Right.
Rob Nudds
Very smart. Nice pink center dial as well.
Natalie Burke
Thank you. Yeah, it's more colorful.
Rob Nudds
I'm actually very much looking forward to coming to check out your brands because you're downstairs in the basement and I've been laser focused on the right hand side of the basement because I've been working a bit with Denison this week. So I'm always running in and out of that room and I've just neglected to come and see your watches. But of course I know about Zeppelin and I really am keen to learn about the other brands as well. So thank you, Natalie, for your time. I really appreciate you sitting down and.
Unknown
Talking with me and having to explain.
Rob Nudds
Three brands is three times harder than anyone else has had it. So. Yeah, really appreciate it.
Natalie Burke
Yeah. Thank you very much. Count on you that you come to us.
Rob Nudds
I will. I'll be. I'll come to the basement right now. We've got 10 minutes. All right, we'll go right now. All right, thanks.
Unknown
Thanks.
Zeppelin was a bit of a revelation for me. Now, it was a bumper interview because the incredible managing director of point Tech, Natalie Burke, did not just come along to present me with one watch brand, rather with four. Pointek is one of those companies, a little bit like CDM Lec, owned by our good friend Tom Van Willeg, that has multiple names within its portfolio. So Pointek makes the watch brands Zeppelin, which you're most likely to have heard of, Ruler R U H L A Bauhaus. And that is a brand just called Bauhaus.
Rob Nudds
Okay.
Unknown
And finally, Iron Annie. And that is I R o n space A N N I E so different levels, different price points, same company, same quality, same know how, same heritage. A lot to like about this because quite frankly, the prices for the designs are superb. Although there were one or two Zeppelins that really stood out to me. The watch that stole my heart was from Ruler and. And that is the solar watch, available with multiple different dial colors and it's around €379. There's a couple of different variations that might be slightly different prices. Is powered by the Japanese solar movement, the Seiko VS55. And it's a top little PRX esque looking thing, but it's actually, I think it's nicer than the prx. I think the bracelet is much better. Alon, have you ever seen this model that I'm discussing right now? The ruler space control men's solar watch with date and integrated metal strap.
The funny thing is point tech I've encountered for the first time ever at In Hor fair in Munich, version A go, not the current one. Now I've once encountered Bauhaus got triggered because we know how much you and I love Bauhaus and Nomos. So for me everything, watchmaking and Bauhaus is Nomos. But PointTech makes watches at a lower entry price point. And I got drawn into that at the fair and then I saw indeed that they make other brands. Yes, Rob, well chosen. I found it overwhelming how much they create. A spread over four brands and B at the quality they supplied with these prices. So they are German if I'm not mistaken. Rob, is everything produced in Germany part of it? Asia? Tell me more.
Well, some work is done in Germany, obviously and I think that varies across the brands. There's obviously a lot of Asian import, especially when it comes to the movements of some of these pieces, because as I mentioned, the space control, which is the model name of the piece that I'm really into, is powered by a Japanese quartz. So I would guess for the lower end stuff that the vast majority is Asian made, imported, checked, finished and maybe assembled in Germany. And then for the higher end stuff, probably bits and bobs done in forzeim or something along those lines, like dials perhaps. I mean that's, that's the thing that adds the value to a watch, right? I mean a lot of major Swiss brands, like mainstream brands, who wouldn't want us to mention their names on air actually have their cases, their raw cases, manufactured in Asia and then they finish them in Switzerland, albeit to incredibly high standards. Like it's not to be sniffed at. That strategy they call it in the industry, Swiss ish. And what it means is Asian made case, Swiss swish, finished swish, finishing by the Swiss. But the Swiss finishing standards are incredibly high. That's not smoke and mirrors. There's a lot of nonsense that you'll be fed on your journey to buy a luxury watch. But the real artisans that really do do it by hand, they are superb. Are they better than their Chinese counterparts? I would say perhaps the QC standards are a little higher in Europe. Yes. So I do think that that is the case. I think Japanese maybe with the Salaz polishing or Zaratsu polishing that you'll find on Grand Seiko or Minaze, for example, that's next level, that Swiss standard that's right up there. Oh yes, Japanese standard, that's its own thing. They are on a par with one another. And so if you do pursue this strategy, does pursue this strategy and we know lots of great modern independents that have gone down this route because it makes sense having your raw cases manufactured in Asia and having them finished in Europe, then you're going to get a good quality product for a much better price than you would expect. Especially when you don't have that extra brand tax coming in there over the top and pushing these prices up into the four figures for a watch like the Space Control, which is fairly very aggressively and competitively priced at 3, 7, 9.
And while you're chatting, I'm surfing the web and their websites and what, what I found confusing at the fair also that it was all intertwined but the Zeppelin brand is hosted on Pointech.de but if you go to the other brands they Roulette has its own URL. So I never understood if pointic like CDM Lec, which is very. Actually a very good example to compare. What you did is Tom does that well, he literally gives its brand its own platform, its own universe. Whereas here they mix it because Iron Annie is hosted on Pointex again and Bauhaus has its own URL again. So when you had the meeting, did you just talk about Zeppelin? Did you mix all the brands? Do they let their retailers order all four brands or are you dealer per brand? How do they work?
So we mostly talked about Zeppelin during the meeting and after the meeting I was so taken by the watches and our conversation that I went to see the display in Villa Saracen. It was downstairs right at the back and I encountered Ruler there in person and that really piqued my interest. I believe they operate exactly as CDM like would. If you are the carrier of one brand, you are open to carry all of them. I don't think there's anyone strong arm in you to take all four or three or two of them. You can probably have them and you probably would want to, to be honest, because working with one company for four brands like this is. Is much more straightforward than working with four different brands for four different brands. So I think that's an advantage for companies that do it like this. I mean we've seen it before like Guillaume Lidea of course of Nevada, Grenchen and his other brand Space1, Excelsior Park, Volcano, et cetera, et cetera. He is a good touch point, like someone that can be trusted as the de facto head of all of those brands or at least like the visible leader of that movement, that micro movement. And I think that this is exactly the same thing. So I mean if you're interested in retailing any of them alon, I'm sure we could get all four new cases.
This sparks my interest in the sense of what consumers think of this. So I want to ask you Dear Listener, do you like the fact that one group, producer, manufacturer, entrepreneur has more brands and intertwines them as much as Pointex for example does? And certain extent CDM like does. But you've raised Guillaume Ladet AKA Sexy Boy. He doesn't do this. So I wonder what do you think about this? Dear collector and listener, do you like it? Don't you like it? Please share your opinions in the TRTS community. If you are not a part of the community, send us a message and we'll add you. If you don't want to be added, no problem, send us an email. I'm very curious what you think about this.
Yeah, I can't wait to hear the feedback from this episode because it's a really good point. To me it feels very natural for a guy like Guillaume doing many different things to have many different brands and not link them as it does for Poyntek to have four relatively similar price pointed models brands and align them and cross pollinate as if they were one collection but with distinct characteristics. Maybe CDM like is the outlier here because it's somewhere in between the two because Labuanco and Eran are both like established bands in their own right I would say. And that connection is perhaps more uncomfortable. Or maybe it's very comfortable to have two prestigious brands linked together right there and then. So let us know what you think. It's an interesting discussion that we've never had before and they are always the best ones.
It.
Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – "Time To Watches: Zeppelin"
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host/Authors: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
Description: Real questions. Real Answers. Real talk. The world's most interactive watchmaking podcast, hosted by Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph.
In the "Time To Watches: Zeppelin" episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph engage in an insightful conversation with Natalie Burke, Managing Director of Pointek. The discussion delves into Pointek's unique portfolio of watch brands, their design philosophies, market strategies, and future prospects. [00:00 - 13:44]
Natalie Burke introduces the trio of brands under Pointek: Zeppelin, Bauhaus, and Ruler. She explains the genesis and evolution of each brand, highlighting the strategic acquisition and development that led to the current portfolio.
"We started with the development of the brand Zeppelin in 2002 and then in 2019 we took over a production facility based in Ruler... a Bauhaus building." [00:06 - 00:23]
All three brands operate under Pointek’s management, emphasizing a cohesive family-run business model.
"We are a family business. Our headquarters in Munich and our production facility is in Ruler." [01:19 - 01:31]
Rob Nudds probes the rationale behind managing multiple brands, and Natalie clarifies that the primary driver is design differentiation rather than targeting varied price points or demographics.
"Basically it's the design. So each brand has its own design." [01:40 - 01:44]
Zeppelin watches draw inspiration from airships, incorporating design elements that echo the historical significance and architectural nuances of Zeppelin airships.
"You have a lot of details in the watches that remind on this history." [02:00 - 02:04]
Notable are the rings on the side of the case and the unique construction that mimic the structure of airships.
Bauhaus embodies the minimalist and functional aesthetics of the Bauhaus school, focusing on classical and functional design where form meets function seamlessly.
"It's a very classical design, classical and functional design with a concept form for this function." [02:30 - 02:35]
Ruler caters to an existing customer base familiar with the brand. The introduction of Ruler adds depth to Pointek’s offerings, addressing specific preferences and interests.
"A lot of people asked us or that still knew the brand or the name Ruler... so there was a lot of interest." [02:55 - 03:00]
All three brands maintain similar pricing structures, ensuring accessibility without compromising on quality.
"Our core price range is in between 300 to 600 Euro." [03:02 - 03:15]
Additionally, select models, termed "talking pieces," are priced above the core range, catering to enthusiasts seeking unique timepieces.
Pointek employs a mix of Swiss and Japanese movements across its brands:
"In the entry price level we are using Swiss movements from Ronda for the quartz watches and Miyota... for the automatic watches... with the three hand automatic movement from Sellita." [03:15 - 03:56]
Rob expresses surprise and approval at the competitive pricing of high-quality movements.
"I did hear you correctly. That's pretty good." [03:56 - 04:00]
Pointek, established in 1987, has a rich history in watchmaking, initially launching with the Poyntag brand. The transition to Zeppelin in 2002 coincided with a surge in popularity for pilot watches, aligning with the company's strategic vision.
"The company was founded in 1987... started with Poyntag... in the year 2002, pilot watches got more." [06:44 - 07:18]
Natalie Burke, as the second-generation leader, emphasizes the continuity and evolution of the family business, steering it towards innovation while honoring its heritage.
"I'm also part of the family and I'm the second generation. So I'm managing director of this company." [08:09 - 08:23]
Pointek unveiled several novelties at the Time To Watchers event:
"We have some new models... new color which is called ultramarine... we have the feeling that younger people prefer this kind of style." [04:06 - 05:30]
Rob is keenly interested in these new releases, particularly the skeleton and automatic models, recognizing their potential appeal.
Pointek targets a broad adult demographic, primarily aged 30 to 60 years. The company’s philosophy centers on offering high-quality watches at reasonable price points, ensuring wide accessibility.
"Our target is really to produce high quality watches at a quite Reasonable price point for the end consumer." [05:55 - 06:02]
Rob concurs that the age range is broad, a sentiment echoed by the podcast’s dialogue.
While Germany remains the primary market, Pointek has expanded its distribution across Europe. The company is actively seeking to penetrate international markets, leveraging events like Time To Watchers to forge new partnerships and attract global customers.
"Our main market is Europe... the goal also to go even further and develop... more markets for all the brands." [08:43 - 09:21]
Natalie shares her personal connection to watchmaking, highlighting her role as both a professional and enthusiast. She emphasizes the importance of individual design and brand identity, drawing inspiration from esteemed brands while maintaining Pointek’s unique vision.
"We design our own individual design... stand behind your brand. So yeah, and I'm passionate about this." [10:45 - 11:28]
When probed about inspirations, Natalie cites prestigious brands like Cartier and Patek Philippe, acknowledging their craftsmanship and design excellence. She underscores Pointek’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, comparable to top-tier brands.
"There are some, like Cartier, like Patek Philippe... a lot of nice watches around in the industry." [11:54 - 12:08]
Natalie showcases a personal favorite from Pointek’s collection—the Friedrichshafen ladies' watch, highlighting its intricate embossing and design elements that reflect Zeppelin’s airship heritage.
"I wear a new design from this year, so it's a ladies watch... really nice embossing on the dial and also diamentation around the opening for the balance wheel." [12:17 - 13:02]
Rob expresses keen interest in Pointek’s collections, promising to explore the brands further at the event.
"I'm really keen to learn about the other brands as well. So thank you, Natalie, for your time." [12:59 - 13:44]
After the in-depth interview, hosts Rob and Alon provide additional commentary, expanding on Pointek's brand structure and market positioning.
Alon compares Pointek’s multi-brand strategy to that of other industry players like CDM Lec and Guillaume Ladet's brands, noting the streamlined operations and cohesive brand management as competitive advantages.
"Working with one company for four brands like this is much more straightforward than working with four different brands." [16:23 - 20:50]
The discussion touches upon manufacturing practices, highlighting the balance between Asian manufacturing for cost efficiency and European finishing for quality assurance. Alon emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards through meticulous finishing processes.
"If you pursue this strategy... you’re going to get a good quality product for a much better price than you would expect." [17:52 - 18:35]
Rob and Alon invite listeners to share their opinions on Pointek’s multi-brand approach, fostering community engagement and encouraging discussions within the Real Time Show community.
"Dear Listener, do you like the fact that one group, producer, manufacturer, entrepreneur has more brands and intertwines them as much as Pointek does?" [20:50 - 21:44]
They express eagerness to hear diverse viewpoints, underscoring the value of listener feedback in shaping future discussions.
The "Time To Watches: Zeppelin" episode offers a comprehensive look into Pointek’s strategic brand management, design philosophies, and market approaches. Natalie Burke’s insights reveal a company deeply rooted in heritage yet forward-looking in its innovations and expansions. The episode not only highlights the intricate balance between maintaining brand identity and achieving market flexibility but also invites the watchmaking community to engage in meaningful discourse.
Listeners are left with a nuanced understanding of how Pointek navigates the competitive landscape of watchmaking through its diverse brand portfolio, commitment to quality, and strategic market positioning.
Natalie Burke [00:06]: "We started with the development of the brand Zeppelin in 2002 and then in 2019 we took over a production facility based in Ruler... a Bauhaus building."
Natalie Burke [01:40]: "Basically it's the design. So each brand has its own design."
Rob Nudds [03:56]: "I did hear you correctly. That's pretty good."
Natalie Burke [05:55]: "Our target is really to produce high quality watches at a quite Reasonable price point for the end consumer."
Natalie Burke [11:54]: "There are some, like Cartier, like Patek Philippe... a lot of nice watches around in the industry."
Rob Nudds [12:59]: "I'm really keen to learn about the other brands as well. So thank you, Natalie, for your time."
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the "Time To Watches: Zeppelin" episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the discussion and insights shared by Natalie Burke on Pointek’s multi-brand strategy and watchmaking ethos.