Keeping Time With Oster Watches

Latest Episodes:

Keeping Time S9, E3: Armand Billard, Satory-Billard May 14, 2025

Show notes

Continuing the theme of new friends from Geneve, we are delighted to welcome Armand Billard to Keeping Time Podcast. Another happy accident at Watches & Wonders: host Jeremy Oster stopped by to admire the beautiful watches created by Armand under the company name, Sartory Billard. Needless to say, he was beyond impressed not just with the creative approach to producing genuinely beautiful watches but also the exceptional value offered by Sartory Billard.

Listen in as Jeremy and Doug chat with Armand Billard and cover the founding of the company, Sartory Billard. The conversation moves to discussing the company's manufacturing approach and unique design-driven appeal. As always, we dive into the details and enjoy a wonderful conversation that will provide fantastic insight into independent watchmaking for any watch enthusiast.

As always, Keeping Time host Jeremy Oster and co-host Doug Hoyt present an engaging, unscripted conversation designed to bring to listeners the inside track in today's world of fine watchmaking.

Thank you for downloading, sharing and enjoying Keeping Time podcast. You are the reason that we do what we do.

Visit our blog page for the list of podcasts and photos relating to topics discussed. https://blog.osterjewelers.com/category/podcast/

Keeping Time S9, E2: Christopher Wegener, Pragma Watches Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

One of the great benefits of traveling to Geneva, Switzerland for the trade show, Watches & Wonders, is also discovering emerging talents at surrounding shows such as Time to Watches. It is at this show that we met and discovered today's guest, Christopher Wegener, Founder & CEO Pragma Watches. We are thrilled to welcome Christopher to Keeping Time Podcast. Listen in as we hear about Christopher's journey in watchmaking from Rolex to FP Journe, Laurent Ferrier and others. The experiences and contacts established along the way clearly formed the direction that Christopher would take with the introduction of his own brand, Pragma Watches. As we discuss on the podcast, there are literally hundreds of watchmakers all competing for attention. Some stand out and demand your attention. Pragma Watches has that rare appeal of being clearly unique but retaining a classic and timeless feel with everyday wearability. Pragma Watches is innovative but not gimmicky. Christopher talks us through the inspiration, design and remarkably transparent manufacturing approach to creating a truly Swiss Made watch with some of the most important partners in the Swiss watch industry. The unique approach to the seconds indication immediately sets Pragma Watches apart and provides a unique dial animation that almost urges one to enjoy and appreciate every passing second. Clearly haute horlogerie in approach, with a hint of industrial design. Christopher wonderfully introduces us to his creative brand which we expect will turn many heads as it did ours and carve out an important place in the modern Swiss watch industry for those who appreciate the immense appeal of independent watchmaking and exceptional craftsmanship.

As always, Keeping Time host Jeremy Oster and co-host Doug Hoyt present an engaging, unscripted conversation designed to bring to listeners the inside track in today's world of fine watchmaking.

Thank you for downloading, sharing and enjoying Keeping Time podcast. You are the reason that we do what we do.

Visit our blog page for the list of podcasts and photos relating to topics discussed. https://blog.osterjewelers.com/category/podcast/

Keeping Time S9, E1: Watch Show History: Basel Fair, Geneva SIHH, Watches & Wonders Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back everyone. Please join us as your hosts Doug and Jeremy discuss the history and evolution of the Swiss Watch Shows. In this episode we go into detail outlining the history of the former Basel Watch and Jewellery Show which dated back to 1917. We discuss how the show grew, the early history and the modern history as mechanical watchmaking entered the modern era with a renaissance of fine watchmaking beginning in the late 1980's. We discuss the historical importance of the Basel Fair and also the emergence and the reasons for establishing a second important show in Genève, Switzerland. Initially the Genève show was called SIHH. Today the show has evolved into Watches and Wonders. Jeremy goes into detail and describes the experience enjoyed at the shows from the perspective of a retailer. Midway through the episode we are joined by friend of the pod, Scott Rosen. Scott, brings his experience as a vendor to the episode. As former USA Brand President for both Hublot and Vacheron Constantin, Scott relates a unique perspective from the point of view of the Manufacturer exhibiting at the all-important Swiss trade shows. As always, it is a fun and free-flowing conversation with deep insights and a little nostalgia thrown in for good measure. We hope that you enjoy this episode of Keeping Time Podcast. Thank you for downloading and supporting independent media.

As always, Keeping Time host Jeremy Oster and co-host Doug Hoyt present an engaging, unscripted conversation designed to bring to listeners the inside track in today's world of fine watchmaking.

Thank you for downloading, sharing and enjoying Keeping Time podcast. You are the reason that we do what we do.

Visit our blog page for the list of podcasts and photos relating to topics discussed. https://blog.osterjewelers.com/category/podcast/

Keeping Time S8, E8: Federico Ziviani, CEO Gerald Charles Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

We are thrilled to welcome to the podcast the CEO of Gerald Charles, Mr. Federico Ziviani. One of the most exciting luxury brands emerging today, Gerald Charles, is quietly redefining the modern luxury sports watch whilst celebrating the work of the most famous watch designer in modern watch history: Gerald Charles Genta. Famed for creating the genre of modern sports luxury with the design of the game-changing Royal Oak for Audemars Piguet back in 1972, Mr. Genta then repeated the success for Patek Philippe with the design of the Nautilus in 1976. In addition to many other famous creations, Gerald Genta created many of the world's most complicated timepieces and some of the most whimsical, including the famous Mickey Mouse watches. The Maestro collection by Gerald Charles represents one of Mr. Genta's finest designs and one of the last creations that was produced by the brand bearing the artist's first and middle names. Join us as we learn more about the origins of the Maestro collection and the current development of this incredible brand. Mr Federico Ziviani shares with us his passion and determination to carry forward the legacy of the great Master. We chat about the modern company, the collaborators within including Creative Director Octavio Garcia famed for his work with Audemars Piguet. We discuss the impressive specs and details that are present in every model throughout the collection as well as discovering the incredible connection to Tennis that makes it the choice of a number of a top ATP players on the global circuit today, As always, Keeping Time host Jeremy Oster and co-host Doug Hoyt present an engaging, unscripted conversation designed to bring to listeners the inside track in today's world of fine watchmaking.

Thank you for downloading, sharing and enjoying Keeping Time podcast. You are the reason that we do what we do.

Visit our blog page for the list of podcasts and photos relating to topics discussed. https://blog.osterjewelers.com/category/podcast/

Keeping Time S8, E07: Patrik Hoffmann, Favre Leuba Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

We are delighted to welcome Mr Hoffmann as a returning guest on Keeping Time Podcast. Patrik last appeared a few years ago as CEO of Ulysse Nardin. Patrik Hoffmann was instrumental in building Ulysse Nardin into one of the strongest luxury brands alongside then owner, Rolf Schnyder. Following the passing of the Mr Schnyder, Patrik continued to lead the brand and secure a buyer for the important brand. Following the sale, Patrik stepped down and has been busy behind many scenes, from De Bethune to Chronoswiss and other ventures. Today, Patrik has assumed the role of CEO for Favre Leuba, one of the oldest continually operating Swiss watch brands, dating all the way back to 1737. Join us as we chat with Patrik and learn about this storied brand with strong historical connections to India as well as important connections to famed watchmakers including Patek Philippe and Jaeger LeCoultre. The incredible history, dating back 287 years, provides a world of inspiration from which Patrik Hoffmann can draw inspiration. Listen in as we discuss important milestones, why Mr. Hoffmann was drawn to this company and why it was important for him as Chairman of the Board to assume the role of CEO today. As always, the conversation is free-flowing and explores many topics along the way with surprising insights. We discuss the historical inspiration for specific collections in the current line-up as well as the philosophy, positioning of the brand and strategy for building the historically important Favre-Leuba into an important brand today. Patrik Hoffman presents a clear mission and vision for the brand. We discuss everything from construction of the watches, assembly and the the all-important movement partner and unique value proposition. Thank you for downloading, sharing and enjoying Keeping Time podcast. You are the reason that we do what we do. Visit our blog page for the list of podcasts and photos relating to topics discussed. https://blog.osterjewelers.com/category/podcast/

Keeping Time S8, E06: William Massena, Massena Labs Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we welcome William Massena back to Keeping Time podcast. Fresh from Geneva Watch Days, join us as we catch up with William, one of the most knowledgeable and highly respected authorities on all things watches. With a breadth of knowledge spanning the entire history of watchmaking, the former CEO of Antiquorum Watches (auction house) and Managing Director of Time Zone offers a perspective and level of expertise few can challenge. The conversation begins with a deep-dive into the newest product launch from Massena Lab, a striking and unique vintage-inspired, modern take on a classic Regatta Yacht Timer. William explains the unique design approach and discusses his partner for this latest collaboration. The new watch is the first piece launched by a new watch company, ALBISHORN, with a very interesting design-ethos. The patented movement is just one noteworthy element of the new watch. Following discussion of William's eponymous brand, Massena Lab, we switch gears to discuss the recent Geneva Watch Days (GWD). Created just a couple of years ago, during the pandemic, William fully describes the purpose behind the show, the founders of the event and the experience of attending. Let's just say that any watch event that can be enjoyed wearing shorts and flip-flops whilst sipping Rosé is surely worthy of serious consideration. William brings the show to life for our listeners and fully describes the vibe, experience and intentions of this important newcomer to the watch-industry calendar. The newest GWD releases are discussed. Of course, being a conversation between watch nerds, William Massena and Jeremy Oster, the conversation meanders and explores side-topics with a great detour into unraveling the history of the modern Breguet brand (pre-Swatch Group) and Daniel Roth. The conversation further delves into the early history and importance of FP Journe and Vianney Halter and the connection with Breguet. Incredibly, this fascinating conversational diversion occurs whilst discussing Konstantin Chaykin's record breaking "ThinKing" watch. As always, the conversation with William is natural, free-flowing and filled with information and insight that will be new, even for the most knowledgeable listeners. We hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as we enjoy creating Keeping Time Podcast.

Visit Keeping Time with Oster Watches blog for more podcast and photos.

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Keeping Time S8, E05: Olivier Gaud, CEO TAOS Watches Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

TAOS Watches was unveiled to the world, somewhat discreetly, at the Beau Rivage hotel in Geneve, during this year's Watches & Wonders.

After being approached in the Beau-Rivage hotel hallway by Fei Meillat, the co-founder of Krayon Watches, Jeremy Oster was told that there was something very special to see and discover: the incredible TAOS watches. Knowing the phenomenal quality of Krayon watches, this was clearly going to be something very special if Fei was impressed. What a wonderful discovery this proved to be! The new independent watch manufacture brings to life the vision of CEO Oliver Gaud with the creativity and ingenuity of Olivier and Dominique Vaucher, renowned dial artists of Atelier Olivier Vaucher. The Métiers d'Arts workshop, located in Genève, boasts more than 40 years of know-how and expertise in over 15 distinct crafts ranging from enameling to engraving and the beautiful art of paillonné, as well as hand-painted mother-of-pearl and many other decorations that are found at the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie.

Olivier Gaud presented a clear vision to his partners for an extraordinary collaboration. The few, rare watches produced each embrace an extraordinary artistic vision, both on the movement and the dial. TAOS creates only Unique Pieces that are stunning conversation pieces with a level of artistry that is a joy to discover and will undoubtedly be cherished, museum-quality collector pieces.

Join us as Doug and Jeremy interrupt Olivier Gaud's summer vacation for an incredible deep-dive into the true meaning of Métiers d'Art and the depth of talent and skills employed to create the TAOS Watches masterpieces. Listen in as we hear the story behind the brand. We then discuss the approach and art-forms employed to create each of the 7 incredible pieces produced to date by TAOS Watches . We explore and discover the techniques employed, the challenges and attempt to understand how such impressive works of art are brought to life. We discuss every aspect of watchmaking including the partners selected for the manufacture of the cases and the special movement which serves as a canvas for the unique talents of Atelier Olivier Vaucher.

We hope that you enjoy learning about the rarest of the horological arts as much as we enjoy engaging with the most creative talents in the industry. TAOS Watches is creating truly special works of horological art. We are so thrilled that Olivier took the time to join us on Keeping Time to discuss TAOS Watches. As always, thank you for downloading and enjoying Keeping Time podcast. You are the reason that we do what we do. Visit the Oster Jewelers blog for photos and more Keeping Time with Oster Watches podcasts.

Keeping Time S8, E04: Michel Nieto, CEO Renaud Tixier Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

In March of 2024, one of the most exciting new brands launched in the world of Independent Haute Horlogerie: Renaud Tixier. A combination of experience, expertise, unbridled talent and creativity, Renaud Tixier is the company created by Dominique Renaud and Julien Tixier. However, a company of talented craftsmen needs leadership to develop as a successful brand with a long-term strategy. Espcecially if it is to claim an important seat at the top table in the world of luxury watchmaking. This is the role of the CEO. We are delighted to welcome out guest for this episode of Keeping Time, Michel Nieto, CEO Renaud Tixier. Join us as we learn about the incredible success stories which Mr Nieto has quietly steered, including rebuilding global brands for Richemont and developing strategies for success such as the award-winning Bulgari Octo Finissimo collection. We first met Michel in Geneve this year, at the bar of the Beau-Rivage hotel. This podcast is a continuation of that conversation with the highly engaging, focused and delightful Michel. Albeit without gin and tonics in hand, the conversation on this episode picks right up where we left off in Geneve and delves into Michel's storied career and leads us into how he engaged with the talented team of Dominque Renaud and Julien Tixier. Naturally, the conversation turns to a focus on the breakthrough introductory watch, Renaud Tixier "Monday" and Mr Nieto gives us insight and technical details of this remarkable debut timepiece. We discuss the working methods of the two watchmakers, the incredible background of Dominique Renaud, founder of Renaud & Papi which was to become APRP (Audemars Piguet, Renaud & Papi). We discuss the incredible, prodigious talent of Julien Tixier and hear a very bold claim by Michel on the importance of this young watchmaker. This episode will provide tremendous insight for all collectors and fill in some of the history of the earlier period of today's watchmaking era as well as entice all with the endless possibilities of fine watchmaking in the hands of the world's most talented craftsmen.

Thank you, as always, for downloading and listening to Keeping Time Podcast, presented by Oster Jewelers. Visit the watch podcast blog.

Keeping Time S8, E03: Watches & Wonders Insights and Discoveries May 05, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Keeping Time with Oster Watches. In this episode, our hosts Doug and Jeremy explore and discuss Watches & Wonders and the peripheral events that just took place in Geneva, Switzerland. This is the biggest show of the watch industry calendar when the world's leading retailers, media and enthusiasts descend upon the beautiful International city of Geneve in the heart of the most important watchmaking region of the world. Jeremy Oster attended the show and co-host Doug is eager to ask questions and hear about the event itself and the key discoveries and new introductions from the event. As always, the focus leans heavily towards the world of Independent watchmaking and discovery of new, exciting talents.

Who impressed? Who are the exciting new names to emerge from the show? Did Jeremy discover the next highly sought-after watchmaker? Why is this such an important show and what is it like to visit Watches & Wonders? Listen in and we hope you enjoy this episode of Keeping Time.

Thank you, as always, for downloading and listening to Keeping Time Podcast, presented by Oster Jewelers. Visit the podcast blog.

Keeping Time S8, E02: Felipe Pikullik Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Our guest on Keeping Time with Oster Watches episode is a highly talented and passionate watchmaker, Felipe Pikullik. Based in Berlin, Germany, of Brazilian descent, Felipe embodies all that is celebrated in the Art of Watchmaking. Each piece that bears the Felipe Pikullik brand name is a demonstration of purity, dedication and tradition - a classical approach to contemporary watchmaking. Signature sculpted bridges are formed within the atelier and embellished with traditional finishing techniques long recognized as all that embodies haute horlogerie. Felipe and his team transform each caliber produced with impeccable craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence. Join us as we engage with Felipe in a conversation that explores the motivations, desires and challenges embraced by the young prodigy and his eager and willing team. As always, the conversation with host Jeremy Oster meanders, explores and probes to gain a depth of knowledge and understanding of one of the Independent watch world's rising stars. Thanks as always to co-host and Producer Doug Hoyt for another episode of Keeping Time. We hope that you enjoy this insightful episode. Please take a moment to rate and review and share with other like-minded watch-loving friends. Thank you, as always, for downloading and listening to Keeping Time Podcast, presented by Oster Jewelers. Visit the podcast blog.

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