Ep. 52 - In Conversation with Michel Nydegger
Show notes
With around 130 people producing just 200 watches per year, Greubel Forsey seems to have returned to its roots and abandoned plans to expand production further. On the latest episode of the SJX Podcast, CEO Michel Nydegger explains why the brand’s approach to watchmaking doesn’t scale and why growth is not a priority.
Recorded just after Geneva Watch Days, the conversation covers co-founder Stephen Forsey’s departure from operations, the new Qualité Musée finishing standard, and the challenge of preserving the brand’s distinctive movement architecture in smaller watches.
We also discuss the traditional skills behind the Hand Made series, how R&D is pursued without a particular product in mind, and why (but not how) a watchmaker quietly slipped a dozen handmade hairsprings into regular production watches for unbiased real-world testing.
Show notes:
- 02:30: Michel's journey into watchmaking
- 06:36: Managing succession of a founder-led brand
- 11:30: The decision to reject expanding the business beyond ~200 pieces/year
- 14:00: The development of the Qualité Musée standard
- 16:25: The role of R&D and technical innovation at Greubel Forsey
- 22:45: Adapting the house style of architectural watchmaking to smaller watches
- 23:45: The Hand Made series, preserving traditional skills, and balancing production
- 30:00: In-house hairspring production
- 32:10: Handling bespoke and custom orders responsibly
- 34:40: Longevity and lessons from two decades of independent watchmaking
- 38:40: The future of ultra high-end watch market and the importance of intrinsic value
- 40:35: Recognition and awards in the watch industry
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