Watch World with Faye

• Hublot Celebrates with a (big) Bang

  In our latest episode, I speak with Nick Callegari, General Manager UK & Ireland, and Raphael Nussbaumer, Chief Product Developer at Hublot. We explore the Big Bang’s 20th anniversary—from full-sapphire editions and mint-green ceramic to patented Magic Gold—and how these innovations reflect Hublot’s ethos. They discuss strategic collaborations with Ferrari and Takashi Murakami, plus how new leadership will refine future collections. Tune in for an insider’s view of Hublot’s next chapter.TakeawaysHublot celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang.The brand is known for its innovative materials like Magic Gold.Collaborations are a key part of Hublot's DNA.Authenticity in partnerships is crucial for brand enhancement.The Big Bang is central to Hublot's future strategy.Hublot aims to refine its extensive collection.The brand is optimistic about the luxury retail industry's future.Hublot's unique approach includes storytelling in marketing.The new CEO is bringing dynamism to the brand.Hublot is focused on maintaining its unique identity in the market.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Watch World and Hublot's Significance00:27 Celebrating 20 Years of the Big Bang01:27 Innovations in Watch Materials and Design07:29 Strategic Direction and Future of Hublot09:09 The Importance of Collaborations and Authenticity13:18 Forecasting the Future of Hublot and the IndustryVisit Our Website⁠Watch World⁠Follow Us on Social Media⁠Instagram⁠CreditsHostLinkedIn ⁠Faye Soteri⁠Production⁠Keenlii⁠⁠Instagram⁠ProducerLinkedIn: ⁠Barry Keegan⁠Subscribe and Engage:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.Support Our Podcast:To help us bring more incredible stories to you, please consider sharing this episode with fellow watch enthusiasts.About Watch World with Faye Soteri:A watch doesn’t just tell the time—it tells a story. I’m Faye Soteri, and after 20+ years in global luxury retail and watch buying, I bring you the most credible, compelling voices in the watch industry—from independent artisans to haute horology titans—and occasionally highlight lifestyle elements that pair perfectly with our admiration of timepieces. Join me as we celebrate the art, design, and culture behind every watch.   

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• The “Superhero”: Diver Air by Ulysse Nardin

  Faye sits down with Ulysse Nardin’s Managing Director, Matthieu Haverlan, at Watches & Wonders 2025 to unveil the Diver Air—the world’s lightest mechanical dive watch. Matthieu shares the bold choice to launch with a single “superhero” piece, recounts a last-minute booth overhaul, and explains how UN balances its storied heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Inside the case: an ultra-skeletonized titanium movement (80% Swiss air), 200 m water resistance, 5,000 G shock protection, and a 90-hour power reserve—all in just 52 g. Dive in for an exclusive look at the challenges, surprises, and vision behind this game-changing timepiece.Haverlan takes us inside Ulysse Nardin, revealing the challenges, surprises, and vision behind this game-changing timepiece. Watch now!Takeaways-Diver Air is the lightest mechanical dive watch ever made.-Ulysse Nardin aims to create high-horology sport watches.-Sales growth is not the primary goal for Ulysse Nardin.-The brand focuses on quality and innovation over market trends.-The experience at Watches and Wonders is crucial for brand visibility.-Innovation must balance with the brand's heritage and legitimacy.-Limited editions can dilute brand equity for collectors.-The luxury watch market is currently facing challenges post-COVID.-Ulysse Nardin remains resilient due to its collector-focused approach.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Watch World00:27 The Launch of Diver Air01:24 Design and Innovation of Diver Air04:20 Challenges in Creating Diver Air06:11 Market Positioning and Brand Philosophy09:03 The Experience at Watches and Wonders11:12 Booth Design and Conceptualization13:28 Balancing Innovation and Tradition15:26 The Decision Against Limited Editions18:19 Future of Ulysse Nardin and Market Trends23:39 The Luxury Watch Market OutlookVisit Our Website:⁠Watch World⁠Follow Us on Social Media:⁠Instagram⁠Credits:Host:LinkedIn: ⁠Faye Soteri⁠Production:⁠Keenlii⁠⁠Instagram⁠Producer:LinkedIn: ⁠Barry Keegan⁠Subscribe and Engage:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.Support Our Podcast:To help us bring more incredible stories to you, please consider sharing this episode with fellow watch enthusiasts.About Watch World with Faye Soteri:A watch doesn’t just tell the time—it tells a story. I’m Faye Soteri, and after 20+ years in global luxury retail and watch buying, I bring you the most credible, compelling voices in the watch industry—from independent artisans to haute horology titans—and occasionally highlight lifestyle elements that pair perfectly with our admiration of timepieces. Join me as we celebrate the art, design, and culture behind every watch.   

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• Time Well Spent: The Rundown at Watches and Wonders 2025

  Join host Faye Soteri and her colleague Mark Toulson as they share their firsthand experiences at Watches & Wonders 2025 in Geneva. In this lively episode, the duo dives into the fair’s record-breaking energy, innovative launches—from Ulysse Nardin’s ultralight Diver Air to Rolex’s game-changing Land Dweller—and engaging conversations with industry insiders, all while celebrating the legacy and forward-thinking spirit of the horological world.Takeaways-Record-Breaking Vibe: Over 55,000 visitors, rising retailer and press participation signal a robust, optimistic energy at the fair despite global challenges.- Innovative Movements: A focus on “inside out” themes where brands push the limits—Ulysse Nardin’s ultra-light Diver Air (90-hour reserve, 52 grams, eco credentials) and Rolex’s breakthrough 7135 movement with its Dynapulse escapement stand out.-Strategic Launches: With brands like Rolex trimming their SKU count to 60, there's a clear move toward fewer, more impactful releases that let each piece shine.-Heritage & Revival: From TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 reintroduction to Chopard’s Alpine Eagle revival, vintage influences blend seamlessly with modern technology and aesthetics.-Design Trends: Evolving aesthetics with smaller case sizes, natural stone and ceramic dials, and a move toward gender-neutral designs are redefining modern watchmaking.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Watch World02:52 Watches and Wonders 2025 Overview06:55 Trends in Watchmaking08:31 Highlighting Ulysse Nardin's Diver Air15:01 Rolex Land Dweller Movement19:01 Rolex's Future-Proofing Strategy24:18 Grand Seiko's Innovations30:05 Breitling's New Top Time B3132:06 Refined Launches and Brand Strategies37:38 Celebrating Heritage: TAG Heuer and Formula 141:43 Chopard's Elegant Revival and Vintage Inspirations46:05 The Evolution of Watch Sizes and Designs54:52 Highlights of the Fair: Standout Watches and MomentsVisit Our Website:⁠⁠Watch World⁠⁠Follow Us on Social Media:⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Credits:Host:LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠Faye Soteri⁠⁠Production:⁠Keenlii⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Producer:LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠Barry Keegan⁠⁠Subscribe and Engage:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.Support Our Podcast:To help us bring more incredible stories to you, please consider sharing this episode with fellow watch enthusiasts.About Watch World with Faye Soteri:A watch doesn’t just tell the time—it tells a story. I’m Faye Soteri, and after 20+ years in global luxury retail and watch buying, I bring you the most credible, compelling voices in the watch industry—from independent artisans to haute horology titans—and occasionally highlight lifestyle elements that pair perfectly with our admiration of timepieces. Join me as we celebrate the art, design, and culture behind every watch.   

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• Recap of Faye at British Watchmakers Day

  SummaryIn this episode, Faye and Mark discuss their experiences at the British Watchmakers Day, highlighting the event's significance in celebrating British watchmaking. They explore the community atmosphere, the camaraderie among brands, and the innovative spirit that characterizes the fair. The conversation also touches on personal favourite watches and the trends emerging in the British watch market, emphasizing the importance of creativity and storytelling in horology.Key Takeaways:The British Watchmakers Day showcased a resurgence in British watchmaking.Community and camaraderie were evident among brands and attendees.Limited editions and special collaborations drove interest at the fair.The event differed from traditional trade fairs by focusing on direct customer engagement.Brands displayed a sense of fun and playfulness in their marketing and designs.Sustainability and creativity are becoming increasingly important in watchmaking.The fair featured a diverse range of brands and price points.Personal connections between brands and clients enhanced the experience.The atmosphere was energetic and enthusiastic, contrasting with more polished trade fairs.The British watch market is vibrant and offers options for various budgets.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Watch World00:31 Reflections on the British Watchmakers Day03:48 Community and Camaraderie in Watchmaking10:50 Contrasting Trade Fairs and Direct-to-Consumer Events13:39 Looking Ahead: Watches and Wonders15:48 Trends and Innovations in Watchmaking18:53 Creative Marketing and Brand Identity26:25 Favorite Watches from the FairVisit Our Website:⁠Watch World⁠Follow Us on Social Media:⁠Instagram⁠Credits:Host:LinkedIn: ⁠Faye Soteri⁠Production:⁠Keenlii⁠⁠Instagram⁠Producer:LinkedIn: ⁠Barry Keegan⁠Subscribe and Engage:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.Support Our Podcast:To help us bring more incredible stories to you, please consider sharing this episode with fellow watch enthusiasts.About Watch World with Faye Soteri:A watch doesn’t just tell the time—it tells a story. I’m Faye Soteri, and after 20+ years in global luxury retail and watch buying, I bring you the most credible, compelling voices in the watch industry—from independent artisans to haute horology titans—and occasionally highlight lifestyle elements that pair perfectly with our admiration of timepieces. Join me as we celebrate the art, design, and culture behind every watch.   

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• Watch This Space: 2024 Recap & 2025 Predictions with Mark Toulson

  In this episode of Watch World, host Faye Soteri speaks with veteran Mark Tolson about the highlights of 2024 in watchmaking, including key product launches and trends seen at Watches and Wonders. They examine the importance of anniversaries for watch brands and review how these milestones affect marketing and product development. The conversation also covers Patek Philippe's controversial new launch, the Cubitus, and predictions for future watch fairs, noting the growing influence of independent watch brands. The speakers also discuss the changing market in watchmaking, addressing trends such as the shift toward understated classic watches, the effect of consumer behaviour on purchasing decisions, and the introduction of bright colours and unique materials in watch design. They also highlight the anticipated return of Universal Genève and recent personnel changes within major watch brands, noting how these shifts may influence the market.Key Takeaways:Faye Soteri introduces the podcast and its focus on watch stories.Mark Tolson shares deep insights from his extensive watch industry experience.Watches and Wonders 2024 was notably subdued, with limited product releases.Tag Heuer and Tudor delivered standout products in 2024.Anniversaries matter—Breguet's 250th anniversary is a major milestone.Patek Philippe's Cubitus launch received mixed reviews but proved successful.The impact of anniversaries on brand marketing is crucial.The return of Universal Genève is highly anticipated.Personnel changes in major brands bring fresh perspectives.Independent brands are gaining traction as consumer behaviour evolves.Episode Timeline:Chapters00:00 Introduction to Watch World01:57 Reviewing 2024: Highlights and Trends08:04 Anniversaries in Watchmaking: Significance and Predictions14:12 The Impact of Anniversaries on Marketing20:04 Patek Philippe's New Launch: The Cubitus25:27 Looking Ahead: Predictions for Future Watch Fairs27:03 The Future of Watch Trends30:45 Shifts in Consumer Behavior32:55 Color and Material Innovations36:50 The Return of Universal Genève40:32 Industry Personnel Changes and Their ImpactVisit Our Website:⁠Watch World⁠Follow Us on Social Media:⁠Instagram⁠Credits:Host:LinkedIn: ⁠Faye Soteri⁠Production:⁠Keenlii⁠⁠Instagram⁠Producer:LinkedIn: ⁠Barry Keegan⁠On Location Videographer:⁠Sharplight⁠Director:LinkedIn: ⁠Gavin Foden⁠Subscribe and Engage:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.Support Our Podcast:To help us bring more incredible stories to you, please consider sharing this episode with fellow watch enthusiasts.About Watch World with Faye Soteri:A watch doesn’t just tell the time—it tells a story. I’m Faye Soteri, and after 20+ years in global luxury retail and watch buying, I bring you the most credible, compelling voices in the watch industry—from independent artisans to haute horology titans—and occasionally highlight lifestyle elements that pair perfectly with our admiration of timepieces. Join me as we celebrate the art, design, and culture behind every watch.   

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