The Road to The Escapement

The Escapement
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A new chapter in watch culture begins. The Road to The Escapement explores the world of luxury watches, horology, and collector culture through conversations with the people shaping the industry. From rare timepieces and independent watch brands to the evolving landscape of global watch events, we go behind the scenes with founders, collectors, and industry leaders redefining modern watch culture. Hosted by the team behind The Escapement, this podcast offers an inside look at one of the most exciting new platforms in the world of high-end watches and horology. For collectors. By collectors.

  1. 1d ago

    Why Watch Collectors Are Obsessed With Atelier Wen

    How did a fascination with watches turn into a mission to showcase the very best of Chinese watchmaking? For the latest episode of The Road to The Escapement, we sit down with Robin Tallendier, Founder of Atelier Wen, to trace the journey from an early fascination with watches to building one of the most distinctive names in independent watchmaking. Robin takes us back to where it all started, from discovering the Tokyoflash Pimp watch and becoming fascinated by mechanical watches at just 14, to considering a future in the watch industry while at university and eventually meeting Wilfried Buiron, who would become his co-founder at Atelier Wen. He opens up about the early days of the brand, finding their first customers through Kickstarter, learning firsthand how not to run a company, and some of the biggest fears and challenges they faced along the way. We also discuss Atelier Wen’s biggest markets today and the challenges that come with continuing to grow an independent brand. Of course, we get into the watches themselves. Robin walks us through the Atelier Wen x Massena LAB Inflection 烁 (Shuò) and Perception V3, exploring the stories behind them, their movements, how they’re made, and the details that define each piece. And to finish things off, Robin takes on our Rapid Fire Questions and Draw a Watch challenge. Discover the story behind Atelier Wen and the journey that brought the brand to where it is today. Join us at The Escapement, which will be taking place in Las Vegas from 5-7 February 2027. For collectors. By collectors.

    Why Watch Collectors Are Obsessed With Atelier Wen

  2. Oct 1

    Can Outsiders Change the Watch Industry?

    What happens when two watch collectors decide to build a watch brand of their own? For the latest episode of The Road to The Escapement, we sit down with Thomas Fleming, Founder & Designer, and James Kong, COO & Art Director at Fleming, a young independent watch brand bringing a collector-led perspective to contemporary haute horlogerie. Thomas and James take us back to where their journeys began. Thomas shares how his interest in independent watchmaking grew during the COVID years, while James talks about his unconventional path from studying law to photography, and eventually into the watch industry. Together, they unpack the process of building Fleming from the ground up: the initial idea, the challenges of entering an established industry as outsiders, the highs and lows along the way, how long it took to bring their vision to life, and the journey to finding their first clients. We also take a closer look at the Series 1 Mark II, including the Redwood in 5N Gold and Pacific in tantalum, exploring their distinctive details, materials, movements and the thinking behind their design. Plus, Thomas and James give us a glimpse at what’s next for Fleming with Ghost, set to be revealed on Halloween. And, as always, we finish things off with a little fun: Wrong Answers Only and Ranking in Watchmaking. Join us at The Escapement, which will be taking place in Las Vegas from 5-7 February 2027. For collectors. By collectors.

    Can Outsiders Change the Watch Industry?

  3. Sep 29

    2 Elite Watch Collectors Reveal Their Buying Rules

    Ever wondered how top collectors decide what to buy? For the latest episode of The Road to The Escapement, we sit down with Christopher Daaboul, Founder of EsperLuxe, and Vasu (@nycwatchguy) for a conversation that goes straight to the heart of The Escapement: collecting, and the people behind it. From how they decide which watches deserve a place in their collections to the advice they’d give someone just getting started, Chris and Vasu share their personal approaches to buying and collecting watches. Chris also offers a unique perspective from the retailer side, giving us an insight into how he looks at watches both professionally and as a collector himself. The conversation also explores one of the biggest parts of collecting that goes far beyond the watches themselves: the community, the relationships and the people you meet along the way. Of course, there’s a wrist check too. Chris talks about the De Bethune DB27 “Night Hawk”, while Vasu talks about the Chopard L.U.C Full Strike.  Join us at The Escapement, which will be taking place in Las Vegas from 5-7 February 2027. For collectors. By collectors.

    2 Elite Watch Collectors Reveal Their Buying Rules

  4. Sep 23

    We Discovered the Largest Tourbillon in Switzerland

    What does it take to build a watch brand known for pushing complications to their limits? For the latest episode of The Road to The Escapement, we travel to Neuchâtel, Switzerland, to meet Vahé Vartzbed, CEO of Kerbedanz, and uncover the story, philosophy and watchmaking behind the brand. Vahé takes us back to the beginnings of Kerbedanz 15 years ago, revealing the meaning behind the name, the philosophy on which the brand was built, and how his grandfather and a lifelong fascination with watches ultimately shaped his own path into the industry. We also explore Vahé’s journey before joining Kerbedanz, how he first discovered the brand, the challenges he faced after stepping into the company, and his ambitions for its future. And then, of course, there are the watches. From the quest to create the world’s largest central tourbillon to some of the wildest bespoke requests from collectors, we get into the side of Kerbedanz where traditional watchmaking meets an almost limitless approach to creativity.  We discuss creations including the Celtic Dog, Three Horses, MAXIMUS GR8, the 49 mm MAXIMUS Central Tourbillon 6' 65'27'' and the 41 mm MAXSPOR GR8 Monopusher Chronograph, as well as some of the craziest requests they received from the collectors (such as Quintum, Polvs Articus and Memories). Along the way, we put Vahé through rapid-fire questions, ask him to rank things in watchmaking, and, naturally, challenge him to draw a watch. Kerbedanz will be joining collectors, enthusiasts, and some of the world's most respected names in horology at The Escapement, taking place in Las Vegas from 5-7 February 2027. For collectors. By collectors.

    We Discovered the Largest Tourbillon in Switzerland

  5. Sep 1

    “They Said We Were Crazy” - Who Is Zeitwinkel?

    What happens when you refuse to take shortcuts in independent watchmaking? In this episode of The Road to The Escapement, we travel to Saint-Imier, Switzerland, to visit Zeitwinkel and sit down with co-founder Albert Edelmann to discover the story, philosophy, and watchmaking behind the independent brand. The story of Zeitwinkel began in 2006, when three friends set out with an ambitious idea: to create their own watches, as well as develop their own movements from the ground up. After years of development and plenty of challenges along the way, Zeitwinkel established itself in Saint-Imier in 2008, before presenting its first watches to a wider audience at Baselworld in 2010. Albert takes us behind the scenes of the manufacture, from the meaning behind the name “Zeitwinkel”, German for “time angle”, to the use of German silver in their movements, the different roles within the company, and the importance of working closely with smaller specialized workshops around Saint-Imier. We also discuss annual production, waiting times, the work collectors rarely get to see, and which watch brands Albert would dream of collaborating with. Along the way, we take an in-depth look at several Zeitwinkel creations, including the 273° Saphir Fumé, 173° Saphir Fumé, 082° Email Grand Feu, and Zeitwinkel 240°, exploring the details and ideas that make each of them unique. And, of course, things get a little less serious with a few challenges, including Wrong Answers Only and putting Albert's watch-design skills to the test.

    “They Said We Were Crazy” - Who Is Zeitwinkel?

  6. Aug 26

    The Man Selling The World’s Most Expensive Pens!

    Today, we're trading watches for pens. In this special episode of The Road to The Escapement, we sit down with Samuel Naldi, CEO of Writing Culture, one of the world's leading destinations for high-end writing instruments. Samuel deep dives into the philosophy behind Writing Culture and why a luxury product is about so much more than the object itself. From the emotional connection we build with the things we use every day to the craftsmanship shared between fine watchmaking and exceptional writing instruments, this conversation reveals how two seemingly different worlds have far more in common than you might expect.  Samuel also reflects on his journey into the industry, growing up surrounded by watchmaking through his family's business, producing boxes for some of the most respected names in independent watchmaking, including Rexhep Rexhepi. He shares the lessons he learned early in his career, what it's like leading one of the most respected luxury pen retailers at a young age, and how Writing Culture has established itself as a global destination for collectors. The conversation continues with topics including perceived value in luxury, the importance of social media, self-expression through writing instruments, dream collaborations, and the future of the brand. Along the way, Samuel also presents some of the world's most remarkable writing instruments, including the Montegrappa Gladiator Italian Idol, Richard Mille RMS05 Mechanical Fountain Pen, Dunhill Namiki Maki-e Yoshitsune, Yard-O-Led The Grand Martelé, Sailor King of Pens Maki-e Urashima Taro, Montblanc The First Ascent of Mont Blanc 333, Namiki Emperor Rakucho Birds and Weeping Cherry Blossom, and the Elbwood Shortcap Mokume Gane, discussing the craftsmanship, details, and stories that make each piece unique. Whether you're passionate about watches, fine writing instruments, craftsmanship, or collecting, this episode offers a fascinating perspective on the people and philosophies behind luxury.

    The Man Selling The World’s Most Expensive Pens!

  7. Aug 14

    Best Watch Value Under $5K? Manuel Emch on Louis Erard

    What does it take to reinvent a watch brand while staying true to its identity? In this episode of The Road to The Escapement, we spend the day with Manuel Emch, CEO and Co-Owner of Louis Erard, at the beautiful Golf & Country Club Neuchâtel. From his early ambition to become an automotive designer to leading some of the most distinctive names in independent watchmaking, Manuel reflects on the journey that shaped his career. He shares how combining design with business gave him the tools to turn ideas into products, and how that mindset continues to influence every brand he works with.  The conversation explores Manuel's impact on brands including Jaquet Droz, Romain Jerome, Louis Erard, and Kollokium, as well as his approach to building strong brand identities in today's watch industry. We also dive into the philosophy behind Louis Erard's celebrated collaborations, discussing how the brand chooses its creative partners and what makes a collaboration truly meaningful. Along the way, Manuel shares the stories behind standout creations including the Louis Erard × Konstantin Chaykin, Le Régulateur Louis Erard × GoS, the Le Régulateur Gravé Email Grand Feu, the Métiers d'Art collection, the Noirmont collection, the Tourbillon, and more. To wrap things up, Manuel takes on our Rapid Fire Questions before putting his creativity to the test in the Draw a Watch Challenge.

    Best Watch Value Under $5K? Manuel Emch on Louis Erard

  8. Aug 7

    Story of Swatch VS. Armin Strom: Claude Greisler Tells All

    What does it take to transform a small workshop into one of Switzerland's most respected independent manufactures? In this episode of The Escapement, we sit down with Claude Greisler, Co-founder and Master Watchmaker of Armin Strom, to explore the remarkable journey behind the brand. From its early days under legendary hand skeletonizer Armin Strom to becoming a fully integrated movement manufacturer. Claude reflects on the company's early years after taking over from Armin Strom himself, widely regarded as the master of hand-skeletonized watches. He shares how Armin's close collaboration with Omega and long-standing relationship with the Swatch Group shaped the brand's beginnings, and why the loss of access to supplied calibres ultimately pushed the team to embark on the ambitious journey of developing their own in-house movements. We also dive into the development of the first manufacture calibre, the ARM09 with its eight-day power reserve, the challenges of becoming a movement manufacturer, the evolution of Armin Strom's manufacture, from its first in-house calibre to the latest Minute Repeater Resonance 12:59, a groundbreaking timepiece featuring four hammers and four gongs, and one of the brand's most ambitious mechanical achievements, and why Claude believes the perfect watch doesn't exist. Beyond watchmaking, Claude also opens up about the person behind the brand, his passion for climbing, windsurfing, camping, collecting mechanical objects, and how the peace of the mountains often provides the inspiration that's hardest to find in the office. Armin Strom brand will be joining collectors, enthusiasts, and some of the world's most respected names in horology at The Escapement, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 20–22 November 2026.

    Story of Swatch VS. Armin Strom: Claude Greisler Tells All
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About

A new chapter in watch culture begins. The Road to The Escapement explores the world of luxury watches, horology, and collector culture through conversations with the people shaping the industry. From rare timepieces and independent watch brands to the evolving landscape of global watch events, we go behind the scenes with founders, collectors, and industry leaders redefining modern watch culture. Hosted by the team behind The Escapement, this podcast offers an inside look at one of the most exciting new platforms in the world of high-end watches and horology. For collectors. By collectors.

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