Episode 44: Guido Bendini On Sustainable Watchmaking

No friendly neighborhood watchmaker today as Alon hosts TRTS solo. Listeners of TRTS will know that Alon’s very friendly too, and so is his guest on episode 44, Guido Benedini, co-founder of Watch Angels, so it’s all good regardless!

This interview is deeply insightful and has some seriously chill vibes, so grab your favorite drink (we suggest something warm), put on your headphones, and enjoy!

(1:30) What is Watch Angels?
(4:19) How are projects funded?
(5:09) Where did the idea for Watch Angels come from?
(7:00) How has Guido’s career led him to Watch Angels?
(8:54) Pros and cons of working in the watch industry
(10:21) Guido walks us through the Watch Angels project timeline
(12:10) The contradictions of sustainability in watchmaking
(18:45) Quantifying just how « sustainable » a watch can be
(21:50) What factors most affect sustainability?
(24:00) What took the watch industry so long to use recycled materials, and have your projects influenced the broader watch industry?
(30:00) Alon throws out the « G Word »…
(31:05) « Swiss Made » doesn’t always mean totally Swiss Made!
(33:50) What’s in Watch Angels’ project pipeline?
(48:12) Four projects so far! What’s the fifth?
(54:00) What are the criteria for a brand to partner with Watch Angels?
(56:05) What about from a buyer’s point of view?

Follow the hosts on Instagram @robnudds and @alonbenjoseph

Can’t get enough of the TRTS team? Follow its Resident Provocateur @davaucher and Chief Editor Chris Horrocks @thatguyonbass

Thanks to @skillymusic for the theme tune.