Episode 30: Seeing Independent Watches at Basel Changed My Life with Christopher Daaboul of EsperLuxe

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Episode 30: Seeing Independent Watches at Basel Changed My Life with Christopher Daaboul of EsperLuxe

Todd Searle

May 30, 2024

This week I caught up with Christopher Daaboul of EsperLuxe in his space inside Date & Time in Boston. Chris and I caught up live in the boutique, which was a fantastic atmosphere and Chris shares his journey in the watch industry, from working with his father in wholesale distribution to becoming a retailer of independent watchmakers.

We discuss the significance of independent watchmaking, the diversity of the watch industry, and the emotional connection of collecting. We speak about his favorite brands, his toughest moments, and the need for the world to understand how special these independent brands and watchmakers really are.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background in Watch Industry

03:17 Transition from Wholesale to Retail

06:39 The Birth of Esperlux and the Proof of Concept Year

09:29 Five-Year Anniversary and Milestones in Watch Retailing

Discussion about this podcast

Forward Momentum

In a world of smart phones and atomic clocks, does mechanical watchmaking still matter? Yes, because mechanical watchmaking is an art form, a tool for self-expression, self-exploration, and a story of protecting a national identity and heritage. Independent watchmaking comprises just about 1% of Swiss watch exports and less than 1% of the total market value, yet independent watchmakers and independent brands have been one of the most dominant forces in the watch industry in the last decade. Jin me to explore the world of independent watchmaking through the eyes of those living it daily.

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