Today, I sit down with Pim Koeslag. He’s the CEO of Ateliers de Monaco and technical director of both Frederique Constant and Alpina.

Perhaps the highlight of the exchange is the conversation surrounding Frederique Constant’s innovative high-frequency oscillator. The “monolithic” oscillator is created from a single piece of silicon and has an operating frequency of 40Hz. This affordable regulating organ (installed in pieces starting around €5,000) looks to change consumer expectations in regards to accessible accuracy from a mechanical watch.

The conversation then strays into the philosophical. I ask Pim what it is that defines the line between tradition and innovation in watchmaking. We discuss what brands and watchmakers, and the surrounding innovators themselves, must do to stay on the right side of it.

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can learn more about Alpina here, Frederique Constant here, and Ateliers de Monaco here.

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