RD#3 - Hodinkee Michael Friedman Interview

[gretch6364]

I would guess most here read Hodinkee at least occasionally. However, if you have not clicked over in a while, they just posted an interview between Ben and Michael that I thought was extremely well done and definitely worth a listen.

As part of that interview, they were discussing the RD#3 (tourbillion in Jumbo Case). Michael was talking through the thoughts behind it and the desire to release it in the original 39MM Jumbo case size.

Additionally, he mentioned other complications coming to the Jumbo case and how there are a lot of exciting releases planned between now and 2025, which as we all know, will be a pretty big year for the brand. He mentioned that they made a decision to have big releases each year between 2022 (RO Anniversary) and 2025 on purpose rather then two big releases.

First, that made me excited to see what we get the next 3 years, but specifically, excited for a new Perpetual Calendar in 39mm.

We obviously just got a 39mm Tourbillion and 39mm Openworked...surely the Perpetual is next....right? Later this year? Next year? Chances of a chiming 39mm? That would seem a tall order...and then there is the thought of a self winding chrono in the 39mm. Gonna be tough to pull that off under 10mm!

He did mention that the RD#3 movement will be coming out in a 37mm probably this year. This brought me to wondering why they didn't put the double balance openworked in the Jumbo....opting for a different movement.

I do hope the shift in focus to the 39MM case give those of us with over 7" wrist more chances at the 41s!

Take a listen if you get a chance...great way to spen an hour.

[raclaims]

I met him recently and was so impressed
His passion and intellect is so inspiring and gave me incredible confidence in the brand going forward
He’s a very impressive guy I could easily talk to for hours on end

[Vince_76]

Also gets shouted out on Kendrick Lamar’s new album.

[Champagnepapi]

I can’t find it. Link please?


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[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by Champagnepapi

I can’t find it. Link please?


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Here you are good sir:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in...and-ben-clymer

[Champagnepapi]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

Here you are good sir:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in...and-ben-clymer

Oh hahaha I’m silly I’ve checked their YouTube page thank you boss


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[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by raclaims

I met him recently and was so impressed
His passion and intellect is so inspiring and gave me incredible confidence in the brand going forward
He’s a very impressive guy I could easily talk to for hours on end

New CEO, if FHB hangs it up?

[Vince_76]

Was a great listen. Thanks for sharing.

[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

New CEO, if FHB hangs it up?

He would seem to be a killer choice, but has an American ever led one of the major Swiss brands?

[Mbbgysam]

My dog was pleased that this was such an engaging listen -- she got an especially long walk while I listened!

Kudos to Ben and Michael. Left me in awe of Michael's career and excited about AP's future ahead

[Mbbgysam]

Originally Posted by raclaims

I met him recently and was so impressed
His passion and intellect is so inspiring and gave me incredible confidence in the brand going forward
He’s a very impressive guy I could easily talk to for hours on end

I can only imagine. Would love to meet him someday!

[macrowatch]

Good stuff!

[Reign]

Originally Posted by Mbbgysam

I can only imagine. Would love to meet him someday!

You have to realize that compared to other brands, AP makes their team very accessible. I’m certain it’ll happen at some point for you in the future


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[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by Reign

You have to realize that compared to other brands, AP makes their team very accessible. I’m certain it’ll happen at some point for you in the future


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Maybe he is in town for the Hudson Yard event and those going will have a chance to hear from him?

[AltairBS]

As a fan of vintage AP, I particularly appreciate what Friedman has done to expand knowledge and information on pre-1970 AP. I have to imagine he's been a significant force behind AP's Chronicles website, which is a real treasure trove. It's also amazing to think that pretty much pre-1951 watch was unique and even by the mid seventies, they were still only making c.5,000 watches a year - we'd call them an independent microbrand these days. Even then, outside of the RO, it's rare to find any two APs which are identical - they often have slight variations to set each one apart. Vintage AP is, I would say, the equal of Patek in terms of watch quality one-on-one (even if Patek is ultimately the more important manufacturer, from a historical point of view).