🎙️ Exaequo – Surrealist Watchmaking, Artistic Heritage and the Revival of an Icon

Guest: Chris Zocchi – Exaequo
Hosted by: Alon Ben Joseph & Rob Nudds – The Real Time Show
Recorded at: Time to Watches 2025 – Villa Sarasin – Geneva
Main partner: STISS (www.stiss.ch)

This episode, produced by Time to Watches and The Real Time Show, is brought to you by STISS (www.stiss.ch).

Recorded live at Time to Watches 2025 in Geneva, Alon Ben Joseph & Rob Nudds welcome Chris Zocchi from Exaequo for an open conversation about the brand’s history, artistic identity and recent revival.

During the discussion, Chris retraces the origins of Exaequo, a Geneva-based brand founded in the 1980s and known for its distinctive “melting watch” design inspired by surrealism. He explains the meaning behind the brand name, derived from Latin and expressing the idea of equal value between tradition and artistic expression.

The conversation explores the early success of Exaequo, its presence at Baselworld in the late 1980s and its cultural impact, including associations with well-known public figures and artistic references. Chris also shares how the brand later disappeared before being relaunched one year ago, starting from its most iconic model.

Further discussion focuses on the current collection, including the revival of the classic melting watch, the introduction of new interpretations inspired by historical sketches, and the development of more complex artistic pieces. Chris details the creative process, case construction, materials and the balance between artistic expression, wearability and modern production standards.

The episode also highlights Exaequo’s presence at Time to Watches, the importance of meeting collectors, retailers and distributors in person, and the brand’s approach to combining e-commerce with physical retail. Emphasis is placed on community, shared passion and human relationships as key elements of the brand’s development.

A rich and enthusiastic conversation about surrealist watchmaking, artistic heritage, brand revival and the human side of independent horology.

🎧 Duration: 15 min
💬 Language: English
📢 Presented by: STISS (www.stiss.ch) – main partner of the Time to Watches Podcasts

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