Comments on: Exclusive: Interview With Red8 World Founder Christian Bedat

By: Jean-Pierre James Elsener

Jean-Pierre James Elsener — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:58:47 +0000

The concept Red8 is an ingenious way forward. I like the bold approach Christian Bedat took.
We in Switzerland have to find new approaches as the next generation of watch buyers is a lot less concerned with Swiss Made than the current buyers are. And the next generation is just waiting around the corner.

It will be interesting to see how Red8 evolves over time. In any event, I wish Christian and his idea the commercial success they aim for.

By: Speedmaster

Speedmaster — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:15:05 +0000

Great interview! I’ll post a link to it tomorrow.

By: Tom Mulraney

Tom Mulraney — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:18:06 +0000

Having received the Red8 watches that will be given away I can definitely attest to the quality aspect. These are really well made watches. They look great, they have a nice weight to them and the colors are very rich and striking.

As for the concept itself I too am very interested to see how it plays out. I definitely think that Red8 World has put together a recipe for success and so I am looking forward to how this new idea is received by the market. Haven spoken to Christian and seen the watches for myself I have a degree of confidence that the brand will do quite well, but only time will tell.

By: Christian BEDAT

Christian BEDAT — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:40:05 +0000

RED8WORLD idea is to step away from the usual ways…..We are not competing with the industry as you are use to see it, but our clients by definition are clients of the industry. But if you study a little more the concept, I believe you will agree it does not interfere with the establishment, as it follows different codes. Of course quality is of high standard. I just came back from major swiss factories where I tested RED8 watches. Reaction from Swiss Experts: ” well if that is what you can achieve in Asia, what is left to us beyond SWISS MADE”….
Regarding Celebrity, we will be pleased if celebrity endorse, but we shall not pay for it, or have this a marketing tool… All the best to our Australian friends

By: Ramsay Taplin

Ramsay Taplin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:31:03 +0000

Great interview Tom.

I found what Christian had to say here really interesting:

“In the car industry, there are cars that transcend social status, like the new mini cooper or the new fiat 500. These cars are not the cheapest, but are affordable and please all kinds of clientele. Next to the fancy luxury cars, they look fine.

That is what I had in mind, to create a watch, which could position itself likewise and be appreciated by all sorts of people, worn in style with style.

It was not my intention to create a product to compete with the traditional Swiss brands or the low end of the market. My concept is different in all aspects for that reason.”

I wonder if this was perceived as a risky move? Here Christian is saying that they intended to move away from the traditional high/low end, well defined watch markets in order to create something new. I wonder how their marketing efforts are helping to accomplish these aims? What do you do to create that new segment? Does the watch speak for itself or will it need a celebrity endorsement?

Thanks again. Enjoyed it.

Ramsay