Riedenschild is a small German watch company just starting out here in the U.S. Most famous for their Darksea Diver, the company is now increasing its presence and is offering quartz and automatics with Swiss and Japanese movements. We talked to U.S. rep James Newell about the company.
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WWR: Tell me about the company? Who runs it? Where is it based?
Newell: The company is german based company from Munich. We design and produce the watches there. The company in Germany in Owned by Oliver Wolf. I am the Owner of the US based operations. My full name is Dr. James Newell.
WWR: How long has the company been making watches? Are they put together in Munich? Were are the parts sourced?
Newell: Our movement are either Swiss or Japanese we import the movements and the cases and assemble them in Fuchsstadt or Munich. The bands are handmade from Germany. We have been in the business for over 50 years. Eichmuller is the mother company
So tell me about your year? What were some highlights? And what are you looking forward to in 2007?
Newell: 2007 is a year of expansion. We have NY and working on Dubai. Moskua will be up and running in May. We are bringing out new models that will be first presented at the Inhorgenta. Along with a higher priced model. Our Thunderbird line up will be mainly for the Internet business and has a high note that a couple of the models have a Patent. Along with a selective dealer structure we are expanding into the US market and establishing Storefront and respectable online dealers. We will be issueing our AUTHORIZED DEALERS a exclusive logo that will assist the buyers that they are buying from a dealer who meets our standards.
WWR: What’s your background? How did you get involved?
Newell: I am actually a Criminilogy major and was a soldier for many years. I got stuck in Germany in the late 90’s and stayed here ever since. Married, 3 kids and learned the Language. I have been into business building for many years as a Sales and Marketing consultant to many German companies. This lead me to the owner who is also a family friend. He asked me to translate his sites to english. Then i saw alot of potential and decided to jump on board and launch the International Business.
WWR: Which is your favorite piece? Which is your favorite non-Reidenschild watch?
Newell: Must say the Darksea diver is my favorite and then it would be my good old Special Agent model from Swatch
WWR: Who is the ultimate Reidenschild customer? What are they looking for?
Newell: Middle class, mid management. They are the target group as they are also the group that have three topics by business meetings Cars, Women and the watch that they wear. Our designs are not the everyday normal design. Every model tells a story and that is what our target group loves to do.
WWR: Which model would you suggest to someone starting out with the brand?
Newell: Darksea Diver. Great price for the workmanship. Real show stopper and anyone who holds this in there hands will appreicate the feel and the balance.
WWR: Where can people see them in the US?
Newell: Currently on our website or shortly by Amazon. Along with a few online dealers that will be up and running soon. We will also be planning a visit to NY show and Las Vegas.
WWR: Describe Reidenschild to someone who has never heard from the brand? What should our readers take away from this?
Newell: Riedenschild is a unique brand that any watch enthuziast will enjoy. Once in the hand the appreciation starts with the design and the workmanship in the attention to detail. Then delivered with top packaging. Its Class with an affordable price. We take great pride in the fact that all of our models are hand assembled and our doors are always open for review. We invite every customer who is interested to visit and attend the building of thier watch. We share are passion in the creation of Time.
