How Ikepod & Klokers Returned From Bankruptcy With Christian-Louis Col

He fell in love with Ikepod in 1990s Paris. Years later, he didn’t just buy a watch, he bought the brand. Christian-Louis Col joins us to tell the unfiltered story of reviving Ikepod after bankruptcy: what you actually get when you acquire a “dead” Swiss watch brand, what’s missing when there are no archives, and why rebuilding trust means more than a new logo and a press release. We get into the real mechanics behind the comeback, from service challenges and sourcing parts to the controversial decision to bring Ikepod back with accessible quartz watches that still respect the original design language. Christian-Louis explains how he thinks about Ikepod as a design brand, why the integrated strap and ergonomic UFO case shape are non-negotiable, and how he works with designers without turning icons into copies. If you care about independent watchmaking, concept watches, and what makes collectors obsess, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Then we pivot to his second rescue mission: Klokers. We talk about buying the brand out of liquidation, why the rotating disk display and clip system are such compelling IP, and what it takes to re-engineer a design watch so it can survive real life. We close on legacy, pressure, and what “winning” looks like over the next 5 to 10 years when your goal is to save ideas worth keeping. If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a watch friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Check out Ikepod and Klokers:https://ikepod.com/en/https://www.klokers.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/supportVisit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.comWatch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here