Maël Oberkampf

Founder & CEO

Timeless Watch

How did your personal passion for watches shape the philosophy of Timeless?

Having grown up with a passion for all types of industrial design (watches, aeroplanes, boats, cars, architecture), I wanted to create a watch that was accessible to everyone, offering a design inspired by vintage industrial design from the early 20th century.

Above all, I wanted to avoid copying the codes of mainstream watches in order to create something new without appearing eccentric, which is no easy challenge.

Were there any early challenges that shaped the direction of the brand?

As I am working on this project alone and with my own funds, I have sometimes had to compromise on certain details in order to keep manufacturing costs reasonable, but also to enable better repair of the watches.

For example, the watch movement can be replaced with an equivalent Swiss movement if necessary for long-term maintenance.

Timeless watches are known for their distinctive style. How do you balance classic elegance with modern innovation in your designs?

This is a major source of reflection and lost sleep for me. It is sometimes difficult to find a good visual balance between tradition and modernity, but a balanced mix can be represented by the hour and minute hands: they have a very classic dauphine shape on the outside, but the internal cut-out is very geometric/modern.

What makes a Timeless watch stand out in the crowded world of independent watchmaking?

The brand's main concept is to offer unique design details (hands, lugs, crown) and numerous watchmaking details at a reasonable price, especially since the retail price includes shipping costs and taxes worldwide.

Timeless recently received a GPHG nomination. How did it feel to have your work recognized on such a prestigious platform?

It was the best possible publicity for my small brand, and wonderful recognition for all the work done over the years. Exhibitions of the nominated watches around the world via the GPHG nomination tour allowed many people to discover the watch.

In terms of horological innovation, what is your proudest technical achievement in your watches?

As the lug ring system is unique, I am particularly pleased to show its fastening system from inside the screw-down case back of the watch. It always makes quite an impression on people!

Which Timeless model best represents your vision as a watchmaker?

The next thing to note is that production costs linked to raw material inflation also have an impact on the production of new watches, unfortunately.

As a founder and enthusiast, how do you personally experience your watches — is it more about design, mechanics, or the emotion they evoke?

As my watches have a simple movement, the option related to design and quality of finish is always what appeals to me most.

What’s next for Timeless? Can we expect new collections or technical breakthroughs in the near future?

Apart from a new collaboration with Label Noir for the launch of a new model at the end of this year, involving 20 units, another little surprise will be announced at the Timezone exhibition in Dubai in November. For next year, I am starting to develop a truly new model with a complication to offer an even more original watch.

How do you see Timeless evolving in the independent watch space over the next five years?

The brand's true new model is expected to be released in 2027, and I hope that it will earn a nomination at the GPHG 2027, establishing the brand's legitimacy among others who have more financial resources than I do.

Maël, can you share the story behind Timeless? What inspired you to start your own watch brand?

As I have been a fan of industrial design of all kinds since childhood, I started sketching watch designs, among other things, when I was 15 or 16 years old. Then, discovering 3D as my main activity for my work allowed me to master the perfect tool for creating the watch of my dreams. I then used my contacts in the watchmaking industry to find the right engineer with whom we were able to complete the design and production process, leading to the launch in 2020. We will continue in this vein for future watches.