The Art of Reviving Heritage Watch Brands with Tom van Wijlick from CDMLEC

What does it take to resurrect legendary watch brands from the past? Tom van Wijlick, the visionary behind CDMLEC, joins us to share his remarkable journey from IT entrepreneur to guardian of horological heritage through his revival of Lebois & Co and Airain watches.

Tom reveals how a side hustle trading timepieces evolved into a passion for preserving watchmaking history. His story begins with a Christie's auction discovery that captured his imagination—a vintage Lebois chronograph he printed and magnetized to his refrigerator as inspiration. That single image sparked a decade-long adventure acquiring and breathing new life into discontinued watch brands with rich histories.

The conversation explores the delicate balance between honoring heritage and creating modern timepieces. Tom takes us behind the scenes of his meticulous development process, from the technical challenges of case design to the emotional reward of seeing collectors connect with his watches. We dive deep into the Airain Submarine—a tool watch that balances functionality with refined details—and learn about the unexpected revival of the Fixoflex bracelet that perfectly complements it.

Perhaps most touching is Tom's recounting of restoring an 80-year-old gold Lebois chronograph for a customer who inherited it from his uncle. The piece represented three generations of family history, and though barely profitable, the restoration project embodied what drives Tom's work: connecting people through timepieces that tell stories across decades.

Whether you're fascinated by watch design, entrepreneurship, or the preservation of craft traditions, Tom's approach to measuring success through customer satisfaction rather than mere profits offers valuable insights for anyone passionate about creating products with meaning and purpose. Subscribe now to join our exploration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of mechanical watches.

Checkout Tom's brands here:

https://www.cdmlec.com/

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