Sherpa Watches introduces a new sandblasted stainless steel OPS model in collaboration with The Real Time Show (TRTS), an in-depth industry insider podcast hosted by Alon Ben Joseph and Rob Nudds

The young independent brand SherpaWatches is launching a new version of its OPS model in December 2023. After launching its inaugural models — the Ultradive and OPS — in summer last year, this winter sees the birth of a stealthy, matte-finish stainless steel version of the normally black DLC OPS. The new satin blast finish transforms the watch’s style considerably and offers something entirely new.

Unlike the original OPS model, reference 001/02/01, the new OPS with reference number 001/01/01 features an uncoated stainless steel exterior, satin blasted for the first time. This surface finish gives the watch a distinctly well-balanced character. In some lights it appears more like the rugged tool its technology and build-quality give it the ability to be, and, in others, it has a refined, almost ethereal quality caused by the serene interplay of light on the matte metal surfaces and sapphire box crystal.

Given the discretion of the original OPS design, Sherpa and The Real Time Show did not want to overload this special version of the watch with unnecessary collaboration markings. This is why both chose to subtly engrave the TRTS initials into the chestplate of the traditional diver’s helmet that decorates the case back.

Originally serving as the company logo of EPSA, this vintage dive helmet is deployed as a tribute to the ingenious yet not so well known Swiss watch case maker. Combined with the The Real Time Show’s initials, it nods to the “Deep Dive” nature of the podcast while simultaneously referencing Sherpa’s goal to recreate these models and technologies for a modern audience.

The Real Time Show is a twice-weekly podcast that takes its listeners behind the curtain of the watch industry. Hosted by Amsterdam-based retailer Alon and Ben Jospeh, and Dresden-based watchmaker/journalist Rob Nudds, the show has become known as the “insider’s insider” podcast over its first year of existence.

Armed with their extensive experience of all sides of the industry, the hosts welcome guests to the virtual studio every week, with many of watchmaking’s leading lights having featured on the show.

The duo met Martin Klocke separately (Rob in Helsinki and Alon in Geneva). Both fell in love with Martin’s watches and independently suggested the same thing: why not put the black OPS dial in a blasted steel case? Martin agreed and thus the show’s first collaboration was prepared in time for its first anniversary.

Unlike most collaborations between media outlets and brands, the collaboration between Sherpa and The Real Time Show is not limited by time or number. This is a core collection piece, which will remain in the catalogue indefinitely. This business model has been conceived as a counterpoint to the FOMO culture that has blighted the watch collecting hobby for years, and alienated many true fans of the craft. Sherpa and The Real Time Show hope that long-term ethically minded partnerships like this become the norm, and if leading from the front is the only way to make that happen, they welcome the challenge.

You can chose what color rubber strap you order the watch: black, orange or taupe.